Portable Oxygen Concentrator Vacuum Swing Cycle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen separation systems, such as pressure swing separation systems, face inefficiencies in energy consumption due to pump inefficiency and require significant power to produce oxygen, limiting their portability and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for separating oxygen from ambient air using a portable concentrator that employs a vacuum swing cycle with LiLSX adsorbent, minimizing pump pressure and flow rates, and incorporating a last in/first out (LIFO) buffer column to optimize gas flow and purity, reducing energy consumption and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure swing separation systems are used for oxygen separation, then oxygen can be produced with high purity, but energy consumption is high due to pump inefficiency and high power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic vacuum cycling through the adsorption columns, creating alternating phases of nitrogen adsorption and desorption. This periodic action allows continuous oxygen production while minimizing the duration and intensity of pump operation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high oxygen purity through repeated separation cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vacuum pressure levels and flow rates based on operational requirements. By optimizing the pressure differential across the adsorbent beds and controlling the timing of vacuum application, the system achieves efficient nitrogen removal with minimal energy input, resolving the contradiction between purity and power consumption
2Productivity
If high pump pressure and flow rates are used to drive separation cycle steps, then oxygen separation efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vacuum pressure only to the extent necessary to achieve effective nitrogen adsorption, rather than maintaining continuously high pressure. The vacuum is applied intermittently during specific cycle phases, providing just sufficient driving force for separation while avoiding excessive power consumption associated with maintaining high pressure throughout the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the relationship between vacuum pressure, flow rate, and cycle timing to achieve maximum oxygen separation efficiency at minimum power consumption. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on real-time operational conditions, the system maintains high productivity without requiring proportionally high pump power
3Weight of moving object
If conventional oxygen separation systems are designed for portability, then mobility is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to battery power constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic vacuum cycling enables the system to operate in discrete pulses synchronized with user inhalation, allowing the use of smaller, lighter battery packs while maintaining adequate oxygen supply. The intermittent operation pattern reduces average power consumption compared to continuous operation systems, making portability feasible without severely compromising energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system synchronizes oxygen delivery with the user's natural inhalation rhythm, delivering oxygen only when needed and allowing the battery to rest during exhalation phases. This self-regulating operation pattern reduces overall energy consumption and extends battery life, enabling portable operation without requiring oversized power sources that would increase system weight
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 oxygen separation with reduced energy consumption, enabling a portable and lightweight design capable of producing 88% pure oxygen while consuming significantly less power than prior art, with a weight reduction and improved scalability.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically driven pneumatic compressor cycled air from 1 to 3 atmospheres pressure, following the Skarstrom cycle steps, through two columnar containers of adsorbent having high adsorption capacity for nitrogen and other polar molecules
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of providing oxygen rich gas. Oxygen is separated from ambient air with an oxygen separator in discrete pulses, one pulse at a time. The start of the pulse is synchronized with the beginning of an inhalation of a person. The oxygen rich gas in each pulse is separated from the ambient air in real time during a nitrogen adsorption step concurrent with each inhalation.