PTC Honeycomb Adsorption Unit With Electrode Layers for Even Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas adsorption/desorption systems face challenges in uniformly heating gas adsorbents, particularly due to the difficulty in introducing electrical conduction through densely arranged thermally conductive filaments.

Innovation Solution

A gas adsorption/desorption unit utilizing honeycomb structures with electrode layers and PTC materials, such as barium titanate, allows for easy and uniform heating of the gas adsorbent by electrical conduction, ensuring efficient desorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If thermally conductive filaments are densely arranged in the support to uniformly heat the gas adsorbent, then heating uniformity is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to difficulty in introducing electrical conduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating uniformityVSAvoidelectrical conduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of densely arranging thermally conductive filaments with an electrical system using the PTC honeycomb structure itself as the heating element. The honeycomb structure with electrode layers can be directly heated by applying voltage, eliminating the need for complex filament arrangements and electrical conduction infrastructure while achieving uniform heating through the inherent thermal conductivity of the honeycomb material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The honeycomb structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the structural support and the heating element. By incorporating PTC material and electrode layers into the honeycomb structure, it becomes a multi-functional component that provides mechanical support, thermal conduction, and electrical heating capabilities, thereby simplifying the overall device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If thermally conductive filaments are densely arranged to heat the gas adsorbent, then heating uniformity is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in introducing electrical conduction means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating uniformityVSAvoidease of introducing electrical conduction

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical arrangement of thermally conductive filaments with a simplified electrical system. The honeycomb structure with integrated electrode layers can be directly connected to a power source, eliminating the need for complex filament installation and electrical conduction infrastructure while achieving uniform heating through the inherent thermal conductivity of the honeycomb material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If conventional thermally conductive filaments are used to heat the gas adsorbent, then heating capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating function with the structural honeycomb component itself. By integrating the PTC material and electrode layers directly into the honeycomb structure during manufacturing, the heating element and structural support become a single integrated component, simplifying both manufacturing processes and reducing assembly steps compared to separate filament arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system achieves uniform and efficient heating of the gas adsorbent, enhancing the desorption process and improving recovery efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one honeycomb structure portion of the one or more first honeycomb structures comprises a gas adsorbent and is made of a material having a PTC property

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

gases are adsorbed on a gas adsorbent that selectively adsorbs gases having specific components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20250345736A1Gas adsorption/desorption unit and gas adsorption/desorption device

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 NGK INSULATORS LTD

AI summary

A gas adsorption/desorption unit and a gas adsorption/desorption device, in which a gas absorbent can be more easily and evenly heated. A gas adsorption/desorption unit according to this invention includes: one or more first honeycomb structures including at least one honeycomb structure portion having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls provided on an inner side of the outer peripheral wall, the partition walls defining a plurality of cells each extending from one end face to other end face of the honeycomb structure portion to form a flow path, and a pair of electrode layers disposed on the outer peripheral wall or the end faces of the honeycomb structure portion; and electrode terminals connected to the pair of electrode layers, wherein at least one honeycomb structure portion of the one or more first honeycomb structures includes a gas adsorbent and is made of a material having a PTC property.