DESC:Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to gas separation devices that extract and concentrate oxygen from ambient air. More specifically, the invention pertains to an oxygen concentrator incorporating an integrated system designed to remove moisture from the compressed gas feed stream before it reaches the adsorbent beds. This invention enhances the efficiency and longevity of the adsorbent material used in the separation process, improving overall performance and reliability.
The invention is particularly directed toward compact oxygen concentrators intended for therapeutic use, supplying concentrated oxygen to patients requiring medical oxygen therapy. These devices are designed to be lightweight, portable, and efficient, making them suitable for homecare, ambulatory, and hospital applications. However, the principles underlying the invention, particularly those related to moisture management and adsorbent bed efficiency, are broadly applicable to other gas concentrators that rely on pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or similar adsorption-based separation techniques. These include industrial oxygen generators, nitrogen concentrators, and other gas purification systems where controlling humidity within the gas feed stream is critical for optimal operation.
By integrating an effective moisture removal system, the invention addresses challenges such as adsorbent degradation, reduced separation efficiency, and pressure losses associated with excess humidity. This advancement contributes to increased operational lifespan, reduced maintenance requirements, and more consistent oxygen purity levels, making it particularly beneficial for medical and industrial applications where reliability and performance are paramount.
Background of the invention:
There are many patients that require supplemental oxygen as part of Long-Term Oxygen Therapy, LTOT.Currently, the majority ofpatients that are receiving LTOT, are diagnosed under the general category of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD. This general diagnosis includes such common diseases as Chronic Asthma, Emphysema, Congestive Heart Failure and several other cardio-pulmonary conditions. Other people (e.g., obese individuals) may also require supplemental oxygen, for example, to maintain elevated activity levels. Doctors may prescribe oxygen concentrators or portable tanks of medical oxygen for these patients.
The application of oxygen concentrators for therapeutic use is known, and many variants of such devices exist. A particularly useful class of oxygen concentrators is designed to be portable, allowing users to move about and to travel for extended periods of time without the need to carry a supply of stored oxygen or to have any maintenance performed on their equipment. These portable oxygen concentrators are typically in the range of 2 to 20 lbs and produce from 0.3 to 5.0 LPM of oxygen. Most of these portable concentrators are based on Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA), or Vacuum Swing Adsorption (VSA) designs which feed compressed air to selective adsorption beds. In a typical oxygen concentrator, the beds utilize a zeolite adsorbent to selectively adsorb nitrogen, resulting in pressurized, oxygen-rich product gas.
Bharat, with its diverse geography and climate, experiences a wide range of humidity levels throughout the year. The varying atmospheric moisture content has a notable impact on the consistent performance of oxygen concentrators, particularly in regions with high humidity.
Coastal Regions (e.g., Mumbai, Kolkata): Coastal areas in India, such as Mumbai and Kolkata, often encounter high humidity levels, especially during the monsoon season. The proximity to the sea contributes to elevated moisture content in the air, presenting a notable challenge for oxygen concentrators. Average annual humidity in these areas may range between 70-80%.
Northern Plains (e.g., Delhi, Lucknow): The northern plains experience diverse weather patterns, including hot summers and humid monsoons. While the humidity levels may not be as consistently high as in coastal regions, the fluctuating climate poses a different set of challenges. Sudden spikes in humidity during the monsoon can impact the moisture-handling capacity of oxygen concentrators.
Himalayan Region (e.g., Shimla, Dehradun) – In Himalayan regions, the presence of fog and continual rains cause high humidity condition and reduce the performance of oxygen concentrator.
Southern Peninsula (e.g., Chennai, Bangalore): Southern regions, including Chennai and Bangalore, witness relatively moderate humidity levels, but they can still experience significant moisture challenges during the monsoon. The combination of warm temperatures and occasional humidity spikes demands robust moisture management in oxygen concentrators to ensure sustained performance.
