REFRIGERATION SYSTEM USING THERMALLY RESPONSIVE LIQUIDS

Abstract

Systems and methods for cooling air with an air conditioning. The system comprises a first thermally responsive liquid having a first lower critical solution temperature (LCST) configured to be separated into a first water-scarce phase liquid and a first water-rich phase upon liquid heating. The system further comprises a first heater configured to heat the first thermally responsive liquid to a temperature that is at least the first LCST to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and the first water-rich phase liquid. The system may also comprise a closed loop air system configured to circulate air. The first water-scarce phase liquid may be configured to absorb moisture from the air and the first water-rich phase liquid may be configured to desorb water into the air to cause cooling through evaporative cooling.

Description

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods, and more particularly to air conditioning system with thermally responsive liquids.

2. Description of Related Art

The most common method of air conditioning is vapor compression. Vapor compression systems use electricity intensive compressors and high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. GWP refrigerants can be volatile and can enter the atmosphere upon leaking. Other air conditioning systems utilize desiccant systems which use hot air to pull moisture off of the desiccant during regeneration. That hot moisture is then exhausted to the outside, going unused. Other thermoresponsive air conditioning systems use solid desiccants. These solid desiccants cannot be easily pumped throughout the system.

Thus, technological innovation is needed to provide systems and methods of cooling via an air conditioning system that overcome the limitations of the conventional systems and methods. Thus, one focus of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system with a thermally responsive liquid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods of an innovative system for cooling air with the air conditioning system.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioning system comprises a first thermally responsive liquid having a first lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The first thermally responsive liquid may be configured to be separated into a first water-scarce phase liquid and a first water-rich phase upon liquid heating. The air conditioning system may further comprise a first heater that may be configured to heat the first thermally responsive liquid to a temperature that is at least the first LCST to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and the first water-rich phase liquid. The system may also comprise a closed loop air system configured to circulate air, wherein the first water-scarce phase liquid is configured to absorb moisture from the air and the first water-rich phase liquid is configured to desorb water into the air to cause cooling through evaporative cooling.

In various embodiments, the air conditioning system may further comprise a first separator configured to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and first water-rich phase liquid. In one or more embodiments, the system may further comprise a first absorber configured to receive the first water-scarce phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator. The first absorber may be configured to cause heat transfer. In one or more embodiments, the system may also comprise a first desorber configured to receive the first water-rich phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator. The first desorber may be configured to desorb moisture to the air. In various embodiments, the first absorber may comprise a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-scarce phase liquid and upward flowing air. The first absorber may further comprise a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one absorber channel.

In one or more embodiments, the first desorber may comprise a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-rich phase liquid and upward flowing air. The first desorber may further comprise a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one desorber channel. In various embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one recuperator configured to transfer heat to the first thermally responsive liquid from the first water-scarce phase liquid and/or the first water-rich phase liquid. In various embodiments, the first heater may comprise one or more of solar heat, waste heat, gas heat, electric heat, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the first thermally responsive liquid may be configured to comprise a first predetermined concentration of a salt. The first predetermined concentration of the salt may be configured to assist with absorbing moisture.

In various embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one additional thermally responsive liquid having at least one additional lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The at least one additional thermally responsive liquid may be configured to be separated into at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid and at least one additional water-rich phase liquid. In one or more embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one additional heater configured to transfer heat to the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid to separate the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid into at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid and at least one additional water-rich phase liquid. In various embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one additional separator configured to separate the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid into the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid and at least one additional water-rich phase liquid. In various embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one additional absorber configured to receive the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid of the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid from the separator. In various embodiments, the system may also comprise at least one additional desorber configured to receive the at least one additional water-rich phase liquid of the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid from the separator.

In various embodiments, the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid comprises at least one additional predetermined concentration of a salt. The at least one additional predetermined concentration of the salt may be configured to assist with absorbing moisture. The at least one additional predetermined concentration of the salt of at least one additional thermally responsive liquid may be configured to be different than a first predetermined concentration of the first thermally responsive liquid.

In another exemplary embodiments, an air conditioning system may comprise a first thermally responsive liquid having a first lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The first thermally responsive liquid may be configured to be separated into a first water-scarce phase liquid and a first water-rich phase upon liquid heating. The system may further comprise a second thermally responsive liquid having a second LCST. The second thermally responsive liquid may be configured to be separated into a second water-scarce phase liquid and second water-rich phase liquid. The system may further comprise a first heater configured to heat the first thermally responsive liquid to a temperature that is at least the first LCST to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and the first water-rich phase liquid. The system may further comprise a second heater configured to heat the second thermally responsive liquid to a temperature that is at least the second LCST to separate the second thermally responsive liquid into the second water-scarce phase liquid and the second water-rich phase liquid. The system may further comprise a first separator configured to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and first water-rich phase liquid.

The system may further comprise a second separator configured to separate the second thermally responsive liquid into the second water-scarce phase liquid and the second water-rich phase liquid. The system may further comprise a first absorber configured to receive the first water-scarce phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator. The first absorber may be configured to cause heat transfer. The system may further comprise a second absorber configured to receive the second water-scarce phase liquid of the second thermally responsive liquid from the separator. The second absorber may be configured to cause heat transfer. The system may further comprise a first desorber configured to receive the first water-rich phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator. The first desorber may be configured to desorb moisture to the air. The system may also comprise a second desorber configured to receive the second water-rich phase liquid of the second thermally responsive liquid from the separator. The first desorber may be configured to desorb moisture to the air. The first water-scarce phase liquid and second water-scarce phase liquid may be configured to absorb moisture.

In various embodiments, the first thermally responsive liquid may comprise a first predetermined concentration of a salt and the second thermally responsive liquid comprises a second predetermined concentration of a salt. The first predetermined concentration of the salt and the second predetermined concentration of the salt may be configured to assist with absorbing moisture. In one or more embodiments, the first predetermined concentration of the salt may be configured to be different than the second predetermined concentration of salt.

