Adsorption Filter with Phase Change Material Beads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adsorption filters face challenges in enhancing heat-storing capacity and desorbing properties, particularly in the regeneration process, especially when dealing with fuel vapors in internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
The use of phase change materials, such as wax encapsulated in small beads with varying melting points distributed throughout the adsorption filter, combined with thermal conductivity fillers and a binder, to optimize heat storage and desorption efficiency by varying phase change temperatures along the filter's length and using different phase change materials in distinct areas for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If phase change material is used in the form of small beads to rapidly absorb heat, then heat storage capacity is improved, but the beads may separate within the adsorption material
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material beads are encapsulated within porous pellets that contain adsorption material. This nested structure allows the small beads (10 μm diameter) to be contained within larger pellets (1-3 mm diameter), preventing separation while maintaining rapid heat absorption capability. The porous structure of the pellets provides thermal conductivity pathways while holding the beads in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where phase change material beads are combined with adsorption material (such as activated carbon) within porous pellets. This composite approach allows the small beads to function effectively for heat storage while being embedded in a matrix that prevents separation and maintains structural integrity during operation.
2Reliability
If phase change material with increasing melting points is used in the direction of flow, then adsorption effect is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by using phase change materials with different melting points in different regions of the filter. The entrance area contains materials with lower melting points (5-30°C) for immediate adsorption during filling, while the outlet end contains materials with higher melting points (60-70°C) for regeneration. This spatial variation optimizes performance at each location without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is segmented into different zones along the flow direction, each containing phase change materials with specific melting point ranges. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone for its specific function (adsorption vs. regeneration) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as a layered composite.
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
This configuration significantly increases the heat-storage capacity and improves desorption efficiency by maintaining favorable temperatures for adsorption and desorption processes, reducing temperature fluctuations and pressure drops, while preventing separation of small phase change material beads.
Implementation Method 1
Wax melts when heat is applied. In doing so, the wax utilizes the heat supplied to it to break the bonds of its molecules instead of raising its temperature. Instead of storing heat, liquefied wax stores energy of bonding, which is then released again as heat on solidification, i.e., with a phase change from liquid to solid.
Implementation Method 2
the wax utilizes the heat supplied to it to break the bonds of its molecules instead of raising its temperature. Instead of storing heat, liquefied wax stores energy of bonding, which is then released again as heat on solidification
Implementation Method 3
adsorption filter for fuel vapors
Implementation Method 4
combined with thermal conductivity fillers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adsorption filter for fuel vapors, particularly from the fuel tank of a combustion engine of a motor vehicle, which can be regenerated by desorptive reverse flow back flushing and which interacts with heat accumulating substances via the adsorbable or desorbable filter material. The aim of the invention is to increase the heat accumulability inside the filter material. To this end, the heat accumulating substances consist of phase-change materials (PCM) that are distributed in small units within the reactive filter material.