Modular Adsorbent Air Treatment for Low-Energy Indoor Air Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems are inefficient in removing organic and inorganic contaminants from indoor air, requiring the replacement of contaminated air with fresh air, which increases energy consumption and is not comprehensive in maintaining indoor air quality.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable air treatment system using regenerable adsorbent materials in air treatment modules that employ thermal swing desorption and pressure swing desorption to capture and remove contaminants like CO2 and VOCs from indoor air, integrated with HVAC systems to minimize energy usage and maintain air quality without replacing indoor air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional HVAC systems replace contaminated indoor air with fresh makeup air, then indoor air quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to cooling, dehumidification and heating of makeup air
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers clean indoor air that would otherwise be discarded through exhaust vents, and reuses it after contaminant removal via adsorbent materials. This closes the air loop, eliminating the need for energy-intensive makeup air while maintaining IAQ.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the chemical composition parameter of indoor air by removing contaminants through adsorption, allowing the same air to be reused multiple times without degradation, thereby eliminating the need for continuous fresh air intake.
2Reliability
If large volumes of adsorbent materials are used to treat large volumes of indoor air, then contaminant removal effectiveness is improved, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air treatment function into multiple modular air treatment modules, each containing a manageable volume of adsorbent material. These modules can be distributed throughout the HVAC system, providing effective contaminant removal without requiring a single large, complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates air treatment into the existing HVAC air flow paths, utilizing the three-dimensional space within ducts and air handlers. This allows effective contaminant removal without adding significant external system size or complexity.
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 system effectively removes contaminants from large volumes of indoor air with minimal energy consumption, reducing the need for makeup air and improving indoor air quality while being compact and adaptable for various building sizes and air quality requirements.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing regenerable adsorbent materials and an adsorption-desorption cycle
Implementation Method 2
the at least one adsorbent material may be arranged for regeneration within the air treatment module using at least one of thermal swing desorption and pressure swing desorption
Implementation Method 3
the at least one adsorbent material may be arranged for regeneration within the air treatment module using at least one of thermal swing desorption and pressure swing desorption
Data Source
AI summary
Air treatment modules, systems and methods for removing contaminants from indoor air are provided. Device embodiments may include one or more air inlets, one or more air outlets and a plurality of inserts which each include at least one adsorbent material. The inserts may be arranged separate from each other to form a plurality of substantially parallel air flow paths between the one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets. The adsorbent material may be arranged for regeneration within the air treatment module using thermal swing desorption and/or pressure swing desorption. Related systems, methods and articles of manufacture are also described.