WO2016122291A1

WO2016122291A1 - Air-conditioning device with a system for generating oxygen and ozone for the purification and enrichment of the air in a closed environment

Info

Publication number: WO2016122291A1
Application number: PCT/MX2015/000014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jose Martin VELEZ DE LA ROCHA; Omar VAZQUEZ PALMA; Dino Alejandro Pardo Guzman; Juan Pedro CAMOU ESTEBAN
Original assignee: Velez De La Rocha Jose Martin
Priority date: 2015-01-27
Filing date: 2015-01-27
Publication date: 2016-08-04

Abstract

The invention relates to an air-conditioning system for interiors using a means for compressing cooling gas such as a Mini Split, which, as well as cooling a residential system, is also characterised in that it purifies and enriches the air in a closed environment as it comprises an ozone-generating device and an oxygen generator that can kill bacteria suspended in the atmosphere and catch powder particles while injecting oxygen-rich air.

Description

AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE WITH OXYGEN AND OZONE GENERATION SYSTEM FOR PURIFICATION AND ENRICHMENT OF THE AIR IN A CLOSED ENVIRONMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION. The present invention can be applied mainly in the medical industry, home appliance industry and other sectors where it is convenient to generate an oxygen-rich atmosphere for the benefit of the people therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION According to NASA an average person needs 0.84 kg of 0 ₂ per day (and night), which calculates a volume of 588 liters of consumption per day, more than half a cubic meter, the equivalent contained in 2.94 m ³ of air, because the concentration of oxygen 0 ₂ in the atmosphere is 21%.

With the above information, it is estimated that 4 people present in a sealed 5m x 5m x 3m room would complete the oxygen in less than 8 days. However, there are standards such as that of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the US that indicate that a concentration below 19.5% means an oxygen deficiency, where people decrease their performance in energetic tasks and may present symptoms such as hot flashes and mild dizziness. . It is then estimated that after one day in the sealed room, the oxygen level would already be found at a lower concentration than recommended.

There are individuals with different conditions such as emphysema, sarcoidosis or chronic pulmonary obstruction that require a concentration greater than 0 ₂ to achieve the correct uptake of this gas.

Currently there are different solutions to the growing need of people (with or without lung conditions), mainly in large cities, to have sessions with oxygen therapy such as oxygen bars, hyperbaric chambers and domestic oxygen concentrators, where in the Most cases are exposed to short periods of high oxygen concentration (about 90%). A proposed solution to the problem is the implementation of an oxygen concentration system to a mini-split cooling system. With the complement the device can achieve optimal levels of oxygen according to the need of the person (s) in a room. This device will have the ability to maintain the common concentration of oxygen in the air (21%) or even increase it if you have a medical prescription; in case of being done, measures should be taken and the room adapted with certain indications against fires, since the standards also manage that from 23.5% of oxygen it is already considered a risk for the acceleration of combustion. There are different techniques to achieve the concentration of oxygen in the air such as cryogenics, membrane and others, but the one that best suits the need for domestic consumption and therefore that which will be used in the invention is adsorption by pressure changes ( PSA by its acronym in English).

The oxygen concentrator system takes advantage of the heat released in the condensing coil of the refrigeration system to aid in the regeneration of the molecular sieve used in the invention by means of a heat exchanger in the mentioned coil form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The characteristic details of the present invention are clearly shown in the following description, figures and examples and are included by way of illustration, and therefore should not be considered as limiting for the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 is the component and operation diagram of an oxygen concentrator used in the present invention.

Figure 2 is the diagram of the main components of the ozone generator used in the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic of the operation of the ozone generator implemented in the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic of the cooling system used by conventional mini-split devices. Figure 5 shows the heat exchanger between elements of the cooling system and the oxygen concentration.

Figure 6 is a schematic of the ozone generation system implemented in the air recirculation of a mini-split refrigeration apparatus.

Examples

Example 1. Preferred design for the realization of the oxygen concentrator

used as a component of the present invention.

In relation to the aforementioned figures, the present example describes one of the preferred embodiments for the realization of the oxygen concentrating device, used in the invention. The system includes a compressor (1) connected with at least one adsorption column (4) through a drying column (2) and a three-way solenoid valve (3). The drying column (2) uses silica gel to trap the water molecules present in the air injected by the compressor.

The three-way solenoid valve (3) will allow, at the beginning of the process, the flow of gas towards the adsorption column and out of the system so that the filtrate 2 escapes and allows the process to begin again.

The adsorption column (4) contains zeolite 5A in the form of small spheres for the purpose of trapping oxygen from the air and allowing only the passage of gas with mostly oxygen. It is connected to the O2 storage tank (6) by a two-way solenoid valve (5) that allows the flow of air only to the storage tank (6).

At the outlet of the device there is a two-way solenoid valve (7) that allows the outflow of the gas enriched with O2.

The controller (8) monitors the pressure in the adsorption column (4) and in the storage tank (6) through the pressure sensors (SI and S2) to control the cycle through the operation of the compressor and solenoid valves ( 1, 3, 5, 7).

