Membrane-dehumidification technologies for electronic component protection

A method of minimizing humidity in an electronics enclosure, comprising:

• a) enclosing an electronics package in an inner volume;
• b) positioning a water selective membrane between the inner volume and an exterior environment;
• c) urging water molecules from the inner volume through the water selective membrane to the exterior environment;
• and
• d) heating the inner volume to urge water molecules through the water selective membrane;
• wherein the water selective membrane is in pneumatic communication with the inner volume and the exterior environment;
• and
• wherein the water selective membrane is oriented to allow unidirectional passage of water molecules therethrough to yield dried air in the inner volume.

An enclosure for reducing humidity therein, comprising:

• a housing portion defining an inner volume;
• an aperture formed through the housing portion;
• a water selective membrane operationally connected to the aperture and positioned to selectively pass water molecules from the inner volume to an oppositely disposed exterior environment to maintain dried air within the inner volume;
• and
• a first resistance heater operationally connected within the inner volume for promoting convection;
• a sensor operationally connected to the inner volume;
• and
• a microprocessor operationally connected to the sensor and to the first resistance heater.

An enclosure for reducing humidity therein, comprising:

• a housing portion defining an inner volume;
• an aperture formed through the housing portion;
• a water selective membrane operationally connected to the aperture and positioned to selectively pass water molecules from the inner volume to an oppositely disposed exterior environment to maintain dried air within the inner volume;
• a first resistance heater operationally connected within the inner volume and positioned adjacent the membrane for increasing the local water vapor partial pressure;
• a sensor operationally connected to the inner volume;
• a microprocessor operationally connected to the sensor and to the first resistance heater;
• and
• a pump operationally connected to the microprocessor and in fluidic communication with the inner volume to urge water molecules across the membrane.

An electronics housing for reducing humidity therein, comprising:

• a housing portion defining an inner volume;
• an aperture formed through the housing portion;
• a water-selective membrane operationally connected to the aperture and positioned to selectively pass water molecules from the inner volume to an oppositely disposed exterior environment to maintain dried air within the inner volume;
• a first resistance heater operationally connected within the inner volume and positioned adjacent the membrane for increasing the local water vapor partial pressure;
• a sensor operationally connected to the inner volume;
• a microprocessor operationally connected to the sensor and to the first resistance heater;
• and
• a desiccant operationally connected to the housing portion and in positioned adjacent the water-selective membrane and resistance heater;
• wherein the desiccant is in fluidic communication with the inner volume to capture water molecules.