Modular HVAC Contaminant Scrubber for CO₂ Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional contaminant scrubbers in HVAC systems are inefficient in removing carbon dioxide and other contaminants, often failing to meet regulatory standards and requiring excessive outdoor air for ventilation, which increases energy costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A contaminant scrubber with a modular design featuring a housing with compartments, cross-member beams, and a cartridge set that operates in sorption, regeneration, and purge modes to effectively remove contaminants from return air, enhancing structural integrity and ease of assembly while meeting regulatory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional contaminant scrubbers are used, then the HVAC system can operate with basic functionality, but the contaminant removal capacity is insufficient and regulatory standards are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The scrubber is divided into multiple compartments (first, second, and third compartments) separated by cross-member beams, with cartridge sets distributed across different compartments. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher contaminant removal capacity through multiple stages while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Cartridge sets are nested within compartments formed by the housing and cross-member beams. The cartridges are positioned within the structural framework, with the second cartridge set nested in the second compartment between the first and third compartments, creating a compact multi-stage configuration
2Reliability
If more outdoor air is used for ventilation, then regulatory ventilation requirements are met, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scrubber enables continuous operation with reduced outdoor air intake by maintaining effective contaminant removal capacity through multiple cartridge sets operating in sequence. The multi-compartment design ensures continuous contaminant removal throughout the air handling process, allowing the system to meet ventilation requirements with lower outdoor air proportions
3Reliability
If the scrubber structure is made more complex to meet regulations, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scrubber housing is segmented into distinct compartments by cross-member beams, creating modular sections that can be manufactured and assembled independently. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving the complex multi-stage contaminant removal functionality required for regulatory compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-member beams serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the housing, create compartment boundaries, and support cartridge sets. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while achieving regulatory compliance
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 scrubber improves the efficiency of HVAC systems by reducing the need for outdoor air, enhancing contaminant removal capacity, and facilitating easier maintenance and assembly, thereby meeting regulatory standards and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a contaminant scrubber that receives the return air, removes at least some of the carbon dioxide and other contaminants from the return air
Data Source
AI summary
A contaminant scrubber of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a housing having a first side wall and a second side wall opposite to the first side wall. The contaminant scrubber also includes a first compartment formed within the housing, a second compartment formed within the housing and having a cartridge set removably disposed therein, and a third compartment formed within the housing, where the second compartment is positioned between the first compartment and the third compartment. The contaminant scrubber also includes a first cross-member beam extending along a first bottom end of the first compartment and a second top end of the second compartment, where the first cross-member beam extends from the first side wall of the housing to the second side wall of the housing. The contaminant scrubber also includes a second cross-member beam extending along a second bottom end of the second compartment and a third top end of the third compartment, wherein the second cross-member beam extends from the first side wall of the housing to the second side wall of the housing.