DESC:[0001] This application claims priority from the provisional application numbered 201841030143 filed with Indian Patent Office, Chennai on 10th August 2018 entitled “A system and method of extracting water from atmospheric air with dehumidification and cooling using thermoelectric based/vapor Compression cycle combined with evaporative cooling technology”, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Description of the invention:
Technical field of the invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method to extract water from air using a thermoelectric technology/vapor Compression cycle combined with a combined evaporative cooling.
Background of the invention
[0003] Generally, various means have been suggested for generating drinking water. In the recent years, many commercial potable water sources are produced from the ground water, which might be contaminated by pollutants such as pesticides or chemical wastes. Generally, drinking water needs to be highly purified to avoid adverse effect on those who drink the water for a long period of time. In most of the developed countries, the tap water is generally purified to reach the standards and is used for direct drinking purposes. However, there are still many poorer regions in the world with relatively high prevalence rate and mortality rate due to the pollution of the water source. Taking the ground water in a large scale may lead to severe problems such as decreasing the ground level of water and shortage of needed water supplies or other environmental problems. Thus, it is needed to provide alternate source for generation of pure drinking water.
[0004] An alternate solution is proposed to generate the drinking water from pure moisture in the atmosphere. Atmospheric air plays a leading role in transport of water and can be tapped as a source of water. The atmospheric air contains a lot of moisture in vapour form and is cooled below dew point to condense the water therein. The condensation of moisture in the atmosphere depends on the degree of moisture and cooling.
[0005] Various types of conventional systems and methods to extract water from outside air are known in the prior art. The Indian Patent document 1598/CHE/2011A describes a system and method for generating drinking water from atmospheric air. In the cited document, the system comprises a refrigeration system arranged with an evaporator coil for cooling and maintaining temperature of the atmospheric air below dew point. A water generating chamber is arranged to enclose the evaporator coil, so that the cold air from the evaporator coil is directed inside the chamber. A water collecting unit is in association with the chamber for collecting water droplets dripped down from the chamber. At least a portion of the chamber is formed of inverted pyramid shape, which is associated with the evaporator coil in such a way that water vapor present in the cold air condenses inside the inverted pyramid portion, which forms and drips the water droplets on the inner surface of the inverted pyramid portion to the water collecting unit. Such system and method increases the efficiency of water generation from the atmospheric air due to rapid formation of water droplets and reduces the power consumption for cooling by increasing the refrigeration efficiency.
[0006] The United States Patent document 2014083120A1 describes a renewable energy-based atmospheric water generator. In the cited document, the invention describes an atmospheric potable water generator apparatus and method of use, powered entirely by renewable energy sources, which generates water from atmospheric air. The apparatus uses solar energy to heat atmospheric air in a condensing air chamber, uses wind to cool the air, condenses water on a cooling surface thereby creating potable water from atmospheric air. The apparatus may be used off the energy grid and can be applied on a large scale or for personal portable use.
[0007] The United States Patent document 7043934B2 describes a device for collecting water from air. In the cited document, the water making device collects the moisture contained in the atmosphere and condenses it into high purity water. In one embodiment, moist air entering the water making/water cooling system flows across an air filter, then a pre-cooler heat exchanger (where the air stream is cooled to or close to its dew point) and then a water extraction heat exchanger, where the air stream is cooled further and water is extracted. The water that leaves water extraction heat exchanger is collected in a water collection device and passes from there through a primary water filter into a water storage tank. The air stream then passes across a reheat heat exchanger and exhausted to the outside. A water circulation pump extracts water from the water storage tank and circulates the water stream through an evaporator of a vapor compression refrigeration system, where the water stream is chilled, then through the water extraction heat exchanger and pre-cooler, where the incoming air stream is chilled by removing heat to the water stream. The water stream is then circulated through the reheat heat exchanger, where the water stream is again cooled by removing heat to the cool dry air exiting the water extraction heat exchanger. Finally, the cooled water stream is circulated through the water filter to a three-way valve, that directs water flow either to a dispenser or back to the water storage tank.
