Abstract:
A method for continuously removing a particular type of gas molecules (“gas molecules”) from a gas stream includes selecting a liquid having an affinity for the gas molecules to be removed, and providing the selected liquid to each of a first and second mat, each mat formed from a plurality of fibers having the ability to retain the selected liquid within longitudinally extending channels having longitudinally extending openings against moving into the space between the individual fibers, the mats in fluid communication therebetween with the selected liquid. The method includes directing the gas stream through a portion of the first mat into contact with the selected liquid along the longitudinally extending openings whereby the selected liquid absorbs the gas molecules, and directing a second gas through a portion of the second mat so that the gas molecules, absorbed by and disbursed throughout the selected liquid, are stripped and carried away.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The application relates generally to removing a particular type of gas molecules from a gas stream. The application relates more specifically to continuously removing a particular type of gas molecules from a gas stream. 
         [0002]    Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (“HVAC&amp;R”) are typically the largest contributor to an energy budget of buildings and one of the largest loads on the entire electrical grid, especially during peak hours. Conditioning outside air is particularly expensive in locations with extreme temperature and humidity. One method to reduce power requirements would be to reduce the latent load on the ventilation system. Latent load results from thermal energy released when moisture in the air is transformed from a vapor to a liquid state. Satisfying the latent load by removing moisture from the ventilated air through more efficient methodology saves energy. In hot humid climates, cooling equipment must have sufficient capacity to handle this design (worst case) load if occupants are to be comfortable. Satisfying the latent load by more efficient methods allows smaller equipment to satisfy the same load, reducing initial equipment cost as well as operating cost. 
         [0003]    Another method to reduce energy is to lower the amount of ventilation air that is required. This can be done by cleaning the indoor air of carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”) rather than relying on the dilution of these contaminants by the outside ventilation air. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, there is an unmet need for reducing expenses associated with HVAC&amp;R ventilation systems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a system for continuously removing a predetermined type of gas molecules from a first air stream and releasing the predetermined type of gas molecules into a second air stream, the system comprising a first plurality of fibers and a second plurality of fibers each including a longitudinally extending channel with a longitudinally extending opening. The system further includes a liquid having an affinity for the predetermined type of gas molecules disposed within the channels of the first plurality of fibers and the second plurality of fibers and a device for directing the first air stream across at least a part of the first plurality of fibers into contact with the liquid along the longitudinally extending openings whereby the liquid absorbs the predetermined type of gas molecules. The system further includes the first plurality of fibers extending from the first air stream to a collector selectably independent of the first air stream, selectably independent of the second air stream, or selectably independent of the first air stream and the second air stream. The system further includes the second plurality of fibers extending from the second air stream to the collector, the first plurality of fibers and the second plurality of fibers in fluid communication therebetween with the liquid in the collector, the second air stream stripping and carrying away the predetermined type of gas molecules. 
         [0006]    Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a filtration device for removing a particular type of vapor molecules from a first air stream including a first housing having a first chamber and a second housing having a second chamber. A first air flow path is provided through the first chamber of the first housing for the first air stream and a second air flow path through the second chamber of the second housing for a second air stream. A first fibrous material is provided having a plurality of strands which are positioned in the first chamber to intercept the first air flow path and which extends to a collector selectably independent of the first air flow path, selectably independent of the second air flow path or selectably independent of the first air flow path and the second air flow path. A second fibrous material is provided having a plurality of strands which are positioned in the second chamber to intercept the second air flow path and which extends to the collector, the plurality of strands of the first fibrous material and the second fibrous material in fluid communication therebetween with the liquid in the collector. The plurality of strands of each of the first fibrous material and the second fibrous material are provided having a hollow internal region connected to an outer surface through at least one longitudinally extending opening. A liquid is provided for absorbing the particular type of airborne vapor molecules, the liquid disposed in the hollow internal regions of the plurality of strands of the first fibrous material and communicating through the longitudinally extending openings in the plurality of strands with the first air stream following the first air flow path through the first chamber. The liquid is provided for absorbing the particular type of airborne vapor molecules, the liquid disposed in the hollow internal regions of the plurality of strands of the second fibrous material and communicating through the longitudinally extending openings in the plurality of strands with the second air stream following the second air flow path through the second chamber. A device is provided for directing the first air stream into contact with the first airborne vapor absorbing liquid along the longitudinally extending openings whereby the airborne vapor absorbing liquid absorbs the particular type of vapor molecules through the longitudinally extending openings. The second air stream is directed through the second chamber of the second housing to pass through the portion of the second fibrous material positioned in the second chamber to strip vapor molecules absorbed by the airborne vapor absorbing liquid. 