There is also a conduit (9) that contacts the adsorption column (4) in a helical manner around said column, although it may be otherwise, which conveys hot liquid from a heat exchanger coil (11). This coil (11) absorbs the heat released by the cooling system while in contact with the condenser coil (14). This is achieved by generating a liquid flow in the opposite direction to the refrigerant gas during its passage through the condenser coil (14).

The flow of the liquid that will heat the adsorption column (4) through the helical duct (9) will be generated by a pump (8) and will also be controlled by activating an electrovalve (10) to ensure the cut of liquid flow when it's not necessary

Example 2. Operation and procedure to achieve the concentration of

oxygen in the apparatus included in the invention. In relation to the figures present in this document, the present example describes one of the preferred embodiments for the operation of the oxygen concentrating device, used in the invention. At the beginning of the process, the controller activates the compressor (1) together with the solenoid valve (3) to start depositing air, through the drying column (2), into the adsorption column (4). When the sensor (SI) detects the appropriate high level of pressure, the solenoid valve (5) is activated to allow the passage of oxygen-enriched gas into the storage tank. When the sensor (SI) now detects the appropriate low pressure level, the solenoid valve (5) is deactivated and the solenoid valve (3) is repositioned to allow the nitrogen contained in the column (4) to escape.

Parallel to this last mentioned step, the pump (8) and the solenoid valve (10) are activated to start circulating hot water from the heat exchanger (11) to the helical duct (9) that makes contact with the adsorption column (4) ), in order to improve the regeneration of the zeolite contained within said column (4).

After a certain time and when the pressure inside the adsorption column (4) is equal to the atmospheric pressure, the hot water pump (8) and the solenoid valve (10) are deactivated, in addition to changing the position of the three-way solenoid valve (3) to allow the flow back only to the adsorption column (4) and start the process again through activation.

As described, the process is semi-continuous in which the oxygen-enriched product is stored in the storage tank (6) to be administered to the environment when necessary, through the activation of the solenoid valve (7).

Example 3. Preferred design for the realization of the ozone generator

used as a component of the present invention.

In relation to the previous figures, the present example describes one of the preferred embodiments for the realization of the ozone generating device, used in the invention. He The system includes an alternating voltage source (31) connected to a transformer (32) in such a way that it fulfills the role of intensification, increasing the voltage and decreasing the current.

The output of the transformer is connected to a pair of plate-shaped electrodes (33 and 35), which can be rectangular or other design, separated by a dielectric material (34), generally of glass or other ceramic.

The system also has a fan (36) that circulates the air between the electrode plates and in turn fulfills the role of heat sink produced by the discharge of electrons in the middle between the electrodes (33 and 35). It is indicated in figure 2 that the nodes (38) and (39) of the conductor cable represent the connections to the transformer (32), connected in turn to the alternate voltage source (31).

Example 4. Operation and procedure to achieve ozone generation

in the apparatus included in the invention.

In relation to the aforementioned figures, the present example describes one of the preferred embodiments for the operation of the ozone generating device, used in the invention.

At the beginning of the process the controller (41) activates the alternating voltage source (31), so that the transformer (32) increases, by 10 to 20 times, the provided voltage and decreases the electric current in the same way.

The fan (36) is activated to circulate air between the electrodes (33 and 35). The air that enters contains 0 ₂ molecules. The high voltage supplied forms a strong electric field between the electrodes (33 and 34), where the dielectric (34) does not allow the formation of an electric arc. Yes, an electron discharge occurs from the 0 ₂ molecules (37) to one of the electrodes, resulting in the separation of 0 ₂ molecules. Upon exiting said electric field they rearrange to form 0 ₂ and O3 molecules.

The function of the fan (36) is also that of cooling at the critical heating points of both the dielectric (34) and the electrode (39) separated by air. Example 5. Preferred design for the realization of the cooling system

used as a component of the present invention.

In relation to Figure 2, the present example describes one of the preferred embodiments for the realization of the refrigeration device, used in the invention. The system includes a compressor (13) that compresses a refrigerant gas, commonly the 407C.

The compressor (13) is connected to a condenser coil (14) with heat sink (15) where the refrigerant loses heat and, when subjected to high pressure, enters its liquid state.

The duct continues on its way to the room to cool where an expansion valve (16) is located. Then inside the room the liquid passes to an evaporating coil (17). A fan is present that recirculates the air (18) through said coil so that the molecules of the room air give heat to the refrigerant and is expanded until it returns to its gaseous state.

When the refrigerant leaves the evaporator coil (17) in the form of gas, it returns to the compressor (13) to start the process again.

A temperature sensor (S3) is present that sends signals to the controller to monitor the cooling level and determine the compressor's operating capacity (13).

Example 6. Operation and procedure for the refrigeration apparatus

included in the invention.

