Ionic-Liquid Oxygen Generator for Adjustable Low-Temperature Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen generators, such as chlorate candles and peroxide-based systems, face issues with high temperature requirements, weight penalties, toxic byproduct production, and inability to control oxygen flow rates, making them inefficient and unreliable, especially in emergency situations like search and rescue or space flight where precise oxygen supply is needed.
Innovation Solution
An oxygen generator using a composition comprising a peroxide compound, an ionic liquid, and a metal oxide compound, with the addition of an acidic or basic compound to control oxygen production rates, allowing for adjustable and restartable oxygen flow, capable of operating in a wide temperature range including subfreezing conditions without toxic byproducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen production is achieved, but high temperature operation and weight penalty due to heat insulation requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (450-700°C for chlorate candles) to low (below 150°C or even below 0°C) by using peroxide-based oxygen generating compositions. This parameter change eliminates the need for heavy heat insulation and allows operation in subfreezing temperatures, directly resolving the contradiction between oxygen production capability and weight penalty.
2Productivity
If peroxides are used with water for oxygen generation, then oxygen production is achieved, but the system becomes complicated due to freezing issues below 0°C and vehement effervescing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ionic liquids as an intermediary medium to replace water in peroxide decomposition systems. Ionic liquids enable the reaction to proceed without freezing below 0°C and control effervescing, thereby simplifying the system design while maintaining oxygen production capability across a wide temperature range.
3Reliability
If oxygen generating compositions are used without flow control, then oxygen production is continuous, but the ability to adjust oxygen flow rates according to demand is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of oxygen generation by allowing the addition of acidic or basic compounds during the reaction process. This enables real-time adjustment of oxygen flow rates according to demand while maintaining continuous supply capability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
4Productivity
If chlorate candles are used, then oxygen production is achieved, but toxic side products like chlorine are produced that require additional removal systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful high-temperature chlorate decomposition process into a beneficial low-temperature peroxide decomposition process. This eliminates toxic chlorine byproducts while maintaining oxygen production, and the ionic liquid medium further ensures clean reaction products without requiring additional removal systems.
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
Enables precise control over oxygen production, reducing weight and size, providing reliable and continuous breathable oxygen at low temperatures, and allowing for adjustable flow rates, enhancing survival in emergency situations by optimizing oxygen supply according to demand.
Implementation Method 1
Decomposition of the peroxides yields oxygen
Implementation Method 2
the decomposition reaction can be started by contacting the peroxide compounds with an appropriate enzyme or transition metal catalyst
Implementation Method 3
Many known peroxide-based oxygen generators use water for providing contact between the peroxides and the catalysts
Implementation Method 4
with the addition of an acidic or basic compound to control oxygen production rates
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to an oxygen generator comprising a composition for generating oxygen and an acidic compound, wherein the composition for generating oxygen comprises an oxygen source, an ionic liquid, a metal oxide compound and optionally a basic compound, and wherein the oxygen source comprises a peroxide compound, the ionic liquid is in the liquid state at least in a temperature range from -10°C to +50°C, the metal oxide compound is an oxide of a single metal or of two or more different metals, said metal(s) being selected from the metals of groups 2 to 14 of the periodic table of the elements. The present invention also relates to a method for decelerating or stopping the oxygen production of an oxygen generating composition, and to a device for generating oxygen in a controlled manner.