LIQUID DESICCANT AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WITH DIRECTED FLUID FLOW

Abstract

The disclosure relates to mass transfer assemblies for heating ventilation and cooling systems. In some examples, a mass transfer apparatus includes a stack of plates, where the stack defines channel pairs, and each channel pair has one conditioning channel and one exhaust channel. An upstream edge of the conditioning channels and a downstream edge of the exhaust channels define an upstream portion of the stack and extend laterally. In addition, the mass transfer apparatus is adapted to feed a fluid feed stream to the conditioning channels, and feed a first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream to the exhaust channels. For each channel pair, an open portion of the upstream edge of the conditioning channel is open for receiving the fluid feed stream, and an open portion of the downstream edge of the exhaust channel is open for exhausting the conditioned fluid feed stream.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to heating ventilation and cooling systems and, more particularly, to mass transfer assemblies for heating ventilation and cooling systems.

BACKGROUND

Heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems generally cool ambient or room temperature air using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. For example, a conditioner of the HVAC systems may blow a stream of air across plates or coils that flow a refrigerant within, thereby removing heat from the stream of air. These HVAC systems may also include a heat exchanger that operates to remove heat from the refrigerant. For example, the heat exchanger may include additional plates or coils through which the refrigerant flows. A fan may blow air across the additional plates or coils to cool the refrigerant flowing within. In some HVAC systems, such as liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) systems, the heat exchangers may include a liquid desiccant to dehumidify the air during the cooling process.

SUMMARY

In some examples, a mass transfer apparatus includes a stack comprising a plurality of plates. The stack defines a plurality of channel pairs, where each channel has one conditioning channel and one exhaust channel. The mass transfer apparatus is adapted to feed a fluid feed stream to the conditioning channels, and feed a first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream to the exhaust channels. An upstream edge of the conditioning channels and a downstream edge of the exhaust channels define an upstream portion of the stack and extend laterally. For each channel pair, an open portion of the upstream edge of the conditioning channel is open for receiving the fluid feed stream, and an open portion of the downstream edge of the exhaust channel is open for exhausting the conditioned fluid feed stream. In addition, for each channel pair, there is no lateral overlap between the open portion of the upstream edge of the conditioning channel and the open portion of the downstream edge of the adjacent exhaust channel.

In some examples, a mass transfer apparatus includes a first plate and a second plate. The mass transfer apparatus also includes a first exhaust channel defined by a first surface of the first plate. Further, the mass transfer apparatus includes a conditioning channel defined by a second surface of the first plate and a first surface of the second plate. The mass transfer apparatus also includes a second exhaust channel defined by a second surface of the second plate. The mass transfer apparatus further includes a conditioning channel blocking element adapted to divert a first fluid to an open portion of the conditioning channel. The mass transfer apparatus also includes a first exhaust channel blocking element adapted to divert a second fluid to an open portion of the first exhaust channel.

In some examples, a method to distribute fluids within a mass transfer apparatus includes feeding a fluid feed stream to an upstream edge of a plurality of conditioning channels to output, from a downstream edge of the plurality of conditioning channels, a conditioned fluid stream. The method also includes feeding a first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream to an upstream edge of a plurality of exhaust channels. Further, the method includes outputting the first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream from a downstream edge of the plurality of exhaust channels. The fluid feed stream flows from the upstream edge of the plurality of conditioning channels to the downstream edge of the conditioning channels in a first direction, and the first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream flows from the upstream edge of the plurality of exhaust channels to the downstream edge of the plurality of exhaust channels in a second direction. The first direction is opposite the second direction, and the fluid feed stream entering the upstream edge of the plurality of conditioning channels is countercurrent to the first portion of the conditioned fluid stream exiting the downstream edge of the plurality of exhaust channels at a first end of the mass transfer apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.

FIG. 1 illustrates a liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) system, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a dual-channel mass transfer assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates fluid flow through multiple channels of a mass transfer assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4A illustrates fluid flow through a channel pair of a mass transfer assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4B illustrates fluid flow through a channel pair of a mass transfer assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4C illustrates fluid flow through a channel pair of a mass transfer assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5A, illustrates a view of a mass transfer apparatus with multiple channel pairs, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5B illustrates a view of a mass transfer apparatus with multiple channel pairs, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5C illustrates a view of a mass transfer apparatus with multiple channel pairs, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5D illustrates an air plenum of a mass transfer apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a mass transfer apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a channel pair of a mass transfer apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 8A illustrates fluid flow through a channel of the mass transfer apparatus of FIG. 7, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 8B illustrates fluid flow through a channel of the mass transfer apparatus of FIG. 7, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 8C illustrates fluid flow through a channel of the mass transfer apparatus of FIG. 7, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 8D illustrates fluid flow through a channel of the mass transfer apparatus of FIG. 7, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates fluid flow through a channel of a mass transfer apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates fluid flow through multiple channels of a mass transfer apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a channel pair of a mass transfer apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an example method to flow fluids within a mass transfer apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 13A illustrates a view of a mass transfer apparatus with multiple channel pairs, in accordance with one embodiment; and

