Thermosensitive Moisture Absorbent for Low-Energy Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidity control systems using zeolite and silica gel require large amounts of thermal energy for moisture desorption, leading to high power consumption and excessive heating, which is inefficient and poses safety concerns, especially in high humidity environments.
Innovation Solution
A humidity controlling apparatus utilizing a macromolecular adsorbent that changes from hydrophilic to hydrophobic states with temperature variations, allowing for efficient moisture absorption and release without high-temperature heating, featuring a rotatable base material with a moisture absorption unit and a heat source for controlled moisture release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional moisture absorbents (zeolite, silica gel) are used to adsorb moisture, then moisture absorption capability is achieved, but large thermal energy is required for desorption and high power consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the thermosensitive property of macromolecular absorbents that change their hydrophilicity based on temperature. The absorbent transitions from a hydrophilic state at low temperature (absorbing moisture) to a hydrophobic state at high temperature (releasing moisture), enabling moisture control through temperature parameter variation rather than requiring large amounts of thermal energy for desorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase transitions of the macromolecular absorbent material, which undergoes a phase change from hydrophilic to hydrophobic state when temperature increases. This phase transition allows the material to automatically release absorbed moisture at elevated temperatures without requiring external heating energy, thus resolving the contradiction between moisture absorption capability and thermal energy consumption.
2Quantity of substance
If high temperature heating is applied to desorb moisture from conventional absorbents, then moisture release is achieved, but excessive room temperature increase occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by exploiting the thermosensitive characteristic of macromolecular absorbents that change their moisture affinity based on temperature. The material naturally transitions from hydrophilic to hydrophobic state with temperature increase, enabling passive moisture release without requiring external high-temperature heating that would raise room temperature excessively.
Solution Approach 2:
The macromolecular absorbent performs self-service by automatically changing its state in response to temperature variations. When the absorbent itself heats up due to ambient temperature changes, it autonomously transitions from hydrophilic to hydrophobic state and releases moisture, eliminating the need for external heating systems that would cause excessive room temperature increase.
3Productivity
If continuous heater operation is used to maintain moisture absorption, then constant dehumidification is achieved, but high power consumption and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the cyclic temperature variations that cause the macromolecular absorbent to alternately absorb and release moisture. The absorbent absorbs moisture during cooler periods (hydrophilic state) and releases moisture during warmer periods (hydrophobic state), creating a periodic dehumidification cycle that eliminates the need for continuous heater operation and reduces power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The macromolecular absorbent system performs self-service by automatically responding to temperature changes and regulating moisture levels without requiring continuous external energy input. The material's inherent thermosensitive properties enable it to autonomously cycle between moisture absorption and release states, achieving constant dehumidification efficiency without continuous heater operation.
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 humidity control with reduced thermal energy consumption, minimizing high temperatures and power usage, while effectively managing moisture without the need for high-temperature heating or cooling, thus improving energy efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophilic state capable of absorbing moisture in the air
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophobic state which releases the moisture sorbed in the hydrophilic state
Implementation Method 3
a heat source partially heating the moisture absorption unit
Data Source
AI summary
A humidity controlling apparatus comprising: a moisture absorption unit including a base material rotatable about a rotation shaft and a macromolecular moisture absorbent provided in a layer on an outer periphery of the base material; and a heat source partially heating the moisture absorption unit, the macromolecular moisture absorbent having a hydrophilic state capable of absorbing moisture in the air and a hydrophobic state which releases the moisture sorbed in the hydrophilic state, the macromolecular moisture absorbent having a nature such that when temperature rises, the macromolecular moisture absorbent changes from the hydrophilic state to the hydrophobic state, and when the temperature falls, the macromolecular moisture absorbent returns from the hydrophobic state to the hydrophilic state, requires small thermal energy and can efficiently control humidity.