Air control apparatus, refrigerator, and transport container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air control apparatuses experience performance deterioration due to membrane contraction and reduced pore size when stopped for extended periods, leading to diminished separation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a gas separation module with hollow fiber membranes and a water separation module to maintain membrane integrity and efficiency, along with a flow path switching mechanism to manage air composition during operation and non-operation phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the air control apparatus is stopped for a long period, then energy consumption is reduced, but the separation membrane performance deteriorates due to contraction and smaller pores
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary operation before the predetermined period expires to supply target air through the separation membranes, preventing membrane contraction and maintaining pore size. This preliminary action restores membrane performance before it deteriorates, allowing the system to then enter a stopped state with reduced energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit operates the air control apparatus periodically - running it for a predetermined period, then stopping it, and performing preliminary operations before the predetermined period expires. This periodic operation pattern balances energy consumption reduction with maintenance of separation membrane performance.
2Reliability
If the air control apparatus operates continuously, then separation membrane performance is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the system performs preliminary operations before the predetermined period expires to restore membrane performance. This allows the system to stop operation between preliminary operations, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability through timely maintenance actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from continuous operation to periodic operation, where the air control apparatus runs for predetermined periods, stops, and performs preliminary operations before the predetermined period expires. This periodic pattern maintains membrane performance while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
3Reliability
If preliminary operation is performed before the predetermined period expires, then separation membrane performance is restored, but operational time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit schedules preliminary operations to occur before the predetermined period expires, proactively restoring membrane performance before deterioration occurs. This timing strategy prevents performance loss rather than correcting it after the fact, optimizing the balance between operational time and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors the operation duration and initiates preliminary operations at the appropriate time without external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures that membrane performance is maintained while minimizing unnecessary operational time 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
Maintains separation membrane performance by preventing contraction and ensuring efficient air composition control, even after prolonged inactivity.
Implementation Method 1
Some of the components in target air flowing through the gas separation membranes (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) permeate through the gas separation membranes
Implementation Method 2
If such an air control apparatus as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-66169 has been stopped for a long period, separation membranes contract, and thus have smaller pores
Data Source
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AI summary
An air control apparatus includes: a gas separation membrane (124) to which target air is supplied; and a controller (191) configured to execute a first action of reducing deterioration in performance of the gas separation membrane (124) due to stop of the air control apparatus for a predetermined period.