Example embodiments provide fuel cell humidifiers. An example humidifier comprises a stack of unit cells. Each of the unit cells may comprise a separator having a perimeter frame and first and second major faces, a first membrane sheet bonded to the perimeter frame on the first major face of the separator and a second membrane sheet bonded to the perimeter frame on the second major face of the separator. The perimeter frame and the first and second membrane sheets may define a cavity in an interior of the perimeter frame. Opposed frame ends of the perimeter frame may be apertured to allow a first flow to flow through the cavity in a first direction. The separator may include first and second ridges that extend across first and second frame ends. In the stack of unit cells the first and second ridges may space the unit cells apart from one another by contact with the separators of adjacent unit cells to provide passages extending through the stack of unit cells in a second direction transverse to the first direction. In some embodiments, the unit cells can all be stacked in the same orientation.
H01M 8/04119 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
H01M 8/248 - Means for compression of the fuel cell stacks
A heat and humidity exchanger comprises panels made up of membrane sheets attached on either side of a separator. Channels extend across each panel between the separator and the membrane sheets. The panels are much stiffer than the membrane sheets. Panels are stacked in a spaced apart relationship to provide an ERV core. Spacing between adjacent panels may be smaller than a thickness of the panels.
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
F28D 21/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
F28D 9/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
F28F 21/06 - Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of plastics material
F24F 3/14 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification
F28F 3/08 - Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
F28F 13/12 - Arrangements for modifying heat transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by creating turbulence, e.g. by stirring, by increasing the force of circulation
Example embodiments provide fuel cell humidifiers. An example humidifier comprises a stack of unit cells. Each of the unit cells may comprise a separator having a perimeter frame and first and second major faces, a first membrane sheet bonded to the perimeter frame on the first major face of the separator and a second membrane sheet bonded to the perimeter frame on the second major face of the separator. The perimeter frame and the first and second membrane sheets may define a cavity in an interior of the perimeter frame. Opposed frame ends of the perimeter frame may be apertured to allow a first flow to flow through the cavity in a first direction. The separator may include first and second ridges that extend across first and second frame ends. In the stack of unit cells the first and second ridges may space the unit cells apart from one another by contact with the separators of adjacent unit cells to provide passages extending through the stack of unit cells in a second direction transverse to the first direction. In some embodiments, the unit cells can all be stacked in the same orientation.
H01M 8/04119 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
H01M 8/0273 - Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes with sealing or supporting means in the form of a frame
Example embodiments provide fuel cell humidifiers. An example humidifier comprises a stack of unit cells. Each of the unit cells may comprise a separator having a perimeter frame and first and second major faces, a first membrane sheet bonded to the perimeter frame on the first major face of the separator and a second membrane sheet bonded to the perimeter frame on the second major face of the separator. The perimeter frame and the first and second membrane sheets may define a cavity in an interior of the perimeter frame. Opposed frame ends of the perimeter frame may be apertured to allow a first flow to flow through the cavity in a first direction. The separator may include first and second ridges that extend across first and second frame ends. In the stack of unit cells the first and second ridges may space the unit cells apart from one another by contact with the separators of adjacent unit cells to provide passages extending through the stack of unit cells in a second direction transverse to the first direction. In some embodiments, the unit cells can all be stacked in the same orientation.
H01M 8/04119 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
H01M 8/0273 - Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes with sealing or supporting means in the form of a frame
A heat and humidity exchanger comprises panels made up of membrane sheets attached on either side of a separator. Channels extend across each panel between the separator and the membrane sheets. The panels are much stiffer than the membrane sheets. Panels are stacked in a spaced apart relationship to provide an ERV core. Spacing between adjacent panels may be smaller than a thickness of the panels.
F28F 13/12 - Arrangements for modifying heat transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by creating turbulence, e.g. by stirring, by increasing the force of circulation
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
F28D 21/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
F28D 9/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
F28F 21/06 - Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of plastics material
F24F 3/14 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification
F28F 3/08 - Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
6.
