U.S. patent application number 12/425788 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-22 for systems and methods of heating, cooling and humidity control in air filtration adsorbent beds.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hunter Manufacturing Co.. Invention is credited to David K. Friday, Ken Kessler, Steven G. Skinner.
Application Number | 20090260372 12/425788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41165621 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090260372 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Skinner; Steven G. ; et
al. |
October 22, 2009 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF HEATING, COOLING AND HUMIDITY CONTROL IN AIR
FILTRATION ADSORBENT BEDS
Abstract
An air filtering system for an enclosure that additionally heats
and/or cools one or more regenerative beds of a regenerative
thermal swing absorption (TSA) component of the system includes a
closed loop indoor temperature adjusting circuit having a
compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger,
and an expansion valve disposed therealong for conditioning air of
the enclosure. At least one diversion line of the temperature
adjusting circuit passes through the one or more regenerative beds
for at least one of heating or cooling the one or more regenerative
beds.
Inventors: |
Skinner; Steven G.;
(Willoughby, OH) ; Friday; David K.; (Baltimore,
MD) ; Kessler; Ken; (Streetsboro, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fay Sharpe LLP
1228 Euclid Avenue, 5th Floor, The Halle Building
Cleveland
OH
44115
US
|
Assignee: |
Hunter Manufacturing Co.
|
Family ID: |
41165621 |
Appl. No.: |
12/425788 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61046297 |
Apr 18, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/93 ; 62/259.1;
62/324.6; 62/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 53/0462 20130101;
B01D 2259/4009 20130101; F24F 2221/44 20130101; F24F 3/16 20130101;
B01D 53/0438 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/93 ; 62/498;
62/259.1; 62/324.6 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/06 20060101
F25D017/06; F25B 1/00 20060101 F25B001/00; F25D 23/00 20060101
F25D023/00; F25B 13/00 20060101 F25B013/00 |
Claims
1. An air filtering system for an enclosure that additionally heats
and/or cools one or more regenerative beds of a regenerative
thermal swing absorption (TSA) component of the system, the system
comprising: a closed loop indoor temperature adjusting circuit
having a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat
exchanger, and an expansion valve disposed therealong for
conditioning air of the enclosure; and at least one diversion line
of the temperature adjusting circuit passing through the one or
more regenerative beds for at least one of heating or cooling the
one or more regenerative beds.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one diversion line
comprises a first diversion line passing through the one or more
regenerative beds to heat the one or more regenerative beds and a
second diversion line passing through the one or more regenerative
beds to cool the one or more regenerative beds.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said first diversion line has a
first end disposed downstream from said compressor and upstream
from said outdoor heat exchanger and a second end disposed farther
downstream from said compressor than said first end and upstream
from said outdoor heat exchanger, and wherein said second diversion
line has a first end disposed downstream from said outdoor heat
exchanger and upstream from said expansion valve and a second end
disposed downstream from said indoor heat exchanger and upstream
from said compressor.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein said second diversion line
includes a diversion line expansion valve upstream of the one or
more regenerative beds.
5. The system of claim 2 wherein said temperature adjusting circuit
further includes solenoid valves for controlling fluid flow through
said first and second diversion lines.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said temperature adjusting circuit
further includes: a reversing valve configured to reverse fluid
flow through said circuit for selectively operating said circuit in
one of a cooling mode or a heating mode; and a second expansion
valve disposed upstream of one of the indoor and outdoor heat
exchangers when said circuit is operated in said cooling mode, said
expansion valve disposed upstream of the other of the indoor and
outdoor heat exchangers when said circuit is operated in said
heating mode.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one diversion line
includes a preheater diversion line having a preheater disposed
therealong for preheating airflow passing through the one or more
regenerative beds.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one diversion line
includes a dehumidify diversion line having a dehumidifier disposed
therealong for dehumidifying airflow passing through the one or
more regenerative beds.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one diversion line
includes a single line passing through the one or more regenerative
beds that selectively heats the one or more regenerative beds when
a heat transfer fluid of said circuit flows in a first direction
and cools the one or more regenerative beds when said heat transfer
fluid flows in a second direction.
10. An air filtering system, comprising: an indoor heat exchanger
arranged to exchange heat with air inside an enclosure; an outdoor
heat exchanger fluidly connected to said indoor heat exchanger and
arranged to exchange heat with air outside said enclosure; a
compressor for pressurizing a heat transfer fluid carried between
said indoor and outdoor heat exchangers; at least one expansion
valve for depressurizing said heat transfer fluid carried between
said indoor and outdoor heat exchangers; and at least one diversion
line diverting a portion of said heat transfer fluid carried
between said indoor and outdoor heat exchangers through at least
one regenerative bed for controlling a temperature thereof.
11. The air filtering system of claim 10 wherein said enclosure is
a static structure or a moveable structure.
12. The air filtering system of claim 11 wherein said enclosure
comprises a tent, a building, or a trailer.
13. The air filtering system of claim 11 wherein said enclosure
comprises a vehicle.
14. The air filtering system of claim 10 further including: a
reversing valve configured to reverse a fluid flow direction of
said heat transfer fluid between said indoor and outdoor heat
exchangers, fluid flow in a first direction corresponding to a
heating mode wherein heat from said indoor heat exchanger heats
said air inside said enclosure and fluid flow in a second,
opposite, direction corresponding to a cooling mode wherein heat
from said air inside said enclosure is removed by said indoor heat
exchanger.
15. The air filtering system of claim 14 wherein said at least one
diversion line comprises a plurality of diversion lines configured
to pass said heat transfer fluid through said at least one
regenerative bed in a first direction for heating thereof and to
pass said heat transfer fluid through said at least one
regenerative bed in a second direction for cooling thereof.
16. The air filtering system of claim 15 wherein said plurality of
diversion lines include a common line through said at least one
regenerative bed through which said heat transfer fluid flows in
said first direction when heating and in said second direction when
cooling.
