rexresearch.com
Dew & Fog Harvesters (
II)
See also : Aakash
Amrat Air Water Harvester ** Air Water
Harvester ** Air Wells ** Air
Wells ( Solar Adsorption ) ** Air Well
Patents (#1) ** Air Wells Patents (#2) ** AUGUSTIN :
Watercone ** BLEECHER : NeverWet ** CHATTRE :
Fog-Collector ** Dew Pond Construction ** ELLSWORTH
: AirWell ** ESTEVES : Fog Collector ** Fog Collectors **
HENG / LUO :
Fog Collector ** HOFF : WaterBoxx ** JAGTOYEN :
Auto Exhaust Water Recovery System ** KLAPHAKE :
Air Wells ** KOHAVI : Air Well **
OLMO / GIL : Fog Collector
** PARENT :
Air Well ** QINETIQ : Dew Collector ** RETEZAR :
Fontus Air Well ** RICHARDS
: AquaMagic Water Generator **
SHER : Air
Well ** THEILOW : Air Well ** VITTORI :
WarkaWater Airwell ** WHISSON : Air Well **
http://www.trueactivist.com/with-this-greenhouse-it-is-now-possible-to-grow-crops-in-the-desert/
A non-profit organization called “Roots Up” has
designed a greenhouse that collects moisture from the air, which
then is used to water the plants.
This new design can help farmers in areas where the lack of
proper temperature and rainfall make it difficult to grow crops.
As the designers of the greenhouse explain on heir website:
The greenhouse traps hot air and humidity during the heat of the
day, creating a better atmosphere for plant growth and then at
night, a rope can be pulled that opens up a latch at the top of
the greenhouse that lets cool air in, eventually reaching the
dew point and creating condensation. The water droplets are
channeled into a collection cistern and can be used for drinking
water or for irrigation. In times of rain, the design can also
be used as a rainwater collector.
Roots Up plans to launch the project in areas of Ethiopia, where
droughts are common and farming is difficult.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPiCoKL2hzU
Roots Up solutions - Water collector in a greenhouse
http://www.roots-up.org
http://inhabitat.com/harvest-water-from-the-air-with-fog-dew-collectors/alon-alex-gross-tuttobene-milan-2008-fog-harvesting-dew-collector-goldsmiths-critical-practice-drinking-water-5/
Fog & Dew Collectors for clean
drinking water
by
Cate Trotter
Alon Alex Gross's fog and dew harvesters
Alon Alex Gross’s fog and dew collectors provide a
low-tech way for people in arid, developing regions to collect
drinking water. Gross uses design to show users how individuals
can come up with their own answers to ecological and technical
problems. His method fuses the ancient methods of fog harvesting
and dew collection with modern improvements such as super light
materials and internet connectivity.
The fog collector uses a screen to catch fog droplets in the air
and turn them into drinking water. The 2 meter mesh surface can
collect up to 10 liters of water in 24 hours. It can be used
during day or night, and is most efficient when faced against
the wind in high ground.
The dew collector is made of a special laminate foil that
attracts dew drops. Despite only collecting water at night, the
dew collector is very effective. It weighs just 400 grams, yet
can collect up to 1.5 liters of clean water per night. It is
most efficient when positioned on the ground in conditions of
50% humidity or more.
As extreme conditions can sometimes harm the laminate foil that
collects the dew, Gross has developed a technologically advanced
solution that detects atmospheric changes and uses sensors to
open and close when conditions are right. To be as accessible as
possible, it’s designed to be compatible with a large number of
common internet programs, such as Internet Explorer and Flash.
The project was shown at Tuttobene this year in Milan, and forms
parts of Gross’s work for the MA Critical Practice program at
Goldsmiths College, London, known for its forward-thinking
eco-design work. Here’s hoping he’ll take the project much
further after he finishes.
http://inhabitat.com/coastal-fog-tower/
Coastal Fog Tower Harvests Chilean
Mist
One of the most promising approaches to sustainable
architecture is the design of structures that benefit from the
unique profile of their immediate environment. Whether it be
south-facing solar panels or strategically located wind
turbines, maximum efficiency is achieved by making the best of a
range of environmental factors.
The Coastal Fog Tower is highly specialized in this approach,
utilizing a type of fog unique to Chile called “camanchaca“.
This dense variety of coastal fog has dynamic characteristics:
stretching from Peru to the northern Chilean regions, it
condenses into a low-lying coastal cloud layer (200-400m above
ground) that pushes inland with the wind.
