Regenerable CO2 Adsorption System with Dynamic Rinsing Medium
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air treatment devices with carbon dioxide adsorption devices face challenges in maintaining optimal regeneration performance, leading to reduced adsorption capacity and inefficient carbon dioxide removal, especially in high-occupancy areas like classrooms.
Innovation Solution
An air treatment device with a regenerable carbon dioxide adsorption system that uses a control device to determine the optimal composition of a flushing medium based on various input variables, including measured values and temporal components, to ensure effective regeneration of the adsorption units, utilizing a combination of air with reduced carbon dioxide content and nitrogen for enhanced cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the adsorbent is used continuously to absorb carbon dioxide, then the carbon dioxide removal capacity increases, but the adsorbent becomes saturated and loses adsorption capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-adsorber system where one adsorber is actively removing CO2 while the other is being regenerated. The spent adsorbent in the first adsorber is recovered by passing a rinsing medium through it to desorb the accumulated CO2, restoring its capacity. This allows continuous operation without losing adsorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between adsorption phase (removing CO2) and regeneration phase (restoring adsorbent capacity). The control device manages the switching between these phases and adjusts the rinsing medium composition periodically to optimize regeneration while maintaining continuous CO2 removal capability.
2Reliability
If a rinsing medium is used to regenerate the adsorbent, then the adsorption capacity is restored, but the regeneration efficiency varies leading to suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the composition parameters of the rinsing medium based on real-time measurements of CO2 concentration in the exhaust air and the operational state of the adsorbers. The control device modifies the rinsing medium's composition (such as using enriched oxygen or adjusted nitrogen ratios) to optimize regeneration efficiency and restore adsorption capacity effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor CO2 concentration in the exhaust air and provide feedback to the control device. This feedback loop allows the control device to adjust the rinsing medium composition and regeneration timing to maintain optimal adsorption capacity restoration while maximizing regeneration efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the rinsing medium composition is kept constant, then the system operation is simple, but the regeneration performance cannot be optimized under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rinsing medium composition to a dynamic, adaptive composition that changes based on operating conditions. The control device automatically adjusts the rinsing medium parameters (such as oxygen enrichment level or nitrogen ratio) in response to varying CO2 concentrations and adsorber states, optimizing regeneration performance without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own exhaust air analysis to automatically determine the optimal rinsing medium composition needed for regeneration. The control device self-adjusts the rinsing medium based on measured CO2 levels, eliminating the need for external optimization inputs while maintaining high regeneration performance across varying operating conditions.
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 ensures continuous optimal regeneration of carbon dioxide adsorption units, maintaining their adsorption capacity and improving indoor air quality by effectively removing carbon dioxide, thus addressing the issue of rising carbon dioxide concentrations in occupied spaces.
Implementation Method 1
Carbon dioxide adsorption devices are known for reducing the carbon dioxide content; these devices can filter carbon dioxide from air or other gases. Such filters can bind the carbon dioxide in a suitable adsorbent
Implementation Method 2
Regeneration can be carried out, for example, with a rinsing medium that is passed through the carbon dioxide adsorption device or the adsorbent to dissolve and remove the carbon dioxide from the adsorbent
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an air treatment device and an air treatment method for the generation of air having a reduced carbon dioxide content by means of a carbon dioxide adsorption device that can be regenerated with a flushing medium. For regulating purposes, the flushing medium can be adjusted on the basis of an input variable in order to achieve an optimum regeneration.