[0008] The claimed systems and methods consume more time and energy to extract the water in both hot and dry climates. Typically, the conventional systems use bulk compressor and require skilled labor to service thereof, during wear out operations in remote places. The conventional systems do not extract high quantity of water by creating more humid air inside the enclosed surface using an evaporative cooling pad. Further, the conventional systems do not use thermo-electric engine to condensate the water content in the humid air. Conventional systems do not use non-potable waste water to flow through the evaporative cooling pad to create more humid air inside the enclosed surface.
[0009] Hence, there is a need for a system and method to extract high quantity of water in lesser time using low power consumption.
Summary
[0010] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks in the prior art and provides a system to extract water from air using vapor compression cycle with the condenser temperature managed through an evaporative cooling technology. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a compressor to compress the gases to high pressure and temperature therein. This condenser is used to receive and convert the gases into a liquid at high pressure and temperature. The system also contains first water tank with one or more pumps, and specifically the first water tank is filled with non-potable/Reverse Osmosis (RO) waste water. The pump inside the first water tank pumps the non-potable/RO water to a sprinkler, and this sprinkler allows the non-potable/RO water to flow on top of the condenser, here the water flow controls and manages the temperature of the condenser below 37.8 degree Celsius.
[0011] The expansion valve is used to expand and decrease the high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure liquid at lower temperature. After this the evaporative coil to receive and convert the low-pressure liquid into a vapor at lower temperature and fed back to the compressor and thereby constituting the controlled vapor compression cycle. Here, in addition an evaporative cooling pad is fed and pumped with non-potable/RO water from the first water tank, where this evaporative cooling pad lowers/cools the water (removes the heat gained from the condenser and also creates more humid air before passing through the evaporative coil. The evaporative coil condenses the humid air into the water and is then collected in a second tank. At last this water in the second tank is further filtered and used for drinking purpose. A fan used here dissipates the hot dry air from the condenser, during the vaporization cycle.
[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises an enclosed surface comprising an evaporating cooling pad, an air filter, four tanks, a fan, a louver, a thermoelectric engine having a cold side and a hot side, a multi flow evaporator having closed loop water circulation, a pre-humidifier, radiator and a water filter unit. The both pre-humidifier and hot side management tank are filled with non-potable water or waste water. The pre-humidifier cooling pad is fed and pumped with the waste water from the first tank. The fan sucks or draws the air through a louvre from the outside atmosphere and pass through the pre-humidifier cooling pad. The pre-humidifier cooling pad creates more humid air inside the enclosed surface therein.
[0013] The thermoelectric engine is energized and thereby the creation of the hot side and the cold side, takes place. The multi flow evaporator or multi-channel micro flow condenser with the closed loop water circulation is connected to the cold side of the thermoelectric engine. The multi flow evaporator or multi-channel micro flow condenser having closed loop water circulation is exposed to the humid air to condensate the water content therein. The condensed water is further collected and stored in a second tank. The air with reduced water content/drier air is further passed through the hot side management pad and radiator attached to the hot side of thermoelectric engine to liberate the heat therein. The water filter unit collects and purifies the condensed water from the second tank and pass the filtered water to a third tank for drinking purpose.
[0014] The system further uses a humidity sensor to optimize waste water usage by using a control algorithm, wherein the control algorithm uses the inlet and outlet RH (Rhesus factor) values from the humid sensor to determine whether to turn ON or turn OFF the waste water pump to optimize waste water usage therein.