Standing 400 meters tall, Fernández and Ortega’s seaside spire
is a cloud catching marvel that stands to harvest airborne water
molecules in the Huasco River valley. Its construction as a
stacked weave serves to trap and wick moisture into the tower,
while its spiraling structure provides a large surface area that
funnels water into the basement. Here, trace minerals from the
sea are filtered out via a reverse osmosis system, which is much
more efficient than processing sea water into potable water via
desalination plants. The end result is a water distribution
system with a planned performance of 2-20 liters per square
meter of vertical surface, producing from 20,000 to 200,000
liters of water per day.
Fog catching technology has already been deployed in some areas
of Chile, providing a vital resource to communities that need
it. The scale and distribution of these cloud castles could take
this technology into the future – a seaside vista interspersed
with these pristine helical towers would certainly be a sight to
behold.
http://www.ecofriend.com/fog-harvesting.html
Everything I need to know about
fog harvesting
Imke Hoehler :
…Research shows that by the year 2025 world will face
water scarcity. However, there is no scarcity of brilliant minds
in this world. Industrial design student at Germany’s Muthesius
Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Imke Hoehler, has come up with
a design that harvests potable water from thin air and mist. In
short it is the drop net fog collector. This system can supply
around twenty liters of water and can provide the entire village
with portable water.
http://www.fogquest.org
FogQuest is a non-profit, registered Canadian charity
dedicated to planning and implementing water projects for rural
communities in developing countries. We utilize innovative fog
collectors as well as effective rainfall collectors to make
optimum use of natural atmospheric sources of water.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLOlS25wz_O7FHKT2iZdKjXgps08XU0N6G&v=v6TIzcFruXk
Bob Schemenauer - Miracle in the Mist - Part 1
With an ingeniously simple technology, Dr. Bob Schemenauer
extracts fresh clean drinking water from fog for remote villages
in Ecuador, replacing the thick brown water from polluted
acquifers -- literally, a life saver.
This program was produced by journalist Lauren Millar for the
series Journeys on TVOntario. It was shown extensively on TVO
and Discovery Channel in the mid-1990s. It is now on YouTube and
provides helpful background on starting fog collection projects
in developing countries. These projects in Ecuador were
initiated by Bob Schemenauer and Pilar Cereceda in the years
before FogQuest was established.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3X8p0kSV0U
Bob Schemenauer - Miracle in the Mist - Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OoiHUVcPuU
Bob Schemenauer - Miracle in the Mist - Part 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDc6oqz9DEs
From Thin Air
This short video introduces fog
collection & FogQuest, a Canadian non-profit organization
dedicated to providing clean water solutions in the developing
world. Shown in this video are fog collection projects in Nepal,
Guatemala and Eritrea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvaSPCRVUl0
Water from Air
I'd been collecting water from my air conditioner from
spring of 2014 until fall. This is a condensed version of that
collection process.
http://www.harnessedhumidity.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVIBxPIwW0M
Dewpointe Atmospheric Water Generator
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRteOtKqLOw
Teen's invention makes water out of thin air
Konstantin AVDIENKO : Replication of Cal Courneya's 1970s
design --
http://greenpowerscience.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghkW597wjrM
Solar Water From the air and ground Distilled
Survivalist water condensation 45 minutes prep per
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnGR-j93JEw
India : Dew transformed into drinking water
Drinking dew, engineers in North West India use a poetic
idea to resolve the drinking water shortage… 10 liters/night
per rooftop
Dew Extractor Patents
US2012011865
COMBINED WATER EXTRACTOR AND ELECTRICITY GENERATOR
Inventor(s): W. IVISON
A water extraction system having a cooling system
adapted to cool air to below the dew point, the cooling system
including an absorption chiller (1.002) including a heat source
(1.004), the system includes an air/heat transfer fluid heat
exchanger (1.016), and a water collector (1.022) arranged to
collect water from the air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger.
The air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger (1.016) is adapted to
cool the air below the dew point. The chiller can include a heat
input in the form of exhaust gasses from a gas turbine. The gas
turbine can also drive an electrical generator. The air outlet
from the water generator can be used in an air conditioning
system. The system can include one or more chillers powered by,
for example, turbine exhaust. Additional heat source, such as
natural gas can be provided to bring the chillers to the
operating temperature. A controller controls the change-over
between heat sources.