The cooling system begins when the controller activates the compressor (13), it compresses the refrigerant gas to pass it through the condenser coil (14) and, aided by the heat sink (15), the gas cools until it reaches its state liquid. This liquid continues through the conduit on its way to the room to cool as it passes through the expansion valve (16). The effect achieved is to reduce the pressure of the next step where it continues through an evaporating coil (17).

The fan (18) circulates the air in the room through said coil (17) so that the refrigerant gains heat from the air in the room and ends up in its gaseous state.

The refrigerant, now in a gaseous state, continues its path to be sucked back by the compressor (13) and compressed in the new cycle.

According to the signal sent by the temperature sensor (S3) the controller will determine the operating power of the compressor (13) to achieve the required cooling level.

Example 7. Operation and procedure for the heat exchanger between the cooling system and the oxygen concentration system.

With respect to the heat exchanger shown in Figure 3, it is shown how the heat exchanger coils (11 and 14) are coupled and made contact.

The function of the duct (14) is to give heat to the water recirculated by the duct (11) by the technique of creating cross flows. This helps the compressed refrigerant gas to enter its liquid state more quickly.

In turn, the heated water is pumped, by activating the device (8) and the solenoid valve (10), into the helical duct (9) that makes contact with the adsorption column (4). By heating the zeolite contained in said column (4) it helps to achieve a complete regeneration of the zeolite during the nitrogen escape stage.

At the end of this stage, the solenoid valve (10) is closed and the pump (8) is deactivated so that the adsorption column (4) stops gaining heat to give rise to the new oxygen concentration cycle.

In relation to the figures included in this document, mainly Figure 6, the present example describes one of the preferred modalities for the operation of our invention, consisting of the implementation of an ozone generating device in the cold air outlet of the mini-split cooling system.

One or more pairs of electrodes (33 and 35) separated by a dielectric (34) will be found, each connected to the transformer (31), in turn connected to the alternate voltage source (31), through the nodes (38) and (39), as explained in example 1.

These devices will be placed next to the evaporator coil (46) where the fan of the mini-Split (47) present inside the room, the role of circulator of 0 ₂ and cooler, as the fan (36) of figure 3, of This way the ozone generating device works in a more effective way. The alternating voltage source (31) will be the same as that used by the mini-split device. The number of ozone generators placed at the outlet of the cooling system will depend on the level of ozone required in the environment.

The sensor (S12) will monitor the ozone level in the environment and, according to the indicated levels, the controller (48) will indicate the activation or deactivation of the alternating voltage source (31) to control the operation of the ozone generating device . Said ozone generator may not work if the fan (46) of the Mini Split recirculator is not in operation. A pyro-electric PIR sensor (S13) detects the presence / absence of people in the room. An air duct (20) coming from outside the room is connected to the low pressure side of the recirculation unit of the evaporation unit in order to be able to inject new air into the room. The amount of air or air flow injected into the room is regulated by a gate (21) operated by a small electric motor (22) controlled by the controller (8). When the PIR sensor (S13) detects the presence of people, it sends a signal so that the gate (21) opens and allows the flow of new air into the room in order to compensate for the oxygen in the air that is lost with the generation of ozone and maintain healthy oxygen levels in the area. At the same time the timer (23) starts generating cycles of turning on and off the ozone generator to allow homogeneity in the air and avoid the typical characteristic odor emitted during production. When the PIR sensor (S13) does not detect people (absence), the gate (21) closes, stopping the introduction of outside air to improve the cooling efficiency of the cooling equipment and the ozone generator is controlled only by the sensor (S12 ).

Claims

An oxygen enrichment device implemented in an environmental refrigeration apparatus comprising:

to. An oxygen concentration system that in turn integrates: a compressor, a drying column that functions as an air inlet port to the system, a three-way solenoid valve, an N ₂ adsorption column, and a two-way solenoid valve connected to the storage tank of 0 ₂ ; b. There is also an independent water duct in a helical shape around and in contact with the adsorption column where a water pump and a two-way solenoid valve also participate, with a section in the form of a coil and in contact with the coil refrigeration system condenser;

C. The system also has 2 pressure sensors in the adsorption column and in the storage tank. The actuator components and sensors mentioned above are connected to a controller with memory and information processing capacity;

d. An ozone generation system that integrates: An alternating voltage source, a transformer arranged as a voltage intensifier and a current reducer, a pair of electrode plates that can be rectangular or in some other way, separated by a dielectric material.

and. An ozone sensor, an electric detector, presence detector, a timer, an air duct, a gate and the gate's electric motor connected to a controller with memory, data processing capacity and controlling the operation of the Ozone production and refrigeration unit to maintain the temperature and presence of ozone at the levels required by a user.

F. An environmental cooling system that integrates: A compressor that injects air into a condensing duct in the form of a coil, a heat dissipating fan, an expansion valve in turn connected to an evaporating duct also in the form of a coil, a recirculating fan of the room air, an ambient temperature sensor in the section of the device that is inside the room. The actuator components and sensors that integrate the refrigeration unit and the oxygen concentration unit are connected to a data processing system capable of controlling the temperature and oxygen concentration at the level desired by the user.