FIG. 13B illustrates a view of a mass transfer apparatus with multiple channel pairs, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion omits or only briefly describes conventional features of heat and mass exchangers that are apparent to those skilled in the art. It is noted that various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest reasonable interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless otherwise specified, and that the terms “includes” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “above” versus “below,” “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral,” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling, and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The terms “operatively connected,” “operably connected,” and the like are such attachments, couplings, or connections that allow the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems and, more particularly, to mass transfer assemblies that direct the flow of a fluid stream, such as an air stream, through multiple channels to transfer heat from the fluid stream and, in some instances, to dehumidify the fluid stream. For example, the mass transfer assemblies may include a stack of plates that define a plurality of channel pairs where each channel pair has one conditioning channel and one exhaust channel. Further, the mass transfer assemblies may be adapted to feed the fluid stream to the conditioning channels to be conditioned, and feed at least a portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream to the exhaust channels.

To facilitate flow of the fluid stream, the mass transfer assemblies may include blocking elements, such as barriers, that guide and restrict airflow to maintain separation between the conditioning and exhaust channels. For example, each channel pair may include an open portion of an upstream edge of the conditioning channel for receiving the fluid stream, and an open portion of a downstream edge of the exhaust channel for exhausting the portion of the conditioned fluid stream. A closed portion of the upstream edge may include a blocking element that blocks the fluid stream from flowing there through, and a closed portion of the downstream edge may include another blocking element that blocks the conditioned fluid stream from flowing there through. In some instances, for each channel pair, there is no lateral overlap between the open portion of the upstream edge of the conditioning channel and the open portion of the downstream edge of the adjacent exhaust channel. In some instances, a fan provides a stream of air to be conditioned. In some examples, the same or another fan facilitates in directing the portion of the conditioned fluid stream to the exhaust channel. As used herein, “fan” is intended to include fans and blowers including, but not limited to, positive displacement blowers, centrifugal blowers, multi-stage centrifugal blowers, high-speed blowers, regenerative blowers, etc.

The mass transfer assemblies may also include a working fluid distribution system configured to distribute a working fluid (e.g., water, refrigerant, liquid desiccant, etc.) to cool the fluid stream. For example, the working fluid distribution system may provide a working fluid, such as water, e.g., to a wicking material, along an exhaust channel to provide indirect evaporative cooling of supply air. In some instances, the mass transfer assemblies may include a conditioning fluid distribution system configured to distribute a conditioning fluid (e.g., a liquid desiccant, water) to dehumidify the fluid stream. For example, the conditioning fluid distribution system may provide a conditioning fluid, such as liquid desiccant, to wicking material to dehumidify the supply air as it passes through the conditioning channel.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an LDAC system 100 that includes a conditioner system 110, a regeneration system 112, and a conditioning fluid (CF) tank 114 that operate to provide a stream of supply air 135 (e.g., via a supply air outlet) to building 101. In this example, conditioner system 110 includes a plate stack 104 that can cool and/or dehumidify a stream of process air 103 (e.g., mixed air) to provide the stream of supply air 135 to building 101. The plate stack 104 may include a plurality of plates that define alternating conditioning channels and exhaust channels, as described herein. In some examples, the plate stack 104 may be manufactured from a metal, such as aluminum, or from any other suitable material, such as thermally conductive material or plastic material.

As illustrated, a supply air fan 102 (e.g., blower) may receive a stream of outside air 131, and/or a stream of return air 137, to provide the stream of process air 103 to the plate stack 104. For example, the conditioner system 110 may combine a flow of the stream of outside air 131 with a flow of the stream of return air 137 to provide the stream of process air 103.

The conditioner system 110 may also direct a portion of the supply air 135 to provide a stream of exhaust air 113 to, for instance, an outside environment. For example, as described herein, the plate stack 104 may define a plurality of channel pairs, where each channel pair includes one conditioning channel and one exhaust channel. The conditioner system 110 may direct the stream of process air 103 through the conditioning channels (e.g., process channels) of the plate stack 104, and may direct at least a portion of the stream of supply air 135 back through the exhaust channels of the plate stack 104 to provide the stream of exhaust air 113. A general direction of flow of the stream of process air 103 through the conditioning channels may be in an opposite, or nearly an opposite, direction than the general direction of flow of the portion of the stream of supply air 135 through the exhaust channels. Further, the conditioner system 110 may be adapted to prevent the stream of exhaust air 113 from mixing with the stream of process air 103.