In various embodiments, the system may further comprise an open loop air system. The first water-rich phase liquid and the second water-rich phase liquid may be configured for evaporative cooling. The first water-scarce phase liquid and second water-scarce phase liquid may be configured to absorb moisture from at least one of: the first water-rich phase liquid, second water-rich phase liquid, or the air. In various embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one additional recuperator configured to transfer heat to the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid from the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid and/or at least one additional water-rich phase liquid.

In various embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one air-to-air heat exchanger, wherein the air-to-air heat exchanger is configured to receive dehumidified air from the first absorber and second absorber and humidified air from the first desorber and second desorber and transfer heat from the dehumidified air to the humidified air. In one or more embodiments, the system may further comprise at least one liquid-to-air heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the first water-scarce phase liquid, second water-scarce phase liquid, first water-rich phase liquid, and/or second water-rich phase liquid to ambient temperature. In various embodiments, the system may comprise a closed loop air system. The first water-scarce phase liquid and second water-scarce phase liquid may be configured to absorb moisture from the air in the closed loop air system in the first absorber and in the second absorber. The first water-rich phase liquid and second water-rich phase liquid may be configured for evaporative cooling.

In various embodiments, the first absorber and/or second absorber may comprise a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-scarce phase liquid and upward flowing air. In various embodiments, the first absorber and/or second absorber may further comprise a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one absorber channel. In various embodiments, the first desorber and/or second desorber may comprise a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-rich phase liquid and upward flowing air. In various embodiments, the first desorber and/or second desorber may also comprise a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one desorber channel.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for cooling air with the air conditioning system. The method may comprise heating the first thermally responsive liquid comprising the first lower critical solution temperature (LCST) with the first heater to a temperature so that the first thermally responsive liquid separates into a water-scarce phase liquid and a water-rich phase upon liquid heating. The method may further comprise separating the first thermally responsive liquid into the water-scarce phase liquid and water-rich phase liquid. The method may further comprise cooling the water-scarce phase liquid and the water-rich phase liquid. The system may further comprise absorbing moisture with the water-scarce phase liquid. The method may also comprise desorbing moisture with the water-rich phase liquid. In various embodiments, the first thermally responsive liquid may comprise a first predetermined concentration of a salt that assists with absorbing moisture.

In various embodiments, the method may further comprise adjusting the first predetermined concentration of the salt so that the first thermally responsive liquid absorbs a greater percentage of moisture thereby improving the efficiency of the air conditioning system.

These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimed invention(s) will become apparent from the following detailed written description of the preferred embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications thereto may be affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations, features, and aspects of the disclosed technology are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the disclosed technology. Other implementations, features, and aspects can be understood with reference to the following detailed description, accompanying drawings, and claims. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like members of an embodiment. Reference will now be made to the accompanying figures and flow diagrams, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic of an air conditioning system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary schematic of an air conditioning system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary absorber of an air conditioning system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary schematic of an air conditioning system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary schematic of an air conditioning system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary schematic of an air conditioning system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary schematic of an air conditioning system with an open air loop in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary schematic of an air conditioning system with an open air loop in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary schematic separation of a thermally responsive liquid in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary schematic of an air conditioning system with a closed air loop in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary schematic of an air conditioning system with a closed air loop in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary thermally responsive liquid of an air conditioning system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary thermally responsive liquid of an air conditioning system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C illustrates at least one exemplary thermally responsive liquid of an air conditioning system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5D illustrates at least one exemplary thermally responsive liquid of an air conditioning system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other exemplary embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosure is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other exemplary embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferred exemplary embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the present disclosure, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. The components, steps, and materials described hereinafter as making up various elements of the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components, steps, and materials that would perform the same or similar functions as the components, steps, and materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosure. Such other components, steps, and materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, similar components or steps that are developed after development of the embodiments disclosed herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Also, in describing the preferred exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another exemplary embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.

By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named compound, member, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary air conditioning system 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the air conditioning system 100 may include a first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) 110 and a first heater 120. In one or more embodiments, the system may further comprise a first separator 130, a first absorber 140, and/or a first desorber 150. In various embodiments, first thermally responsive liquid 110 can be configured to have a moderate phase liquid configured to separate into a first water-scarce phase liquid 110b and a first water-rich phase liquid 110a upon heating. In various embodiments, the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) 110 may comprise a first predetermined concentration of salt. The first predetermined concentration may be configured to change one or more properties of the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) 110. In various embodiments, the first predetermined concentration of salt may change (e.g., increase or decrease) the absorption property of the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) 110. In various embodiments, the salt may be lithium chloride.

In various embodiments, the first heater 120 may be configured to transfer heat to the moderate phase liquid 110c to separate the moderate phase liquid 110c into the first water-scarce phase liquid 110b and the first water-rich phase liquid 110a. In various embodiments, the first separator 130 can be configured to physically separate the first water-scarce phase liquid 110b and the first water-rich phase liquid 110a. In various embodiments, the first absorber 140 can be configured to receive the first water-scarce (WS) phase liquid 110b. In various embodiments, the WS phase liquid 110b may be configured to absorb moisture from air (e.g., humid air 102a) thereby dehumidifying the air (e.g., dry air 102b). In one or more embodiments, the first absorber 140 can cause heat transfer 104. The first desorber 150 may be configured to receive the first water-rich (WR) phase liquid 110a, such that the first WR phase liquid 110a may be configured to desorb moisture to air thereby cooling the first desorber 150 through evaporative cooling. For example, the evaporative cooling can cause heat transfer 104.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate exemplary air conditioning systems in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the air conditioning system illustrated in FIG. 1 may further comprise a recuperator 160 configured to transfer heat to the moderate phase liquid 110c from the first WR phase liquid 110a and/or the first WS phase liquid 110b. In various embodiments, the air conditioning system 200 may further comprise at least one air-to-air heat exchanger 170 configured to receive the dehumidified air from the first absorber 140 and the humidified air from the first desorber 150. In various embodiments, the at least one air-to-air heat exchanger may be further configured to transfer heat from the dehumidified air to the humidified air. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 200 may further comprise at least one more liquid-to-air heat exchangers 180 to transfer heat from one or more of the WR phase liquid 110a or WS phase liquid 110b to ambient.

