Electrochemical dehumidification device based on screen-type amphoteric ion exchange membrane electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dehumidification methods, such as cooling, liquid-desiccant, and rotary-wheel methods, face limitations in efficiency, energy waste, complexity, and environmental concerns, particularly in high-humidity regions, while existing electrolyte membrane dehumidification devices are limited to active dehumidification and have performance constraints.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical dehumidification device utilizing a screen-type amphoteric ion exchange membrane electrode with a core dehumidification unit comprising an anode and cathode air pathways, amphoteric ion exchange membrane, and adjustable direct current power supply, enabling both active and passive humidity control through electrolytic reactions, with a simple and compact structure suitable for various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional cooling method is used to dehumidify by condensing water vapor at dew point, then dehumidification is achieved, but energy waste is high and dehumidification capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cooling system with an electrochemical system. Instead of using a surface air cooler to cool air to dew point for condensation, the invention uses an electrolyte membrane with electrochemical reactions to directly remove water vapor, substituting mechanical cooling with electrochemical dehumidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from temperature-based cooling to voltage-based electrochemical reaction. By applying direct current voltage to the electrolyte membrane, water vapor is electrolyzed into hydrogen and oxygen, enabling dehumidification without cooling and avoiding the energy waste associated with cooling below dew point.
2Productivity
If liquid-desiccant dehumidification method is used to achieve strong dehumidification capability, then dehumidification performance is improved, but device complexity increases and secondary pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex liquid-desiccant regeneration system. Instead of using liquid desiccants that require complicated regeneration equipment, the invention uses a solid electrolyte membrane that directly electrolyzes water vapor, removing the need for regeneration devices and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the liquid-desiccant chemical absorption system with an electrochemical electrolysis system. The electrolyte membrane directly decomposes water vapor into hydrogen and oxygen through electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for liquid desiccants and their associated regeneration equipment.
3Productivity
If electrolyte membrane dehumidification device with plane electrode is used, then active dehumidification is achieved, but system performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional plane electrodes to three-dimensional porous electrodes. The porous structure provides vastly increased surface area for electrochemical reactions, enhancing dehumidification performance while maintaining a compact device structure. This dimensional change from flat surfaces to volumetric porous structures is the key innovation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous electrodes made of porous materials with high surface area to volume ratio. These porous electrodes enable much higher reaction sites for water vapor electrolysis compared to plane electrodes, significantly improving dehumidification capacity without proportionally increasing device size or complexity.
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 device achieves efficient humidity control with low energy consumption, adaptability to different environmental conditions, and safety without secondary pollution, supporting energy savings and integration with renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
amphoteric ion exchange membrane
Implementation Method 2
electrolytic reaction occurs to water vapor on an anode side
Implementation Method 3
conducting protons or water molecules
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electrochemical dehumidification device based on a screen-type amphoteric ion exchange membrane electrode, comprising a core dehumidification unit which comprises, sequentially from one side to the other side, an anode air pathway, a screen-type anode electrode, an amphoteric ion exchange membrane, a screen-type cathode electrode and a cathode air pathway. The core dehumidification unit performs active dehumidification when a voltage is applied, and performs passive dehumidification when no voltage is applied. A number of the core dehumidification unit is equal to or more than one, the core dehumidification units are capable of being connected in parallel, in serial or in an overlapping mode; meanwhile, the units may also be used in combination with other dehumidification devices. The device achieves active/passive dehumidification, and is ultra-compact and flexible.