         [0007]    A further embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a method for continuously removing a particular type of gas molecules from a first gas stream comprising the steps of selecting a liquid which has an affinity for the particular type of gas molecules to be removed. The method further includes providing the selected liquid to each of a first mat and a second mat, each mat formed from a plurality of fibers which have the ability to retain the selected liquid within longitudinally extending channels having longitudinally extending openings against moving into the space between the individual fibers, the first mat and the second mat in fluid communication therebetween with the selected liquid. The method further includes directing the first gas stream through a portion of the first mat into contact with the selected liquid along the longitudinally extending openings whereby the selected liquid absorbs the particular type of gas molecules. The method further includes directing a second gas stream through a portion of the second mat so that the particular type of gas molecules, which have been absorbed by and disbursed throughout the selected liquid, are stripped and carried away. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC&amp;R) system. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows an exemplary embodiment of a compressor unit of an HVAC&amp;R system. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an HVAC&amp;R system. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 4-6  show different orthogonal views of an exemplary ventilation system. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 7-9  and  9 A show different orthogonal views of an exemplary ventilation system. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C show exemplary embodiments of collectors for maintaining fiber mats in fluid communication. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 11-13  show different orthogonal views of an exemplary ventilation system. 
           [0015]      FIG. 14  shows an exemplary ventilation system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 15  shows an enlarged region of  FIG. 14  further showing an exemplary regeneration device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 16  shows an exemplary ventilation system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 17  shows an exemplary embodiment of a fiber of a fiber mat. 
           [0019]      FIG. 18  shows an exemplary embodiment of a fiber of a fiber mat. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary environment for an HVAC&amp;R system  10  in a building  12  for a typical commercial setting. System  10  may include a compressor (not shown) incorporated into a chiller  16  that can supply a chilled liquid that may be used to cool building  12 . In one embodiment, compressor  38  may be a screw compressor  38  (see for example,  FIG. 2 ). In other embodiments compressor  38  may be a centrifugal compressor, scroll compressor, or reciprocal compressor (not shown). 
         [0021]    System  10  includes an air distribution system that circulates air through building  12 . The air distribution system can include an outside air duct  19 , exhaust air duct  21 , air return duct  20 , an air supply duct  18  and an air handler  22 . Air handler  22  can include a heat exchanger (not shown) that is connected to a boiler (not shown) and chiller  16  by conduits or chilled water pipes  24 . Air handler  22  may receive either heated liquid from the boiler or chilled liquid from chiller  16 , depending on the mode of operation of HVAC&amp;R system  10 . HVAC&amp;R system  10  is shown with a separate air handler on each floor of building  12 , but it will be appreciated that these components may be shared between or among floors. In another embodiment, the system  10  may include an air-cooled chiller that employs an air-cooled coil as a condenser. An air-cooled chiller may be located on the exterior of the building—for example, adjacent to or on the roof of the building. Another embodiment is a packaged roof top unit (“RTU”) that combines an air cooled chiller and an air handler in 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  shows an exemplary embodiment of a screw compressor in a packaged unit for use with chiller  16 . The packaged unit includes a screw compressor  38 , a motor  43  to drive screw compressor  38 , a control panel  50  to provide control instructions to equipment included in the packaged unit, such as motor  43 . An oil separator  46  can be provided to remove entrained oil (used to lubricate the rotors of screw compressor  38 ) from the discharge vapor before providing the discharge vapor to its intended application. 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary HVAC&amp;R or liquid chiller system  10 , which includes compressor  38 , condenser  26 , water chiller or evaporator  42 , and a control panel  50 . Control panel  50  may include a microprocessor  70 , an interface board  72 , an analog-to-digital (A to D) converter  74 , and/or a non-volatile memory  76 . Control panel  50  may be positioned or disposed locally and/or remotely to system  10 . Control panel  50  receives input signals from system  10 . For example, temperature and pressure measurements may indicate the performance of system  10 . The signals may be transmitted to components of system  10 , for example, a compressor capacity control signal, to control the operation of system  10 . Conventional liquid chiller or HVAC&amp;R system  10  may include other features that are not shown in  FIG. 3  and have been purposely omitted to simplify the drawing for ease of illustration. While the following description of system  10  is in terms of a liquid chiller system, it is to be understood that the invention could be applied to any refrigeration system or any HVAC&amp;R system. 
