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 consume significant energy due to high latent loads from moisture in air, and existing methods for reducing ventilation air requirements are inefficient, leading to increased costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing fibrous mats with longitudinally extending channels filled with a liquid that absorbs specific gas molecules, allowing for continuous removal and release of these molecules between air streams, with the option to generate power from renewable sources like solar energy or unused energy from HVAC&R units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional HVAC&R systems are used to handle latent load from moisture in air, then the system can provide cooling capacity, but the energy consumption and equipment cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts moisture molecules from the air stream using hydrophobic porous material that selectively absorbs water vapor while allowing other gas molecules to pass through. This separation function is removed from the conventional cooling system, eliminating the need for high-capacity cooling equipment to handle latent load.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydrophobic porous material with specific pore size and surface properties to selectively absorb moisture from air. The porous structure provides large surface area for moisture capture while maintaining breathability, enabling energy-efficient dehumidification without complex cooling equipment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ventilation air is increased to dilute contaminants like carbon dioxide and VOCs, then indoor air quality improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts specific gas molecules (CO2, VOCs) from the air stream using materials with selective affinity for these contaminants. This allows continuous removal of harmful substances without requiring excessive ventilation air, reducing energy consumption while maintaining indoor air quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs porous materials with tailored pore structures and surface chemistries that selectively adsorb contaminant molecules while permitting breathable air to pass through. This enables contamination removal without increasing ventilation requirements.
3Productivity
If liquid is used to absorb gas molecules in fibrous mats, then selective removal of specific gas types is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid absorption medium with the fibrous mat structure, creating an integrated component where liquid is held within or on the fibrous material. This merging eliminates separate liquid containment structures while maintaining selective gas removal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses fibrous mats as flexible, porous structures that can hold and distribute liquid absorption medium throughout their volume. The fibrous structure provides both mechanical support and functional surface area for gas-liquid interaction without requiring rigid containment.
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
This approach reduces energy consumption by efficiently managing latent loads, allowing for smaller equipment and lower operational costs while utilizing renewable energy sources.
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.