System and method for continuously removing a particular type of gas molecules from a gas stream
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC&R systems are significant contributors to energy consumption and latent loads, particularly in extreme climates, and existing methods for reducing ventilation air requirements are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plurality of fibers with longitudinally extending channels containing a liquid with an affinity for specific gas molecules, allowing for continuous removal and transfer of these molecules between air streams, powered by renewable energy sources or previously unutilized energy from HVAC&R units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional HVAC&R systems are used to handle latent load by removing moisture from ventilated air, then occupants can be comfortable in hot humid climates, but equipment cost and operating cost increase due to sufficient capacity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moisture removal function from the conventional HVAC&R system by introducing a separate fiber-based absorption system. The fibers with hydrophilic channels selectively absorb moisture from the air stream, separating this latent load handling function from the main cooling equipment, thereby reducing the required cooling capacity and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fibers with hydrophilic channels as an intermediary substance between the air stream and the cooling system. These fibers act as a mediator that preferentially absorbs moisture while allowing other air components to pass through, enabling selective moisture removal without requiring full-capacity cooling equipment.
2Reliability
If conventional HVAC&R systems are used to handle latent load, then moisture can be removed from air, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service moisture removal mechanism where fibers with hydrophilic channels automatically absorb moisture from the air stream without requiring external energy input. The system uses the natural affinity of hydrophilic materials for water to drive the separation process, eliminating the need for energy-intensive cooling equipment to handle latent load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the air stream by introducing fibers with specific hydrophilic properties. This parameter change enables selective interaction with moisture molecules based on their polar nature, allowing moisture removal through material properties rather than energy-intensive thermal processes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ventilation air requirements are reduced by cleaning indoor air of carbon dioxide and VOCs, then energy can be reduced, but existing methods are inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous fiber materials with hydrophilic channels that provide a large surface area for selective gas molecule absorption. The porous structure allows efficient contact between the air stream and the absorbing material, enabling effective removal of carbon dioxide and VOCs without requiring large volumes of ventilation air.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite fiber structures combining hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions to create materials that can selectively interact with different gas molecules. This composite approach enables the same system to handle both moisture removal and contaminant absorption, improving overall ventilation efficiency while reducing energy consumption.
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
Reduces energy consumption and equipment costs by efficiently removing moisture and contaminants from ventilation air, enabling smaller equipment to meet comfort demands and lowering ventilation air requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid having an affinity for the predetermined type of gas molecules disposed within the channels of the first plurality of fibers and the second plurality of fibers and a device for directing the first air stream across at least a part of the first plurality of fibers into contact with the liquid along the longitudinally extending openings whereby the liquid absorbs the predetermined type of gas molecules
Implementation Method 2
the second plurality of fibers extending from the second air stream to the collector, the first plurality of fibers and the second plurality of fibers in fluid communication therebetween with the liquid in the collector, the second air stream stripping and carrying away the predetermined type of gas molecules
Data Source
AI summary
A method for continuously removing a particular type of gas molecules (“gas molecules”) from a gas stream includes selecting a liquid having an affinity for the gas molecules to be removed, and providing the selected liquid to each of a first and second mat, each mat formed from a plurality of fibers having the ability to retain the selected liquid within longitudinally extending channels having longitudinally extending openings against moving into the space between the individual fibers, the mats in fluid communication therebetween with the selected liquid. The method includes directing the gas stream through a portion of the first mat into contact with the selected liquid along the longitudinally extending openings whereby the selected liquid absorbs the gas molecules, and directing a second gas through a portion of the second mat so that the gas molecules, absorbed by and disbursed throughout the selected liquid, are stripped and carried away.