         [0024]    Compressor  38  compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to condenser  26  through a discharge pipe  68 . Compressor  38  may be any suitable type of compressor including screw compressor, reciprocating compressor, scroll compressor, rotary compressor or other type of compressor. System  10  may have more than one compressor  38  connected in one or more refrigerant circuits. 
         [0025]    Refrigerant vapor delivered to condenser  26  enters into a heat exchange relationship with a fluid, for example, air or water, and undergoes a phase change to a refrigerant liquid as a result of the heat exchange relationship with the fluid. The condensed liquid refrigerant from condenser  26  flows to evaporator  42 . Refrigerant vapor in condenser  26  enters into the heat exchange relationship with water, flowing through a heat exchanger coil  52  connected to a cooling tower  54 . Alternatively, the refrigerant vapor is condensed in a coil with heat exchange relationship with air blowing across the coil. The refrigerant vapor in condenser  26  undergoes a phase change to a refrigerant liquid as a result of the heat exchange relationship with the water or air in heat exchanger coil  52 . 
         [0026]    Evaporator  42  may include a heat exchanger coil  62  having a supply line  56  and a return line  58  connected to a cooling load  60 . Heat exchanger coil  62  can include a plurality of tube bundles within evaporator  42 . A secondary liquid, for example, water, ethylene, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable secondary liquid travels into evaporator  42  via return line  58  and exits evaporator  42  via supply line  56 . The liquid refrigerant in evaporator  42  enters into a heat exchange relationship with the secondary liquid in heat exchanger coil  62  to chill the temperature of the secondary liquid in heat exchanger coil  62 . The refrigerant liquid in evaporator  42  undergoes a phase change to a refrigerant vapor as a result of the heat exchange relationship with the secondary liquid in heat exchanger coil  62 . The vapor refrigerant in evaporator  42  exits evaporator  42  and returns to compressor  38  by a suction line to complete the cycle. While system  10  has been described in terms of condenser  26  and evaporator  42 , any suitable configuration of condenser  26  and evaporator  42  can be used in system  10 , provided that the appropriate phase change of the refrigerant in condenser  26  and evaporator  42  is obtained. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, chiller system capacity may be controlled by adjusting the speed of a compressor motor driving compressor  38 , using a variable speed drive (VSD). 
         [0028]    It is appreciated that HVAC&amp;R systems can also include conventional heat pumps, which are not further discussed herein. 
         [0029]    To drive compressor  38 , system  10  includes a motor or drive mechanism  66  for compressor  38 . While the term “motor” is used with respect to the drive mechanism for compressor  38 , the term “motor” is not limited to a motor, but may encompass any component that may be used in conjunction with the driving of compressor  38 , such as a variable speed drive and a motor starter. Motor or drive mechanism  66  may be an electric motor and associated components. Other drive mechanisms, such as steam or gas turbines or engines and associated components may be used to drive compressor  38 . 
