Gas Separation Membrane Module Casing Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas separation apparatuses require significant energy to maintain the temperature of gas flowing through separation membrane modules, leading to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a casing filled with a heat medium, where a heat source unit adjusts the temperature, and the integration of multiple separation membrane modules within this casing to minimize heat dissipation, using a heat-insulating material to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple separation membrane modules are individually heated or cooled, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to heat dissipation from each module's outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation membrane modules into a single integrated assembly where the outer peripheral surfaces of adjacent modules are in direct contact with each other. This merging eliminates the individual outer surfaces of each module, reducing the total heat dissipation area. The modules share common thermal boundaries, so heating or cooling one module simultaneously affects adjacent modules, reducing redundant energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer peripheral surfaces of the separation membrane modules serve dual functions: they act as structural boundaries for each individual module and simultaneously serve as shared thermal insulation surfaces for the entire assembly. By making the modules adjacently disposed with contacting surfaces, the same surface area that would otherwise be heat loss for one module becomes a thermal barrier for neighboring modules, maximizing the utility of the insulation structure.
2Temperature
If heating means are provided around each separation membrane element, then temperature maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal management functions across multiple modules by eliminating individual heating/cooling systems for each module. Instead, a unified thermal approach is used where the adjacent disposition of modules creates shared thermal zones, reducing the number of independent heating means required and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If separation membrane modules are disposed with spaces between them, then accessibility and maintenance are improved, but heat dissipation increases due to exposed outer surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing selective spacing in specific regions while maintaining close adjacency in other regions. The modules are disposed adjacently with outer peripheral surfaces contacting each other to minimize heat loss, while still providing access pathways for maintenance operations. This localized approach optimizes both thermal efficiency and operational accessibility.
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 configuration reduces the energy required to maintain the temperature of the gas flowing through the separation membrane modules by minimizing heat release, enhancing energy efficiency and stabilizing the temperature for improved gas separation performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source unit for adjusting a temperature of a heat medium... can suppress the heat release amount of the gas that flows in the separation membrane module to reduce the energy amount required in order to maintain the temperature of the gas
Implementation Method 2
using a heat-insulating material to reduce energy consumption... reduce the energy required to maintain the temperature of the gas flowing through the separation membrane modules by minimizing heat release
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(a)~4(d)
AI summary
A gas separation apparatus includes a separation membrane module including at least one gas separation membrane element in a housing, a casing for blocking external air, and a heat source unit for adjusting a temperature of a heat medium with which the casing is filled. The casing holds greater than or equal to two separation membrane modules.