17. The air filtering system of claim 15 wherein said plurality of
diversion lines includes a preheater diversion line that
selectively preheats air flow passing over a preheater exchanger
prior to said air flow passing over said at least one regenerative
bed.
18. The air filtering system of claim 15 wherein said plurality of
diversion lines includes a dehumidify diversion line that
selectively dehumidifies air flow passing over a dehumidify
exchanger prior to said air flow passing over said at least one
regenerative bed.
19. A method of heating and/or cooling a regenerative bed through
an air filtering system for an enclosure, comprising: providing a
closed loop circuit having a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger,
an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve disposed
therealong for conditioning air of the enclosure; and diverting a
portion of a heat transfer fluid carried by said circuit to the
regenerative bed to selectively heat or cool the regenerative
bed.
20. The method of claim 19 further including: preheating an air
flow with said portion of said heat transfer fluid prior to said
air flow passing over the regenerative bed.
21. The method of claim 20 further including: dehumidifying said
air flow with said portion of said heat transfer fluid prior to
said air flow passing over the regenerative bed.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/046,297, filed Apr. 18, 2008, which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
[0002] The present disclosure relates to filtering systems for
removing one or more contaminants from a gas or fluid, and more
particularly relates to systems and methods of heating, cooling
and/or humidity control in air filtration adsorbent bed
systems.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0003] The present disclosure relates to filtering systems for
removing contaminants from a fluid (gas or liquid). U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2002/0005117 discloses a filtering system for
removing chemical and biological agents from air and is hereby
incorporated by reference as background material for showing the
same. U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,303 discloses a four bed filtering system
for gas and is hereby incorporated by reference as background
material for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,152 also
discloses a four-bed filtering system for gas and is hereby
incorporated by reference as background material for showing the
same. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/072,569 discloses a
filtration heat transfer system and is hereby incorporated by
reference as background material for showing the same. U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2008/0085672 discloses a vehicle cabin heating and
cooling ventilation system and is hereby incorporated by reference
as background material for showing the same.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Air handling systems now frequently include filtration
systems that can protect an enclosure against noxious airborne
vapors released in the vicinity of the enclosure. Such vapors
include nuclear, biological or chemical agents (known as NBC) and
Toxic Industrial Chemicals (known as TICs). Standard filters are
generally ineffective against the full range of NBC agents, and NBC
filters do not effectively remove all TICs.
[0005] Military enclosures in particular may be exposed to both NBC
agents and TIC threats. These enclosures can include both dynamic
enclosures (e.g., military vehicles) and static enclosures (e.g.,
buildings or tents). In view of such exposure, these types of
military enclosures need to be equipped with life support systems
to facilitate operations under such hazardous conditions.
[0006] Contaminating agents are often removed from gases, such as
air, by the use of low pressure activated carbon filter bed units,
including those that have been impregnated with reactive metal
oxides which increase the sorption capacity of the filter for the
more volatile agents. These impregnates, however, are known to lose
their effectiveness (aging) in systems filtering ambient air
continuously to an entire living area (collective protection), as
opposed to a filter used for individual protection (which is used
only when needed). Therefore, such filtration systems require
filter replacement due to limitations in service life, with
resultant regimes of replacement at regular intervals needed in
order to maintain the required minimum filtration requirements.
While replacement of filter canisters for individual masks takes
relatively little effort, filter replacements in a vehicle or a
stationary structure provide significant logistics problems and
cost.
[0007] To reduce the logistical burden and extend the range of
chemical vapor protection to include TICs, new advanced filtration
systems have been developed, e.g., using thermal swing adsorption
(TSA) technology. TSA will permit continuous filtration without
filter change-out since the filtration media is continuously
regenerated. One known such system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,115,152, the disclosure of which is incorporated hereinto by
reference in its entirety.
[0008] TSA utilizes heat to remove the contaminant from the
adsorbent material and allow the adsorbent material to be reused.
In particular, such heat typically is used to bring a filter and/or
a purge fluid (e.g., purge air) to a desired temperature at which
the purge fluid is most effective. There are many industries which
utilize thermal or temperature swing adsorption processes. Such
applications include solvent recovery, air drying and removing
contaminants, such as CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2O from air prior to
cryogenic separation.
[0009] Typically, in most regenerable adsorption-based air
purification systems, there are two major steps to a cycle, namely:
(1) feed and (2) regeneration. A great deal of design attention is
normally focused on the feed step to prevent the target contaminant
chemical(s) from penetrating into the product. The complexity and
importance of the regeneration step is often given less attention.
For regenerable systems, it is the efficiency of the regeneration
step that typically determines whether the system can provide the
desired level of chemical protection within acceptable power
consumption, size and weight constraints. This is true for both the
Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and Thermal Swing Adsorption (TSA)
technologies.
[0010] The rest of this discussion will focus on TSA system design.
The regeneration step in a TSA system can be divided into two
parts, namely: (1) heating and (2) cooling. After a bed has reached
the end of a feed step, the bed must be heated to a desired
regeneration temperature and, while at temperature, clean product
air must be introduced to sweep the adsorbed contaminant(s) out of
the bed. But before this "cleaned" bed can be used to filter air
again, it must be cooled to an acceptable temperature; determined
by the adsorption fundamentals of the design-limiting vapor.
Typically, in TSA systems, both heating and cooling are
accomplished using a fraction of the product air. The major problem
with this approach is that temperature and concentration waves move
slowly through the bed and temperature waves formed in the bed
become very disperse because of heat transfer resistances as well
as axial dispersion. Therefore, it takes a lot of purge gas
(product) to cool the bed sufficiently to allow the next feed step
to begin. For air purification systems that remove relatively
weakly adsorbed contaminant gases (e.g., chloroethane), if the bed
is not cooled completely (or within several degrees Kelvin) to the
desired feed temperature, the contaminant gas in the feed will
penetrate much further in the filter bed than desired when the feed
step is resumed. Eventually after several cycles, the contaminant
gas will penetrate into the vehicle crew compartment or stationary
structure imperiling the personnel therein.