         [0030]    The control panel executes a control system that uses a control algorithm or multiple control algorithms or software to control operation of system  10  and to determine and implement an operating configuration for the inverters of a VSD (not shown) to control the capacity of compressor  38  or multiple compressors in response to a particular output capacity requirement for system  10 . The control algorithm or multiple control algorithms may be computer programs or software stored in non-volatile memory  76  of control panel  50  and may include a series of instructions executable by microprocessor  70 . The control algorithm may be embodied in a computer program or multiple computer programs and may be executed by microprocessor  70 , the control algorithm may be implemented and executed using digital and/or analog hardware (not shown). If hardware is used to execute the control algorithm, the corresponding configuration of control panel  50  may be changed to incorporate the necessary components and to remove any components that may no longer be required. 
         [0031]    Chiller system  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , includes compressor  38  in fluid communication with an oil separator  46 . An oil and refrigerant gas mixture travels along discharge pipe  64  from compressor  38  to oil separator  46 . Compressor  38  is in fluid communication with oil separator  46  via oil return line  109 . Condenser  26  is provided in fluid communication with oil separator  46 , and refrigerant gas travels from oil separator  46  to condenser  26 . At condenser  26 , refrigerant gas is cooled and condensed into a refrigerant liquid, which is in turn transmitted to evaporator  42  through expansion valve  61 . At evaporator  42 , heat transfer takes place between the refrigerant liquid and a second fluid that is cooled to provide desired refrigeration. The refrigerant liquid in evaporator  42  is converted into a refrigerant gas by absorbing heat from the chilled liquid and returns to compressor  38 . This refrigeration cycle continues when the chiller system is in operation. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 4-6  show an exemplary embodiment of a self contained cooling system with ventilation system  80  for an HVAC&amp;R system  10  ( FIG. 1 ). Ventilation system  80  includes a structure commonly referred to as an air handler or rooftop air handling unit or a packaged rooftop unit  30 , which typically is positioned on an upper surface of building  12  ( FIG. 1 ) having its temperature maintained by the HVAC&amp;R system. As further shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , rooftop unit  30  receives outside air  82 , and return air  84  from a return air opening  85 . A portion of return air  84  is mixed together with the outside air  82  forming mixed air  86  that is filtered by filter  81  and brought into thermal contact with cooling coils  88  for reducing the temperature and the amount of water vapor entrained in mixed air  86 , becoming supply air  90 . Supply air  90  is then pushed by a fan  89  through an opening  94  into building  12  ( FIG. 1 ). A portion of return air  84  is pushed by a fan  83  through an opening  78 , becoming exhaust air  87 . 
         [0033]    As further shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , rooftop unit  30  ( FIG. 4 ) includes condenser  26  having fans  27  for drawing outside air  82  into thermal heat exchange with condenser coils  28  for cooling refrigerant flowing through condenser coils  28 , discharging heated air  92 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 7-9  show a ventilation system  180  that operates in a manner similar to that of ventilation system  80 . Ventilation system  180  also includes a filtration device or gas removal system  181  that includes a pair of pre-dehumidifier fiber banks or mats  102  positioned upstream of cooling coils  88  for removing water vapor molecules from mixed air  86 , releasing the water vapor molecules in a pair of regeneration fiber banks or mats  110 , and then stripping the water vapor molecules from fiber mats  110 . In another embodiment of the gas removal system, the number of mats  102 ,  110  may be different than two (a pair). 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , fiber mats  102 ,  110  ( FIGS. 7 ,  9 ) are formed of fibers  182  containing a gas molecule absorbing liquid  183  having an affinity for the particular airborne gases of interest. This liquid is positioned or disposed within internal cavities or channels  184  formed in the individual fibers  182 . Liquid  183  selected uses absorption rather than adsorption as its mechanism to dehumidify the air stream. In one embodiment, liquid carrier or liquid  183  may be utilized to decontaminate or purify the air stream. The absorption liquids  183  used are selected to absorb the vapors of interest, to be non-hazardous and to neutralize specific gases and odor vapors. To assist in this absorption, additives can be used in conjunction with liquid  183  in order to facilitate absorption of particular gases, e.g., lithium chloride or calcium chloride for water vapor removal or an amine, such as monoethanolamine (MEA) for removal of carbon dioxide vapor or other organic compound vapor. It is well known to those skilled in the art that the possible combinations of liquid carriers is virtually unlimited. The selected liquid carrier or absorption liquid should be capable of lightly absorbing a particular gas molecule in a reversible manner so that the particular gas molecule can be easily removed or stripped off. In certain instances, it may be desirable to add water vapor molecules to the outside air provided for ventilation of a building. 