US2009293724
WATER EXTRACTOR AND A METHOD OF EXTRACTING WATER
Inventor(s): W. IVISON
A water extraction system having a cooling system adapted to
cool air to below the dew point, the cooling system including an
absorption chiller 1.002 including a heat source 1.004, the
system includes an air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 1.016,
and a water collector 1.022 arranged to collect water from the
air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger. The air/heat transfer
fluid heat exchanger 1.016 is adapted to cool the air below the
dew point. The chiller can include a heat input in the form of a
gas burner or a solar collector.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to improvements in
atmospheric water extraction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Air conditioning systems sometimes produce water as a
waste product in higher humidity conditions, but such equipment
is not adapted to the production of water at lower humidity
levels because the system does not consistently cool the air
below the dew point at lower humidity levels. For example, an
air conditioner may typically cool the room temperature to a
steady state temperature of about 22° C., while the dew point
can be several degrees less, so that, where the dew point is
below the operating temperature of the air conditioning system,
the system will not produce useful quantities of water.
[0003] The atmospheric water generators are known which use the
compressor driven refrigeration cycle system to cool air below
the dew point. U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,203 describes such a system.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,937 describes an electrically operated
dehumidifier using standard refrigeration techniques which
serves as a small scale water extractor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,344
describes a compressor driven refrigeration system used in a
small scale water extractor. U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,104 also
describes a compressor operated refrigeration system used to
extract water from air. However, such systems use a large amount
of electrical energy per litre of water extracted, and are
generally not suitable for large scale water production plants.
[0004] It is desirable to provide a large scale water extraction
system.
[0005] It is also desirable to provide a water extraction system
which produces water at an economic cost.
[0006] Absorption chillers can use the properties of fluids,
such as the latent heat of vaporization, to provide a cyclical
endothermic or heat absorbing process. Energy can be input to
the system using an energy source, such as electricity, gas,
solar, waste heat, etc. One such system uses ammonia, hydrogen
and water as the working fluids. A description of such a system
can be found at http://www.gasrefrigerators.com/howitworks.htm
[0007] The mixed hydrogen vapour is then separated by using
water to absorb the ammonia. The heat input is then used to
separate the water and ammonia by evaporating the ammonia.
[0008] An alternative absorption chiller system uses a Li/Br
salt solution to absorb water from the air.
[0009] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless
the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that
such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to
which the invention relates, at the priority date of this
application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention provides a water extraction system
having a cooling system adapted to cool air to below the dew
point, the cooling system including a closed refrigeration
system and a heat exchanger and a collector to collect water,
wherein the cooling system is an absorption chiller.
[0011] The chiller can be powered by gas.
[0012] The chiller can be powered by solar energy from a solar
collector.
[0013] The system can include air flow generator adapted to
cause air to flow through the heat exchanger.
[0014] The air flow generator can be controllable to control the
air flow through the heat exchanger.
[0015] The heat exchanger can include a coolant pipe and cooling
fins thermally connected the coolant pipe, wherein the surface
area of the fins is enlarged to increase the contact between the
air flow and the fins.
[0016] The system can include a dew point sensor to determine
the dew point of the air.
[0017] The system can include a controller controlling the air
flow generator to maintain the temperature of the air from the
heat exchanger below the dew point.
[0018] The invention also provides a method of extraction water
from air, the method including using an absorption chiller to
cool an air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger to a temperature
below the dew point, and collecting water from the air/heat
transfer fluid heat exchanger.
[0019] The method can include the step of using gas as a source
of heat energy to operate the chiller.
[0020] The method can use the step of using solar energy as a
source of heat to operate the chiller.
[0021] The system can be used to produce potable water by the
addition of suitable filtration and other water treatment
processes as required by the nature of the water generated from
the water extraction system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] An embodiment or embodiments of the present
invention will now be described, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a water extraction
system according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a water extraction
system according to a second embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an absorption chiller
suitable for use in relation to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a further arrangement
embodying the invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic functional block diagram of a
system embodying the invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the water
extraction system which forms part of the system of FIG. 5.
[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a controller adapted for use in an
embodiment of the invention.
[0030] The numbering convention used in the drawings is nn.nnn,
or n.nnn, where the digits before the stop indicate the drawing
number, and the digits after the stop indicate the item number.
