Liquid Desiccant Air Conditioning With Membrane Dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning systems face inefficiencies in dehumidification, energy consumption, and maintenance due to the use of compression-based systems, absorption chillers, and liquid desiccant systems, which require high energy for cooling and heating, and are prone to desiccant carry-over and corrosion issues, limiting their effectiveness and scalability.
Innovation Solution
Integration of Solar Photo-Voltaic-Thermal (PVT) modules with desiccant air conditioning systems to provide both heat and electricity, using wavy plate structures with micro-porous membranes to manage desiccant flow and reduce energy consumption, and employing counter-flow designs for improved thermal efficiency and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If compression-based air conditioning systems are used for dehumidification, then cooling capacity is achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression-based cooling system with a thermal-driven liquid desiccant system. The liquid desiccant absorbs moisture from air through mass transfer without requiring mechanical compression, and the desiccant is regenerated using thermal energy from PVT modules, substituting mechanical energy consumption with thermal energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using liquid desiccant concentration and temperature as control variables instead of compression pressure and temperature. The desiccant solution concentration is adjusted to optimize moisture absorption, and thermal parameters from PVT modules are utilized to drive the regeneration process, achieving energy-efficient dehumidification.
2Loss of energy
If liquid desiccant systems are used to reduce energy consumption, then dehumidification efficiency improves, but desiccant carry-over and corrosion issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces micro-porous membranes as intermediary components between the liquid desiccant and the air stream. These membranes allow water vapor to pass through while retaining the liquid desiccant, preventing carry-over. The membranes also create a controlled interface that reduces direct exposure of metallic components to corrosive desiccant solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs micro-porous membranes with specific pore sizes that enable selective mass transfer. The porous structure allows water molecules to diffuse through while blocking larger liquid desiccant molecules, effectively preventing carry-over. The porous material also provides a large surface area for efficient mass transfer while maintaining system safety.
3Reliability
If absorption chillers are used for cooling, then dehumidification is achieved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling and dehumidification functions into a single integrated process using liquid desiccant. The desiccant simultaneously removes moisture and provides cooling through evaporative processes, eliminating the need for separate absorption chiller components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining dehumidification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid desiccant system performs multiple functions: dehumidification through mass transfer, cooling through evaporation, and heat recovery through the PVT integration. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized components of absorption chillers with a versatile liquid desiccant system that achieves the same goals with simpler architecture.
4Loss of energy
If solar PVT modules are integrated to provide heat and electricity, then energy efficiency improves, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges photovoltaic electricity generation and thermal energy collection into a single PVT module integration. The electrical output drives the desiccant circulation pumps and fans, while the thermal output drives the desiccant regeneration process, creating a unified solar energy utilization system that improves overall energy efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances thermal performance, reduces fan and pump power, minimizes desiccant carry-over, and allows for scalable and efficient air conditioning systems that can handle both vertical and horizontal air flows, integrating waste heat recovery for energy efficiency and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first set of plates includes a micro-porous membrane that selectively allows passage of water vapor from the air stream to the liquid desiccant
Implementation Method 2
water vapor from the air stream is absorbed by the liquid desiccant
Implementation Method 3
The wavy plate structures enhance thermal energy transfer by increasing the surface area in contact with the air stream
Implementation Method 4
The wavy plate structures enhance thermal energy transfer between the air stream and liquid desiccant
Implementation Method 5
Integration of Solar Photo-Voltaic-Thermal (PVT) modules with desiccant air conditioning systems to provide both heat and electricity
Implementation Method 6
Solar PVT modules are integrated to both heat and cool the liquid desiccant
Implementation Method 7
liquid desiccant systems use a strong desiccant material such as a CaCl2 and water or LiCl2 and water solution to absorb water vapor in the air
Implementation Method 8
water vapor from the air stream is absorbed by the liquid desiccant
Implementation Method 9
employing counter-flow designs for improved thermal efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.