In various embodiments, the air conditioning system 200 can further include a first fan 190 that blows air over the first absorber 140 to reduce its temperature. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 200 can further include one or more additional fans that may be configured to blow air over the first desorber 150, thereby cooling the air passing over the first desorber 150. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 200 may further comprise include at least one additional desorber 210, such that the at least one additional desorber 210 may be configured to receive the WR phase liquid 110a leaving the first desorber 150, wherein the WR phase liquid 110a desorbs moisture to air.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to FIG. 2B, the first absorber 140 can include a plurality of channels 142 with downward flowing WS phase liquid 110b and upward flowing air and a plurality of heat exchanger fins 144 extending from an exterior of the absorber channels. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first desorber 150 can include a plurality of channels 142 with downward flowing WS phase liquid 110b and upward flowing air and a plurality of heat exchanger fins 144 extending from an exterior of the absorber channels 142.

In various embodiments, the first heater 120 may include a section of pipe with the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) 110 flowing in it, such that the section of pipe may comprise a dark color exterior to absorb energy from the sun. In various embodiments, the first heater 120 may include one or more of solar heat, waste heat, gas heat, electric heat, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the first recuperator 160 may include a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the WR phase liquid 110a to the moderate phase liquid 110c and/or at least one additional heat exchanger 164 configured to transfer heat from the WR phase liquid 110b to the moderate phase liquid 110c. In one or more embodiments, the first recuperator 160 can include a single heat exchanger 161 that has the moderate phase liquid 110c flowing in a first direction 166 and the WR phase liquid 110a and WS phase liquid 110b flowing in a second direction 168, such that the moderate 110c, WR 110a, and WS 110b phase liquids are all physically separated.

With reference to FIG. 2A, in various embodiments, the air conditioning system 200 including the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) may be configured to have a moderate phase liquid 110c configured to separate into a WR phase liquid 110a and WS phase liquid 110b upon heating. In various embodiments, the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) may comprise a first predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, the first predetermined concentration of salt is configured to assist with the absorption properties of the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST). In various embodiments, the air conditioning system may comprise an outside portion 105 and/or an inside unit 240. In various embodiments, the outside portion 105 can include at least one of: a recuperator, a heater, a separator, an absorber, and/or an air-to-air heat exchanger.

In various embodiments, the air conditioning system 200 may include at least one inside unit 240. In various embodiments, the at least one inside unit 240 may include a desorber configured to receive the WR phase liquid, such that the WR phase liquid may be configured to desorb moisture to inside air thereby cooling the desorber through evaporative cooling. In various embodiments, a liquid-to-liquid heater may be configured to transfer heat from the WR phase liquid entering the desorber to the WR phase liquid leaving the desorber. In one or more embodiments, a heat exchanger may be configured to receive the dehumidified outside air from the absorber and the humidified inside air from the desorber and transfer heat from the dehumidified outside air to the humidified inside air.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the air conditioning system 100, 200 may comprise a close loop air system. In various embodiments, the air conditioning system with a closed loop air system may comprise a first thermally responsive liquid having a first lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and a first heater configured to heat the first thermally responsive liquid to a temperature that is at least the first LCST to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and the first water-rich phase liquid. In various embodiments, the first thermally responsive liquid is configured to be separated into a first water-scarce phase liquid and a first water-rich phase upon liquid heating. In various embodiments, the air conditioning system may further comprise a first separator configured to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and first water-rich phase liquid.

In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system may further comprise a first absorber configured to receive the first water-scarce phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator and/or a first desorber configured to receive the first water-rich phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator. In various embodiments, the first absorber may be configured to configured to cause heat transfer. In one or more embodiments, the first deorber may be configured to desorb moisture to the air.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate exemplary air conditioning systems with a closed air loop system and portions thereof in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 3A, in various embodiments, an exemplary air conditioning system 300 may comprise at least a first thermally responsive liquid having a first lower critical solution temperature (LCST) 310 and a first heater 320. In various embodiments, the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) may comprise a first predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, first thermally responsive liquid 310 can be configured to have a moderate phase liquid configured to separate into a first water-scarce phase liquid 310b and a first water-rich phase liquid 310a upon heating. In one or more embodiments, the first heater 320 may be configured to heat the first thermally responsive liquid to a temperature that is at least the first LCST to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and the first water-rich phase liquid. In various embodiments, the first predetermined concentration of salt is configured to assist with the absorption properties of the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST).

With further reference to FIG. 3A, in various embodiments, the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise a first separator configured to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and first water-rich phase liquid. In various embodiments, the first separator may be a membrane structure configured to separate the water-rich phase liquid 310a from at least a portion of the water-scarce phase liquid 310b. In various embodiments, the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise a first absorber 340 configured to receive the first water-scarce phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator. In one or more embodiments, water-scarce phase liquid 310b may be configured to at least partially moisture from air (e.g., humid air) thereby dehumidifying the air (e.g., dry air). The first absorber 340 can cause heat transfer 304. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise a first desorber 350 can be configured to receive the water-rich phase liquid 310a, such that the water-rich phase liquid 310a may desorb moisture to air thereby cooling the first desorber 350 through evaporative cooling. For example, the evaporative cooling can cause heat transfer 304.

With further reference to FIG. 3A, in various embodiments, the first heater 320 may comprise at least a portion of a pipe with the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) 310 flowing in it. In various embodiments, the first heater 310 may include one or more of: solar heat, waste heat, gas heat, electric heat, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the air conditioning system may further comprise a first recuperator 360 configured to transfer heat to the first thermally responsive liquid 310 from the water-rich phase liquid 310a and the water-scarce phase liquid 310b. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 300 can further include a first fan 390 that blows air over the first absorber 340 to reduce its temperature. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise one or more additional fan that may be configured to blow air over the first desorber 350, thereby cooling the air passing over the first desorber 350.