Humidity can significantly impact the performance of oxygen concentrators, and it is essential to take this issue seriously. When the air is humid, moisture can condense inside the oxygen concentrator, leading to a decrease in performance. This is because moisture can clog the sieve beds, which are responsible for separating the oxygen from the air.
Various technologies and methods were developed in the art to reduce the moisture from feeder air toimprove the efficiency of oxygen concentrator devices following prior art incorporated as reference:
US7037358B2 describes a method for reducing adsorbent degradation by moisture adsorption while producing a product gas in a pressure swing adsorption process. This reference discloses that gas separation using adsorbents sensitive to contaminant deactivation, such as deactivation by atmospheric humidity. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments concern a cyclic adsorption process, e.g., vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) or pressure swing adsorption (PSA) carried out in a system comprising at least one adsorber containing adsorbent, such as in the form of laminated sheets or other parallel passage support. One exemplary PSA embodiment is oxygen enrichment of air using nitrogen-selective adsorbents, which are hydrophilic in their activated condition.
US8580015B2 describe an oxygen concentrator comprising; at least one of a compressor or vacuum pump section, at least one of a PSA, VSA, or VPSA section including adsorbent beds for gas separation to produce oxygen rich product gas; and, a membrane dryer mounted in the concentrator with the dryer's inlet side disposed in the gas feed path between the compressor or vacuum pump and the adsorbent beds and the dryer's sweep side disposed to be swept by nitrogen rich exhaust gas from the gas separation section, wherein the sweep gas is at least 90% of the feed gas; wherein the oxygen concentrator is portable.
US7780768B2 also discloses an oxygen concentrator. A membrane dryer is inserted into the feed gas path to the concentrator absorbent beds, such that the moisture in the feed gas is directed to a part of the dryer exposed to the concentrator exhaust, thus achieving efficient operation of the membrane dryer with no loss of concentrator feed gas.
The patent literature US7037358B2 discussed herein above teach that extreme care must be used in shutting down and storing PSA units that are run on an intermittent basis. Any water (or other impurities) remaining in the desiccant layer(s) or portion of the bed used for feed gas drying upon shutdown will diffuse over time due to the gradient in chemical potential between the portion of the bed that is used for impurity removal during normal operation and the dry portion of the beds. The above referenced patents disclose many preventative measures that can be performed during shutdown and storage of PSA units that are operated intermittently to mitigate these issues. In an oxygen concentrator it is advantageous to remove as much water as possible from the compressed gas feed stream to prevent deactivation of the highly efficient zeolite, use less desiccant, and minimize the presence of water in the beds during shutdown. Traditional means of removing water such as coalescing filters and gravity water traps have limited abilities to remove water and can thereby limit the usable service life of oxygen concentrating equipment.
Despite the effective moisture mitigative measures described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,780,768 and 8,580,015 by using a membrane dryer is inserted into the feed gas path to the concentrator absorbent beds, which might remove 40-98% of water molecules from the feed gas stream, some moisture will remain in the beds when the concentrator is turned off. For the case where there is a desiccant layer, even for a very dry design, the desiccant exists to remove any remaining water as well as other impurities, such as CO2.
To address the issue of frequent clogging of adsorption material by atmospheric water at high humid conditions and to receive an uninterrupted pure medical grade oxygen supply, there is need to develop a system which can remove humidity from the air before it enters the oxygen concentrator. It helps to remove the moisture from the air before it enters the oxygen concentrator, ensuring that the sieve beds do not get clogged.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an oxygen concentrator with improved efficiency and enhanced humidity removal capabilities by integrating a Peltier cooling device in direct communication with the condenser coil (3). This design ensures effective dehumidification by rapidly cooling and condensing moisture from the incoming compressed air, preventing saturation of the adsorbent material and optimizing system performance.
Another objective is to develop an oxygen concentrator that delivers high-purity oxygen for extended durations by efficiently removing moisture from the intake air. Excess moisture can reduce adsorption efficiency, degrade adsorbent materials, and cause fluctuations in oxygen purity. The advanced dehumidification system ensures that adsorbent beds retain their optimal separation capacity, providing consistent, medical-grade oxygen over extended use.
