Folded Sorption Filter Cartridge With Heater Regeneration for Vehicle HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with partially electric power, recirculating air conditioning systems lead to water and carbon dioxide accumulation, causing window fogging and health risks, which need to be mitigated for safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A sorption filter element with a filter medium and heater system, repeatedly folded along parallel axes, adsorbs and desorbs carbon dioxide and water, integrated into a HVAC system for efficient regeneration and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If air recirculation mode is used to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but water and carbon dioxide accumulate in the passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium is divided into multiple functional layers: a first filter coat for CO2 adsorption, a second filter coat for water adsorption, and an optional third filter coat for NOX/VOC adsorption. This segmentation allows simultaneous removal of different harmful substances while maintaining energy efficiency through recirculation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorption properties of the filter medium are enhanced by selecting specific materials with optimized adsorption capacities for CO2 and water. The heater system changes the temperature parameter to facilitate desorption and regeneration of the sorbents, enabling continuous operation without compromising air quality.
2Reliability
If filter medium surface area is increased to improve sorption capacity, then adsorption effectiveness increases, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium is folded into a compact nested structure where multiple layers are stacked within a small volume. This nested arrangement maximizes the surface area of the filter medium exposed to the air flow while maintaining a compact overall dimensions suitable for vehicle HVAC systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium is folded along folding axes to create a three-dimensional structure with increased surface area within a limited volume. This dimensional transformation allows the filter element to achieve high sorption capacity without proportionally increasing the device volume.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If heater system is added to enable regeneration, then filter medium can be regenerated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater system is integrated with the filter medium structure, with heating elements positioned in direct contact with or adjacent to the filter coats. This merging of functions allows the regeneration process to be performed in-situ without requiring separate regeneration equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater system enables the filter medium to regenerate itself by desorbing accumulated CO2 and water when heated. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external regeneration systems or frequent manual replacements, extending service life while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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
Effectively reduces window fogging and carbon dioxide concentration, enhancing safety and comfort by efficiently regenerating the filter medium and maintaining air quality in the vehicle compartment.
Implementation Method 1
the filter medium is suitable for adsorbing and/or absorbing carbon dioxide and water
Implementation Method 2
By applying heat to the sorbent, the adsorbed and/or absorbed substances may be released from the sorbent. Desorption thus generally represents the reverse process of sorption.
Implementation Method 3
the filter medium and the heater system are repeatedly folded along parallel aligned folding axes
Data Source
AI summary
A sorption filter element includes a filter medium, and a heater system covering at least one filter surface of the filter medium. The filter medium and the heater system are repeatedly folded along parallel aligned folding axes. A sorption filter cartridge for air conditioning an interior of a motor vehicle includes the sorption filter element and a fluid permeable housing. A method for manufacturing a sorption filter element including a filter medium and a heater system includes covering at least one filter surface of the filter medium with the heater system, and repeatedly folding the filter medium and the heater system along parallel aligned folding axes.