Blended membranes for water vapor transport and methods for preparing same
Water vapor transport membranes for ERV and other water vapor transport applications are provided. The membranes include a substrate and an air impermeable selective layer coated on the substrate, the selective layer including a cellulose derivative and a sulfonated polyaryletherketone. In some embodiments the sulfonated polyaryletherketone is in a cation form and/or the selective layer includes sPEEK and CA in an sPEEK:CA (wt.:wt.) ratio in the range of about 7:3 to 2:3. Methods for making such membranes are provided. The methods include applying a coating solution/dispersion to a substrate and allowing the coating solution/dispersion to dry to form an air impermeable selective layer on the substrate, the coating solution/dispersion including a cellulose derivative and a sulfonated polyarylether ketone. In some embodiments the sulfonated polyaryletherketone is in a cation form and/or the coating solution/dispersion includes sPEEK and CA in an sPEEK:CA (wt.:wt.) ratio in the range of about 7:3 to 2:3.
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
C09D 171/00 - Coating compositions based on polyethers obtained by reactions forming an ether link in the main chain; Coating compositions based on derivatives of such polymers
C08G 65/48 - Polymers modified by chemical after-treatment
B01D 69/02 - Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or properties; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor characterised by their properties
B01D 71/82 - Macromolecular material not specifically provided for in a single one of groups characterised by the presence of specified groups, e.g. introduced by chemical after-treatment
B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
D06N 3/00 - Artificial leather, oilcloth, or like material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof
D06N 3/02 - Artificial leather, oilcloth, or like material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof with cellulose derivatives
D06N 3/12 - Artificial leather, oilcloth, or like material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof with macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
F24F 3/14 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification
A heat and humidity exchanger comprises panels made up of membrane sheets attached on either side of a separator. Channels extend across each panel between the separator and the membrane sheets. The panels are much stiffer than the membrane sheets. Panels are stacked in a spaced apart relationship to provide an ERV core. Spacing between adjacent panels may be smaller than a thickness of the panels.
F28D 7/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being helically coiled
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
F28D 21/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
F28D 9/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
F28F 21/06 - Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of plastics material
F24F 3/14 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification
F28F 3/08 - Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
F28F 13/12 - Arrangements for modifying heat transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by creating turbulence, e.g. by stirring, by increasing the force of circulation
8.
Supported water vapor transport membrane comprising polyethylene oxide copolymer
An air-impermeable water vapor transport membrane comprises an active layer on a microporous polymeric substrate. The active layer comprises a polyethylene-oxide containing copolymer and a polar protic solvent in an amount of about 3% to about 100% of copolymer weight in the active layer. Molecules of the protic solvent are bonded to the copolymer. The polar protic solvent reduces temperature-dependent variability in the water-vapor permeability of the membrane.
B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
B01D 69/02 - Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or properties; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor characterised by their properties
F24F 3/14 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification
H01M 2/16 - Separators; Membranes; Diaphragms; Spacing elements characterised by the material
9.
Blended membranes for water vapor transport and methods for preparing same
Water vapor transport membranes for ERV and other water vapor transport applications are provided. The membranes include a substrate and an air impermeable selective layer coated on the substrate, the selective layer including a cellulose derivative and a sulfonated polyaryletherketone. In some embodiments the sulfonated polyaryletherketone is in a cation form and/or the selective layer includes s PEEK and CA in an s PEEK:CA (wt.:wt.) ratio in the range of about 7:3 to 2:3. Methods for making such membranes are provided. The methods include applying a coating solution/dispersion to a substrate and allowing the coating solution/dispersion to dry to form an air impermeable selective layer on the substrate, the coating solution/dispersion including a cellulose derivative and a sulfonated polyarylether ketone. In some embodiments the sulfonated polyaryletherketone is in a cation form and/or the coating solution/dispersion includes s PEEK and CA in an sPEEK:CA (wt.:wt.) ratio in the range of about 7:3 to 2:3.
