Device for continuous water absorption and an air cooler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for regenerating liquid desiccants in air conditioning and dehumidification systems are energy-inefficient, particularly in water-scarce regions, limiting the effectiveness of air humidity control and water vapor condensation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing with a gas inlet and outlet, a liquid desiccant dispenser, and a heat exchanger system that regenerates the desiccant by heating it to produce vapor, which is then compressed and condensed, allowing for efficient recirculation and reuse of the desiccant, while also incorporating a humidifier for cooling and humidifying air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid desiccant is heated to regenerate and remove absorbed water, then the desiccant can be reused, but large amounts of water are consumed and energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the desiccant regeneration process with a heat pump system, merging the heating function with cooling and condensation functions in one integrated system. The heat pump's condenser provides the heating needed for desiccant regeneration while its evaporator cools and condenses the released water vapor, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the heat generated during water condensation in the heat pump to provide the heating needed for desiccant regeneration. The condensation process releases latent heat that is captured and used to heat the desiccant, creating a self-sustaining thermal cycle that minimizes external energy input.
2Reliability
If liquid desiccant is heated to regenerate and remove absorbed water, then the desiccant can be reused, but water consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the water removed from the desiccant during regeneration, the system recovers and condenses it using the heat pump's evaporator. The condensed water is collected and can be reused, transforming waste water into a recoverable resource that reduces overall water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the heat generated during water condensation in the heat pump to provide the heating needed for desiccant regeneration. The condensation process releases latent heat that is captured and used to heat the desiccant, creating a self-sustaining thermal cycle that minimizes external energy input.
3Reliability
If conventional heating methods are used to regenerate liquid desiccant, then water vapor is released, but energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the heat generated during water condensation in the heat pump to provide the heating needed for desiccant regeneration. The condensation process releases latent heat that is captured and used to heat the desiccant, creating a self-sustaining thermal cycle that minimizes external energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the phase transition of water from vapor to liquid in the heat pump evaporator, capturing the latent heat released during condensation. This phase change process provides a concentrated source of thermal energy that is efficiently transferred to the desiccant for regeneration.
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 device enhances energy efficiency in regenerating liquid desiccants, improving air humidity control and water vapor condensation, and reduces water consumption, making it suitable for regions with limited water resources.
Implementation Method 1
The amount of water, m, that may be absorbed/desorbed per second can be described by: m = kAPm - Pa where Pm is the vapour pressure in the liquid desiccant and Pa is the vapour pressure in the gas surrounding the liquid desiccant
Implementation Method 2
a second heating device (23) or a second heat exchanger (29) configured to heat the liquid desiccant in the second housing (21) to produce vapour (W1)
Implementation Method 3
the third heat exchanger (65) is configured to condense the water in the vapour (W1) from the second housing
Implementation Method 4
the compressor (27) is configured to compress the vapour (W1) and wherein the compressor (27) communicates with the inlet of the second heat exchanger (29)
Implementation Method 5
a second heat exchanger (29) having an inlet and an outlet (28) and wherein the second heat exchanger is in thermal contact with the liquid desiccant in the second housing (21)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for absorbing water using a liquid desiccant and the regeneration of said liquid desiccant by evaporating the absorbed water. The device may further be used in an air cooler.