To dehumidify the stream of process air 103, the plate stack 104 may receive concentrated conditioning fluid 141 from the CF tank 114, and may distribute the concentrated conditioning fluid into the conditioning channels (e.g., into mass transfer elements, such as wicking material) to dehumidify the stream of process air 103. Further, the conditioner system 104 collects the diluted conditioning fluid 143, and returns the diluted conditioning fluid 143 back to the CF tank 114. In some embodiments, the CF tank 114 can be a single tank. In other embodiments, the CF tank 114 can be two tanks where concentrated conditioning fluid is stored in one tank and diluted conditioning fluid is stored in a second tank.

In some examples, the plate stack 104 includes an air plenum 171 that distributes air flow (e.g., an air distribution header). The air plenum 171 may include, a feed chamber 173 and an exhaust chamber 175. The feed chamber 173 may adapted to feed the process air 103 to the conditioning channels, and the exhaust chamber 175 may be adapted to receive the exhaust air 113 from the exhaust channels. In some examples, the feed chamber 173 is in fluid communication with fan 102. The fan 102 (e.g., blower) may blow the process air 103 into the openings of the conditioning channels. In some examples, the exhaust chamber 175 is in fluid communication with a vacuum, and the vacuum may “pull” the exhaust air 113 from openings of the exhaust channels. In some examples, the feed chamber 173 and the exhaust chamber 175 are separated by a dividing member 177 (see, also, FIG. 5C, reference numeral 177).

FIG. 2 illustrates a plate stack 200 with multiple channels including a first conditioning channel 240, an exhaust channel 250, and a second conditioning channel 260. The first conditioning channel 240 and the exhaust channel 250 may form a channel pair, for instance. The first conditioning channel 240 is defined by a first surface 206A of a first plate 206 and a surface of an adjacent plate. The exhaust channel 250 is defined by a first surface 204A of a second plate 204 and a second surface 206B of the first plate 206. The second conditioning channel 260 is defined by a first surface 202A of a third plate 202 and a second surface 204B of the second plate 204.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a stream of air 203 (e.g., process air) flows through the first conditioning channel 240. In some instances, the first plate 206 includes a plurality of fins 210 that provide additional surface area and/or increase heat transfer coefficient, which may increase heat transfer rates and/or cause airflow turbulence, to increase the amount of heat and/or mass transferred from the stream of air 203 as it flows through the conditioning channel 240. In some examples, a conditioning fluid 208, such as liquid desiccant, is provided along a portion of the first surface 206A of the first plate 206. The conditioning fluid 208 dehumidifies the stream of air 203 as it flows through the conditioning channel 240 and past the conditioning fluid 208. As such, the stream of air 203 may be cooled and dehumidified when flowing through the conditioning channel 240.

When exiting the first conditioning channel 240, a portion of the stream of air 203 is provided as supply air 235 (e.g., to a building, such as building 101), and a portion of the stream of air 203 is provided to the exhaust channel 250 as exhaust air 237. The exhaust air 237 flows through the exhaust channel 250 and, for example, is exhausted to an outside environment. In some instances, the exhaust air 237 causes water, such as water 205 that forms on first surface 204A of second plate 204 and second surface 206B of first plate 206, to evaporate. The evaporation may cause a cooling of the conditioning fluid 208 and/or a cooling of the stream of air 203 via the plate 206 and the plurality of fins 210. The plate 206 and the plurality of fins 210 may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as thermally conductive material (e.g., metal) or plastic material.

FIG. 3 illustrates top view of a plate stack 300 that includes a plurality of conditioning channels 340 and a plurality of exhaust channels 350. A conditioning channel 340 and an adjacent exhaust channel 350 may form a channel pair. Although in this example three channel pairs are illustrated, in some examples, a plate stack may include between 120 and 160 channel pairs. In some examples, plate stack 300 may include anywhere between 20 and 300, 50 and 250, or 100 and 200 channel pairs. In some examples, a plate stack 300 may include anywhere between 100 and 150, or 150 and 200 channel pairs.

In this example, each channel pair includes a conditioning channel 340 that is defined by a first surface 310A of a first plate 310 and a first surface 312A of a second plate 312, and an exhaust channel 350 that is defined by a second surface 312B opposite the first surface 312A of the corresponding second plate 312 and a first surface 314A of a third plate 314. The stream of inlet air 301 flows through the conditioning channels 340 to provide a stream of supply air 301 (e.g., to a building, such as building 101). Each conditioning channel 340 includes a dehumidifying section 373 and a cooling section 375. Further, a portion of the stream of supply air 301 is provided back through each exhaust channel 350 to provide a stream of exhaust air 337.

