Liquid panel assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid-to-air membrane energy exchangers face issues with membrane bulge and pressure drop due to high pumping pressure, leading to inefficiencies and potential leaks, and the flow of desiccant through filler materials is uncontrolled, resulting in uneven distribution and flow irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A liquid panel assembly with a support frame and counterflow passages that offset hydrostatic pressure with friction pressure loss, featuring a set of flow passages connected to inlet and outlet channels, which are configured to direct liquid flow and reduce pressure within the assembly, thereby minimizing membrane bulge and ensuring uniform flow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pumping pressure is used to force desiccant flow through the solution panel, then the desiccant can overcome static head pressure and friction, but the membranes bulge outwardly and leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional upward flow direction by implementing downward desiccant flow through the solution panel. This gravitational assistance eliminates the need for high pumping pressure, thereby preventing membrane bulge and leaks while maintaining adequate desiccant flow rate through the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gravity as a counterweight force to offset the static head pressure that normally requires high pumping pressure to overcome. By flowing desiccant downward, the gravitational force acts in the same direction as the desired flow, reducing the net pressure required and protecting membrane integrity.
2Shape
If support structures are added to limit membrane bulge, then membrane deformation is reduced, but the support structures block membrane transfer area and increase pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding support structures to counteract bulge, the patent inverts the flow direction to prevent bulge formation in the first place. The downward flow under low pressure eliminates the outward bowing force, allowing the membrane to remain flat without requiring internal support structures that would block transfer area.
3Ease of operation
If wide air channels are used to accommodate membrane bulge, then air flow restriction is avoided, but heat and moisture transfer resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses air channel width issues by inverting the desiccant flow direction, which prevents membrane bulge and eliminates the need for wide air channels. The downward low-pressure flow keeps membranes flat, allowing narrow air channels that minimize transfer resistance while maintaining adequate air flow.
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
The solution reduces total pressure within the liquid panel assembly, minimizing membrane bulge and leaks, and achieves uniform desiccant flow distribution across the membrane, enhancing the energy exchange efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid circuits are configured to offset hydrostatic pressure gain with friction pressure loss of the liquid that flows within the one or more fluid circuits to reduce pressure within the liquid panel assembly
Implementation Method 2
The fluid circuits are configured to offset hydrostatic pressure gain with friction pressure loss of the liquid that flows within the one or more fluid circuits to reduce pressure within the liquid panel assembly
Implementation Method 3
In general, a LAMEE transfers heat and moisture between a liquid desiccant solution and air through a thin flexible membrane
Implementation Method 4
In general, a LAMEE transfers heat and moisture between a liquid desiccant solution and air through a thin flexible membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid panel assembly configured to be used with an energy exchanger may include a support frame having one or more fluid circuits and at least one membrane secured to the support frame. Each of the fluid circuits may include an inlet channel connected to an outlet channel through one or more flow passages. A liquid is configured to flow through the fluid circuits and contact interior surfaces of the membrane(s). The fluid circuits are configured to at least partially offset liquid hydrostatic pressure with friction loss of the liquid flowing within the fluid circuits to minimize, eliminate, or otherwise reduce pressure within the liquid panel assembly.