[0011] In view of the foregoing, the bed must be both sufficiently
heated and cooled to prevent the contaminant vapor(s) from
eventually penetrating into the crew compartment of a vehicle or
stationary structure. A typical approach in adsorption systems is
to increase the bed size. This will not work for regenerable
systems. While increasing the bed size will obviously allow the bed
to stay in feed mode longer, the increased adsorbent inventory must
still be heated and cooled. Everything else being equal, it will
take proportionally the same amount of time to complete the
regeneration step so nothing is gained by making the beds larger.
The normal countermeasure is to increase the purge gas flow rate.
But, this obviously increases the feed flow rate (a constant
product flow rate must be maintained) as well as the energy
requirements. Therefore, the efficiency of the regeneration step
corresponds directly to optimizing system design for TSA. In
particular, the goal is to add and remove heat from the adsorbent
as quickly as possible using as little purge (product) gas as
possible.
[0012] Previous works have shown that the efficiency of the
regeneration step can be improved by heating the adsorbent directly
with little or no gas purge (product) gas flow. These approaches
include: (1) electrically resistive heating elements, (2)
electrical potential across the adsorbent material itself and (3)
microwave heating. All of these approaches can improve the
regeneration step efficiency by adding heat quickly and directly to
the adsorbent. But after heating, the cooling step is still
accomplished by passing purge gas through the bed. This is very
inefficient and adds to the overall cycle time as well as the total
purge gas requirement.
[0013] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/072,569, which is
incorporated hereinto by reference in its entirety, discloses the
heating and cooling of the adsorbent directly for purposes of
greatly increasing the regeneration step efficiency. Combining the
ability to cool with the ability to heat allows one to design and
build smaller, less energy intensive TSA systems for air
purification applications. In particular, one exemplary adsorbent
bed taught by the '569 application includes elements that allow
heat transfer fluid to be passed therethrough and contact the
adsorbent media itself. The heat transfer fluid can be either hot
or cold, depending upon whether the bed is in the heating mode or
the cooling mode. The number of heat transfer elements and their
configurations can vary but one objective of the '569 application
is to provide as much heat transfer surface as possible, while
allowing for enough adsorbent to provide the required contaminant
retention capacity. As a result, the regeneration step capacity is
increased by adding and removing heat quickly, thus reducing cycle
time and overall purge gas requirements.
[0014] To pass the heat transfer fluid through the adsorbent bed or
beds for heating and cooling in a regeneration system, a heating
and cooling system is of course needed. When such regeneration
systems are employed in existing enclosures (e.g., military
vehicles or tents), there may already be provided a heating and
cooling system for conditioning the air within these enclosures for
the personnel housed therein. Rather than add a second, separate
system for the regenerative bed system used in an enclosure,
efficiencies can be gained by providing combined heating and
cooling systems and methods for heating and/or cooling the
enclosure itself, as well as heating and/or cooling one or more
adsorbent beds of the regeneration system.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0015] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an air
conditioning system for an enclosure (e.g., a static structure,
such as a building or tent, or a dynamic structure, such as a
tactical or military vehicle) is used to provide heating and
cooling to one or more adsorbent beds in a regenerative TSA
system.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a heat
pump system is provided for heating and/or cooling of an enclosure
(e.g., a static structure, such as a building or tent, or a dynamic
structure, such as a tactical or military vehicle). The heat pump
system further provides heating and cooling for adsorbent beds in a
regenerative TSA system.
[0017] According to still another embodiment of the disclosure, a
heat pump system is provided for heating and/or cooling of an
enclosure (e.g., a static structure, such as a building or tent, or
a dynamic structure, such as a tactical or military vehicle), and
further provided for heating and/or cooling of adsorbent beds in a
regenerative TSA system.
[0018] Optionally, one or more of these systems can include
humidity control and/or preheating for the enclosure and/or the
regenerative bed system.
[0019] According to a further embodiment of the disclosure, an air
filtering system is provided for an enclosure that additionally
heats and/or cools one or more regenerative beds of a regenerative
thermal swing absorption (TSA) component of the system. More
particularly, the system includes a closed loop indoor temperature
adjusting circuit having a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger,
an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve disposed
therealong for conditioning air of the enclosure. At least one
diversion line of the temperature adjusting circuit passes through
the one or more regenerative beds for at least one of heating or
cooling the one or more regenerative beds.
[0020] According to still a further embodiment of the in
disclosure, an air filtering system an indoor heat exchanger
arranged to exchange heat with air inside an enclosure, an outdoor
heat exchanger fluidly connected to the indoor heat exchanger and
arranged to exchange heat with air outside the enclosure, a
compressor for pressurizing a heat transfer fluid carried between
the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, at least one expansion
valve for depressurizing the heat transfer fluid carried between
the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, and at least one diversion
line diverting a portion of the heat transfer fluid carried between
the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers through at least one
regenerative bed for controlling a temperature thereof.
[0021] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a method
of heating and/or cooling a regenerative bed through an air
filtering system is provided for an enclosure. More particularly, a
closed loop circuit is provided, the circuit having a compressor,
an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and an
expansion valve disposed therealong for conditioning air of the
enclosure. A portion of a heat transfer fluid carried by the
circuit is diverted to the regenerative bed to selectively heat or
cool the regenerative bed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an air conditioning system for
an enclosure and for heating and cooling of one or more
regenerative beds.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a heat pump system for heating
and cooling an enclosure and for heating and cooling of one or more
regenerative beds, the heat pump system shown in a cooling
mode.