In some instances, a conditioning fluid 311, such as a liquid desiccant, is provided along a portion of the first surface 310A of each first plate 310 and/or along a portion of the first surface 312A of the corresponding second plate 312. In some embodiments, the conditioning fluid 311 flows within a wick, while in other embodiments, the conditioning fluid 310 flows along the surface of the plate (e.g., a hydrophilic surface). As the stream of supply air 301 flows through the conditioning channel 340, the conditioning fluid 311 (e.g., liquid desiccant) absorbs moisture 313 from the stream of supply air 301. Further, as the stream of exhaust air 337 flows through the exhaust channel 350, the stream of exhaust air 337 absorbs heat 314 from working fluid 319 (e.g., water) provided on one or more of the second surface 312B of the second plate 312 and the first surface 314A of the third plate 314. For instance, heat may pass from the conditioning channel 340, through second plate 312, and be absorbed by the portion of the stream of supply air 301 flowing through the exhaust channel 350. Where a portion of the second plate 312 is in contact with the working fluid 319 on one side and the conditioning fluid 311 on the other side, evaporation of the working fluid 319 can function to cool the conditioning fluid 311. Similarly, where a portion of the second plate 312 is in contact with the working fluid 319 on one side and the supply air 301 on the other side, evaporation of the working fluid 319 can function to cool the supply air 301. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, this results in cooling of dehumidified supply air 301, which is more efficient than cooling humidified inlet air 301 entering the conditioning channel 340.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate a mass transfer assembly 400 that includes a conditioning channel 415 and an exhaust channel 413 that, together, form a channel pair as described herein. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, a stream of process air 405 passes through the conditioning channel 415, and a stream of exhaust air 403 passes through the exhaust channel 413. Specifically, the stream of process air 405 passes from an upstream edge 415A of the conditioning channel 415 to a downstream edge 415B of the conditioning channel 415. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the stream of process air 405 enters the conditioning channel 415 through a bottom portion 425 of the mass transfer assembly 400, as the entrance to the conditioning channel 415 along top portion 427 of the mass transfer assembly 400 includes a conditioning channel barrier 429 that prevents the process air 405 from entering or exiting the top portion 427. Thus, the process air 405 flows toward the downstream edge of the conditioning channel 415.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the stream of exhaust air 403 passes from an upstream edge 413A of the exhaust channel 413 to a downstream edge 413B of the exhaust channel 413. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the stream of exhaust air 403 exits the exhaust channel 413 through a top portion 427 of the mass transfer assembly 400, because the bottom portion 425 of the downstream portion of the exhaust channel 413 includes an exhaust channel barrier that prevents the exhaust air 403 from exiting. Thus, the exhaust air 403 exits the exhaust channel 413 along an upper portion 427 of the mass transfer assembly 400. As will be understood, this arrangement could be flipped with process air 405 entering through top portion 427 and exhaust air 403 exiting from the bottom portion 425.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate a mass transfer apparatus 500 with multiple plates 501 that define multiple channel pairs, where each channel pair includes an exhaust channel 504 and a conditioning channel 502. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, a first end (e.g., “front end”) 583 of the mass transfer apparatus 500 includes a separation barrier 520 so that exhaust air exits the exhaust channels 504 on one side (above) of the separation barrier 520 and process air enters the conditioning channels 502 on the other side (below) of the separation barrier 520. The exhaust air may flow from an upstream edge 504A of each exhaust channel 504 to a downstream edge 504B of each corresponding exhaust channel 504. Process air may flow from an upstream edge 502A of each conditioning channel 502 to a downstream edge 502B of each corresponding conditioning channel 502. As illustrated, the upstream edges 502A of the conditioning channels 502 and the downstream edges 504B of the exhaust channels 504 are situated along the same first end 583 of the mass transfer apparatus 500. As such, the process air entering the upstream edge 502A of each conditioning channel 502 and the exhaust air exiting the downstream edge 504B of each corresponding exhaust channel 504 flow countercurrent at the first end 583 of the mass transfer apparatus 500.

In this example, each plate 501 includes a first longitudinally extending edge 539 (e.g., top edge), and a second longitudinally extending edge 549 (e.g., bottom edge) opposite the first longitudinally extending edge 539. Further, the first longitudinally extending edge 539 and the second longitudinally extending edge 549 are blocked from fluid flow. In addition, the multiple plates 501 are manufactured such that the downstream edges 504B of the exhaust channels 504 and the upstream edges 502A of the conditioning channels 502 form a wedge 530 or point. For example, the multiple plates 501 may be manufactured such that the downstream edges 504B of the exhaust channels 504 form a first angle 540 with respect to a top longitudinally extending edge 539 of the multiple plates 501, where the first angle is greater than ninety degrees. The multiple plates 501 may be further manufactured such that the upstream edges 502A of the conditioning channels 502 form a second angle 550 with respect to a bottom longitudinally extending edge 549 of the multiple plates 501, where the second angle 550 is greater than ninety degrees. In some examples, the first angle 540 and/or the second angle 550 are independently between 100 degrees and 150 degrees, inclusive. In some examples, an open portion of the downstream edge 502B of the conditioning channels 502 and an open portion of the upstream edge 504A of the exhaust channels 504 overlap. For instance, the downstream edge 502B and the upstream edge 504A may completely overlap and, in some instances, may be completely open.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, one or more spacers 511 may be positioned between adjacent plates 501. The spacers 511 (e.g., spacing restrictors) may keep one plate distanced from another and prevent collapse of the plates to allow for the flow of fluid through a corresponding channel. For instance, one or more spacers 511A located between first plate 501A and second plate 501B keep the first plate 501A a distance away from the second plate 501B. In addition, the plates 501 are configured such that openings to the conditioning channels 502 alternate with the openings for the exhaust channels 504 along and on either side of the separation barrier 520.