         [0036]    A fiber which is particularly suitable for practicing this invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,368, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. This patent discloses a trilobal or quadrilobal fiber formed from thermoplastic polymers wherein the fiber has a cross-section with a central core and three or four T-shaped lobes  185  ( FIG. 17 ). In other embodiments, the number of lobes may be less three or more than four. The legs of the lobes intersect at the core so that the angle between the legs of adjacent lobes is from about 80 degrees to about 130 degrees. The thermoplastic polymer is typically a nylon, a polyester, a polyolefin or a combination thereof. Fiber  182  as illustrated in  FIG. 17  is formed as an extruded strand having three hollow interior longitudinally extending cavities or openings or channels  184  each of which communicates with the outer or external strand surface by way of longitudinal extending slots or openings  186 . In one embodiment, fiber  182  resembles a “C”, i.e., absent a central core, with one cavity or channel  184  and one longitudinal extending slot or opening  186 . The fibers  182  are relatively small, having a diameter of about 30 to about 250 microns. The capillary forces within the individual cavities or channels  184  are so much greater than those external to the fiber  182  that the absorptive liquid is readily retained within the interior of the fiber  182  without appreciable wetting of the external surfaces  187  or filling the inter fiber voids. The fibers  182  strongly retain the liquid through capillary action so that each fiber mat  102 ,  110  ( FIG. 7 ) is not wet to the touch and the liquid will not shake off. In fiber mat  102 ,  110  of such fibers  182 , the area between the individual strands remains relatively free of the gas absorbing liquid with which the internal cavities or channels  184  of each fiber  182  are filled. The fiber element may be made of one or more types of material strands such as nylon, polyester, or polyolefins. The three T-shaped cross-section segments may have their outer surface  187  curved, as shown in  FIG. 17 , or straight. In addition, other external or internal fibers with C-shaped or other cross sections may also be suitable for the gas absorbing liquid. 
         [0037]    For example,  FIG. 18  shows an enlarged view of a C-shaped fiber  182  with a channel  184  and a longitudinal extending slot or opening  186 . The size of the opening  186  relative to the circumference of the fiber  182  is not critical, provided the selected fibers have the desired properties. The specific shape of the fibers is not important so long as the fibers selected can hold the absorption liquid to its surface so that it is not easily displaced. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 7-9  show a continuous gas molecule capturing and removal system  181  according to the present disclosure. Gas removal system  181  utilizes filter elements or filter mats  102 ,  110  formed from numerous fibers  182 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , containing a gas molecule absorbing liquid  183 . Filter element or filter mat  102  extends from an air stream to be cleaned (mixed air  86 ) in a chamber  96  of rooftop unit  30  via conduits  104  into another air stream in a chamber  98  of condenser  26  (from outside air  82 , becoming heated air  92 ′ after flowing through filter mat  110  in condenser  26 ) which can strip and remove some of the previously discussed particular gas molecules from the absorbing liquid. In one embodiment, filter elements or filter mats  102 ,  110  may include different gas molecule absorbing liquid  183  such that filter mats  102 ,  110  may be capable of absorbing a plurality of different gas molecules. In another embodiment, multiple filter elements or filter mats  102 ,  110  may each include different gas molecule absorbing liquids, with respective filter mats positioned in close proximity with each other. In one embodiment, filter mats  102 ,  110  can be positioned in respective chambers remotely relative to one another, which is possible through the use of conduits  104 . 