A further objective is to design an oxygen concentrator with multiple moisture-reducing components strategically positioned to extract moisture from the intake air before it enters the adsorption chamber. The system utilizes multi-stage dehumidification, including pre-filters, desiccant layers, cooling condensers, and water traps, to maximize moisture removal at each stage. This layered approach enhances adsorption efficiency, extends adsorbent material lifespan, and reduces maintenance.
Another goal is to create a portable, safe, and cost-effective oxygen concentrator that consistently delivers moisture-free, high-purity oxygen even in high-humidity environments. Compact and lightweight, the device is suitable for stationary and mobile applications, such as home healthcare, hospitals, and emergency response. Its energy-efficient components ensure reliable performance without excessive power consumption, making it both affordable and dependable.
Lastly, the invention aims to develop a sustainable, cost-effective oxygen concentrator that minimizes maintenance costs and reduces the need for frequent technician servicing. The integration of efficient dehumidification extends the operational life of the adsorbent material, lowering wear and tear and ensuring consistent oxygen production. This innovation results in lower long-term ownership costs while maintaining high reliability, offering a practical and economically viable solution for continuous oxygen therapy and industrial use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a multistage moisture removal system for an oxygen concentrator, as illustrated in Figure 1. Ambient air is first compressed using an air compressor and then directed to a condenser coil (3) for initial cooling. The cooled air is subsequently passed through a Peltier cooling module, which is thermally coupled to the condenser coil (3) at one end and an auto drain filter regulator (FR) at the other end. The auto drain FR efficiently removes the condensed water, ensuring drier air reaches the subsequent processing stages.
In another preferred embodiment, the Peltier cooling module is activated in high-humidity conditions (above 50%) to prevent frequent clogging of the adsorption material due to excessive atmospheric moisture.
In yet another embodiment, moisture-free air exiting the auto drain FR is directed through a switch-controlled system that selectively distributes it to a plurality of adsorbers containing adsorbing material, preferably zeolite, within an adsorption chamber. These adsorbers extract nitrogen and other impurities, thereby increasing the oxygen concentration.
Another embodiment of the invention includes an oxygen chamber that stores the high-purity oxygen generated by the zeolite-based adsorption system. This chamber is connected to the zeolite chamber at one end and a flow meter at the other, through which purified oxygen is supplied to a humidifier bottle. The oxygen-enriched air is then delivered to the patient via a mask for therapeutic use.
In another aspect, as shown in Figure 2, an oxygen concentrator system is provided, featuring a humidity control system that is directly connected to the oxygen concentrator chamber. This humidity control system is further linked to a microcontroller and power system, comprising components such as an air compressor, condenser coil (3), Peltier cooling module, and auto drain FR, all working in conjunction to maintain optimal moisture levels in the intake air.
Another aspect of the invention involves a power management system, which includes a 220V power supply and a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) operating at 12V and 5V levels. The power system provides controlled power distribution to both the humidity control system and the oxygen generation system, ensuring stable and efficient operation.
Additionally, the invention includes an oxygen generation system incorporating control valves, a zeolite chamber equipped with a hydrophobic layer, a storage chamber, and a humidifier bottle, all interconnected with the power management system to optimize oxygen production and delivery.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the system is equipped with a smart sensor system that includes temperature measurement, humidity measurement, and oxygen concentration measurement, allowing for real-time monitoring and adaptive control of the concentrator’s performance.
Finally, the oxygen concentrator features a microcontroller-based embedded control system, which is strategically positioned to manage and regulate all components illustrated in Figure 2. This includes the power management system, humidity removal system, oxygen generation system, and smart sensor system, ensuring seamless operation and improved efficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from a reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawing of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which:
Fig.1: illustrating arrangement of essential component of oxygen concentrator and their working flow.
Fig. 2: illustrating general elements of oxygen concentrators as applicable to certain embodiments of the invention.