B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
B01D 71/82 - Macromolecular material not specifically provided for in a single one of groups characterised by the presence of specified groups, e.g. introduced by chemical after-treatment
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
C08G 65/48 - Polymers modified by chemical after-treatment
C09D 171/00 - Coating compositions based on polyethers obtained by reactions forming an ether link in the main chain; Coating compositions based on derivatives of such polymers
C09D 101/14 - Mixed esters, e.g. cellulose acetate-butyrate
B01D 69/02 - Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or properties; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor characterised by their properties
D06N 3/00 - Artificial leather, oilcloth, or like material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof
D06N 3/02 - Artificial leather, oilcloth, or like material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof with cellulose derivatives
D06N 3/12 - Artificial leather, oilcloth, or like material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof with macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
F24F 3/14 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification
A heat and humidity exchanger comprises panels made up of membrane sheets attached on either side of a separator. Channels extend across each panel between the separator and the membrane sheets. The panels are much stiffer than the membrane sheets. Panels are stacked in a spaced apart relationship to provide an ERV core. Spacing between adjacent panels may be smaller than a thickness of the panels,
F28D 9/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the heat-exchange media travelling at an angle to one another
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
F28D 21/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups
F28F 3/00 - Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
F28F 21/06 - Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of plastics material
A heat and humidity exchanger comprises panels made up of membrane sheets attached on either side of a separator. Channels extend across each panel between the separator and the membrane sheets. The panels are much stiffer than the membrane sheets. Panels are stacked in a spaced apart relationship to provide an ERV core. Spacing between adjacent panels may be smaller than a thickness of the panels,
F28D 9/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the heat-exchange media travelling at an angle to one another
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
F28D 21/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups
F28F 21/06 - Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of plastics material
F28F 3/00 - Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
12.
METHOD OF MAKING A SUPPORTED WATER VAPOR TRANSPORT MEMBRANE COMPRISING POLYETHYLENE OXIDE COPOLYMER
: An air-impermeable water vapor transport membrane comprises an active layer on a microporous poly- meric substrate. The active layer compriscs a polyethyl- ene-oxide containing copolymer and a polar protic solvent in an amount of about 3% to about 100% of copolymer weight in the active layer. Molecules of thc protic solvent arc bondcd to the copolymer. The polar protic solvent reduces temperat- ure-dependent variability in the water- vapor permeability of thc membrane.
An air-impermeable water vapor transport membrane comprises an active layer on a microporous polymeric substrate. The active layer comprises a polyethylene-oxide containing copolymer and a polar protic solvent in an amount of about 3% to about 100% of copolymer weight in the active layer. Molecules of the protic solvent are bonded to the copolymer. The polar protic solvent reduces temperature-dependent variability in the water- vapor permeability of the membrane.
A heat and humidity exchanger has example application in exchanging heat and water vapor between fresh air entering a building and air being vented from the building. The heat and humidity exchanger has a self-supporting core formed from layered sheets of a moisture-permeable material. Plenums are arranged to direct fluid streams into and out of the core. The plenums may be on opposing sides of the core to permit counterflow exchange of heat and water vapor.
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
F28D 9/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
F28D 21/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups
F28F 9/26 - Arrangements for connecting different sections of heat-exchange elements, e.g. of radiators
F24F 3/14 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
F24F 11/46 - Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
15.