FIG. 5C illustrates a dividing member 177 (e.g., plenum separation barrier) abutting the separation barrier 520 formed by the plates 511. The dividing member 177 may separate the stream of process air 512 entering the conditioning channels 502 from the stream of exhaust air 510 exiting the exhaust channels 504. Further, as illustrated, exhaust air 510 exits through exhaust channel exit openings 564 of the exhaust channels 504 located on a first side (e.g., top side) of the separation barrier 520. On a second side (e.g., bottom side) of the separation barrier 520, process air 512 enters the conditioning channels 502 through process air channel entrance openings 562. As will be understood, using this strategy a feed chamber 173 can be in fluid communication with a supply air fan 102 and the conditioning channels 502 on one side of the separation barrier 520, while an exhaust chamber 175 can be in fluid communication with an exhaust fan and the exhaust channels 504 on the other side of the separation barrier 520.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5D, the mass transfer apparatus 500 includes a header, such as air plenum 171, with a feed chamber, such as feed chamber 173, and an exhaust chamber, such as exhaust chamber 175. The feed chamber may adapted to feed the process air 512 to the process air channel entrance openings 562 of each conditioning channel 502, and the exhaust chamber may be adapted to receive the exhaust air 510 from the exhaust channel exit openings 564 of each exhaust channel 504. In some examples, the feed chamber 173 is in fluid communication with a blower (e.g., fan 102), and the exhaust chamber 175 is in fluid communication with a vacuum. The blower may blow the process air 512 into the process air channel entrance openings 562, and the vacuum (e.g., a blower) may “pull” the exhaust air 510 from the exhaust channel exit openings 564. In some examples, the feed chamber 173 and the exhaust chamber 175 are separated by a dividing member, such as dividing member 177. The dividing member 177 may be adapted to align with laterally overlapping portions of the conditioning channel 502 barriers and the exhaust channel 504 barriers.

FIG. 6 illustrates portions of the second end 585 (e.g., back or downstream end) of the mass transfer apparatus 500. Exhaust air may enter each exhaust channel 504 through an exhaust channel entrance opening 572 of each exhaust channel 504. Further, process air may flow out of each conditioning channel 502 through a corresponding process air channel exit opening 574. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the exhaust channels 504 and conditioning channels 502 can extend laterally along the downstream end 585 of the mass transfer apparatus. For example, in some embodiments, on the downstream end 585 there are no barriers to block, or direct, process air to a top or bottom of the mass transfer apparatus 500 as the process air exits from a downstream edge 502B of the process air channels 502. Similarly, on the downstream end 585 of the mass transfer apparatus 500, there is no barrier to block, or direct, exhaust air to a top, or bottom, of the mass transfer apparatus 500 as the exhaust air enters the upstream edge 504A of the exhaust channels 504.

FIG. 7 illustrates a mass transfer apparatus 700 with a single channel pair that includes an exhaust channel 702 and a conditioning channel 704 (e.g., process channel). The exhaust channel 702 is defined by an inside surface 712A of a first plate 712, and a first surface 714A of a second plate 714. An exhaust channel barrier 724 prevents exhaust from exiting the exhaust channel 702 through a lower portion 725 of the mass transfer apparatus 700. Further, the conditioning channel 704 is defined by a second surface 714B of the second plate 714, and an inside surface 716A of a third plate 716. A process air channel barrier 722 prevents process air from entering the process air channel through an upper portion 723 of the mass transfer apparatus 700. In addition, the exhaust channel 702 may include one or more spacers 711 to separate the first plate 712 from the second plate 714. Similarly, the conditioning channel 704 may include one or more spacers 711 to separate the second plate 714 from the third plate 716.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D illustrate various portions of the mass transfer apparatus 700. For instance, FIG. 8A illustrates the second surface 714B of the second plate 714, which defines, in part, the conditioning channel 704. Further, process air channel barrier 722 prevents process air from entering the conditioning channel 704 through the upper portion 723 of the mass transfer apparatus 700. FIG. 8B illustrates a flow of process air 720 through the conditioning channel 704.

Further, FIG. 8C illustrates the inside surface 712A of the first plate 712, which defines, in part, the exhaust channel 702. The exhaust channel barrier 724 prevents exhaust from exiting the exhaust channel 702 through the lower portion 725 of the mas transfer apparatus 700. FIG. 8D illustrates a flow of exhaust 730 through the exhaust channel 702.