[0024] FIG. 3 is another schematic view of the heat pump system of
FIG. 2, but shown in a heating mode.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a heat pump system for heating
and cooling of an enclosure and for heating and cooling one or more
regenerative beds, the system including humidity control and
preheating; the system is shown in a heat pump heating mode; with
both dehumidification and preheat being on.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the heat pump system of FIG. 4
in a heating mode of the heat pump but with dehumidification on and
preheat off.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the heat pump system of FIG. 4
with the heat pump in a cooling mode and dehumidification on and
preheat on.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the heat pump system of FIG. 4
with the heat pump being in a cooling mode and dehumidification
being on, but preheat being off.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an air conditioner system
integrated with four or more regenerable TSA adsorbent filter beds
with a feed-air dehumidification heat exchanger, regen heating and
cooling heat exchangers, purge-air heat exchangers and a re-heat
heat exchanger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are only
for purposes of illustrating one or more exemplary embodiments of
the present disclosure, FIG. 1 shows an air conditioning system and
method for heating and cooling adsorbent beds disposed in an air
filtration system. More particularly, an air conditioning system 10
includes a compressor 12, a condenser 14, a thermal expansion valve
(TXV) 16 and an evaporator 18. As is known and appreciated by those
skilled in the art, these elements 12-18 are employed in an air
conditioning circuit 20 using a heat transfer fluid or medium
(e.g., a coolant) for providing cooling. In one exemplary
embodiment, the system 10 can be used for cooling a static or
dynamic enclosure (e.g., a building or tent or a vehicle), wherein
the evaporator 18 removes heat from a space to be cooled. As will
be described in more detail below, the system 10 further provides
heating and cooling for one or more adsorbent beds, such as
schematically illustrated adsorbent bed 22.
[0031] As shown, a solenoid valve 12a can be provided in
conjunction with the compressor 12 as is known and understood by
those of skill in the art. Additionally, a filter drier 26 and a
moisture indicator 28 can be provided in the circuit 20.
[0032] As described in the background section above, heating and
cooling of the adsorbent bed 22 is desirable. In particular, it is
desirable to rapidly heat the adsorbent bed 22 and/or a purging
fluid immediately prior to passing the purging fluid through the
bed for removing contaminants, such contaminants being adsorbed by
the bed when in the feed mode. It is also desirable to rapidly cool
the adsorbent bed 22 after such purging to return the bed to an
operating temperature so that it can again effectively remove
contaminants from a fluid passing through the bed 22.
[0033] Heating for the adsorbent bed 22 is provided by diverting a
portion of the cooling fluid of circuit 20 through a diversion line
30, which is controlled by a solenoid valve 32 downstream of the
compressor 12. In the refrigeration cycle of circuit 20, after the
cooling fluid absorbs heat at the evaporator 18, the heated cooling
fluid is selectively passed through the diverting line 30 via the
solenoid valve 32. In the diverting line 30, the superheated
coolant from the evaporator 18 returns to compressor 12. Next,
superheated coolant discharges from compressor 12 to solenoid valve
32, where it is diverted through line 30 entering adsorbent bed 22
heating heat exchanger, Superheated coolant heats the adsorbent bed
22 to a desired temperature before being re-circulated through the
condenser 14 and circuit 20.
[0034] For cooling of the adsorbent bed 22, a cooling diversion
line 34 is disposed in the cooling circuit 20. In particular, a
branch portion 35 of the line 34 passes through the adsorbent bed
22. A solenoid valve 36 disposed downstream of the adsorbent bed 22
can be used to selectively direct fluid through diversion line 34
and thereby through the adsorbent bed 22 (i.e., when the solenoid
valve 36 is in a closed position, cooling fluid is not directed
through line 34). In addition, a thermal expansion valve 38 can be
disposed upstream of the adsorbent bed 22 along line 34 for acting
on the heat transfer fluid passing thereby and preparing the same
for cooling of the adsorbent bed 22.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 2, a heat pump system 50 is shown for
providing conditioned air (i.e., heated and cooled) within an
enclosure (e.g., a static enclosure, such as a tent or building, or
a dynamic structure, such as a vehicle cabin). In addition, the
system 50 provides selective cooling and selective heating to one
or more adsorbent beds. More particularly, the system 50 includes a
compressor 52 having an associated solenoid valve 53 operatively
connected thereto. The system 50 further includes an outdoor heat
exchanger 54 and an indoor heat exchanger 56. As is known and
understood by those of skill in the art, the outdoor heat exchanger
54 and the indoor heat exchanger 56 can be operated so as to remove
heat from an indoor enclosure in which the indoor heat exchanger 56
is disposed, or to provide heating to the indoor enclosure in which
the indoor heat exchanger 56 is disposed, depending on the mode of
operation of the heat pump system 50 (in FIG. 2, the system 50 is
illustrated in a cooling mode). The outdoor heat exchanger 54 and
the indoor heat exchanger 56, as well as the compressor 52, are
fluidly connected to one another in a heat pump circuit 58.
[0036] As shown, the circuit 58 includes a thermal expansion valve
with a check valve function 60 adjacent the outdoor heat exchanger
54 and a thermal expansion valve with a check valve function 62
adjacent the indoor heat exchanger 56. When operating in the
cooling mode of FIG. 2, the valve 60 is disposed downstream of the
outdoor heat exchanger 54 and the valve 62 is disposed upstream of
the indoor heat exchanger 56. The system 50 further includes a
reversing valve 64, which allows the circuit 58 to be operated in
reverse (i.e., to supply heat to an indoor enclosure via the indoor
heat exchanger 56). In FIG. 2, the reversing valve 64 is
schematically illustrated in a first position wherein a cooling
fluid of the circuit 58 is directed from the compressor 52 to the
outdoor heat exchanger 54 and then to the indoor heat exchanger 56.
Like the circuit 10 of FIG. 1, the circuit 58 can additionally
include a filter drier 66 and a moisture indicator 68.