BLENDED MEMBRANES FOR WATER VAPOR TRANSPORT AND METHODS FOR PREPARING SAME
Water vapor transport membranes for ERV and other water vapor transport applications are provided. The membranes include a substrate and an air impermeable selective layer coated on the substrate, the selective layer including a cellulose derivative and a sulfonated polyaryletherketone. In some embodiments the sulfonated polyaryletherketone is in a cation form and/or the selective layer includes s PEEK and CA in an s PEEK:CA (wt.:wt.) ratio in the range of about 7:3 to 2:3. Methods for making such membranes are provided. The methods include applying a coating solution/dispersion to a substrate and allowing the coating solution/dispersion to dry to form an air impermeable selective layer on the substrate, the coating solution/dispersion including a cellulose derivative and a sulfonated polyarylether ketone. In some embodiments the sulfonated polyaryletherketone is in a cation form and/or the coating solution/dispersion includes s PEEK and CA in an sPEEK:CA (wt.:wt.) ratio in the range of about 7:3 to 2:3.
B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
A water vapor transport membrane comprises a nanofibrous layer disposed on a macroporous support layer, the nanofibrous layer coated with a water permeable polymer. A method for making a water vapor transport membrane comprises forming a nanofibrous layer on a macroporous support layer and applying a water permeable polymer to the nanofibrous layer. The water permeable polymer can be applied for so that the nanofibrous layer is substantially or partially filled with the water permeable polymer, or so that the coating forms a substantially continuous layer on one surface of the nanofibrous layer. In some embodiments of the method, the nanofibrous layer is formed by electro-spinning at least one polymer on at least one side of the porous support layer. In some embodiments, the support layer is formable and the method further comprises forming a three-dimensional structure from the water vapor transport membrane, for example, by compression molding, pleating or corrugating.
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
B01D 71/82 - Macromolecular material not specifically provided for in a single one of groups characterised by the presence of specified groups, e.g. introduced by chemical after-treatment
D01D 5/00 - Formation of filaments, threads, or the like
D01F 6/18 - Monocomponent man-made filaments or the like of synthetic polymers; Manufacture thereof from homopolymers obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from polymers of unsaturated nitriles, e.g. polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene cyanide
B29D 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 5/26 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer also being fibrous or filamentary
B32B 15/02 - Layered products essentially comprising metal in a form other than a sheet, e.g. wire, particles
B32B 15/20 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising aluminium or copper
B32B 1/00 - Layered products essentially having a general shape other than plane
B32B 3/28 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer comprising a deformed thin sheet, e.g. corrugated, crumpled
17.
Cross-pleated membrane cartridges, and method and apparatus for making cross-pleated membrane cartridges
A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.
B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
F28F 9/00 - Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
B01D 46/00 - Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
B01D 46/52 - Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filters embodying folded material
B01D 46/54 - Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using ultra-fine filter sheets or diaphragms
B01D 63/16 - Rotary, reciprocated or vibrated modules
B31D 5/04 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles including folding or pleating, e.g. Chinese lanterns
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
F28D 21/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups
B01D 67/00 - Processes specially adapted for manufacturing semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus
B32B 37/02 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by a sequence of laminating steps, e.g. by adding new layers at consecutive laminating stations
B01D 29/03 - Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups ; Filtering elements therefor with flat filtering elements self-supporting
B01D 69/00 - Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or properties; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor
A water vapor transport membrane comprises a nanofibrous layer disposed on a macroporous support layer, the nanofibrous layer coated with a water permeable polymer. A method for making a water vapor transport membrane comprises forming a nanofibrous layer on a macroporous support layer and applying a water permeable polymer to the nanofibrous layer. The water permeable polymer can be applied for so that the nanofibrous layer is substantially or partially filled with the water permeable polymer, or so that the coating forms a substantially continuous layer on one surface of the nanofibrous layer. In some embodiments of the method, the nanofibrous layer is formed by electro-spinning at least one polymer on at least one side of the porous support layer. In some embodiments, the support layer is formable and the method further comprises forming a three-dimensional structure from the water vapor transport membrane, for example, by compression molding, pleating or corrugating.
B01D 61/00 - Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
B29D 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
19.
Cross-pleated membrane cartridges, and method and apparatus for making cross-pleated membrane cartridges
A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.
