Air-conditioner module and use thereof

Abstract

The heat and mass exchange (HMX) module comprises a plurality of plates in a spaced-apart arrangement and provided with a plurality of air channels for air flow and a plurality of liquid channels for flow of liquid, wherein a liquid channel is embodied at a surface of a plate and is arranged adjacent to an air channel with a mutual exchange surface, which liquid channel is provided with an entry and an exit. The module further comprising a distance holder arranged between a first and a second adjacent plates. The entry of the liquid channel is defined as a plurality of entry regions spaced apart by means of closed regions, which entry regions define entry points for the liquid into and onto the layer of wicking material, in which closed regions the distance holder extends between the first and the second plate.

1 . An heat and mass exchange (HMX) module comprising a plurality of plates in a spaced-apart arrangement and provided with a plurality of air channels for air flow and a plurality of liquid channels for flow of liquid, wherein a liquid channel is embodied as a layer of wicking material present at a surface of a plate and is arranged adjacent to an air channel with a mutual exchange surface, which liquid channel is provided with an entry and an exit, wherein a plate is embodied as a sheet with a first and a second layer of wicking material, each having a mutual exchange surface with an air channel,
 Wherein
 the module further comprising a plurality of distance holders each arranged between a first and a second adjacent plates, said distance holder being strip-shaped and provided with a plurality of contact surfaces on each side facing a plate, 
 the entry of the liquid channel is defined as a plurality of entry regions spaced apart by means of closed regions, in which closed regions the contact surfaces of the distance holder are in contact with the plates, which entry regions are defined as apertures between the distance holder and the plate, allowing the liquid to flow into and onto the layer of wicking material, in which closed regions the distance holder extends between the first and the second plate, and said wicking material is compressed between the distance holder and the sheet, and 
 at least one container of liquid is present on top of the plurality of liquid channels and overlying said plurality of apertures. 
   
     
     
         2 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the apertures are defined in the distance holder. 
     
     
         3 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the contact surfaces on opposed side faces of the distance holder are aligned and neighbouring contact surfaces are spaced by cavities. 
     
     
         4 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the apertures are defined in the plate. 
     
     
         5 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the distance holders have a larger thickness than the plates and constitute a more rigid material than the sheets. 
     
     
         6 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising more than 50 sheets and more preferably at least 100 sheets. 
     
     
         7 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the distance holder defines a side wall to an air channel. 
     
     
         8 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the entry regions have in cross-sectional view different surface area along the width of the liquid channel. 
     
     
         9 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a controller for controlling a flow rate of liquid by means of setting a level of liquid in the at least one container. 
     
     
         10 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the distance holder has a surface of a hydrophobic material. 
     
     
         11 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the distance holder has a bottom surface that is exposed to at least one air channel, which bottom surface has a concave shape between lower edges adjacent to the plates and an upper area between said edges. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a means for pressing together the plurality of plates and distance holders. 
     
     
         14 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein clamping means are present on at least one end face of the distance holder, for holding a first and an adjacent second distance holder and an intermediate plate together. 
     
     
         15 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the sheets are embodied as corrugated sheets. 
     
     
         16 . The HMX module as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the corrugated sheets have a substantially planar area at their top side. 
     
     
         17 . An conditioning apparatus for air and/or another gas stream, comprising:
 at least one of a dehumidifier and a cooler,   a regenerator,   a cycle for transport of a fluid between said at least one of dehumidifier and cooler, and said regenerator,   pumping means for pumping the fluid,   wherein the heat and mass exchange module as claimed in  claim 1  is used for at least one of the dehumidifier and cooler and the regenerator.   
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method of air conditioning, using an HMX module as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising the steps of
 Providing an air flow into the plurality of air channels, and   Providing liquid into the at least one container, resulting in a liquid flow into the liquid channels.   
     
     
         20 . The method as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the liquid is a liquid desiccant material. 
     
     
         21 . The method as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the air flow is controlled to have a laminar flow. 
     
     
         22 . The method as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein a level of liquid desiccant in the at least one container is controlled, therewith defining a volumetric flow rate of the liquid flow. 
     
     
         23 . (canceled)