[0037] For heating of an adsorbent bed 70 when the circuit 58 is
operated in the cooling mode illustrated in FIG. 2, a portion of
the cooling fluid of the circuit 58 can be directed through the
adsorbent bed 70 via diversion line 72. A solenoid valve 78 is
operated to control the diversion of fluid through the diversion
line 72. A second solenoid valve 80 is operated in coordination
with the solenoid valve 78 to direct the diverted cooling fluid
back upstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 54 when the system 50
is operated in the cooling mode. As illustrated, a check valve 82
can be disposed downstream of the solenoid valve 80 along line 84
which directs fluid exiting the adsorbent bed 70 upstream of the
outdoor heat exchanger 54.
[0038] For cooling of the adsorbent bed 70, a diversion line 90
directs a portion of the fluid from the circuit 58 through the
adsorbent bed 70. A solenoid valve 92 specifically controls the
diverted fluid from the circuit 58 along the diversion line 90. A
Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV) can be disposed between the solenoid
valve 92 and the adsorbent bed 70 as illustrated. Accordingly,
through operation of the solenoid valves 78 and 92 (and solenoid
valve 80), the system 50 can be used to provide cooling to an
enclosure in which the indoor heat exchanger 56 is located while
simultaneously providing heating and cooling to an adsorbent bed 70
of a regenerative system.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 3, the system 50 of FIG. 2 is shown
in a heating mode wherein the circuit 58 is run in reverse, with
heat being drawn into the circuit via the outdoor heat exchanger 54
and provided to an enclosure via the indoor heat exchanger 56. To
effect such heating by the indoor heat exchanger 56, the circuit 58
is run in reverse such that the compressor 52 directs the cooling
fluid of the circuit 58 to the indoor heat exchanger 56 and
subsequently to the outdoor heat exchanger 54. Such reversing of
the circuit 58 is done by the reversing valve 64, which is
schematically shown in a second position in FIG. 3. Diversion line
72 is still used for heating of the adsorbent bed 70 and fluid into
the diversion line 72 is still controlled by the solenoid valve 78.
However, when the system 50 is in the heating mode of FIG. 3, the
solenoid 80 is moved to a second position wherein the fluid of the
diverting line 72 exiting the adsorbent bed 70 is directed to an
alternate line 96 and through a check valve 98. Cooling of the
adsorbent bed 70 during the heating mode of FIG. 3 continues to
occur through the diversion line 90 as discussed above.
[0040] With reference to FIG. 4, a heat pump system 100 is shown
for providing conditioned air (i.e., heated and cooled) within an
enclosure (e.g., a static enclosure, such as a tent or building, or
a dynamic structure, such as a vehicle cabin). In addition, like
the system 50, the system 100 provides selective cooling and
selective heating to one or more adsorbent beds. Unlike the system
50, the system 100 further provides humidity control and preheating
to the one or more temperature controlled adsorbent beds and can
employ a single heat exchange coil or path through each adsorbent
bed for both heating and cooling of the bed. In contrast, the
system 10 of FIG. 1 and the system 50 of FIGS. 2 and 3 use a pair
of coils for heating and cooling of each adsorbent bed, one coil
for heating the bed and the other coil for cooling of the bed.
[0041] Like the system 50, the system 100 includes a compressor
102, such as a scroll compressor, which has a solenoid valve 103
operatively connected thereto as illustrated, for modulating same.
The system 100 further includes an outdoor heat exchanger 104 and
an indoor heat exchanger 106. As is known and understood by those
of skill in the art, the outdoor heat exchanger 104 and the indoor
heat exchanger 106 can be operated so as to remove heat from an
indoor enclosure in which the indoor heat exchanger is disposed (or
at least thermally connected), or to provide heating to the indoor
enclosure in which the indoor heat exchanger 106 is disposed (or at
least thermally connected), depending on the mode of operation of
the heat pump system 100 (in FIG. 4, the system 100 is illustrated
in a heating mode). The system is also shown with de-humidification
being on and preheat being on and the filter material in the bed
being heated. As shown, the outdoor heat exchanger 104 and the
indoor heat exchanger 106, as well as the compressor 102, are
fluidly connected to one another in a heat pump circuit 108.
[0042] As shown, the circuit 108 includes a thermal expansion valve
with a check valve function 110 adjacent the outdoor heat exchanger
104 and a thermal expansion valve with a check valve function 112
adjacent the indoor heat exchanger 106. When operating in the
heating mode of FIG. 4, the valve 112 is disposed downstream of the
indoor heat exchanger 106 and the valve 110 is disposed upstream of
the outdoor heat exchanger 104. Like the system 50, the system 100
includes a reversing valve 114 that allows the circuit 108 to be
operated in reverse (i.e., to remove heat from an indoor enclosure
via the indoor heat exchanger 106). In FIG. 4, the reversing valve
114 is schematically illustrated in a first position wherein a
cooling fluid of the circuit 108 is directed from the compressor
102 to the indoor heat exchanger 106, via a filtration system of
the enclosure, and then to the outdoor heat exchanger 104. Like the
circuits 10 and 58, the circuit 108 can additionally include a
filter drier 116 and a moisture indicator (not shown).
[0043] For heating and cooling of one or more adsorbent beds (only
a single bed 120 shown in FIG. 4) of a regenerative system, the
system 100 includes a single coil, heat exchanger or fluid path 122
passing through each bed that operates in conjunction with a
plurality of diversion lines and solenoid valves. More
particularly, when the circuit 108 is operated in the heating mode
of FIG. 4 and heating of the filter material in the bed 120 is
desired (the operation schematically depicted in FIG. 4), the
heated fluid flows through a solenoid valve 124 and into a line
126. A portion of the heat transfer fluid exiting the compressor
102 can be selectively diverted by a solenoid valve 128 and
directed along branch or divert line 127. That fluid is then
directed through the bed 120 for heating thereof. Further solenoid
valves 129 and 130 are operated to direct the heat transfer fluid
exiting the bed 120 to an outlet line 132, which directs the
diverted heat transfer fluid back to the circuit 108 upstream of
the indoor heat exchanger 106. As shown, a check valve 134 can be
disposed along the line 133. By this arrangement, a portion of the
heating capacity of the heat transfer fluid is used to heat the bed
120 prior to heating the enclosure via the indoor heat exchanger
106.