B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
F28D 21/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups
B32B 37/02 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by a sequence of laminating steps, e.g. by adding new layers at consecutive laminating stations
B01D 67/00 - Processes specially adapted for manufacturing semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
B01D 46/54 - Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using ultra-fine filter sheets or diaphragms
B01D 46/52 - Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filters embodying folded material
B01D 46/00 - Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
B31D 5/04 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles including folding or pleating, e.g. Chinese lanterns
B01D 63/16 - Rotary, reciprocated or vibrated modules
H01M 8/04 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
20.
Cross-pleated membrane cartridges, and method and apparatus for making cross-pleated membrane cartridges
A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.
B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
21.
COUNTER-FLOW ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATOR (ERV) CORE
A heat and humidity exchanger has example application in exchanging heat and water vapour between fresh air entering a building and air being vented from the building. The heat and humidity exchanger has a self-supporting core formed from layered sheets (710, 720) of a moisture-permeable material. Plenums (750) are arranged to direct fluid streams into and out of the core. The plenums (750) may be on opposing sides of the core to permit counterflow exchange of heat and water vapour. The plenums (750) are attached to the core along opposite edges of the sheets (710, 720).
F28D 9/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the heat-exchange media travelling at an angle to one another
A water vapour transport membrane comprises a nanofibrous layer disposed on a macroporous support layer, the nanofibrous layer coated with a water permeable polymer. A method for making a water vapour transport membrane comprises forming a nanofibrous layer on a macroporous support layer and applying a water permeable polymer to the nanofibrous layer. The water permeable polymer can be applied for so that the nanofibrous layer is substantially or partially filled with the water permeable polymer, or so that the coating forms a substantially continuous layer on one surface of the nanofibrous layer. In some embodiments of the method, the nanofibrous layer is formed by electro-spinning at least one polymer on at least one side of the porous support layer. In some embodiments, the support layer is formable and the method further comprises forming a three-dimensional structure from the water vapour transport membrane, for example, by compression molding, pleating or corrugating.
B01D 61/00 - Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
23.
Cross-pleated membrane cartridges, and method and apparatus for making cross-pleated membrane cartridges
A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.
B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
24.
Coated membranes for enthalpy exchange and other applications
Coated membranes comprise a porous desiccant-loaded polymer substrate that is coated on one surface with a thin layer of water permeable polymer. Such membranes are particularly suitable for use in enthalpy exchangers and other applications involving exchange of moisture and optionally heat between gas streams with little or no mixing of the gas streams through the membrane. Such membranes have favorable heat and humidity transfer properties, have suitable mechanical properties, are resistant to the crossover of gases when the membranes are either wet or dry, and are generally low cost.
F24F 3/14 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
Coated membranes comprise a porous desiccant-loaded polymer substrate that is coated on one surface with a thin layer of water permeable polymer. Such membranes are particularly suitable for use in enthalpy ex-changers and other applications involving ex-change of moisture and optionally heat be-tween gas streams with little or no mixing of the gas streams through the membrane. Such membranes have favorable heat and humidity transfer properties, have suitable mechanical properties, are resistant to the crossover of gas-es when the membranes are either wet or dry, and are generally low cost.
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
F28F 13/04 - Arrangements for modifying heat transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by preventing the formation of continuous films of condensate on heat-exchange surfaces, e.g. by promoting droplet formation
F28F 13/18 - Arrangements for modifying heat transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by surface treatment, e.g. polishing
F28F 17/00 - Removing ice or water from heat-exchange apparatus
F28F 21/06 - Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of plastics material
26.
Cross-pleated membrane cartridges, and method and apparatus for making cross-pleated membrane cartridges
A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.
B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
27.
CROSS-PLEATED MEMBRANE CARTRIDGES, AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING CROSS-PLEATED MEMBRANE CARTRIDGES
A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly fold- ing and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water- permeable membranes can he used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.
F28F 3/00 - Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
B01D 46/52 - Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filters embodying folded material
F24F 3/147 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
F28F 21/00 - Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials
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