Oxynizer: Non-electric oxygen generator for developing countries

Oxynizer uses a bicycle pump to inject air through silica gel and zeolite filters, removing nitrogen and moisture to supply up to 50% oxygen. Its filter is reheated after 120 hours, enabling an affordable, semi-permanent oxygen provision for developing countries     Oxynizer is a portable oxygen generator designed to address the challenge of supplying oxygen in developing countries with limited electricity (Fig. 1). By using various methods—such as a bicycle pump, pedal pump, or air compressor—to inject air, the device filters out moisture and nitrogen through its internal silica gel and zeolite filters, producing oxygen with a concentration of up to 50%. Due to this simple construction, it has low maintenance costs and can be employed in a broad range of scenarios, providing emergency oxygen in disaster areas or remote medical settings.       The device utilizes the pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technique. When the user pumps air to increase the internal pressure, the filter selectively adsorbs nitrogen and moisture, delivering higher-concentration oxygen to a mask (Fig. 2 and 3). After 120 hours of use, the filter can be regenerated by heating it to 150–200℃, allowing for near-permanent usage as shown in Fig. 4.      Professor Sangmin Bae remarked, “The greatest value of Oxynizer is its ability to support lives in regions lacking medical infrastructure by providing oxygen through simple pumping, even where electricity is unavailable.” In reality, it is expected to be highly practical in not only developing countries but also disaster zones or emergency situations where easy and rapid oxygen supply is critical.   Furthermore, a concept was proposed to combine Oxynizer with a bicycle (Fig. 5), creating a makeshift “ambulance.” By mounting the Oxynizer and a piston cylinder onto the bicycle frame and continuously pumping while in motion, immediate oxygen support can be provided to patients. This approach is particularly significant in regions where medical equipment and infrastructure are lacking, as it enables swift emergency response.     This device and its technological capabilities were recognized by winning the domestic round of the James Dyson Award 2024 and by securing a spot in the Top 20 among 1,911 competing entries from 29 countries worldwide. Furthermore, it was selected for the Prototypes for Humanity 2024 exhibition in Dubai and was showcased there in November.     *All image copyrights are held by the ID+IM Design Laboratory and students Kim Ji-won, Park Kyung-ho, Lee Seung-jun, Lee Ji-won, and Jeong Yeo-hyun.