In various embodiments, the first absorber 340 may comprise a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-scarce phase liquid and upward flowing air. In various embodiments, the first absorber 340 may further comprise a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one absorber channel. In one or more embodiments, the first desorber 350 may comprise a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-rich phase liquid and upward flowing air. In various embodiments, the first desorber may further comprise a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one desorber channel.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary air conditioning system 300 with at least one stage. In various embodiments, the multistage air conditioning system 300 may utilize certain salts (such as LiCl) added to the first thermally responsive liquid 310, a second thermally responsive liquid 312, and/or at least one additional thermally responsive liquid 314. In various embodiments, the first thermally responsive liquid 310 may comprise a first predetermined concentration of salt, the second thermally responsive liquid 312 may comprise a second predetermined concentration of salt, and/or at least one additional thermally responsive liquid 314 may comprise an at least one additional predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, the first predetermined concentration of salt, the second predetermined concentration of salt, and/or at least one additional predetermine concentration of salt may be configured to at least partially change the properties of the respective thermally responsive liquid, such that the air conditioning system may reach lower temperatures and humidities. In various embodiments, the first predetermined concentration of salt is configured to be different (e.g., less than or greater than) the second predetermined concentration of salt and/or the at least one additional predetermined concentration of salt.

With reference to FIG. 3B, in various embodiments, the air conditioning system 300 may comprise at least a first heater 320A, a first absorber 340A, a first desorber 350A, and/or a first thermally responsive liquid 310 comprising a first predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, the first heater 320A may be configured to heat the first thermally responsive liquid 310 to a temperature that is at least the first LCST to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid 310b and the first water-rich phase liquid 310a. In various embodiments, the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise a second heater 320B, a second absorber 340B, a second desorber 350B, and/or a second thermally responsive liquid 312 having a second LCST and a second predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, the second heater 320B may be configured to heat the second thermally responsive liquid 312 to a temperature that is at least the second LCST to separate the second thermally responsive liquid into the second water-scarce phase liquid 312b and the second water-rich phase liquid 312a. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system may further comprise at least one additional heater 320N, at least one additional second absorber 340N, at least one additional second desorber 350N, and/or at least one additional thermally responsive liquid 314 having at least one additional LCST and at least one additional predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, the at least one additional heater 320N may be configured to heat the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid 314 to a temperature that is at least the at least one additional LCST to separate the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid into the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid 314b and the at least one additional water-rich phase liquid 314a.

In various embodiments, the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise a first recuperator 360A configured to transfer heat to the first thermally responsive liquid 310 from the first water-rich phase liquid 310a and the first water-scarce phase liquid 310b. In one or more embodiments, the first stage of the air conditioning system 300 can further include a first fan 390A that blows air over the first absorber 340A to reduce its temperature. In one or more embodiments, the first stage of the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise one or more additional fan that may be configured to blow air over the first desorber 350A, thereby cooling the air passing over the first desorber 350A. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise a second recuperator 360B configured to transfer heat to the second thermally responsive liquid 312 from the second water-rich phase liquid 312a and the second water-scarce phase liquid 312b. In one or more embodiments, the second stage of the air conditioning system 300 can further include a second fan 390B that blows air over the second absorber 340B to reduce its temperature. In one or more embodiments, the second stage of the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise one or more additional fan that may be configured to blow air over the second desorber 350B, thereby cooling the air passing over the second desorber 350B. In an example embodiment, the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise at least one additional recuperator 360N configured to transfer heat to the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid 314 from the at least one additional water-rich phase liquid 314a and the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid 314b. In one or more embodiments, the at least one additional stage of the air conditioning system 300 can further include a first fan 390N that blows air over the at least one additional absorber 340N to reduce its temperature. In one or more embodiments, the at least one additional stage of the air conditioning system 300 may further comprise one or more additional fan that may be configured to blow air over the at least on additional desorber 350N, thereby cooling the air passing over the at least one additional desorber 350N.

In various embodiments, the closed-loop thermally responsive air conditioning system may be configured to cause the thermally responsive liquids to separate into two phases. In various embodiments, the water-scarce (WS) phase liquids may be configured to dry air that is then used to evaporate water from the water-rich (WR) phase liquids, thereby producing cooling.

FIG. 3C illustrates physical separation of a thermally responsive liquid in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, a heater and/or a separator may be configured to separate a thermally responsive liquid 310 into two different phases. In various embodiments, the thermally responsive liquid 310 may be physically separated into the water-scare phase liquid 310a and/or the water-rich phase liquid 310b. In various embodiments the water-scare phase liquid 310a and/or the water-rich phase liquid 310b, after separation, may be inputted into separate portions of the air condition system.

In various embodiments, a multistage air conditioning system 300 can be used for temperature and humidity control in various applications, including air conditioning in buildings. In various embodiments, each stage of the multistage may comprise a thermally responsive liquids can be heated, causing each thermally responsive liquid to separate into two different liquid phases, one with very little water (the water-scarce, or WS phase liquid) and one that is almost entirely water (the water-rich, or WR phase liquid). In various embodiments, because each thermally responsive liquid can be different, each thermally responsive liquid can have different properties from one another. In various embodiments, the thermally responsive liquids may be comprised of oleic acid and lidocaine (OA/LD) and water and can possess a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), such that the thermally responsive liquid may allow it to separate into two immiscible phases upon heating. In various embodiments, the two phases can be physically separated and cooled back down to ambient temperature, at which point each phase can interact with different humidities. One phase can be water-rich (WR), and it can expel moisture to very high outdoor relative humidities (>99% RH).

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate exemplary air conditioning systems with an air loop system and portions thereof in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 4A, in various embodiments, an exemplary air conditioning system 400 may comprise at least a first thermally responsive liquid having a first lower critical solution temperature (LCST) 410 and a first heater 420. In various embodiments, the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) may comprise a first predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, first thermally responsive liquid 410 can be configured to have a moderate phase liquid configured to separate into a first water-scarce phase liquid 410b and a first water-rich phase liquid 410a upon heating. In one or more embodiments, the first heater 420 may be configured to heat the first thermally responsive liquid to a temperature that is at least the first LCST to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and the first water-rich phase liquid. In various embodiments, the first predetermined concentration of salt is configured to assist with the absorption properties of the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST).