FIG. 9 illustrates a mass transfer apparatus 900 with a stream of process air 920 flowing through a conditioning channel 905. The conditioning channel 905 is defined, at least in part, by a first surface 901 of a first plate 902. The first surface 901 may include one or more spacers 911 that provide a distance between the first surface 901 and a surface of an adjacent plate. The mass transfer apparatus 900 also includes an exhaust channel 913 defined by a second surface 903 of the first plate 902, and a surface of a second plate 907.

FIG. 10 illustrates a mass transfer apparatus 1000 that includes a first plate 1002, a second plate 1003, and a third plate 1005. A first surface 1002A of the first plate 1002 defines, at least in part, a first exhaust channel 1009. The first surface 1002A may include one or more spacers 1011 that provide a distance between the first surface 1002A and a surface of an adjacent plate. Further, a second surface 1002B of the first plate 1002 and a first surface 1003A of a second plate 1003 define a conditioning channel 1004. One or more spacers 1011 may provide a distance between the second surface 1002B and the first surface 1003A. In addition, a second surface 1003B of the second plate 1003 and a first surface 1005A of a third plate 1005 define a second exhaust channel 1008. One or more spacers 1011 may provide a distance between the second surface 1003B and the first surface 1005A.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, a stream of process air 1020 may proceed along the conditioning channel 1004, and may exit the conditioning channel 1004. In this example, a portion of the stream of process air 1020 proceeds back into each of the first exhaust channel 1009 and the second exhaust channel 1008 as exhaust air 1030. For instance, as the stream of process air 1020 exits the conditioning channel 1004, a lower ambient pressure in one or more of the first exhaust channel 1009 and the second exhaust channel 1008 may cause a portion of the stream of process air 1020 to be pulled (e.g., sucked) into the corresponding exhaust channel 1009, 1008. The remaining portion of the stream of process air 1020 may, for example, enter a building (e.g., building 101). In some examples, the mass transfer apparatus 1000 includes a conditioned air flow chamber that is adapted to receive a conditioned stream of process air 1020 from a downstream edge of the conditioning channels 1004 and feed the conditioned stream of process air 1020 to an upstream edge of the exhaust channels 1008, 1009.

FIG. 11 illustrates a mass transfer apparatus 1100 that includes an exhaust channel 1101 and a conditioning channel 1122. A stream of exhaust air 1102 may flow through the exhaust channel 1101 and exit out a downstream edge 1103 of the exhaust channel 1101. The stream of exhaust air 1102 may be prevented from exiting a lower portion of the mass transfer assembly 1100 by an exhaust channel barrier 1140. Further, a stream of process air 1120 may flow through the conditioning channel 1122. The stream of process air 1120 may be prevented from entering an upper portion of the mass transfer assembly 1100 by a process channel barrier 1130.

In this example, rather than a wedge (e.g., wedge 530 of FIG. 5A), a downstream edge 1103 of the exhaust channel 1101 is parallel with an upstream edge 1121 of the conditioning channel 1122. For example, the downstream edge 1103 of the exhaust channel 1101 and the upstream edge of the conditioning channel 1122 may be flush with one another.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a mass transfer apparatus 1300 with multiple plates 1301 that define multiple channel pairs, where each channel pair includes an exhaust channel 1304 and a conditioning channel 1302. Further, the mass transfer apparatus 1300 includes a separation barrier 1320 so that exhaust air exits the exhaust channels 1304 on one side (above) of the separation barrier 1320 and process air enters the conditioning channels 1302 on the other side (below) of the separation barrier 1320. In this example, the multiple plates 1301 are aligned such that an upper portion 1370 and lower portion 1372 of each plate 1301 forms a flat surface with the separation barrier 1320.

As illustrated in FIG. 13A, one or more spacers 1311 may be positioned between adjacent plates 1301. As described herein, the spacers 1311 (e.g., spacing restrictors) may keep one plate distanced from another and prevent collapse of the plates to allow for the flow of fluid through a corresponding channel. For instance, one or more spacers 1311A located between first plate 1301A and second plate 1301B keep the first plate 1301A a distance away from the second plate 1301B. In addition, the plates 1301 are configured such that openings to the conditioning channels 1302 alternate with the openings for the exhaust channels 1304 along and on either side of the separation barrier 1320.

FIG. 13B illustrates a dividing member 177 (e.g., plenum separation barrier) abutting the separation barrier 1320 formed by the plates 1311. The dividing member 177 may separate the stream of process air 1312 entering the conditioning channels 1302 from the stream of exhaust air 510 exiting the exhaust channels 1304. Further, as illustrated, exhaust air 1310 exits through exhaust channel exit openings 1364 of the exhaust channels 1304 located on a first side (e.g., top side) of the separation barrier 1320. On a second side (e.g., bottom side) of the separation barrier 1320, process air 1312 enters the conditioning channels 1302 through process air channel entrance openings 1362. As will be understood, using this strategy a feed chamber 173 can be in fluid communication with a supply air fan 102 and the conditioning channels 1302 on one side of the separation barrier 1320, while an exhaust chamber 175 can be in fluid communication with an exhaust fan and the exhaust channels 1304 on the other side of the separation barrier 1320.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1200 to flow fluid streams within a mass transfer apparatus, such as mass transfer apparatus 500. Beginning at step 1202, a fluid feed stream is fed to an upstream edge of each of a plurality of conditioning channels to output a conditioned fluid feed stream. For example, mass transfer apparatus 500 may be adapted to feed process air to an upstream edge 502A of each conditioning channel 502 to condition the process air, and output, out the downstream edge 502B of each corresponding conditioning channel 502, the conditioned process air.