         [0039]    For purposes herein, the terms filter element, filter mat, fiber mat, fiber bank, filtering fiber bank, filtering fiber mat and the like may be used interchangeably. 
         [0040]    Many common materials which are effective agents may restrict circulation of air through the material. For example, wetting a common towel with water essentially seals the material against air flow therethrough. By using fibers, such as shown in  FIG. 17 , where the gas absorbing liquid is maintained within the cavities or channels  184  of fiber  182 , unrestricted air flow about the outside of the individual fibers  182  is maintained. 
         [0041]    As further shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the disclosed gas removal system  181  includes a gas removal or absorption chamber  96  and a stripping chamber  98  formed within rooftop unit  30 . The filter element or filter mat  102 ,  110  consists of numerous fibers  182  ( FIG. 17 ) disposed or positioned generally parallel and oriented to extend within both chambers  96 ,  98 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , rooftop unit  30  includes a housing  32  associated with the absorption chamber  96  and a housing  34  associated with stripping chamber  98 , such that housing  32  and absorption chamber  96  are separate from respective stripping chamber  98  and housing  34 . As shown in  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  100 , conduits  104  extend between and are maintained in fluid communication with fiber mats  102  and fiber mats  110  by virtue of exemplary embodiments of a collector  106 , as will be discussed in further detail below. The air stream to be cleaned enters chamber  96  and is directed through at least a portion of filtering fiber mats  102  which are disposed across chamber  96 . Preferably, all air flowing through chamber  96  flows through the mesh of fibers  182  ( FIG. 17 ) of fiber mats  102 . Many fibers  182  of the mesh of fibers of fiber mats  102  (and fiber mats  110 ) are impregnated with gas molecule absorbing liquid  183  ( FIG. 17 ), the fibers  182  having sufficient thickness so that the entire air stream flowing through chamber  96  comes into intimate contact with the selected liquid within the cavities or channels  184  of the fibers  182 . The selected liquid  183 , which has an affinity for the particular gas molecules, absorbs the gas molecules and thus, removes the gas molecules from the air stream through chamber  96 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C, conduit  104  extends between respective fiber mats  102  and  110 . Conduit  104  can directly extend from one of fiber mats  102  or  110 , or alternately, can indirectly extend from one or both of fiber mats  102  and  110 . The term “directly extend” is intended to include arrangements in which one of the fiber mats and the conduit are of unitary construction. The term “indirectly extend” is intended to include arrangements in which the fiber mats and the conduit are separated relative to one another. For example,  FIG. 10A  shows an end of conduit  104  opposite fiber mat  110 , which conduit  104  may or may not directly extend from fiber mat  110 , with the end of conduit  104  positioned in a collector  106  containing the transport liquid  108 . A portion of fiber mat  102  is positioned in transport liquid  108  of collector  106 . In this arrangement, conduit  104  is in fluid communication with fiber mat  102  via transport liquid  108 . Transport liquid  108  similarly has an affinity for the particular gas molecules of selected liquid  183 . However, by virtue of liquid  108  maintaining fluid communication between conduit  104  and fiber mat  102 , thermal conduction that would normally occur between conduit  104  and filter mat  102  if conduit  104  and fiber mat  102  were directly connected, i.e., of one piece or unitary construction, is prevented, thereby minimizing thermal transfer through the fiber. Such thermal transfer would add heat from the regeneration process to the supply air that is being cooled. In one embodiment, conduit  104  includes an outer cover which ensures the fibers contained therein remain at least substantially submersed in selected liquid  183 , transport liquid  108  or a combination thereof. For purposes herein, transfer liquid or liquid or liquid  108  and gas molecule absorbing liquid  183  may be used interchangeably. 