[0044] The remainder of the heated fluid from the compressor flows
via line 126 to line 136 where it serves to preheat air flowing to
the adsorbent bed 120 via a heat exchanger 138. The fluid then
flows through solenoid valve 140 into the circuit 108. Fluid
entering the indoor heat exchanger flows through circuit 108 and,
in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, can flow directly to the
outdoor heat exchanger 104. However, a portion of it can be tapped
off via solenoid valve 150 and through thermostatic valve 152 into
a further heat exchanger 154 for cooling and dehumidification of
the air flowing to the filter bed 120. That fluid can then flow via
a line 156 through a suction manifold 158 and back to an inlet of
the compressor 102. The remainder of the fluid, as mentioned, flows
through the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the reversing valve 114 and
back to the compressor 102. In the circuit illustrated in FIG. 4, a
portion of the heat from the heated thermal fluid is tapped off and
used for regenerating the adsorbent bed 120. Moreover, another
portion of the heated fluid is used to preheat the air flowing to
the adsorbent bed. As can be seen, a fan 160 can be provided in
order to draw air towards the adsorbent bed 120. Moreover, in the
circuit embodiment of FIG. 4, a portion of the exhausted heat
exchange fluid from the indoor heat exchanger can be tapped off and
used in a dehumidifier 154 before the fluid is directed to the
compressor 102.
[0045] With reference now to FIG. 5, the circuit of FIG. 4 is
illustrated in another configuration. In this configuration, heat
transfer fluid from the compressor flows through solenoid valve 124
and reversing valve 114 directly to the indoor heat exchanger via a
line 170. In this embodiment, dehumidification is still on for
cooling the air and, therefore, dehumidifying it, but preheat is
off. The filter material in the bed 120 is now in a cooling mode
instead of the heating mode illustrated in FIG. 4. Therefore, the
fluid flow circuit is different. A portion of the fluid exhausted
from the indoor heat exchanger 106 which flows via circuit 108 is
tapped off at line 172 and is directed via solenoid valves 130 and
129 and via a thermostatic valve and check valve 174 to the filter
bed 120. It flows through heat exchanger 122 in the filter bed in
order to cool the filter bed. The fluid then flows through solenoid
valve 128 and via suction manifold 158 to the inlet of the
compressor 102. The remainder of the thermal exchange fluid from
the indoor heat exchanger flows via filter dryer 116 to the outdoor
heat exchanger 104 via thermal expansion valve with check valve
110. It is noted that both the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers
can be provided with suitable fans 180 and 182. A further portion
of the exhausted fluid from the indoor heat exchanger can flow
through line 190 and via solenoid valve 150 and thermostatic valve
152 into the heat exchanger 154 for cooling and, hence,
dehumidifying the air flowing towards the filter bed 120. The
exhausted fluid then flows through line 156 to the suction manifold
158.
[0046] With reference now to FIG. 6, a still further circuit is
there illustrated. In this embodiment of the system, the heat pump
is in a cooling mode and dehumidification of the air, i.e., cooling
thereof, is on and preheat of the air flow is also on. In this
embodiment of the circuit, heat transfer fluid leaving the
compressor 102 flows via solenoid valve 124 through line 126 and
enters line 136. A portion of the fluid can then flow via solenoid
valve 128 through the regen bed HX 122 in the filter bed 120,
whereas another portion can flow via heat exchanger 138 that
provides a preheat for the air flow flowing towards the filter. The
portion of the heat transfer fluid flowing through the filter bed
then flows via thermostatic valve 174 and solenoid valve 129 via a
line 190 to a check valve 192 of the circuit 108 and to the outdoor
heat exchanger 104. The heat transfer fluid then flows directly in
circuit 108 via thermostatic valve and check valve 112 to the
indoor heat exchanger 106. After exiting the indoor heat exchanger
106, the heat transfer fluid flows via reversing valve 114 to the
compressor 102, as is evident from FIG. 6.
[0047] With reference now to FIG. 7, still another mode of the
circuit is there illustrated. In this mode, heat transfer fluid
exiting the compressor 102 flows via a solenoid valve 124 and
reversing valve 114 into circuit 108 and to the outdoor heat
exchanger 104. The heat transfer fluid then flows through filter
dryer 116 and towards the indoor heat exchanger 106. A portion of
the heat transfer fluid is tapped off and flows via solenoid valve
150 and thermostatic valve 152 to heat exchanger 154 and, via line
156 and suction manifold 158 back towards the compressor 102.
Another portion of the heat transfer fluid is tapped off via
solenoid valves 129 and 130, as well as thermostatic valve 174
(which also has a check valve) and flows through the adsorbent bed
120 via heat exchange path 122. The fluid then flows through
solenoid valve 128 and into the suction manifold 158 and, hence,
the compressor 102. The remainder of the heat transfer fluid flows
through circuit 108 to the indoor heat exchanger 106. Fluid exiting
the heat exchanger then flows through reversing valve 114 and again
towards the compressor 102.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a depiction of a representative integrated, air
conditioning--TSA, regenerable air purification system that one
might consider for a collective protection application. The
proposed schematic system is a natural extension of the individual
concepts discussed in FIGS. 1 through 7. The discussion will be
divided into two major parts, namely; (1) the air conditioner
components and (2) ambient air flow and purification elements (TSA
system components).