Further, at step 1204, a first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream is fed to an upstream edge of a plurality of exhaust channels. For example, a portion of the conditioned process air of the mass transfer apparatus 500 may be pulled into an upstream edge 504A of each exhaust channel 504. At step 1206, the first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream is output from a downstream edge of the plurality of exhaust channels. For example, the portion of the conditioned process air may flow as a stream of exhaust from the upstream edge 504A of each exhaust channel 504 to a downstream edge 504B of each corresponding exhaust channel 504, and may proceed out the downstream edges 504B to an outside environment.

At least some of the embodiments described herein provide a mass transfer apparatus that includes alternating conditioning channels and exhaust channels defined by adjacent plates. For example, the mass transfer apparatus may include a stack having a plurality of plates, where the stack defines a plurality of channel pairs, and each channel pair has one conditioning channel and one exhaust channel. The mass transfer apparatus may be adapted to feed a fluid feed stream to the conditioning channels, and feed a first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream to the exhaust channels. Further, an upstream edge of the conditioning channels and a downstream edge of the exhaust channels define an upstream portion of the stack and extends laterally. For each channel pair, an open portion of the upstream edge of the conditioning channel is open for receiving a fluid feed stream, and an open portion of the downstream edge of the exhaust channel is open for exhausting the conditioned fluid feed stream. Further, for each channel pair, there may be no lateral overlap between the open portion of the upstream edge of the conditioning channel and the open portion of the downstream edge of the adjacent exhaust channel.

In some examples, a downstream edge of the conditioning channels and an upstream edge of the exhaust channels define a downstream edge of the stack and extend laterally. In some examples, for each channel pair, an open portion of the downstream edge of the conditioning channels and an open portion of an upstream edge of the exhaust channels overlap.

In some examples, the mass transfer apparatus includes a conditioned air flow chamber that is adapted to receive air from the open portion of the downstream edge of the conditioning channels and feed the first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream to the open portion of an upstream edge of the exhaust channels. In some examples, a second portion of the conditioned fluid feed exits the mass transfer apparatus via a supply air outlet.

In some examples, the mass transfer apparatus includes, for each channel pair, a conditioning channel blocking element and an exhaust channel blocking element. In some examples, there is lateral overlap between the conditioning channel blocking element and the exhaust channel blocking element.

In some examples, the mass transfer apparatus includes an air plenum with a feed chamber and an exhaust chamber. In some examples, the feed chamber is adapted to feed an open portion of an upstream edge of each conditioning channel. In some examples, the exhaust chamber is adapted to receive fluid from an open portion of a downstream edge of each exhaust channel. In some examples, the feed chamber and the exhaust chamber are separated by a dividing member. The dividing member may be adapted to align with laterally overlapping portions of conditioning channel blocking elements and exhaust channel blocking elements.

In some examples, each of the plurality of plates includes a first longitudinally extending edge, and a second longitudinally extending edge opposite the first longitudinally extending edge. In some examples, the first longitudinally extending edge and the second longitudinally extending edge are blocked from fluid flow.

In some examples, the mass transfer apparatus includes multiple fluid distribution systems within the alternating conditioning channels and exhaust channels to distribute fluids. For example, one fluid distribution system may distribute a conditioning fluid, such as liquid desiccant, to wicking material within the conditioning channels. Another fluid distribution system may distribute a working fluid, such as water, to wicking material within the exhaust channels. Each of the fluid distribution systems may be enabled by fluid distribution headers that operate to distribute the various fluids to corresponding wicking materials, and distribution collectors that collect the various fluids after flowing through the respective wicking materials and keep the fluids separated.

The conditioning channels may receive a flow of air, such as outside air (e.g., process air), to be conditioned (e.g., cooled), and the conditioning fluid may dehumidify the air as it passes through the conditioning channels. The conditioning channels may supply the conditioned air as a supply of air to, for example, a building (e.g., industrial building) or home.

