Portable Oxygen Concentrator High Pressure Compressor Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable oxygen concentrators are limited in producing high-pressure and high-purity enriched oxygen gas, which is necessary for some ventilator systems, and they cannot match the performance of pressurized oxygen cylinders in terms of adjustable pressure and flow rate.
Innovation Solution
A portable oxygen concentrator design incorporating a high pressure compressor, high pressure accumulator, and an oxygen circulation loop, allowing for sustained output of enriched oxygen gas at pressures up to 80 psi and flow rates of up to 10 lpm with oxygen concentration up to 100%, while maintaining a compact and portable form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional portable oxygen concentrators use pressure swing adsorption with standard compressors, then the device remains portable and safe, but the output pressure and flow rate are insufficient for some ventilator systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two compressors based on operational needs. The first compressor operates during normal portable mode, while the second compressor is activated when high pressure output is required for ventilator systems, allowing the device to adapt its pressure capabilities without permanently increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor system is segmented into two separate compressors with different capabilities. The first compressor provides sufficient pressure for portable use, while the second compressor is specifically designed to deliver high pressure and flow rate for ventilator applications, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function
2Quantity of substance
If conventional portable oxygen concentrators use standard adsorbent sieve beds, then the device remains compact, but the oxygen purity and pressure output are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the adsorbent sieve bed by using a dual-compressor configuration that can deliver higher pressure air to the sieve bed. This allows the sieve bed to operate at optimized pressure conditions that enhance nitrogen adsorption efficiency and oxygen purity output without requiring a larger bed volume
3Stress or pressure
If pressurized oxygen cylinders are used to achieve high pressure and pure oxygen output, then the performance requirements are met, but the device loses portability and safety advantages
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electrically-powered compressors to generate high pressure oxygen on-demand, eliminating the need for pre-filled heavy oxygen cylinders. The device serves itself by compressing ambient air through the pressure swing adsorption process, providing both portability and high pressure capability without requiring external oxygen storage
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 improved portable oxygen concentrator achieves higher pressure and flow rate outputs comparable to pressurized oxygen cylinders, providing enhanced performance for ventilator systems while maintaining the convenience and safety of portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a high pressure compressor and high pressure accumulator are utilized
Implementation Method 2
The sieve bed is typically formed of zeolite, which preferentially adsorbs nitrogen when at high pressure
Implementation Method 3
a high pressure compressor and high pressure accumulator are utilized, resulting in a potential sustained output of enriched oxygen gas at substantially higher pressures
Data Source
AI summary
A portable oxygen concentrator is disclosed. An output of a high pressure compressor is fluidly coupled to an adsorbent device that increases the concentration of oxygen gas for storage in a high pressure accumulator. The adsorbent device is purged of the collected nitrogen via a valve fluidly coupled to the outlet of the high pressure compressor and the inlet of the adsorbent device. The outlet of the adsorbent device is fluidly coupled to the high pressure accumulator through a first valve. Additionally, a re-circulation loop fluidly couples the outlet of the adsorbent device to a valved inlet of the high pressure compressor.