[0049] With reference to FIG. 8, an air conditioning system 200 is
shown for providing conditioned air (i.e., heated and/or cooled)
within an enclosure (e.g., static enclosure, such as a tent or
building, or dynamic structure, such as a vehicle cabin). In
addition, the system 200 provides cooling and selective heating to
four or more regenerable TSA adsorbent filter beds. More
particularly, the system 200 includes a compressor 210 having an
associated solenoid valve 210a operatively connected thereto. The
system 200 further includes condenser heat exchanger 214, a check
valve 222, a receiver 224, a sub-cooling heat exchanger 226, a
thermal expansion valve (TXV) 211, and a recirculation (evaporator)
heat exchanger 218. As is known and appreciated by those skilled in
the art, these elements 210, 210a, 214, 222, 224, 226, 211 and 218
are fluidly connected to one another and employed in a air
conditioning circuit 208 using a heat transfer fluid or medium
(e.g., primary coolant) for providing cooling.
[0050] More particularly, a recirculation blower 209 provides
airflow over the recirculation (evaporator) heat exchanger 218
where heat can be absorbed into the primary coolant of the system
200, cooling the supply-air entering the enclosure 219. Heat
absorbed into primary coolant is returned to the compressor 210 and
circuit 208. Superheated primary coolant is discharged through
conduit 213 into the regen heating heat exchanger 212 where a
secondary coolant de-superheats the primary coolant. The primary
coolant routes via conduit 215 to a solenoid valve 260. When the
solenoid valve 260 is in position A, the primary coolant is
diverted to conduit 217 into the condenser heat exchanger 214,
receiver 224 and sub-cooler 226 where the balance of the heat
absorbed from the evaporators is rejected outside the enclosure. It
is noted that condenser heat exchanger 214 and sub-cooling heat
exchangers can be provided with a suitable fan 203 to exhaust the
heat rejected from heat exchangers 214, 226 and circuit 208 to
outside ambient air.
[0051] Additionally, as shown, a filter drier 228 and moisture
indicator 230 can be provided in circuit 208.
[0052] System 200 can additionally include a re-heat heat exchanger
216 that can provide heating within the enclosure where the hot
discharge coolant from the compressor 210 is circulated via conduit
213, through regen heating heat exchanger 212, into conduit 215,
entering the solenoid valve 260 in position B and diverting into
conduit 261 and entering the re-heat heat exchanger exiting into
conduit 263 then inserted into circuit 208. A recirculation blower
209 provides the airflow over the re-heat heat exchanger 216 where
the heat from system 200 is rejected into the air stream entering
the enclosure, heating the enclosure.
[0053] For heating and cooling of the regenerable TSA adsorbent
filter beds 290, 292, 294 and 296, the system 200 provides a single
heat exchanger embedded in each of the four or more adsorbent beds.
A secondary fluid or medium (e.g., secondary coolant) is heated by
the regen heating heat exchanger 212 or cooled by the regen cooling
heat exchanger 220 then circulated through the TSA adsorbent filter
bed heat exchangers 290, 292, 294 and 296.
[0054] For heating and regeneration of the TSA adsorbent beds
during the purge air cycle, a secondary coolant is heated by the
regen heating heat exchanger 212 as described previously. Where the
heated secondary coolant is circulated from the regen heating heat
exchanger 212 via conduit 221, then circuited through solenoid
valves 244 and 252 positioned in position-A diverting hot secondary
coolant through conduits 223 and 225 into the TSA adsorbent bed
heat exchangers 292 and 296, respectively. Flow control valves 282
and 286 are provided to regulate the hot secondary coolant flow
rate upstream of a second set of solenoid valves 246 and 254 in
position A, diverting hot coolant back though conduit 227, to the
hot secondary coolant pump 272, discharging and returning the hot
secondary coolant via conduit 229 to the regen heating heat
exchanger 212 completing the hot secondary coolant circulation
cycle.
[0055] Solenoid valves 244, 246, 252, 254 are sequenced
simultaneously to position A during the regeneration heating cycle
then to position B for circulation of cold coolant during
regeneration and feed-air cycles.
[0056] Heating of the purge-air during the regeneration cycle is
provided by the secondary fluid (coolant) from the regen heating
heat exchanger 212. Heated secondary coolant is circulated via
conduit 221 then diverted through solenoid valve 256 position-A
diverting hot coolant via conduit 231 into the purge-air heat
exchanger 298. A flow control valve 288 is provided to regulate the
hot secondary coolant flow rate upstream of solenoid valve 258 in
position-A diverting the hot secondary coolant back through conduit
227, hot secondary coolant pump 272, discharging hot secondary
coolant via conduit 229, returning the hot secondary coolant to the
regen heating heat exchanger 212.
[0057] Solenoid valves 256 and 258 are sequenced simultaneously to
position A during the regeneration heating cycle then to position B
for circulation of cold coolant during regeneration and feed-air
cycles.
[0058] Cooling of the TSA adsorbent bed is provided through the
regen cooling heat exchanger 220. Primary coolant is diverted off
circuit 208 via a diverter conduit 265 to thermal expansion valve
266 supplying the primary coolant to regen cooling heat exchanger
220. The primary coolant adsorbs heat from the secondary coolant
exiting regen cooling heat exchanger 220 through conduit 267
returning the primary coolant to circuit 208 and the compressor
210. As known and appreciated by those skilled in the art, these
elements 265, 266, 220, 267 and 210 are fluidly connected to one
another and employed in air conditioning circuit 208 using a heat
transfer fluid or medium (e.g., primary coolant) for providing
cooling to the TSA adsorbent bed heat exchangers 290, 292, 294, 296
and purge air heat exchanger 298. Secondary coolant is circulated
from the regen cooling heat exchanger 220 via conduit 269 then
circuited through solenoid valves 240 and 248 positioned in
position-B diverting cold coolant into the TSA adsorbent bed heat
exchangers 290 and 294, respectively. Flow control valves 280 and
284 are provided to regulate the cold secondary coolant flow rate
upstream of a second set of solenoid valves 242 and 250 in position
B, diverting cold coolant back though conduit 311, to the cold
secondary coolant pump 270, discharging and returning the cold
coolant via conduit 313 to the regen cooling heat exchanger 220
completing the cold secondary coolant circulation cycle.