         [0043]      FIG. 10B  shows ends of conduit  104  opposite fiber mats  102 ,  110 , which conduits  104  may or may not directly extend from respective fiber mats  102 ,  110 , with the ends of conduit  104  positioned in a collector  106  containing the transport liquid  108 . A portion of fiber mat  102  is positioned in transport liquid  108  of collector  106 . In this arrangement, conduit  104  is in fluid communication with at least one of fiber mats  102 ,  110  via transport liquid  108 . In another embodiment, a plurality of conduits  104  may be interconnected in a manner as shown in  FIG. 10B . 
         [0044]      FIG. 10C  shows an end of conduit  104  opposite fiber mat  102 , which conduit  104  may or may not directly extend from fiber mat  102 , with the end of conduit  104  positioned in a collector  106  containing the transport liquid  108 . A portion of fiber mat  110  is positioned in transport liquid  108  of collector  106 . In this arrangement, conduit  104  is in fluid communication with fiber mat  110  via transport liquid  108 . Transport liquid  108  similarly has an affinity for the particular gas molecules of selected liquid  183 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 7-9  and  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  100 , collector  106  containing transfer liquid  108  can be located at any position between fiber mats  102 ,  110 , including being positioned at least partially inside of housing  32  of absorption chamber  96 , being positioned at least partially inside of housing  34  of stripping chamber  98 , or being positioned between housing  32  of absorption chamber  96  and housing  34  of stripping chamber  98 . As a result of the broad range of positions of the collector and transport liquid relative to fiber mats  102 ,  110  associated with respective absorption chamber  96  and stripping chamber  98 , any combination of connections of fibers  182  ( FIG. 17 ) of fiber mats  102 ,  110  and collector  106  is deemed to be selectably independent of the air stream to be cleaned from chamber  96  (mixed air  86 ;  FIG. 7 ) to collector  106 , selectably independent of the stripping air stream of chamber  98  (from outside air  82 , becoming heated air  92 ′ after flowing through filter mat  110  in condenser  26 ;  FIG. 7 ), or selectably independent of each of the air streams. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 7-9  show a continuous gas molecule capturing and removal system  181  according to the present disclosure. Gas removal system  181  utilizes filter elements or filter mats  102 ,  110  formed from numerous fibers  182 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , containing a gas molecule absorbing liquid  183 . Filter element or filter mat  102  extends from an air stream to be cleaned (mixed air  86 ) in a chamber  96  of rooftop unit  30  via conduits  104  into another air stream in a chamber  98  of condenser  26  (from outside air  82 , becoming heated air  92 ′ after flowing through filter mat  110  in condenser  26 ) which can strip and remove some of the previously discussed particular gas molecules from the absorbing liquid. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 11-13  show a ventilation system  280  that operates in a manner similar to that of ventilation system  180 . Gas removal system  281  utilizes filter elements or filter mats  202 ,  288  formed from numerous fibers  182 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , each containing gas molecule absorbing liquid  183 . As further shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , filter elements or filter mats  202 ,  288  are alternately arranged in close proximity in chamber  96 , although other arrangements may be used. Filter elements or filter mats  202 ,  288  each extend from an air stream to be cleaned (mixed air  86 ) in a chamber  96  of rooftop unit  30  via conduits  204  to corresponding filter mats  210 ,  212  positioned in another air stream in a chamber  98  of condenser  26 . As a result, outside air  82 , becoming heated air  92 ″ after flowing through condenser coils  128  and corresponding filter mats  210 ,  212  in condenser  26 , can strip and remove some of the previously discussed particular gas molecules from the absorbing liquid. 
