Hollow Fiber Membrane Module With Bypass Channels for Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow fiber membrane modules in humidifiers and dehumidifiers face challenges in reducing pressure loss of dry and moist gases, leading to increased module size, which is undesirable for space-constrained applications like automotive fuel cells.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hollow fiber membrane bundle with intra-membrane and extra-membrane channels, where at least one channel runs through the case without passing through the membrane channels, reducing pressure loss by allowing gas flow without traversing the membrane channels, thereby minimizing module size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the size of hollow fiber membrane modules is increased to reduce pressure loss, then pressure loss of dry gas and moist gas is reduced, but the module size increases which is undesirable for space-constrained applications
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow path is segmented into multiple channels: extra-membrane channels for mass transfer and first channels for direct flow. This segmentation allows different portions of gas to take different paths, reducing overall pressure loss while maintaining compact module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fiber membranes act as intermediaries that enable mass transfer between dry gas and moist gas through their selective permeability, while the first channels provide a direct flow path that bypasses the membranes, reducing pressure loss without compromising humidification performance.
2Reliability
If conventional hollow fiber membrane module structures are used, then humidification performance is maintained, but pressure loss increases requiring larger module size
Solution Approach 1:
The module structure is segmented into extra-membrane channels for humidification function and first channels for pressure loss reduction. This allows the system to maintain reliable humidification performance through the extra-membrane channels while using the first channels to reduce pressure loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fiber membranes serve multiple functions: they enable mass transfer in the extra-membrane channels for humidification while also providing structural support for the first channels that reduce pressure loss, making the system multi-functional and efficient.
3Volume of stationary object
If module size is reduced for space-constrained applications, then in-vehicle space is optimized, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first channels are arranged to run through the case in directions intersecting the extra-membrane channels, creating a three-dimensional flow path structure. This dimensional arrangement allows compact module design while providing direct flow paths that reduce pressure loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow is segmented into multiple pathways with different functions: extra-membrane channels for mass transfer and first channels for direct flow. This segmentation enables the module to maintain compact size while reducing pressure loss through optimized flow paths.
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 effectively reduces pressure loss for both dry and moist gases, allowing for a more compact module size without compromising humidification or dehumidification performance.
Implementation Method 1
moisture in the moist gas is supplied into the dry gas by virtue of a membrane separation effect of the hollow fiber membranes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a hollow fiber membrane module that allows reducing pressure loss of a dry gas and a moist gas. A hollow fiber membrane module has: a hollow fiber membrane bundle; a case in which the hollow fiber membrane bundle is accommodated; a pair of sealing and fixing parts that fixes the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the case; intra-membrane channels; and extra-membrane channels. Moisture in the moist gas is supplied into the dry gas by virtue of the membrane separation effect of the hollow fiber membranes. A first channel is provided, which runs through the case from one end side to the other end side and through which part of the dry gas flows without passing through the intra-membrane channels.