Fig. 3 illustrating whole view i.e. top view, front view, right view of the device.
Fig.4: illustrating Front view of the device and arrangement of Front Panel (17), info display(18), Gas Rotameter(19), Temperature & Humidity Sensor(20), Humidifier Bottle(21) and Aluminium Extrusion Frame (22).

Fig. 5 illustrating top view of the device and arrangement of top view structure Air Filter (1), Air Compressor (2), Condenser Coil (3), Cooling Fan (4),Connecting Pipes (5), Peltier Chilling Unit (6), Auto Drain Filter Regulator (7), 5/2 Way Solenoid Valve (8), (i) Right (ii) Left Zeolite Cylinder (9), 2-Way Solenoid Valve (10),Oxygen Storage Chamber (11), Oxygen Sensor (12), Power Supply (13), Circuit Board (14), Power Cable (15).

Fig. 6 illustrating back view of the device and arrangement of back view structure Air Filter (1), Air Compressor (2), Condenser Coil (3), Cooling Fan (4), Connecting Pipes (5), Peltier Chilling Unit (6), Auto Drain Filter Regulator (7), connecting wires (23).

Fig. 7: illustrating right view of device and arrangement of Oxygen Storage Chamber(11), Left & right zeolite cylinders (9i, 9ii), Auto Drain Filter Regulator (7) and Aluminium Extrusion Frame (22).

Fig. 8: illustrating Left view of device and arrangement of Condenser coil (3)
(3), Peltier Chilling Unit (6), Power supply (13), Circuit Board (14), power Cable (15) and Castor Wheel (16).

Fig. 9: illustrating arrangement of Zeolite cylinder (9), (upper body (24), lower cover (25) and arrangement of Gas Filter Fibre (26) PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) Layer (27) & Metal Mesh (28).

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
The different components of the present oxygen concentrator along with the numbers representing them are as follows:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
It is to be understood that present invention is not limited to particular devices or methods, which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. Headings are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit or interpret the description or claims.
The atmosphere of earth is composed of 78 % Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen. Accordance with the present invention, there is shown a preferred embodiment, generally indicated as oxygen concentrator which takes atmospheric air and produces 90-95 % pure oxygen, for fractionating at least one component, namely nitrogen, from a gaseous mixture by pressure swing adsorption to produce a product gas, and for delivering the product gas at specific and variable intervals upon demand by a user.
A variety of gas separation section cycle types and bed arrangements are known in the art, most of which can benefit from the preferred embodiments of the invention. Whatever the details of the gas separation section, typically product gas is accumulated in a storage device. Storage devices may include a tank in the traditional sense, ormay be some other device effective for holding a volume of gas, such as a tube, or some other volume filled with a high surface area-to-volume powder. Many modern concentrators used for therapeutic applications also include a programmable controller to operate the concentrator and provide for user interface and communications. Also typical is gas exhaust, and delivery to patient, which often is through a conserver device.
A problem with selective adsorbent bed technology, particularly when the adsorbing medium is a zeolite, is that the adsorbing medium may trap water vapor present in the feed gas due to the much higher energy levels required to desorb water than to desorb nitrogen (regeneration of saturated beds typically occurs at 300 degrees C. or greater). The trapped water can partially fill the sites available for nitrogen binding over time. This is a particularly serious problem for oxygen concentrators, which are generally designed with conventional condenser coil (3) and humidity trapping membranes face serious limitations in order to condense and trap humidity/water from feed air. However, water retention in the adsorbing section is a problem for all concentrators which are fed by ambient air. Thus most concentrators utilize some method/no method of partially drying the feed gas between the compressor and the beds, utilize a much larger than necessary adsorbent inventory, or have a short service interval to replace the adsorbent beds.
