Sorption Air Conditioning with MOF Adsorbents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning systems are energy-inefficient, often leading to overdrying and overcooling, require complex equipment, and pose maintenance challenges due to the use of compressor technology and aggressive adsorbents, while also risking bacterial proliferation and high energy consumption in regeneration processes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a compact air conditioning device with two sorption heat exchangers and metal-organic framework (MOF) materials for adsorption, which allows for isothermal drying, integration of adsorption heat into the heat circuit, and separate flow paths for process and regeneration fluids, eliminating the need for compressors and reducing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compressor technology is used for air drying, then the required absolute humidity is reached, but energy consumption increases and the air is subcooled excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of air drying from mechanical compression cooling to thermal adsorption. The adsorption material (silica gel, zeolite, or molecular sieve) operates at elevated temperatures (80-120°C) to capture moisture, then is thermally regenerated, eliminating the need for continuous compressor operation and excessive subcooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of moisture from vapor phase in air to bound phase in adsorption material. The adsorption process occurs isothermally at controlled temperatures, and regeneration uses thermal energy to reverse the process, avoiding the energy-intensive compression cycle.
2Measurement precision
If adsorption systems with solid materials like zeolites or silica gel are used, then air drying is achieved, but energy is required for regeneration and the reaction releases heat requiring additional cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic operation with two identical adsorption beds that alternate between adsorption and regeneration modes. While one bed is actively drying air, the other is being regenerated with hot air. This periodic switching ensures continuous fresh air supply while managing thermal and energy loads efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heat released during adsorption into a beneficial resource. The exothermic adsorption process heats the adsorption bed, and this thermal energy is recovered and used to preheat the regeneration air, reducing the external energy required for regeneration.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If intelligent process control with a drying wheel is used, then heating and regeneration energy is reduced, but system complexity increases and maintenance costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotating mechanical components (drying wheel, bearings, drives) from the system and replaces them with stationary adsorption beds and valve-controlled flow paths. This simplification eliminates mechanical wear, reduces maintenance requirements, and lowers complexity while maintaining the periodic adsorption-regeneration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rotation system is replaced with a pneumatic/control system using valves to switch flow paths between two stationary beds. This substitution eliminates moving parts, reduces mechanical complexity, and maintains the periodic operation necessary for continuous fresh air supply.
4Temperature
If liquid water is used in evaporative cooling, then cooling flow is enhanced, but hygiene concerns arise due to bacterial proliferation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film of water on the evaporative cooling surface that continuously evaporates and is replenished. This thin film prevents bacterial accumulation by maintaining a moving, evaporating interface rather than standing water, while still providing effective evaporative cooling.
5Device complexity
If decentralized air conditioning systems are developed, then maintenance requirements are reduced, but compressor technology still requires maintenance for moving parts and refrigerant management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressor system with a thermal adsorption system using heated air to drive the adsorption-regeneration cycle. This eliminates moving parts, refrigerant leaks, and associated maintenance issues, enabling truly decentralized, low-maintenance air conditioning units.
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 solution achieves energy-efficient, isothermal air conditioning with reduced equipment complexity, avoiding overdrying and bacterial risks, and enables decentralized, compact, and low-maintenance operation while ensuring 100% fresh air supply.
Implementation Method 1
drying the process fluid in the first absorptive heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
absorption of the adsorption heat by the regeneration fluid
Implementation Method 3
evaporation of the adsorbates stored in the second absorptive heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an air-conditioning device, to a method for air conditioning, in particular for cooling and/or drying an air stream, an adsorption air-air-cross flow heat exchanger and a facade element containing an integrated acclimatization device.