Further, the exhaust channels may receive a portion of the conditioned (dehumidified) air exiting the conditioning channels, and the portion of conditioned air flowing through the exhaust channel may absorb water from the wicking material of the exhaust channels, which will function to further cool the air flowing through the conditioning channels. For instance, heat may transfer from the wicking material to the exhaust air, which provides further cooling to the supply air on an adjacent conditioning channel. The exhaust channels may supply the exhaust air to outside, such as outside the building or home.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A mass transfer apparatus, comprising: a stack comprising a plurality of plates;the stack defining a plurality of channel pairs, each having one conditioning channel and one exhaust channel;wherein the mass transfer apparatus is adapted to feed a fluid feed stream to the conditioning channels, and feed a first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream to the exhaust channels;wherein an upstream edge of the conditioning channels and a downstream edge of the exhaust channels define an upstream portion of the stack and extend laterally;wherein, for each channel pair, an open portion of the upstream edge of the conditioning channel is open for receiving the fluid feed stream, and an open portion of the downstream edge of the exhaust channel is open for exhausting the conditioned fluid feed stream, andwherein, for each channel pair, there is no lateral overlap between the open portion of the upstream edge of the conditioning channel and the open portion of the downstream edge of the adjacent exhaust channel.

2. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein a downstream edge of the conditioning channels and an upstream edge of the exhaust channels define a downstream edge of the stack and extend laterally.

3. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 2, wherein, for each channel pair, an open portion of the downstream edge of the conditioning channels and an open portion of an upstream edge of the exhaust channels overlap.

4. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a conditioned air flow chamber, which is adapted to receive air from the open portion of the downstream edge of the conditioning channels and feed the first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream to the open portion of an upstream edge of the exhaust channels.

5. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein a second portion of the conditioned fluid feed exits the mass transfer apparatus via a supply air outlet.

6. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 1, further comprising, for each channel pair, a conditioning channel blocking element and an exhaust channel blocking element; wherein, for each channel pair, there is lateral overlap between the conditioning channel blocking element and the exhaust channel blocking element.

7. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an air plenum, wherein the air plenum comprises a feed chamber and an exhaust chamber, and wherein the feed chamber is adapted to feed the open portion of the upstream edge of each conditioning channel, and the exhaust chamber is adapted to receive fluid from the open portion of the downstream edge of each exhaust channel.

8. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 7, wherein the feed chamber and the exhaust chamber are separated by a dividing member, wherein the dividing member is adapted to align with the laterally overlapping portions of conditioning channel blocking elements and exhaust channel blocking elements.

9. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 7, wherein the feed chamber is in fluid communication with a blower, and the exhaust chamber is in fluid communication with a vacuum.

10. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein each plate comprises a first longitudinally extending edge and a second longitudinally extending edge, opposite the first longitudinally extending edge; and wherein the first longitudinally extending edge and the second longitudinally extending edge are blocked from fluid flow.

11. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upstream edge of the conditioning channels and the downstream edge of the exhaust channels form a wedge.

12. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 11, wherein upstream edge of the conditioning channels forms an angle greater than ninety degrees with respect to a first longitudinally extending edge, and the downstream edge of the exhaust channels form an angle greater than ninety degrees with respect to a first longitudinally extending edge, to form the wedge.

13. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upstream edge of the conditioning channels and the downstream edge of the exhaust channels are parallel.

14. A mass transfer apparatus, comprising: a first plate and a second plate;a first exhaust channel defined by a first surface of the first plate;a conditioning channel defined by a second surface of the first plate and a first surface of the second plate;a second exhaust channel defined by a second surface of the second plate;a conditioning channel blocking element adapted to divert a first fluid to an open portion of the conditioning channel; anda first exhaust channel blocking element adapted to divert a second fluid to an open portion of the first exhaust channel.

15. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 14, comprising a second exhaust channel blocking element adapted to divert the second fluid to an open portion of the second exhaust channel.

16. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 14, wherein the conditioning channel blocking element is adapted to block the first fluid from flowing through a closed portion of the conditioning channel.

17. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first exhaust channel blocking is adapted to block the second fluid from flowing through a closed portion of the first exhaust channel.

18. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 14, comprising at least one spacer adapted to provide a distance between the second surface of the first plate and the first surface of the second plate.

19. The mass transfer apparatus of claim 14, wherein the open portion of the conditioning channel is offset from the open portion of the first exhaust channel and from the open portion of the second exhaust channel.

20. A method to distribute fluids within a mass transfer apparatus, comprising: feeding a fluid feed stream to an upstream edge of a plurality of conditioning channels to output, from a downstream edge of the plurality of conditioning channels, a conditioned fluid stream;feeding a first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream to an upstream edge of a plurality of exhaust channels; andoutputting the first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream from a downstream edge of the plurality of exhaust channels, wherein the fluid feed stream flows from the upstream edge of the plurality of conditioning channels to the downstream edge of the conditioning channels in a first direction, the first portion of the conditioned fluid feed stream flows from the upstream edge of the plurality of exhaust channels to the downstream edge of the plurality of exhaust channels in a second direction, the first direction is opposite the second direction, and the fluid feed stream entering the upstream edge of the plurality of conditioning channels is countercurrent to the first portion of the conditioned fluid stream exiting the downstream edge of the plurality of exhaust channels at a first end of the mass transfer apparatus.