With further reference to FIG. 4A, in various embodiments, the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise a first separator configured to separate the first thermally responsive liquid 410 into the first water-scarce phase liquid and first water-rich phase liquid. In various embodiments, the first separator may be a membrane structure configured to separate the water-rich phase liquid 410a from at least a portion of the water-scarce phase liquid 410b. In various embodiments, the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise a first absorber 440 configured to receive the first water-scarce phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator. In one or more embodiments, the first desorber 450A may be configured to receive the first water-rich phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator. In one or more embodiments, the first desorber 450A may be further configured to desorb moisture to the air. In various embodiments, the first absorber 440A may be configured to receive the first water-scarce phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator. In various embodiments, the first absorber 440A may be further configured to cause heat transfer. In various embodiments, the first water-scarce phase liquid 410a may be configured to absorb moisture from the first water-rich phase liquid 410b. In various embodiments, the first water-scarce phase liquid 410a may be further configured to absorb moisture from the air (e.g., humidified air).

With further reference to FIG. 4A, in various embodiments, the first heater 420 may comprise at least a portion of a pipe with the first thermally responsive liquid having a first low critical solution temperature (LCST) 410 flowing in it. In various embodiments, the first heater 410 may include one or more of: solar heat, waste heat, gas heat, electric heat, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the air conditioning system may further comprise a first recuperator 460 configured to transfer heat to the first thermally responsive liquid 410 from the water-rich phase liquid 410a and the water-scarce phase liquid 410b. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 400 can further include a first fan 490 that blows air over the first absorber 440 to reduce its temperature. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise one or more additional fan that may be configured to blow air over the first desorber 450, thereby cooling the air passing over the first desorber 450.

In various embodiments, the first absorber 440 may comprise a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-scarce phase liquid and upward flowing air. In various embodiments, the first absorber 440 may further comprise a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one absorber channel. In one or more embodiments, the first desorber 450 may comprise a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-rich phase liquid and upward flowing air. In various embodiments, the first desorber may further comprise a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one desorber channel.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary air conditioning system 400 with at least one stage. In various embodiments, the multistage air conditioning system 400 may utilize certain salts (such as LiCl) added to the first thermally responsive liquid 410, a second thermally responsive liquid 412, and/or at least one additional thermally responsive liquid 414. In various embodiments, the first thermally responsive liquid 410 may comprise a first predetermined concentration of salt, the second thermally responsive liquid 412 may comprise a second predetermined concentration of salt, and/or at least one additional thermally responsive liquid 414 may comprise an at least one additional predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, the first predetermined concentration of salt, the second predetermined concentration of salt, and/or at least one additional predetermine concentration of salt may be configured to at least partially change the properties of the respective thermally responsive liquid, such that the air conditioning system may reach lower temperatures and humidities. In various embodiments, the first predetermined concentration of salt is configured to be different (e.g., less than or greater than) the second predetermined concentration of salt and/or the at least one additional predetermined concentration of salt.

With reference to FIG. 4B, in various embodiments, the first stage of the air conditioning system 400 may comprise at least a first heater 420A, a first absorber 440A, a first desorber 450A, and/or a first thermally responsive liquid 410 comprising a first predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, the first heater 420A may be configured to heat the first thermally responsive liquid 410 to a temperature that is at least the first LCST to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid 410b and the first water-rich phase liquid 410a. In various embodiments, the second stage of the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise a second heater 420B, a second absorber 440B, a second desorber 450B, and/or a second thermally responsive liquid 412 having a second LCST and a second predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, the second heater 420B may be configured to heat the second thermally responsive liquid 412 to a temperature that is at least the second LCST to separate the second thermally responsive liquid into the second water-scarce phase liquid 412b and the second water-rich phase liquid 412a. In one or more embodiments, the at least one additional stage of the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise at least one additional heater 420N, at least one additional second absorber 440N, at least one additional second desorber 450N, and/or at least one additional thermally responsive liquid 414 having at least one additional LCST and at least one additional predetermined concentration of salt. In various embodiments, the at least one additional heater 420N may be configured to heat the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid 414 to a temperature that is at least the at least one additional LCST to separate the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid into the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid 414b and the at least one additional water-rich phase liquid 414a.

In various embodiments, the first desorber 450A, the second deorber and/or the at least one additional desorber 450N may be configured to receive the respective water-rich phase liquid of the respective thermally responsive liquid from the separator. In one or more embodiments, the first desorber 450A, the second deorber and/or the at least one additional desorber 450N may be further configured to desorb moisture to the air. In various embodiments, the first absorber 440A, the second absorber 440B, and/or the at least one additional absorber 440N may be configured to receive the respective water-scarce phase liquid of the respective thermally responsive liquid from the separator. In various embodiments, the first absorber 440A, the second absorber 440B, and/or the at least one additional absorber 440N may be further configured to cause heat transfer. In various embodiments, the first water-scarce phase liquid 410a, the second water-scare phase liquid 412a, and/or the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid 414a may be configured to absorb moisture from the first water-rich phase liquid 410b, the second water-rich phase liquid 412b, and/or the at least one additional water-rich phase liquid 414b, respectively. In various embodiments, the first water-scarce phase liquid 410a, the second water-scare phase liquid 412a, and/or the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid 414a may be further configured to absorb moisture from the air (e.g., humidified air).

