Membrane contactor for dehumidification systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane contactors in dehumidification systems face inefficiencies due to condensation on the gas side of the membrane, which hinders mass and heat transfer, and require larger membrane surface areas for effective vapor removal.
Innovation Solution
A contactor design featuring multiple contact modules with porous hydrophobic membranes and a turbulator to enhance mass and heat transfer efficiency, while preventing condensation through angled air flow and a condensate collector, reducing the need for extensive membrane surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional membrane contactors are used for dehumidification, then vapor removal function is provided, but condensation forms on the gas side of the membrane which hinders mass and heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful condensation into a beneficial feature by collecting condensate on the gas side and channeling it to a drainage point. The condensate collection channels and drainage system transform the harmful accumulation of water on the membrane surface into a controlled drainage process, maintaining mass and heat transfer efficiency while eliminating the negative effects of condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces condensate collection channels as an intermediary element between the membrane surface and the drainage system. These channels act as a mediator that captures condensate before it can hinder mass and heat transfer, and transports it to the drainage point, thus protecting the membrane performance while managing the condensation effectively.
2Productivity
If membrane surface area is increased to improve vapor removal efficiency, then dehumidification performance is enhanced, but contactor size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the membrane surface into multiple segments with integrated condensate collection channels at different locations. This segmentation allows each section to independently manage its own condensation, preventing accumulation that would reduce efficiency. The segmented design enables effective vapor removal across the entire surface without requiring excessive total membrane area, as each segment operates optimally with its own drainage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a third dimension to the membrane structure by incorporating condensate collection channels that extend along the membrane surface. This dimensional addition creates a volumetric drainage network rather than relying solely on surface area expansion, allowing the system to manage condensation from larger effective membrane areas without proportionally increasing the physical footprint or complexity of the contactor.
3Device complexity
If membrane surface area is reduced to simplify contactor design, then device complexity decreases, but mass and heat transfer driving potential is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning condensate collection channels at specific locations where condensation is most likely to accumulate and by optimizing the distribution of these channels to match the local mass and heat transfer driving potential. This localized approach ensures that each region of the membrane has appropriate condensate management capacity, maintaining high transfer efficiency with minimal total membrane area.
4Device complexity
If condensate is not collected on the membrane, then device simplicity is maintained, but mass and heat transfer performance is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the membrane structure with integrated condensate collection channels that automatically capture and channel condensate to drainage points without requiring external intervention. The system uses its own structure to manage the condensation problem, with the channels and drainage working autonomously to maintain mass and heat transfer performance, adding minimal complexity while ensuring reliable operation.
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 design improves vapor pressure distribution, reduces membrane surface area requirements, and enhances mass and heat transfer efficiency by minimizing condensation and optimizing airflow, leading to improved dehumidification performance.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane will not allow liquid water to pass through the pores into the gas side of the membrane
Implementation Method 2
a hygroscopic liquid disposed in the pores thereof for providing a concentration gradient sufficient to provide a continuous water removal mechanism
Implementation Method 3
A contactor design featuring multiple contact modules with porous hydrophobic membranes and a turbulator to enhance mass and heat transfer efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A contactor configured for use in a dehumidification system is provided including a plurality of contact modules. Each contact module has a porous sidewall that defines an internal space through which a hygroscopic materialflows. Adjacent contact modules are fluidly coupled to form a multipass flow path for the hygroscopic material through the contactor.