[0059] Solenoid valves 240, 242, 248, 250 are sequenced
simultaneously to position B during the regeneration and feed-air
cycles then to position A for circulation of hot secondary coolant
during regeneration cycle.
[0060] Cooling of the purge-air during the regeneration and
feed-air cycles can be provided by the secondary fluid (coolant)
from the regen cooling heat exchanger 220. Cold secondary coolant
is circulated via conduit 269 to solenoid valve 256 in position-B
diverting cold coolant via conduit 231 into the purge-air heat
exchanger 298. A flow control valve 288 is provided to regulate the
cold secondary coolant flow rate upstream of solenoid valve 258 in
position-B diverting the hot coolant back through conduit 311, cold
secondary coolant pump 270, conduit 313, returning the cold
secondary coolant to the regen cooling heat exchanger 220.
[0061] For dehumidification of the feed-air. The system 200
provides a de-humidification heat exchanger 264. More particularly
a feed-air blower 207 circulates air over the dehumidification heat
exchanger 264 where heat can be absorbed into the primary coolant
of the system 200, cooled dehumidified air is diverted from the
dehumidification heat exchanger 264 through the feed-air conduits.
Diverting air valves 301, 303, 305 or others direct feed-airflow
over a pair or more of "regenerated" TSA adsorbent beds 290, 292,
294, 296, breathable feed-air can be diverted into the air
conditioning re-heat heat exchanger 216 or recirculation heat
exchanger 218 then diverted into the protected space 219 (i.e., the
enclosure). System 200's primary coolant is diverted from circuit
208 via conduit 315 into a thermal expansion valve 262 upstream of
dehumidifying (evaporator) heat exchanger 264 exiting via conduit
317 back into compressor 210 and circuit 208. As known and
appreciated by those skilled in the art, these elements 315, 262,
264, 317 and 210 are fluidly connected to one another and employed
in a air conditioning circuit 208 using a heat transfer fluid or
medium (e.g., primary coolant) for providing cooling and
dehumidification to the feed air circulating through the TSA
adsorbent bed heat exchangers 290, 292, 294, 296 and purge air heat
exchanger 298 or others.
[0062] The ambient air contaminated with chemical is introduced
into the TSA system at the desired flow rate using the feed airflow
blower 207. The air first passes through the dehumidification heat
exchanger 264 where it is cooled and dehumidified. As stated in the
previous patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,303), the air must be cooled
and dehumidified to provide the required adsorption capacity for
the most weakly adsorbed threat vapors. Next, the air enters the
heavy gas bed selector valve 301 which directs air the contaminated
air to either bed HA 290 or bed HB 292. In the diagram, bed HA 290
is selected. For reference, the heavy gas beds are designed to
remove the most strongly adsorbed vapors so cycle times for bed HA
and HB may be relatively long, e.g., valve 301 may change every 2
hours or so. After exiting bed HA, air then enters the light gas
bed selector valve 303 which is used to select either bed LA 294 or
bed LB 296. In the diagram Bed LA is selected. Valve 303 is changed
much more frequently than valve 301, e.g., every 10 minutes. Both
Beds HA 290 and LA 294 are being cooled by heat exchange with the
fluid from the regen cooling heat exchanger 220. After exiting Bed
LA 294, air with all of the TIC and NBC threat vapors removed,
passes through the purge bed selector valve 305 and into the
protected air space.
[0063] While Beds HA 290 and LA 294 are providing breathable and
cool air to the protected space, beds HB 292 and LB 296 are
beginning to be regenerated. To accomplish this, air is drawn from
the protected space at the desired flow rate using the purge air
blower 209. Air exits the blower and passes through the purge air
heat exchanger 298 to raise the purge air temperature to the
desired level. Hot purge air then enters bed LB 296 which is also
being heated using fluid from the regen heat exchanger 212. Purge
air exiting bed LB 296 enters the light gas bed selector valve 303
and into bed HB 292 which is also being heated using fluid from the
regen heat exchanger 212. Air exits bed HB 292 and enters the heavy
gas bed selector valve 301 where it directed to vent.
[0064] It should noted here again that the system design allows for
beds HA 290 and HB 292 to operate using different cycle times than
beds LA 294 and LB 296. Another possible extension may be to vent
the purge effluent from the light gas bed (in this case LB) for
selected periods of time.
[0065] In some environments, the system 100 may not work
efficiently. For example, the heating mode of the system 100 may
not be effective for heating an enclosure when the outdoor heat
exchanger 104 operates in low temperature environments (e.g., below
17 degrees Fahrenheit). To overcome this problem, the system 100
can include a preheater as discussed. One such preheater is taught
in commonly owned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0085672, the
contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
[0066] While the embodiments described herein are illustrated with
a particular number of filter beds (e.g., one bed, four beds,
etc.), it is to be appreciated by those of skill in the art that
the systems are suitable for use with any number of filter beds. In
particular, regenerative systems typically require at least a pair
of filter beds so that at least one filter bed can remain operation
for filtering contaminants while at least a second bed is
regenerated. Also, while no particular control system has been
illustrated or described, it is to be appreciated that the systems
described herein can be operated by a suitable control system
(e.g., a control system for operating the reversing valve, the
solenoid valves, etc.).
[0067] It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed
and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be
desirably combined into many other different systems or
applications. Also it is to be appreciated that various presently
unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations
or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled
in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the present
disclosure.
* * * * *