In various embodiments, the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise a first recuperator 460A configured to transfer heat to the first thermally responsive liquid 410 from the first water-rich phase liquid 410a and the first water-scarce phase liquid 410b. In one or more embodiments, the first stage of the air conditioning system 400 can further include a first fan 490A that blows air over the first absorber 440A to reduce its temperature. In one or more embodiments, the first stage of the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise one or more additional fan that may be configured to blow air over the first desorber 450A, thereby cooling the air passing over the first desorber 450A. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise a second recuperator 460B configured to transfer heat to the second thermally responsive liquid 412 from the second water-rich phase liquid 412a and the second water-scarce phase liquid 412b. In one or more embodiments, the second stage of the air conditioning system 400 can further include a second fan 490B that blows air over the second absorber 440B to reduce its temperature. In one or more embodiments, the second stage of the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise one or more additional fan that may be configured to blow air over the second desorber 450B, thereby cooling the air passing over the second desorber 450B. In an example embodiment, the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise at least one additional recuperator 460N configured to transfer heat to the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid 414 from the at least one additional water-rich phase liquid 414a and the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid 414b. In one or more embodiments, the at least one additional stage of the air conditioning system 400 can further include a first fan 490N that blows air over the at least one additional absorber 440N to reduce its temperature. In one or more embodiments, the at least one additional stage of the air conditioning system 400 may further comprise one or more additional fan that may be configured to blow air over the at least on additional desorber 450N, thereby cooling the air passing over the at least one additional desorber 450N.

In various embodiments, the thermally responsive air conditioning system comprising the open air loop may be configured to cause the thermally responsive liquids to separate into two phases. In various embodiments, the water-scarce (WS) phase liquids may be configured to dry air that is then used to evaporate water from the water-rich (WR) phase liquids, thereby producing cooling.

In various embodiments, the air conditioning systems 400, depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B, may be configured to improve the efficiency of the system. In various embodiments, the

In various embodiments, a multistage air conditioning system 400, as depicted in FIG. 4B, can be used for temperature and humidity control in various applications, including air conditioning in buildings. In various embodiments, each stage of the multistage may comprise a thermally responsive liquids can be heated, causing each thermally responsive liquid to separate into two different liquid phases, one with very little water (the water-scarce, or WS phase liquid) and one that is almost entirely water (the water-rich, or WR phase liquid). In various embodiments, because each thermally responsive liquid can be different, each thermally responsive liquid can have different properties from one another.

In various embodiments, the thermally responsive liquids may be comprised of oleic acid and lidocaine (OA/LD) and water and can possess a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), such that the thermally responsive liquid may allow it to separate into two immiscible phases upon heating. In various embodiments, the two phases can be physically separated and cooled back down to ambient temperature, at which point each phase can interact with different humidities. One phase can be water-rich (WR), and it can expel moisture to very high outdoor relative humidities (>99% RH). The other phase can be water-scarce (WS), and it can absorb moisture from indoor humidities down to 910% RH. However, 91% RH is too high for occupant comfort. In one or more embodiments, a predetermined concentration of salt (e.g., LiCl) may be added to the mixture before heating it up, however, can cause the operating range of relative humidities to shift down. In one or more embodiments, the mixtures can now bring the indoor space to a lower relative humidity, but it may not be able to expel water to as high of an outdoor humidity. However, by utilizing multiple stages, each thermally responsive liquid may comprise a different concentration of LiCl, such that the thermally responsive liquid may be configured to expel water to a very high humidity and dehumidifying to a lower humidity, effectively increasing the range of operation. For example, stage 1 could be comprised of OA/LD, which has an operational range of 99.9% RH to 91% RH, and stage 2 could be comprised of a hypothetical future LCST mixture (consisting of something entirely different than OA/LD) that has an operational range of 92% RH to 84% RH.

In various embodiments, the stage with the WR phase liquid that has the highest relative humidity (RH) evaporates water into air, producing cooling. In one or more embodiments, the stage with the WS phase liquid that has the lowest RH absorbs moisture from air, providing dehumidification. Water vapor can then be desorbed from the WR phase of a particular stage and absorbed by the WS phase of the stage above. This multi-stage operation with different mixtures in each stage can allow the system to reach lower temperatures and humidities than a single stage.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate at least one thermally responsive liquids with predetermined concentration of salt in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 5A, in various embodiments, a single stage (e.g., a first stage) air conditioning system may comprise Mixture A. In one or more embodiments, Mixture A may be OA/LD/H2O.

In various embodiments, the properties of the OA/LD mixture, the indoor space may be dehumidified to 91% RH. As depicted in FIG. 5B, in various embodiments, a single stage (e.g., a first stage) air conditioning system may comprise Mixture B, which could be OA/LD/H2O with a small amount of LiCl added. In one or more embodiments, the LiCl may shift down the relative humidities of both phases, such that the indoor space can now be dehumidified to 84% RH, but the outdoor space must be lower than 92% for the cycle to work.

As depicted in FIG. 5C, in various embodiments, a multistage (e.g., a first stage and at least one additional stage) air conditioning system may comprise Mixture A and Mixture B. In various embodiments, the water-rich phase from Mixture A may be configured to evaporate water into the outdoor air, allowing operation with outdoor humidities as high as 99.9% RH, while the water-scarce phase of Mixture B may be used to dehumidify the indoor space down to 84% RH. This gives “the best of both worlds” (the upper bound on humidity comes from Mixture A while the lower bound on humidity comes from Mixture B). To balance the mass within the cycle, water evaporates from the water-rich phase of Mixture B to the water-scarce phase of Mixture A. As depicted in FIG. 5C, in various embodiments, a multistage (e.g., a first stage, a second stage, and/or at least one additional stage) air conditioning system may comprise Mixture A, Mixture B, and/or Mixture C, which could be OA/LD plus LiCl (a higher concentration of LiCl than Mixture B). In one or more embodiments, at least one mixture could be a new LCST mixture yet to be discovered. Adding the third stage further lowers the indoor relative humidity. At the moment, no more than three stages can be implemented, but as new LCST mixtures are discovered, this will increase.

Examples

In one representative embodiment, the invention includes a thermally driven air conditioning system that provides both dehumidification and cooling, without the use of high Global Warming Potential refrigerants or an external water supply, and it consumes little electricity. To accomplish this, the working fluid in the system is a thermally responsive liquid that possesses a lower critical solution temperature. The liquid first absorbs moisture from the air, providing dehumidification. Then, the liquid is heated with a “free” heat source like solar- or waste-heat, which causes the liquid to separate into two phases. One phase is mostly water while the other phase is mostly liquid. The two phases are cooled back down to ambient temperature, and the mostly-water phase is used to evaporatively cool the building, owing to its high-water activity. No compressor is needed, only fans and pumps, which greatly reduces the electricity consumption.