Where possible, the same item number is used in different
figures to indicate the corresponding item.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OR EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a water extraction system according
to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0032] An absorption chiller 1.002, a heat energy input 1.004, a
heat transfer outlet pipe 1.006, a heat transfer fluid return
pipe 1.008, a heat transfer fluid compressor 1.003, a fan 1.010,
fan motor 1.012, air duct 1.014, a restrictor valve 1.015, an
evaporator/heat exchanger 1.016 having fins 1.018 and heat
transfer fluid pipe 1.020. The air path through the heat
exchanger 1.016 emerges in cowling 1.024 located over water
trough 1.022. A temperature sensor 1.026 senses the temperature
at the outlet of the chiller. The sensor 1.026 is connected to a
controller 1.028. The controller is connected to control the
speed of the air flow by controlling the speed of the fan. The
controller can also control the heat input 1.004.
[0033] The fans and pumps can be powered by electricity from the
mains or from a sloar generator or other source of electrical
power. In one embodiment, electrical power can be used as an
alternative power source to operate the chiller. Further, a
system can be provided having both gas power and electrical
power for the chiller, with a programmable changeover based on
the comparative tariffs or energy costs. The energy costs take
account of the relative efficiencies of the gas and electrical
systems. Thus the switchover can be based on the energy cost of
electricity divided by the efficiency of the electrical chiller
compared with the energy cost of gas divided by the gas
efficiency. Thus, if the electrical cost is less than gas during
an off-peak electrical supply period, the system can switch to
electricity.
[0034] Optionally, a dew point monitor 1.027 can be connected to
the controller. This enables the controller to determine the
required chiller temperature or air cooling rate and the air
flow rate from the fan. The dew point can be calculated by the
controller from measurements of relative humidity and
temperature.
[0035] In use, the fan delivers air to the heat exchanger 1.016
at a first flow rate. The dotted line arrow 1.011 indicates the
air flow through the system. Because this exhaust air is
chilled, it can be used to deliver cool, de-humidified air to a
building. The absorption chiller operates to cool the heat
transfer fluid (HTF) which is delivered to the heat exchanger so
that the output air from the heat exchanger is below the dew
point. Where the humidity is low, the air flow rate from the fan
can be decreased. When the dew point falls below a selected
threshold, the water generating function can be discontinued by
the controller. We have found that, for a gas fired chiller, the
cut-off threshold dew point temperature can be as low as about
0.5° C. (33° F.), while, for electrical chillers, a cut-off dew
point temperature of about 7° C. (45° F.) an be used to keep
down the cost of electricity consumed.
[0036] Preferably, the cooling fins 1.018 have an upright
orientation to assist the flow of water into the collector
1.022. The fins need not be vertical, but are preferably at an
angle of less than 45° to the vertical.
[0037] The heat transfer fluid compressor 1.003 can be
controlled on an ON/OFF mode.
[0038] The controller can be programmed to control the outlet
temperature from the air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger to a
few degrees below the dew point to increase the rate of
condensation. This temperature is referred to as the set point.
[0039] Set point=dew point-ΔT, where ΔT is a predetermined
temperature below the dew point.
[0040] Thus, by controlling the air flow, the temperature, the
rate of condensation can be controlled. Optionally, the
operation of the compressor 1.003 can also be controlled to
optimize the operation of the system. However, as compressors
are designed to operate at a particular speed, alternative
methods of providing compressed HTF can be used, for example by
using two or more compressors as described below with reference
to FIG. 4. The individual compressors can be switched on or off
as required to achieve the required cooling rate.
[0041] The controller can be programmed to prevent the
condensate on the fins of the air/heat transfer fluid heat
exchanger from freezing. However, because the air is travelling
at a significant flow rate, the temperature of the heat transfer
fluid can be of the order of −5° C. to −10° C. The upper
temperature can be set to below the dew point, which, in some
cases can be +10° C. or higher. In one embodiment, the
controller can be set to maintain the temperature between −5° C.
and +6° C. This temperature range provides a thermal hysteresis
which means that the gas burner can be operated intermittently
rather than continuously if the temperature were set closer to
the dew point. Thus the gas burner can have a variable duty
cycle determined by the dew point.
[0042] Preferably, the air flow in the air/heat transfer fluid
heat exchanger is in a top-to-bottom direction, or at least
inclined to assist the downward flow of the water condensed from
the atmosphere.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a modified version of the system of
FIG. 1, in which corresponding elements have the same item
numbers as in FIG. 1.
