Moisture separation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vapor compression air conditioning systems face inefficiencies in handling latent cooling loads and humidity control, leading to increased energy requirements and system complexity, while alternative desiccant systems are cumbersome and require significant thermal energy for regeneration, resulting in reduced efficiency and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A microemulsion-based moisture separation system that includes a water absorption vessel with a gas-liquid phase separator and a microemulsion regenerator, where a microemulsion absorbs moisture from the gas, and the used microemulsion is heated to release water, which is then separated and recycled, allowing for efficient dehumidification and integration with vapor compression cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vapor compression systems use direct expansion of refrigerant below dew point for humidity control, then humidity control is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to condensation and re-heating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the humidity control function from the vapor compression system by introducing a separate desiccant wheel component. The desiccant wheel independently absorbs moisture from the air stream, allowing the vapor compression system to operate without the energy-intensive condensation and re-heating cycle while still achieving effective dehumidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the air conditioning function into two independent subsystems: the vapor compression system for temperature control and the desiccant wheel system for humidity control. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate optimally without the energy penalties of the conventional integrated approach.
2Ease of operation
If alternative desiccant systems are used for moisture removal, then humidity control is improved, but system complexity and thermal energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the desiccant wheel system with the existing vapor compression system by integrating it into the refrigerant circulation loop. The desiccant wheel is positioned to utilize the refrigerant's thermal energy for regeneration, combining moisture removal with the cooling function in a unified system architecture that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant wheel serves multiple functions: it removes moisture from the air, and its regeneration process utilizes the refrigerant's thermal energy, thereby serving the dual purpose of dehumidification and heat recovery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate thermal energy sources.
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 approach reduces the need for supercooling and reheating in vapor compression systems, enhances overall system efficiency, and avoids corrosion and toxicity issues associated with traditional desiccant systems, providing a modular and energy-efficient solution for humidity control.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the gas with a microemulsion to absorb water from the gas into the microemulsion
Implementation Method 2
the phase separator comprises a centrifugal phase separator
Implementation Method 3
The liquid droplet capture medium comprises a mesh pad with a mesh size of 0.1 μm to 10 μm
Implementation Method 4
The liquid micro-droplet coalescing medium comprises a micro-fiber filter medium with a mesh size of 0.1 μm to 10 μm
Data Source
AI summary
A moisture removal system for removing moisture from a gas is disclosed including a water absorption vessel with a microemulsion. The system also includes a gas-liquid phase separator in fluid communication with a water absorption vessel gas outlet, a gas outlet for conditioned air in fluid communication with a conditioned space, and a liquid outlet. An optional heat exchanger heats used microemulsion from the water absorption for water desorption in a water desorption vessel. An optional microemulsion regenerator provides thermal regeneration of microemulsion from the water desorption vessel for returning regenerated microemulsion to the water absorption vessel.