Modular Membrane Contactor for Desiccant-Based Air Dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems are inefficient in humidity control, leading to high energy consumption and maintenance issues due to corrosion, and existing desiccant-based systems are cumbersome and lack modularity.
Innovation Solution
An air temperature and humidity control device featuring a heat pump with a humidity controller containing multiple contact modules with porous sidewalls, allowing for efficient air and hygroscopic material interaction to control humidity and temperature, using a refrigerant and hygroscopic material in a closed loop with separate airstreams for desorption and absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct expansion (DX) air conditioners are operated to condense moisture through supercooling, then humidity control is achieved, but significant energy is consumed during supercooling and reheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates temperature control and humidity control into independent functional modules. The DX coil handles only cooling while the desiccant wheel handles only dehumidification, allowing each component to operate optimally without the energy-wasting supercooling-reheating cycle of conventional integrated systems
Solution Approach 2:
A desiccant wheel acts as an intermediary substance that absorbs moisture from the air stream. The desiccant material (such as silica gel or molecular sieve) provides a surface for moisture adsorption, enabling humidity control through phase change and adsorption rather than condensation, thereby eliminating the need for supercooling
2Reliability
If desiccant wheels are used for humidity control, then low humidity outputs are achieved, but the systems are space-consuming and lack modularity
Solution Approach 1:
The desiccant wheel is divided into multiple independent segments or modules that can be individually installed, removed, and replaced. Each module contains its own desiccant material and regeneration channels, allowing the system to be configured in different sizes and capacities based on specific application requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant wheel incorporates a rotating mechanism that dynamically switches between different operational zones (humidification zone, dehumidification zone, regeneration zone). This dynamic operation allows a compact design to achieve the functionality of a much larger static system, improving space efficiency while maintaining modularity
3Use of energy by moving object
If liquid desiccant contact towers are used for humidity control, then energy consumption is reduced, but significant noises and liquid desiccant entrainment are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses porous desiccant materials (such as silica gel, molecular sieves, or activated alumina) that provide a large internal surface area for moisture adsorption. The porous structure allows air to pass through while capturing moisture molecules, eliminating the need for liquid spraying and associated noise and carryover problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical liquid spraying system with a passive adsorption system using porous desiccant materials. Instead of using pumps, nozzles, and liquid circulation mechanisms that generate noise and entrainment, the system uses the natural adsorption properties of porous materials to achieve humidity control with minimal mechanical components
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 achieves efficient humidity control with reduced energy consumption and enhanced modularity, minimizing corrosion and noise issues, while maintaining comfort in hot and humid environments.
Implementation Method 1
A first airstream passes over a first portion of the plurality of contact modules and a second airstream passes over a second portion of the plurality of contact modules
Implementation Method 2
each contact module having a porous sidewall configured to define an internal space through which a hygroscopic material flows
Implementation Method 3
An air temperature and humidity control device featuring a heat pump with a humidity controller containing multiple contact modules
Data Source
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AI summary
A contactor for an air temperature and humidity control device is provided including a plurality of contact modules. Each contact module has a generally porous sidewall configured to define an internal space through which a hygroscopic material flows. A first airstream passes over a first portion of the plurality of contact modules. A second airstream passes over a second portion of the plurality of contact modules.