Multilayer Composite ERV Core for Enhanced Moisture Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems face limitations in achieving efficient water vapor transfer between intake and exhaust air streams due to insufficient direct contact with moisture permeable membranes.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer composite structure comprising a porous rigid or semi-rigid frame bonded with a sulfonated block copolymer film, allowing for greater contact between air streams and the moisture permeable film, enhancing sensible and latent heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fibrous microporous support substrate with sulfonated block copolymer laminated thereon is used, then mechanical support and moisture permeability are provided, but air stream contact with the moisture permeable membrane is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional layers: a porous support substrate providing mechanical strength, and a sulfonated block copolymer membrane providing moisture permeability. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function while working together to increase air stream contact area with the moisture permeable surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-layer structure to a multilayer composite structure, adding the dimension of layering to increase the effective contact area between air streams and the moisture permeable membrane without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If traditional ERV core structures are used, then basic heat exchange is achieved, but latent heat transfer efficiency is limited due to insufficient moisture exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical and physical parameters of the membrane material by using sulfonated block copolymers with specific sulfonation levels (10-100 mol%). This modifies the membrane's moisture permeability parameters, enabling efficient latent heat transfer while maintaining structural integrity for effective heat exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite material system combining a porous support substrate with a sulfonated block copolymer membrane. This composite structure integrates the mechanical properties of the substrate with the moisture transport properties of the polymer, achieving both sensible and latent heat recovery efficiently.
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 significantly improves both sensible and latent heat recovery efficiencies by facilitating direct air contact with the moisture permeable film, leading to enhanced energy recovery in ERV systems.
Implementation Method 1
The sulfonated block copolymer is impermissible to air but allows the efficient water vapor transport
Implementation Method 2
exchanging some of the heat and moisture between the air streams
Implementation Method 3
The frame can be a porous sheet allowing the passage of a gas such as air
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2(c)
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An energy recovery system having a core unit permitting heat and moisture exchange between air streams passing therethrough, the core unit having two or more multilayer composite structures, the multilayer composite structure being made up of: a porous rigid or semi-rigid frame having a plurality of holes passing from a first surface to a second surface and which can be corrugated, and a polymeric film comprising a sulfonated block copolymer bonded to at least one of the first and second surfaces of the frame covering said plurality holes.