An oxygen concentrator designed by the inventors, for instance, a compressor and water trap arrangementi.e.membrane dryer disposed in the path of feed air, described in reference art US7780768B2, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Such an arrangement is partially effective. However, such drying means have not been found to be completely effective for all uses, particularly when the concentrator is used in a humid environment or other conditions which do not promote condensation (and subsequent removal of liquid water from the feed stream) prior to moist air entering the beds. Thus, in some instances it has been found that the beds become saturated with water as a function of the number of cycles run and the operating environment, resulting in a capacity loss and a decrease in product purity proportional to the decreased capacity. Additionally, water remaining in the beds during shutdown periods or intermittent use will diffuse from the wet (feed) end of the bed towards the dry (product) end of the bed. In either case this effect may shorten the service life of the concentrator.
Other, more effective, drying systems exist that could be adapted to gas concentrators from other drying technologies, such as replaceable desiccant cartridges or refrigeration drying system, but due to most of these entailing increased power consumption, decreased product output, or increased service requirements, they have not to date been employed in portable gas concentrators.

Examples:
The major components of oxygen concentrator of present invention include and comprises; Humidity Removal system, Power Management system, Oxygen Generation system, Sensor System and Microcontroller said components further comprises subcomponents as listed below:
Humidity Removal 3. Condenser coil (3)
4. Cooling Fan
6. Peltier Chilling Unit
7. Auto Drain Filter Regulator
27. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) Layer
Power Management 15. Power Cable
13. Power Supply
14. Circuit Board
23. Connecting Wires
Oxygen Generation 2. Air Compressor
8. 5/2 Way Solenoid Valve
9(i). Right Zeolite Cylinder
9(ii). Left Zeolite Cylinder
10. 2-Way Solenoid Valve
11. Oxygen Storage Chamber
Sensor System 12. Oxygen Sensor
20. Temperature & Humidity Sensor
Microcontroller 14. Circuit Board
Humidity removal system:
The present invention incorporates a highly efficient humidity removal system designed to eliminate excess moisture from the intake air before it reaches the adsorption chamber, thereby enhancing the performance and longevity of the adsorbent material. One particularly effective means developed by the present inventor for this purpose is a Peltier cooling module strategically positioned in communication with the condenser coil (3) to achieve maximum moisture removal.
In operation, ambient air is first compressed and directed to a condenser coil (3) (3), where it undergoes initial cooling, leading to the condensation of a significant portion of the water vapor present in the air. To enhance this cooling process, a cooling fan (4) is employed to dissipate excess heat, ensuring effective condensation. The partially condensed feed air exiting the condenser coil (3) is then supplied to the Peltier cooling module (6), which is disposed before the condenser coil (3) and operates in conjunction with it to achieve deeper dehumidification. This configuration allows for the maximum removal of residual moisture from the feed air before it progresses further into the system.
As the air is cooled by the Peltier module (6), additional water droplets form and efficiently expelled through an auto drain filter regulator (7), which ensures the continuous removal of condensed water, preventing accumulation and clogging. To further safeguard the adsorption system from any remaining moisture, a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) layer (27) is incorporated as a final protective barrier. This hydrophobic layer prevents water molecules from reaching the adsorption chamber while allowing dry air to pass through, ensuring optimal adsorption efficiency and prolonged operational stability.
This multi-stage humidity removal system significantly improves the overall performance of the oxygen concentrator, reducing the risk of adsorption material clogging due to atmospheric moisture while maintaining consistent oxygen purity.
Power management system:
In a primary preferred embodiment, there is provided an oxygen concentrator system includes power management system comprises a power supply at 220 V level and SMPS at 12V and 5V level which is further connected to the one end for humid control system and the other end for oxygen generation system.
The power management system of the present invention is designed to ensure a stable and efficient energy supply to all components of the oxygen concentrator. The system begins with a power cable (15), which connects the device to an external power source, providing the necessary electrical input. This power is then regulated and distributed by the power supply (13), which converts the input voltage into appropriate levels required for different components of the system.