[0015] The invention also discloses a method of extracting water from air using a thermoelectric technology with a combined evaporative cooling. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of collecting the non-potable water or waste water in a first tank. After collecting, the collected waste water is allowed to flow through a pre-humidifier cooling pad. The air is extracted using a fan from outside atmosphere through a louver. The extracted air is passed through the pre-humidifier cooling pad. The pre-humidifier cooling pad creates more humid air and is allowed to pass towards a multi flow condenser or evaporator with a closed loop water circulation which is connected to a cold side of a thermoelectric engine. The multi flow condenser having the closed loop water circulation is exposed to the humid air to condensate the water content therein. After condensation, the condensed water is collected and stored in a second tank. The drier air/air with less water content is further passed through a hot side management and radiator connected at the hot side of thermoelectric engine to liberate the heat therein. Finally, the stored condensed water pumped from the second tank through a water filter unit, wherein the water filter unit purifies the condensed collected water and stores in a third tank for the drinking purpose.
[0016] The present invention provides a portable light weight system, which is highly reliable and uses Peltier based cooling to extract water from air by condensing therein. The system extracts high quantity of water by creating more humid air inside the enclosed surface using a pre-humidifier cooling pad. The system consumes less time and energy to extract the water in both hot and dry climates.
[0017] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following details description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
Brief description of the drawings:
[0018] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[0019] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the system to handle hybrid air to water compressor based with PH and HSM water from generated non-portable/ RO waste water Circuit.
[0020] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the system to handle hybrid air to water compressor based with PH and HSM water from generated air to water circuit.
[0021] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the system to handle Standalone Air to Water Thermoelectric Based with PH and HSM Water from non-Portable/RO Waste Water Circuit.
[0022] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the system to handle Standalone Air to Water Thermoelectric Based with PH and HSM Water from Generated air to water Circuit.
[0023] Figure 5 shows a psychometric chart for air to water process, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] Figure 6 illustrates the steps involved in extracting water from air using controlled vapor compression cycle through an evaporative technology, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0025] Figure 7 illustrates the steps involved in extracting the water from air using a thermoelectric technology with a combined evaporative cooling, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] Detailed description of the invention:
[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.
[0028] In preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the system to handle hybrid air to water compressor based with PH and HSM water from generated from non-portable/ RO waste water Circuit. Here the system circuit can mainly be divided into four parts, i.e. cooling circuit, heat management circuit, pre-humidification circuit and non-portable/ RO waste water circuit.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the system (100) comprises a compressor to compress the gases to a high pressure and temperature. A condenser (104) receives and converts the gases into a liquid at high pressure and temperature. A first water tank (101) having one or more pumps (101a and 101c) is filled with non-potable/Reverse Osmosis (RO) waste water. Here, the RO waste water is collected in the first tank (101) through the third tank (111) followed by the RO unit (110). The pump (101a) inside the first water tank (101) pumps the non-potable/RO water to a sprinkler (103). The sprinkler (103) allows the non-potable/RO water to flow on top of the condenser (104). An evaporative cooling pad (105a) is fed and pumped (101) with non-potable/RO waste water from the first water tank (101). The evaporative cooling pad (105a) lowers/cools the water (removes the heat gained from the condenser) and also creates more humid air before passing through the condenser coil (104). The water flow controls and manages the temperature inside the condenser (104) below 37.8 degree Celsius. Here, the condenser (104) is cooled by air as well as by water. An expansion valve expands and decreases the high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure liquid at lower temperature. An evaporative coil (107) receives and converts the low-pressure liquid into a vapor at lower temperature and fed back to the compressor and thereby constituting the controlled vapor compression cycle. A pre-humidifier pad (105) is fed and pumped (101b) with non-potable/RO waste water from the third water tank (102). The evaporative cooling pad (105) lowers/cools the water and creates more humid air before passing through the evaporative coil (107). The evaporative coil (107) condenses the water vapor in the humidified air into the water and is collected in a second tank (108), wherein the water in the second tank (108) is further filtered and used for drinking purpose. The hot dry air in the condenser (104) is dissipated through the fan (106), during the vaporization cycle. In the preferred embodiment, the mineral deposited waste RO water is further collected and is sold to chemical laboratories for further use.
[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the system to handle hybrid air to water compressor based with PH and HSM water from generated air to water circuit. Here the system mainly lacks the RO unit (110).