One embodiment of the invention includes of an air conditioning system that uses a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) liquid to absorb moisture from and evaporatively cool building air. This invention is the first air conditioning to utilize an LCST liquid as the working fluid. The regeneration of the liquid is heat-driven, eliminating the need for the compressors that are required in common vapor compression air conditioning systems. The phase behavior of the LCST liquid allows for phase separation-based regeneration, a novelty when compared to traditional liquid. Additionally, in this invention, the water absorbed from the air is used for evaporative cooling, a process that is not used in traditional air conditioning systems.

The invention can be used for temperature and humidity control of air in buildings. The LCST liquid both lowers the temperature and humidity of the air. Additionally, the air conditioning system provides air that is within the bounds of thermal comfort and healthy humidities. The invention can be used to create both large-scale air conditioning systems (central air conditioner) and small-scale systems (ductless or window air conditioners).

The invention could also be used to construct a ductless or window air conditioning unit. For the window unit, the outdoor portion of the system would simply be placed in the back of the device, while the indoor portion would be placed in the front of the device. The window unit would then be placed such that the back of the unit is exposed to the outside air and the front of the unit is inside of the building (much like in a traditional window air conditioning unit).

If an electrical or gas heater is used as the heat source for the invention, then the liquid can be regenerated at any time. However, if a solar heater is used, then sunlight is only present to regenerate the liquid during the day. One option to circumvent this intermittency of the heat source is to install thermal energy storage, which absorbs heat from the sun during the day and could be used to regeneratively heat the liquid throughout the night. The other option is to install a tank with an excess of liquid. In fact, a liquid tank for gravity separation; the tank would simply need to be large enough to store a sufficient amount of liquid. During the day, more liquid could be regenerated than is being used for air conditioning (i.e., the mass flow rate into the tank would be greater than the mass flow rate out of the tank). The excess regenerated liquid could be stored in tanks. Then, at night, the excess regenerated liquid is available to provide air conditioning. The more economic storage method (thermal vs liquid storage) depends on the cost of the thermal storage medium vs the cost of the LCST liquid.

The first set of advantages can be seen when comparing the invention to the most common method of air conditioning: vapor compression. Vapor compression systems use electricity intensive compressors and high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. The LCST liquid air conditioning invention does not use any compressors, only pumps and fans, which consume far less electricity than compressors. The invention also does not use high GWP refrigerants; the LCST liquids in the invention are not volatile and thus do not enter the atmosphere upon leaking, like traditional refrigerants do.

The second set of advantages can be seen when comparing the invention to traditional liquid air conditioning systems. Traditional liquid systems use hot air to pull moisture off of the liquid during regeneration. That hot moisture is then exhausted to the outside, going unused. In the LCST liquid air conditioning invention, regeneration is achieved not with hot air but with phase separation. This allows the desorption of water to become a useful process: indirect evaporative cooling of the conditioned air.

The third set of advantages can be seen when comparing the invention to other thermoresponsive air conditioning systems that use solid liquids. These solid thermoresponsive liquids are regenerated through phase transition, just like the liquid in this invention. However, the solid liquids cannot be easily pumped throughout the system, while the liquids in this invention can. The ability to pump the liquid through the system provides both convenience and efficiency, as the liquid can be easily pumped through highly efficient counterflow heat and mass exchangers.

The most promising commercial application for this invention is building air conditioning systems. These range from large central air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings, to small window units for single rooms. The global air conditioning market was $179.64 billion in 2020, and the current air conditioning system that dominates the market is the vapor compression system. This invention would be more environmentally friendly and yield lower operational costs than the vapor compression system, thereby making it desirable to consumers and giving it the opportunity to significantly penetrate this large market.

While the most obvious use for this invention is building air conditioning, this invention could also be used for refrigeration and food storage. The invention can efficiently provide air at low temperatures and humidities, which could be useful for food preservation. However, refrigeration requires lower temperatures than building air conditioning (it is easier to achieve human thermal comfort than it is to achieve food safe conditions). The lowest temperature that this system could achieve is limited by psychrometrics (namely, the wet bulb temperature of the secondary air), and it would be unlikely to achieve temperatures lower than 10° C. with this invention.

Another possible application of this invention is for humidity control in data centers. Data centers require relative humidities between 45 to 55% to prevent electrostatic discharge. This invention provides a highly efficient method of dehumidification that would require little electricity input. This would be desirable for data centers, which seek to reduce their operational costs as much as possible. This could allow this invention to significantly penetrate the roughly $8 billion market of data center humidity and temperature control.

Mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified.

The materials described as making up the various members of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the invention.

While certain embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

This written description uses examples to disclose certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain embodiments of the disclosed technology is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, the air conditioning system comprising: a first thermally responsive liquid having a first lower critical solution temperature (LCST), wherein the first thermally responsive liquid is configured to be separated into a first water-scarce phase liquid and a first water-rich phase upon liquid heating;a first heater configured to heat the first thermally responsive liquid to a temperature that is at least the first LCST to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and the first water-rich phase liquid; anda closed loop air system configured to circulate air, wherein the first water-scarce phase liquid is configured to absorb moisture from the air and the first water-rich phase liquid is configured to desorb water into the air to cause cooling through evaporative cooling.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, the system further comprising: a first separator configured to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and first water-rich phase liquid.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 2, the system further comprising: a first absorber configured to receive the first water-scarce phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator, wherein the first absorber is configured to cause heat transfer; anda first desorber configured to receive the first water-rich phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator, wherein the first desorber is configured to desorb moisture to the air.

4. The air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein: the first absorber comprises: a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-scarce phase liquid and upward flowing air;a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one absorber channel, andthe first desorber comprises: a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-rich phase liquid and upward flowing air; anda plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one desorber channel.