The regulated power is directed to a circuit board (14), which serves as the central hub for power distribution and control. The circuit board efficiently manages the electrical flow to various functional units, ensuring optimal operation and protection against power fluctuations. Additionally, connecting wires (23) are used to establish secure and stable electrical connections between the power supply, circuit board, and other essential components, enabling seamless integration and reliable performance of the oxygen concentrator.
This well-structured power management system ensures that all electrical components operate efficiently, contributing to the overall reliability and durability of the device.
Oxygen Concentrator System:
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an oxygen concentrator system, concerning fig 2, includes a humidity removal system which is directly connected to that oxygen concentrator chamber at one end and at other end it is connected to the microcontroller and power system, wherein the humidityremoval system comprises a compressor, condenser coil (3), peltier cooling module, auto drain FR.
The oxygen concentration process in the present invention is carried out through a systematic gas separation mechanism utilizing a series of interconnected components to ensure efficient oxygen generation. The process begins with an air compressor (2), which draws in ambient air and compresses it to the required pressure for further processing. The compressed air is then directed through a 5/2 way solenoid valve (8), which regulates airflow between different adsorption stages.
The compressed air is alternately supplied to a right zeolite cylinder (9(i)) and a left zeolite cylinder (9(ii)), both of which contain zeolite as the adsorbent material. These cylinders function in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) cycle, where nitrogen and other impurities are selectively adsorbed by the zeolite, allowing concentrated oxygen to pass through. The 2-way solenoid valve (10) controls the flow of purified oxygen from the zeolite cylinders to the next stage of the process.
The high-purity oxygen is then collected and stored in an oxygen storage chamber (11), ensuring a stable and continuous supply of medical-grade oxygen. This chamber acts as a buffer, maintaining consistent output pressure and flow rate before the oxygen is delivered to the patient or intended application.
This sequential oxygen concentration process ensures maximum efficiency in nitrogen separation, enabling the concentrator to produce a high-purity oxygen stream suitable for medical and industrial applications.
Sensor system:
The present invention incorporates a sensor system designed to continuously monitor and optimize the performance of the oxygen concentrator. This system comprises an oxygen sensor (12) and a temperature & humidity sensor (20), both of which play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of oxygen generation.
Sensor system provide information by Circuit board controls (14), 5/2-way solenoidal valve (8) and 2-way solenoid valve (10). Circuit board gets sensor data from Temperature & Humidity Sensor(20) and oxygen sensor(12) and displays it on info display (18).
The oxygen sensor (12) is strategically positioned within the oxygen flow path to measure the purity of the generated oxygen in real time. By continuously analyzing oxygen concentration levels, this sensor enables automatic adjustments to maintain a consistent and high-purity oxygen output, ensuring safe and effective delivery for medical or industrial applications.
The temperature & humidity sensor (20) monitors the environmental conditions within the system, including the intake air and internal components. By detecting fluctuations in temperature and humidity, the sensor helps regulate the moisture removal system and prevents excessive humidity from affecting the adsorption process. This ensures the longevity and efficiency of the zeolite material while maintaining stable system performance even in varying ambient conditions.
This integrated sensor system enhances the overall intelligence and adaptability of the oxygen concentrator, enabling real-time monitoring, efficient system adjustments, and improved operational reliability.
Microcontroller:
The microcontroller of the present invention is embedded within the circuit board (14), serving as the central control unit that regulates and coordinates the operation of the oxygen concentrator. It processes real-time data from various sensors, including the oxygen sensor (12) and temperature & humidity sensor (20), to optimize system performance. Additionally, the microcontroller manages the activation of key components such as the air compressor (2), solenoid valves (8, 10), and Peltier cooling module (6), ensuring efficient oxygen generation and humidity removal. By integrating intelligent control algorithms, the microcontroller enhances the device’s automation, stability, and adaptability, allowing for precise oxygen purity regulation, efficient power management, and seamless operation under varying environmental conditions.