[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the system to handle Standalone Air to Water Thermoelectric Based with PH and HSM Water from non-Portable/RO Waste Water Circuit. Here the system circuit can mainly be divided into four parts, i.e. cooling circuit, heat management circuit, pre-humidification circuit and non-portable/ RO waste water circuit.
[0032] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the system showing extraction of water from air using a thermoelectric technology with a combined evaporative cooling, according to one embodiment of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the block diagram illustrates an enclosed surface (301a) comprising an evaporating cooling pad (303), an air filter, five tanks (301), (302), (308), (311) and (312), a fan (304), a louver (305), a thermoelectric engine (307) having a cold side (307a) and a hot side (307b), a multi flow condenser or evaporator having closed loop water circulation, a radiator hot side management (306) and a water filter unit (310). In the preferred embodiment, the tanks (301) & (302) are filled with non-potable water or waste water and is fitted with a float switch and a solenoid operated water valve. The solenoid operated water valve automatically refills the first tank with the non-potable water, when there is a less waste water therein. The non-potable water in the tank (302) is passed through the pre-humidifier evaporative cooling pad (303). The fan (304) sucks or draws the air through the louvre (305) from the outside atmosphere and is passed through the pre-humidifier evaporative cooling pad (303). The enclosed surface (301a) uses the air filter to filter the sucked or extracted air from the outside atmosphere. The pre-humidifier evaporative cooling pad (303) creates more humid air (307c) inside the enclosed surface (301a) therein. Further, the thermoelectric engine (307) is energized and thereby creating the hot side (307b) and the cold side (307a). The multi flow condenser or multi-channel micro flow condenser with the closed loop water circulation is connected to the cold side (307a) of the thermoelectric engine (307). The humid air inside the enclosed surface flow towards the multi flow condenser having closed loop water circulation. The multi flow condenser or evaporator having closed loop water circulation is exposed to the humid air (307c) to condensate the water content therein. The condensed water is collected and stored in a second tank (308). In the preferred embodiment, the air inside the enclosed surface (301a) with reduced water content/drier air is further passed through the radiator (306), which is attached to the hot side of thermoelectric engine (307) to liberate the heat therein. Further, the water filter unit (310) collects and purifies the condensed water from the second tank (308) and pass the filtered water to the third tank (311) for drinking purpose.
[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the system to handle Standalone Air To Water Thermoelectric Based with PH and HSM Water from Generated air to water Circuit. Here the system mainly lacks the water filter unit (310).
[0034] The present invention provides a portable light weight system, which is highly reliable and uses Peltier based cooling to extract water from air by condensing therein. The system extracts high quantity of water by creating more humid air inside the enclosed surface using an evaporative cooling pad. The system consumes less time and energy to extract the water in both, hot and dry climates.
[0035] Figure 5 shows a psychometric chart for air to water process, according to one embodiment of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, the point A on the chart at Relative Humidity (RH) 10 represents the inlet condition and the point B at approximately RH 90 represents the humidified and pre-cooled air, which is the result of the evaporative cooling of air, as it passes over the evaporative pad wetted with waste water. The curve though point B, C and point D (point C and D lie on the 100 percent saturation line) show the condition of air as it passes over cooling coil and de-humidifies.
[0036] Figure 6 illustrates the steps involved in extracting water from air using controlled vapor compression cycle through an evaporative technology, according to one embodiment of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of compressing the gases in a condenser to high pressure and temperature, at step (601). After compressing, the gases are received and converted into a liquid at high pressure and temperature through a condenser therein, at step (602). The stored non-potable/Reverse Osmosis (RO) is pumped from a first water tank to a sprinkler, at step (603). The non-potable/RO water is allowed to flow on top of the condenser from the condenser, wherein the water flow controls and manages the temperature inside the condenser below the 37.8 degree Celsius, at step (604). The high-pressure liquid is decreased to a low-pressure liquid at lower temperature using an expansion valve, at step (605). The low-pressure liquid at lower temperature is received and converted into a vapor form using an evaporative coil. The vapor is fed back to the compressor and thereby constituting the controlled vapor compression cycle, at step (606). The non-potable/RO water is pumped from the third water tank to a pre-Humidifier cooling pad, wherein the pre-humidifier cooling pad extracts the ambient air from the outside atmosphere and creates more humid air before passing through the evaporative coil, at step (607). The water is extracted from the humidified air using the evaporative coil and is collected in a second tank. The water in the second tank is further filtered and used for drinking purpose, at step (608). Finally, the hot dry air is dissipated from the condenser using a fan, during the vaporization cycle.