[0044] The system of FIG. 2 includes an air/air heat exchanger
2.038 connected by ducting 2.036 to the outlet 2.024 of the
air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 2.016. The air flow
output from the fan 2.010 is directed into the air/air heat
exchanger 2.038 and gives up heat to the cool air flow delivered
from the air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 2.016. The
pre-cooled air flow from the fan then enters the air/heat
transfer fluid heat exchanger, and the “dehydrated” exhaust air
exits via vent 2.040. This reduces the cooling work required
from the chiller 2.002. This exhaust air is still below the
ambient air temperature and can be used to cool a building.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an absorption chiller producing
chilled water at 3.006, returning via 3.008. The water can
include an anti-freeze solution to enable it to operate at
sub-zero temperatures. The working fluid can be ammonia.
[0046] Working solution path is as follows: solution pump 3.052,
rectifier 3.050, pre-absorber coil 3.047, generator 3.042, at
which point the light and heavy constituents split.
[0047] The heavy constituents take a path through restrictor
3.054, pre-absorber 3.048, condenser 3.056, solution chamber
3.051.
[0048] The lighter constituents take a path through generator
3.042; rectifier tank 3.049, pre absorber 3.048, condenser 3.056
and thence to the solution tank 3.051.
[0049] Vapour refrigerant exits the rectifier tank 3.050, to
condenser 3.056, condenser restrictor 3.058, jacket of
refrigerant hex 3.046, evaporator restrictor 3.060, evaporator
3.044 internal refrigerant heat exchanger 3.045, and to the
pre-absorber 3.048, where it merges with the heavier
constituents from the generator 3.042.
[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates an atmospheric water extraction system
according to a further embodiment of the invention. Specific
changes in this system compared with the arrangement of FIG. 2
include two or more compressors 4.001A and 4.001B, an additional
chiller power source 4.128, together with ducting 4.120, 4.124
and dampers 4.104, 4.016 adapted to use part or all of the air
intake and part or all of the air outlet for air conditioning a
building.
[0051] In one embodiment, the compressors can have individual
air/htf heat exchangers.
[0052] The compressors are controllable so the amount of power
used by the chiller operation can be varied. This is
particularly useful when using electrical power. The system
operates under the control of the controller 4.028. For example,
in the case of a system having three compressors, on startup of
the electrical system, all the compressors are used to bring the
chiller to the set point. Then number 3 compressor can be
switched off, and if the temperature falls below the set point,
number 2 compressor is switched off, leaving number 1 compressor
to maintain the temperature within a specified temperature range
around the set point. The number 2 and 3 compressors can then be
used as required depending on atmospheric conditions to maintain
the system within the operating range. Thus the higher the dew
point, the less cooling energy is required.
[0053] In one embodiment, the set point can be determined in the
factory, and may be determined by the use of information
relating to the locality into which the system is to be
installed. Optionally a number of set points can be programmed
into the controller to take account of seasonal variations.
[0054] In one embodiment, in an electrically operated mode, the
set point can be of the order of 5° C., while in the gas
operated mode, the set point can be of the order of 0.5° C.
[0055] In a further embodiment, the controller can actively
calculate the set point based on the prevailing atmospheric
conditions, such as temperature, humidity, dew point.
[0056] When the system is powered by gas, full power is used to
bring the system to a temperature below the set point, and the
gas can then be turned off so the system uses its thermal
hysteresis to continue operating until the temperature rises to
the set point, and the gas is again applied.
[0057] The fan speed is controllable by the controller in
response to the performance of the system in the prevailing
atmospheric conditions. For example, the fan speed can be varied
in response to changes in the atmospheric dew point. Thus the
optimum air flow across the air/htf heat exchanger to be
maintained. If the dew point falls below a predetermined
threshold temperature, water making is discontinued.
[0058] The controller looks at the Dew Point temp/Enthalpy/Dry
Bulb temperatures (Entering air & Leaving air) to make
calculations and adjustment in fan speed. Fan speed control is
based on an algorithm to maximize dehumidification based on
entering dry bulb and dew point temperatures. This fan speed
calculates approximate tonnage to maximize efficiency and
maximize water extraction based on standard energy equation
Qt=4.5 CFM (H1-H2) where H is enthalpy of entering and leaving
air. The CFM is increased to keep Qt as close to maximum tonnage
as chiller/absorber is capable of producing. The controller then
sends appropriate signal to Variable Frequency Drive to modify
fan RPM an in turn CFM produced.
[0059] The controller can be selectively controlled by a
keyboard or other input to operate the system in a number of
different operational modes, such as water extraction only, air
conditioning only, or water extraction and air conditioning
combined.