In a preferred embodiment the components of the oxygen concentrator arranged in the manner described in fig. 1 & 2 illustrate the arrangement of essential components of oxygen concentrator and their working flow like Air Filter (1) positioned with air compressor (2) connected with condenser coil (3) further connected the peltier chilling unit (6) which is placed in communication with auto drain filter regulator (7), auto drain filter regulator (7) further attached with 5/2 solenoid valve (8) which is connected with Zeolite Cylinders (9), Zeolite Cylinders (9) further attached with oxygen storage cylinder (11) which is in communication with gas rotameter (19); the gas rotameter (19) further connected with last attached humidifier bottle (21).

In another embodiment the Cooling fan (4) placed is in support of condenser coil (3) and Power flow system comprises power cable(15) in communication with power supply unit (13) which is integrated with circuit board (14) and other components are given power through connecting wires (23).

In a preferred embodiment, the humidity removal system comprises a compressor (1 HP, 220 V), which is a well-known component in the art with established constructional and functional principles. The compressor is connected to the air inlet and further linked to a condenser coil (3) via a hollow Teflon or polyurethane (PU) pipe.
Ambient air enters the compressor, where it is compressed to a high pressure, causing a corresponding rise in temperature.
In another embodiment, the humidity removal system includes a condenser coil (3), consisting of a copper pipe with aluminum fins, similar to those used in air conditioning systems. This component is well-established in the art, with known construction and functionality. The condenser coil (3) is connected to the compressor at one end and linked to a Peltier cooling module via a hollow Teflon pipe (6mm outer diameter, 4mm inner diameter).
The initial stage of this oxygen concentrator features a meticulously designed condenser coil (3) positioned immediately after the compression phase. This coil plays a crucial role in cooling the hot, compressed air, thereby initiating moisture condensation. By maximizing heat exchange efficiency, this stage significantly reduces moisture content, preventing its entry into subsequent phases.
Another embodiment includes a Peltier cooling module comprising two 40W Peltier elements. The cold sides of these modules are in direct contact with the pipes to cool the passing air, while the hot sides are connected to a heat sink. The Peltier cooling module is placed between the condenser coil (3) and an auto drain filter regulator (FR) via a hollow Teflon/PU pipe.
Building on the effectiveness of the condenser coil (3), the second stage utilizes a Peltier cooling module to further reduce air temperature. The Peltier effect enhances moisture separation from the airflow, improving overall dehumidification. This combination of the condenser coil (3) and Peltier module significantly enhances moisture removal efficiency and stabilizes the system’s performance in varying humidity conditions.
The Peltier effect is a thermoelectric phenomenon where an electric current passing through dissimilar materials creates a temperature differential—one side heats up while the other cools. This process, which requires no gas, enables additional cooling of the air post-condenser, facilitating faster moisture condensation and separation.
The Peltier cooling module, one of four stages in the system, is particularly useful in high-humidity conditions (above 50%) to mitigate adsorption material clogging due to atmospheric moisture. This feature makes the system highly effective in humid regions.
In another embodiment, the humidity removal system includes an auto drain FR, operating within a pressure range of 0.5 to 10 bar and equipped with a 40-micron filter and auto-drain functionality. The auto drain FR is positioned after the Peltier cooling module. It consists of an upper body, which directs humidity-free air to the oxygen generation system, and a lower body, which collects condensed water. An integrated valve allows for efficient water drainage.
Another embodiment features an oxygen generation system comprising control valves, a zeolite chamber with a hydrophobic layer, a storage chamber, and a humidifier bottle, all connected to a power management system.
A further embodiment includes multiple zeolite chambers, each with a hydrophobic layer at the bottom, made from a nanostructured material. This layer plays a critical role in moisture removal by preventing small water molecules from passing through and expelling them during the depressurization cycle. The zeolite chambers are individually connected to a 5/2 switch and interconnected at the top. Each chamber has an inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top and is filled with adsorbent material. The zeolite chamber communicates with the oxygen storage chamber through a control valve.
Another embodiment includes an oxygen chamber, a well-known component in the art. It is connected to the zeolite chamber via a valve and further linked to a flow meter.