[0037] Figure 7 illustrates the steps involved in the method of extracting water from air using a thermoelectric technology with a combined evaporative cooling, according to one embodiment of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of collecting the non-potable water or waste water in a first tank, at step (701). After collecting, the waste water can flow through an evaporative cooling pad, at step (702). The air is extracted using a fan from outside atmosphere through a louvre, at step (703). The extracted air is passed through the evaporative cooling pad, at step (704). The evaporative cooling pad creates more humid air and can pass towards a multi flow condenser with a closed loop water circulation, which is connected to a cold side of a thermoelectric engine. The multi flow condenser having the closed loop water circulation is exposed to the humid air to condensate the water content therein. After condensation, the condensed water is collected and stored in a second tank, at step (705). The drier air/air with less water content is further passed through a radiator connected at the hot side of thermoelectric engine to liberate the heat therein. Finally, at step (706), the stored condensed water pumped from the second tank through a water filter unit. The water filter unit purifies the condensed collected water and stores in a third tank for the drinking purpose.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A system of extracting water from atmospheric air with dehumidification and cooling using thermoelectric based/vapor Compression cycle combined with evaporative cooling technology, the system comprises:
i. a compressor to compress the gases to high pressure and temperature therein;
ii. a condenser (104) to receive and convert the gases into a liquid at high pressure and temperature;
iii. a first water tank (101) with at least one pump (101a and 101b), wherein the first water tank (101) is filled with non-potable/Reverse Osmosis (RO) waste water, wherein the pump (101a) inside the first water tank (101) pumps the non-potable/RO water to a sprinkler (103), wherein the sprinkler (103) allows the non-potable/RO water to flow on top of the condenser(104), wherein the water flow controls and manages the temperature inside the condenser(104) below 37.8 degree Celsius;
iv. an expansion valve to expand and decrease the high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure liquid at lower temperature;
v. an evaporative coil (107) to receive and convert the low-pressure liquid into a vapor at lower temperature and fed back to the compressor and thereby constituting the controlled vapor compression cycle;
vi. a hot side management cooling pad (105a), wherein the hot side management cooling pad(105a) is fed and pumped with non-potable/RO water from the first water tank, wherein the hot side management cooling pad (105a) lowers/cools the water (removes the heat gained from the condenser (104) and creates more humid air before passing through the condenser (104),
vii. a fan (106) to dissipate the hot dry air from the condenser, during the vaporization cycle.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein water is simultaneously pumped and circulated through the pre-humidifier cooling pad (105) from the third water tank (102), wherein the water circulation through the pre-humidifier cooling pad (105) increases the humidity thereof and keeps the water cool at all-time.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (301a) is even able to generate pure drinking water from waste water using thermoelectric engine wherein to extract water from air using controlled thermoelectric based through an evaporative technology, the system comprises:
a. an enclosed surface (301a) comprising:
i. at-least three tanks wherein the first tank (302) is filled with non-potable water or waste water;
ii. a pre-humidifier cooling pad (303), wherein the pre-humidifier cooling pad (303) is fed and pumped with the waste water from the first tank;
iii. a fan (304), wherein the fan (304) sucks or draws the air through a louvre (305) from the outside atmosphere and pass through the pre-humidifier cooling pad (303), wherein the pre-humidifier cooling pad (303) creates more humid air (307c) inside the enclosed surface (301) therein;
iv. a thermoelectric engine (307), wherein the thermoelectric engine is energized and thereby creates a hot side (307b) and a cold side (307a);
v. a multi flow condenser or multi-channel micro flow condenser with a closed loop water circulation connected to the cold side (307a) of the thermoelectric engine (307), wherein the multi flow condenser having closed loop water circulation is exposed to the humid air (306) to condensate the water content therein, wherein the condensed water is collected and stored in a second tank (308), wherein the air with reduced water content/drier air is further passed through a hot side management and radiator (306) attached to the hot side (307b) of thermoelectric engine (307) to liberate the heat therein; and
vi. a water filter unit (310), wherein the water filter (310) unit collects and purifies the condensed water from the second tank (308) and passes the filtered water to a third tank (111) for drinking purpose.