[0060] Ducting and dampers as shown in FIG. 4 can be added to
control the flow of air from the system into a building. Damper
4.104 is adapted to divert air from the fan 4.010 to vent 4.122
or to an air conditioning duct 4.120. damper 4.106 can block
flow through the chiller, or divert flow from the chiller either
through air/air heat exchanger 4.038 or to duct 4.124. The
dampers can be controlled by the controller 4.028.
[0061] The additional power source can be, for example,
electrical mains power. The controller can select the power
source.
[0062] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the air
conditioning system of a system according to an embodiment of
the invention. The fan 5.010 draws air through filter 5.134 and
odirects it to CW coil 5.136 whence it enters duct 5.120 for
delivery to the air conditioned building. Exhaust vent 5.122 is
controllable to divert air from the building duct when damper
5.138 is closed. An air flow sensor 5.130 reports the air flow
rate to the controller. A return duct 5.140 returns air to the
inlet, controllable by damper 5.142.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the water
extraction system which forms part of the system of FIG. 5. The
fan 6.010 filter 6.134 and CW coil 6.136 correspond to the same
elements in FIG. 5. The heat pump chiller 6.002 delivers cool
wate rto the CW coil via pump 6.144 and the water is then
delivered to the storage tank 6.132.
[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates a controller adapted for use in an
embodiment of the invention. The controller 7.170 can be, for
example, an Andover B3 851 with an analog output module 7.172
and a universal input module 7.174.
[0065] A commercially available absorption chiller, such as the
Robur 5 Ton Absorption Chiller, can be used to implement an
embodiment of the invention. The specification for a chiller and
air handler used in an embodiment of the invention are set out
below.
[0000]
Specifications of the 5 Ton Gas Fired Chiller HP5T
Voltage 240 V
Cooling capacity 16 kW
Gas consumption @26% 67 cubic meter/hour.
Total electric load (constant 540 watts. running)
Weight 276 KG
Dimensions 850 w × 655d × 1310 h
Noise level 49 db
[0000]
Specifications of the Air Handler HP16 Kw
Voltage 240 V
Cooling capacity 17 Kw
Electrical fans (2) 240 watts and 120 watts
Weight 160 KGs
Dimensions (horizontal) 1300 w × 600 d × 710 w
Coil coated with anti corrosive coatings
Filter from water collection tank to storage tank if required.
Circulation pump (s)
‘Manufactured water’ Transfer pump
Water manufacturing ability at 50% humidity 17 Liters/hour
and 26° C.
[0066] The system can be scaled up to provide large scale water
extraction capabilities. An air handler system capable of
providing efficient cooling includes a sufficiently large fin
area to ensure efficient cooling of the air below the dew point.
[0067] Where ever it is used, the word “comprising” is to be
understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of
“including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is
the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to
be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised”
and “comprises” where they appear.
[0068] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and
defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or
more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the
text. All of these different combinations constitute various
alternative aspects of the invention.
GB2453798
Water Extractor
[ PDF ]
Inventor : C. STREVENS
A device for extracting potable water from air
comprises a pipe for drawing in air, a force pump for
compressing the air, cooling fins provided around the pipe to
allow the heat of compression to dissipate, and a thermally
insulated cavity into which the air expands and cools. A nozzle
may be provided in the cavity containing a porous material such
as sharp sand through which the air is adiabatically expanded to
below the dew point such that water condenses out and is
collected.
Water Generator Air always contains a little water vapor, in
arid lands the air is usually too hot to allow the water carried
to condense. This occurs under hot desert conditions. In cold
deserts any water present is only available as ice and the air
is almost devoid of water.
However it is true of all air including air that could supply
water for domestic waler supplies in temperale climates. To
extract water from hot desert air the air must he cooled to blow
the dew point. If the air is cooled to below freezing waler
temperatures then ice will he deposited.
A possible simple way of cooling the air is to compress it,
allow (he heat of compression to dissipate (lien allow the air
to expand into an insulated cavity. If air is forced through a
nozzle containing a porous material such as sharp sand and then
allowed to expand into an insulated chamhci it will cool because
of adiabatic expansion.
A simple device that will do this is shown in the diagram below.
The pump needs to deliver air to the chamber SO that for a
cooling rate of (Power Output of molor/R (the gas constant))
degrees a second in suitable units such as MKS. FPS or SI).
The amount of water extracted would depend on the absolute
humidity and the rate of mass flow of the air.
Mass (Kg) of water extracted per sccond power of' pump (Watt)
/(latent heat of vaporization of water/Kg) Volume of air/second
Absolute Humidity (mass (Kg)/volume (L)/Power of Pump.