Fibrous Mat Gas Absorption System for HVAC Latent Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC&R systems face high energy costs due to latent loads from moisture in air and require large ventilation air volumes, necessitating more efficient methods to reduce energy consumption and equipment costs.
Innovation Solution
A system using 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, potentially powered by renewable energy sources like solar energy or waste heat from HVAC&R units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional HVAC&R systems handle latent load through cooling equipment, then occupants remain comfortable, but equipment size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moisture removal function from the cooling equipment by introducing a separate dehumidification system using hygroscopic materials. This allows the cooling equipment to be sized for sensible cooling only, while moisture is removed independently through the dehumidification media, reducing equipment size and cost while maintaining occupant comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the HVAC&R system into separate functions: sensible cooling and latent load removal. The dehumidification system with hygroscopic materials handles moisture removal independently, allowing the cooling equipment to be optimized for temperature control without being oversized for latent load handling.
2Reliability
If conventional HVAC&R systems use outside ventilation air for dilution, then indoor air quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air purification function from the ventilation system by introducing in-situ removal of carbon dioxide and VOCs using specific dehumidification media. This allows the system to maintain indoor air quality without relying on large volumes of outside ventilation air, thereby reducing energy consumption for heating or cooling ventilation air.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to air quality management from dilution-based (increasing ventilation air volume) to removal-based (using chemical absorption by dehumidification media). This parameter change enables maintaining indoor air quality with reduced ventilation air volumes, lowering energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If fibrous mats with liquid absorption media are used to remove gas molecules, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-regenerating dehumidification media that automatically reverse their absorption cycle. The hygroscopic materials absorb moisture and contaminants during operation, then regenerate in situ using heat from the HVAC&R system itself, eliminating the need for external complex regeneration equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dehumidification media perform multiple functions: removing moisture, absorbing carbon dioxide, capturing VOCs, and providing a surface for heat transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the advanced materials used.
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 and ventilation air requirements, enabling smaller equipment and lower operational costs while utilizing alternative energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid having an affinity for the predetermined type of gas molecules is disposed within the channels of the first plurality of fibers and the second plurality of fibers... 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.