4. The system as claimed in claimed 2, wherein the system (301a) further comprises a fourth tank (312) which is filled with the water and allows to flow towards the cold side (307a) of thermoelectric engine (307) continuously, wherein the outlet of the multi flow condenser is first passed through third tank (311) to make the drinking water more cool at all times, before connecting to fourth tank (312).

5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system (301a) further uses an air filter to filter the sucked or extracted air from the atmosphere.

6. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system (301a¬) is energized through various sources such as AC power and DC power, wherein the DC power is extracted through various sources but not limited to solar, battery or waste heat, etc.

7. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system (301a) generates more quantity of pure water by using less quantity of waste water by means of creating additional humidity thereby speeding up the condensation process.
8. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system (301a) further uses a humidity sensor to optimize waste water usage by using a control algorithm, wherein the control algorithm uses the inlet and outlet RH values from the humid sensor to determine whether to turn ON or turn OFF the waste water pump to optimize waste water usage therein.

9. A method to extract water from air using controlled vapor compression cycle through an evaporative technology, the method comprising the steps of:
a. compressing the gases in a condenser to high pressure and temperature (601);
b. receiving and converting the gases into a liquid at high pressure and temperature through a condenser therein (602);
c. storing and pumping the non-potable/Reverse Osmosis (RO) water from a first water tank to a sprinkler (603);
d. allowing the non-potable/RO water to flow on top of the condenser from the first water tank, wherein the water flow controls and manages the temperature inside the condenser below the 37.8 degree Celsius (604);
e. decreasing the high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure liquid at lower temperature using an expansion valve (605);
f. receiving and converting the low-pressure liquid at lower temperature into a vapor form using an evaporative coil, wherein the vapor is fed back to the compressor and thereby constituting the controlled vapor compression cycle (606);
g. pumping the non-potable/RO water from the third water tank to a pre humidifier cooling pad, wherein the pre humidifier cooling pad lowers/cools the water (removes the heat gained from the condenser) and also creates more humid air before passing through the evaporative coil (607);
h. condensing the water vapor in the humidified air into the water using the evaporative coil and is collected in a second tank, wherein the water in the second tank is further filtered and used for drinking purpose (608); and
i. dissipating the hot dry air from the condenser using a fan, during the vaporization cycle (609).

10. A method to extract water from air using a thermoelectric technology with a combined evaporative cooling, the method comprising the steps of:
a. collecting the non-potable water or waste water in a first tank (701);
b. allowing the collected waste water to flow through a pre humidifier cooling pad (702);
c. sucking or extracting the air using a fan from outside atmosphere through a louvre (703);
d. passing the extracted air through the pre humidifier cooling pad, wherein the pre humidifier cooling pad creates more humid air and is allowed to pass towards a multi flow evaporator or condenser with a closed loop water circulation which is connected to a cold side of a thermoelectric engine, wherein the multi flow condenser having the closed loop water circulation is exposed to the humid air to condensate the water content therein (704);
e. collecting and storing the condensed water in a second tank, wherein the drier air/air with less water content is further passed through a radiator connected at the hot side of thermoelectric engine to liberate the heat therein (705); and
f. pumping the stored condensed water from the second tank through a water filter unit, wherein the water filter unit purifies the condensed collected water and stores in a third tank for the drinking purpose (706).