5. The air conditioning system of claim 1, the system further comprising: at least one recuperator configured to transfer heat to the first thermally responsive liquid from the first water-scarce phase liquid and/or the first water-rich phase liquid.

6. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the first heater comprises one or more of solar heat, waste heat, gas heat, electric heat, or a combination thereof.

7. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the first thermally responsive liquid comprises a first predetermined concentration of a salt, wherein the first predetermined concentration of the salt is configured to assist with absorbing moisture.

8. The air conditioning system of claim 7, the system further comprising: at least one additional thermally responsive liquid having at least one additional lower critical solution temperature (LCST), wherein the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid is configured to be separated into at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid and at least one additional water-rich phase liquid;at least one additional heater configured to transfer heat to the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid to separate the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid into at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid and at least one additional water-rich phase liquid;at least one additional separator configured to separate the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid into the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid and at least one additional water-rich phase liquid;at least one additional absorber configured to receive the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid of the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid from the separator; andat least one additional desorber configured to receive the at least one additional water-rich phase liquid of the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid from the separator.

9. The air conditioning system of claim 8, wherein the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid comprises at least one additional predetermined concentration of a salt, wherein the at least one additional predetermined concentration of the salt is configured to assist with absorbing moisture, wherein the at least one additional predetermined concentration of the salt of at least one additional thermally responsive liquid is configured to be different than a first predetermined concentration of the first thermally responsive liquid.

10. An air conditioning system, the air conditioning system comprising: a first thermally responsive liquid having a first lower critical solution temperature (LCST), wherein the first thermally responsive liquid is configured to be separated into a first water-scarce phase liquid and a first water-rich phase upon liquid heating;a second thermally responsive liquid having a second LCST, wherein the second thermally responsive liquid is configured to be separated into a second water-scarce phase liquid and second water-rich phase liquid;a first heater configured to heat the first thermally responsive liquid to a temperature that is at least the first LCST to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and the first water-rich phase liquid;a second heater configured to heat the second thermally responsive liquid to a temperature that is at least the second LCST to separate the second thermally responsive liquid into the second water-scarce phase liquid and the second water-rich phase liquid;a first separator configured to separate the first thermally responsive liquid into the first water-scarce phase liquid and first water-rich phase liquid;a second separator configured to separate the second thermally responsive liquid into the second water-scarce phase liquid and the second water-rich phase liquid;a first absorber configured to receive the first water-scarce phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator, wherein the first absorber is configured to cause heat transfer;a second absorber configured to receive the second water-scarce phase liquid of the second thermally responsive liquid from the separator, wherein the second absorber is configured to cause heat transfer;a first desorber configured to receive the first water-rich phase liquid of the first thermally responsive liquid from the separator, wherein the first desorber is configured to desorb moisture to the air; anda second desorber configured to receive the second water-rich phase liquid of the second thermally responsive liquid from the separator, wherein the first desorber is configured to desorb moisture to the air,wherein the first water-scarce phase liquid and second water-scarce phase liquid are configured to absorb moisture.

11. The air conditioning system of claim 10, wherein the first thermally responsive liquid comprises a first predetermined concentration of a salt and the second thermally responsive liquid comprises a second predetermined concentration of a salt, wherein the first predetermined concentration of the salt and the second predetermined concentration of the salt are configured to assist with absorbing moisture.

12. The air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the first predetermined concentration of the salt is configured to be different than the second predetermined concentration of salt.

13. The air conditioning system of claim 12, the system further comprising: an open loop air system, wherein the first water-rich phase liquid and the second water-rich phase liquid are configured for evaporative cooling, wherein the first water-scarce phase liquid and second water-scarce phase liquid is configured to absorb moisture from at least one of: the first water-rich phase liquid, second water-rich phase liquid, or the air.

14. The air conditioning system of claim 13, the system further comprising: at least one additional recuperator configured to transfer heat to the at least one additional thermally responsive liquid from the at least one additional water-scarce phase liquid and/or at least one additional water-rich phase liquid.

15. The air conditioning system of claim 13, the system further comprising: at least one air-to-air heat exchanger, wherein the air-to-air heat exchanger is configured to receive dehumidified air from the first absorber and second absorber and humidified air from the first desorber and second desorber and transfer heat from the dehumidified air to the humidified air.

16. The air conditioning system of claim 13, the system further comprising: at least one liquid-to-air heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the first water-scarce phase liquid, second water-scarce phase liquid, first water-rich phase liquid, and/or second water-rich phase liquid to ambient temperature.

17. The air conditioning system of claim 10, the system further comprising: a closed loop air system, wherein the first water-scarce phase liquid and second water-scarce phase liquid are configured to absorb moisture from the air in the closed loop air system in the first absorber and in the second absorber, wherein the first water-rich phase liquid and second water-rich phase liquid are configured for evaporative cooling.

18. The air conditioning system of claim 10, wherein: the first absorber and/or second absorber comprises: a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-scarce phase liquid and upward flowing air;a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one absorber channel, andthe first desorber and/or second desorber comprises: a plurality of channels with downward flowing first water-rich phase liquid and upward flowing air; anda plurality of heat exchanger fins extending from an exterior of at least one desorber channel.

19. A method of cooling air with the air conditioning system of claim 1, the method comprising: heating the first thermally responsive liquid comprising the first lower critical solution temperature (LCST) with the first heater to a temperature so that the first thermally responsive liquid separates into a water-scarce phase liquid and a water-rich phase upon liquid heating;separating the first thermally responsive liquid into the water-scarce phase liquid and water-rich phase liquid;cooling the water-scarce phase liquid and the water-rich phase liquid;absorbing moisture with the water-scarce phase liquid; anddesorbing moisture with the water-rich phase liquid,wherein the first thermally responsive liquid comprises a first predetermined concentration of a salt that assists with absorbing moisture.

20. The method of claim 19, the method further comprising: adjusting the first predetermined concentration of the salt so that the first thermally responsive liquid absorbs a greater percentage of moisture thereby improving the efficiency of the air conditioning system.