         [0048]    Returning to  FIGS. 7-9  the fibers, containing the liquid with the absorbed particular gas molecules, extend into a stripping chamber  98  wherein an air stream passes over the fibers  182  ( FIG. 17 ) and strips away and carries to an exhaust the particular gas molecules. A concentration factor-induced molecular migration effectively conveys the particular gas molecules within the liquid from the air stream to be cleaned within chamber  96  into the stripping air stream through chamber  98 . The stripping air stream may be heated or otherwise modified or treated to facilitate removal of the particular gas molecules. The size of chambers  96  and  98  and the flow rates of the air streams can be designed to suit a particular application. The selected liquid acts as a shuttling carrier capable of transporting gases from fiber mat  102  in chamber  96 , then through conduit  104  to fiber mat  110  in the stripping chamber  98 . 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, as shown in ventilation system  580  of  FIG. 9A , condenser coils  28  can be arranged (i.e., split) such that corresponding fiber mats  110  are positioned between adjacent portions of condenser coils  28 . As a result of the regeneration process (stripping and removal of particular gas molecules from the absorbing liquid in the fibers of fiber mats  110 ), the air stream passing over the fibers is cooled, improving efficiency of condenser  26  and the HVAC&amp;R system. 
         [0050]    The method of operation and the apparatus of this disclosure should now be clear. Particular airborne material, possibly including gas contaminants, are removed from an air stream by interposing a plurality of at least partially hollow fibers  182  in the air stream. The hollow portions or channels  184  of the fibers contain a liquid, including a component having an affinity for the particular material or gas, which communicates with the air stream through an opening  186 . The particular material or gas is absorbed by the liquid within the fibers  182 . The particular material or gas in solution within the liquid is then conveyed from the cleaned air stream by a concentration factor-induced molecular migration into an exhaust or stripping air stream which strips and carries away the particular material or gas molecules. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIGS. 14-15 , a ventilation system  380  operates in a manner similar to that of ventilation system  180 , as previously discussed. However, ventilation system  380  utilizes a regeneration device or gas removal system  381 , such as a solar regeneration device  382  that generates heat to a portion of fiber mat(s)  388  extending outwardly from rooftop unit  30  to regenerate the fiber mats  388 , resulting in a concentration factor-induced molecular migration, for conveying the particular gas molecules within the liquid from the air stream to be cleaned, exterior of rooftop unit  30 , which heating also facilitates removal of the particular gas molecules. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , a rooftop unit  430  receives outside air  82 , and return air  84  from a return air opening  85 . A portion of return air  84  is mixed together with the outside air  82  forming mixed air  86  that is filtered by filter  81  and brought into thermal contact with cooling coils  88  for reducing the temperature and the amount of water vapor entrained in mixed air  86 , becoming supply air  90 . Supply air  90  is then pushed by a fan  89  through an opening  94  into building  12  ( FIG. 1 ). A portion of return air  84  is pushed by a fan  83  through an opening  78 , becoming exhaust air  87 . 
         [0053]    Rooftop unit  430  further includes a gas removal system or regeneration unit  481  which can be secured directly to or in close proximity to rooftop unit  430 , if desired. Regeneration unit  481  includes a de-humidifier fiber mat  482  in chamber  96  of rooftop unit  30  operably connected via a collector  106  to a regeneration fiber mat  484  of regeneration unit  481 . In one embodiment, fiber mat  482  and fiber mat  484  can be of unitary (one-piece) construction. Regeneration unit  481  receives outside air  82  that is filtered by particle filter  486 , heated by heater  488 , and pushed through a chamber  491 , producing regenerated return air  492  in order to regenerate fiber mat  484 . Collector  106  is in fluid communication between fiber mat(s)  482  and fiber mat(s)  484  that are selectably independent of the air stream flowing through chamber  96 , selectably independent of the air stream flowing through chamber  491 , or selectably independent of the air stream flowing through chamber  96  and chamber  491 . 
         [0054]    It is to be understood that the gas removal systems disclosed herein or are contemplated by the present disclosure may be added to most existing ventilation systems of HVAC&amp;R units. 
         [0055]    While only certain features and embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described (i.e., those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the invention, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed invention). It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.