Additionally, the system features a humidifier bottle, which is a known component in oxygen concentrators. It is connected to the oxygen chamber at one end and to an outlet mask at the other.
In another embodiment, the system incorporates a smart sensor system for monitoring temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration.
Finally, the oxygen concentrator includes a microcontroller-based embedded control system, which manages switches, sensors, and the Peltier cooling module, ensuring efficient operation.
Advantages of the present Invention:
1. This oxygen concentrator has the four-stage separation process of blocking moisture content from reaching the zeolite chamber and increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the oxygen chamber.
2. Use of peltier cooling module for efficient and maximum removal of humidity at high humid conditions from ambient supplied air which consequently enhances the efficiency of the oxygen concentrator as well as ensures moisture free air supply to the oxygen generation system.
2. Reduces the clogging of adsorbent bed and overcomes the problem of frequent replacement of the same.
3. Maximize the nitrogen trapping from the supplied air
4. High purity oxygen generation achieved and uninterrupted supply of pure medical grade oxygen possible
5. Reduction in the cost of operation and minimize the maintenance of oxygen concentrator device and its components like adsorption bed etc.
,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:
1. An oxygen concentrator system, comprising:
an air compressor (2) for compressing ambient air;
a humidity removal system including a condenser coil (3), Peltier cooling module (6), cooling fan (4), auto drain filter regulator (7), and a PTFE layer (27) for maximum dehumidification;
a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system with at least one right zeolite cylinder (9(i)) and left zeolite cylinder (9(ii)) for nitrogen adsorption; and
an oxygen storage chamber (11) for collecting high-purity oxygen before delivery.
2. The oxygen concentrator system of claim 1, wherein the Peltier cooling module (6) is positioned before the condenser coil (3) to further reduce the moisture content of the compressed feed air before it reaches the zeolite beds.
3. The oxygen concentrator system of claim 1, wherein the humidity removal system further comprises:
an auto drain filter regulator (7) for continuous removal of condensed water; and
a PTFE hydrophobic layer (27) to prevent residual moisture from reaching the adsorption chamber.
4. The oxygen concentrator system of claim 1, wherein the Peltier cooling module (6) comprises at least two thermoelectric cooling elements, configured to create a temperature differential, enabling additional moisture separation from the feed air.
5. The oxygen concentrator system of claim 1, further comprising:
a 5/2 way solenoid valve (8) for directing compressed air into alternating right zeolite cylinder (9(i)) and left zeolite cylinder (9(ii));
a 2-way solenoid valve (10) to regulate oxygen flow from the zeolite cylinders;
an oxygen storage chamber (11) to maintain oxygen purity and pressure; and
a humidifier bottle (21) to condition the output oxygen before delivery to a patient.
6. The oxygen concentrator system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor system including:
an oxygen sensor (12) to measure oxygen purity in real time; and
a temperature & humidity sensor (20) to monitor environmental conditions and optimize system performance.
7. The oxygen concentrator system of claim 1, further comprising a power management system, including:
a power cable (15) for connecting the concentrator to an external power source;
a power supply unit (13) to regulate voltage;a circuit board (14) for managing power distribution; and
connecting wires (23) to establish secure electrical connections between system components.
8. The oxygen concentrator system of claim 1, wherein the circuit board (14) incorporates a microcontroller, which regulates system operations, including humidity control, oxygen concentration, and sensor feedback processing.
9. The oxygen concentrator system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen generation process comprises the steps of:
compressing ambient air using an air compressor (2);
removing moisture via the humidity removal system (3, 4, 6, 7, 27);
directing dehumidified air to a PSA-based zeolite adsorption system (9(i), 9(ii)) to separate nitrogen; and
storing and delivering 90-95% pure oxygen from the oxygen storage chamber (11).
10. The oxygen concentrator system of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller-based control system (14) dynamically adjusts Peltier cooling module (6) operation, solenoid valve (8, 10) timing, and compressor (2) activity based on sensor feedback to optimize oxygen production efficiency.