DESC:RELATED PATENT APPLICATION:

This application claims the priority to and benefit of Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202141008853 filed on March 03, 2021; the disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to a novel process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator and device thereof. The present invention aims at using cold air generated by an atmospheric water generator (AWG) to be utilized for cooling a specific region such as, but not limited to enclosed spaces like cold storages, residential and commercial enclaves. The present invention is in effect generating potable water from atmospheric air and also absorbs heat from one or more above-mentioned regions of interest.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Availability of clean air under ambient conditions has become a basic necessity under the recent rise in air pollution owing to the increased urbanization and industrialization. Various air conditioner manufacturers have adopted filtration mechanisms in their devices by incorporating advanced filters to provide clean air devoid of all types of pollutants, bacteria, viruses, dust particles, and foul odors. Apart from ambient clean air, specific locations have the need to access conditioned air in terms of temperature. Conditioned air has been provided for various infrastructures through either commercial AC units or Air Handling Units that provide ambient air with regulated temperatures. With the increase in urbanization and extensive use of electronic gadgets, the market for air conditioners has swelled in the recent years and experts believe the same growth rate trend would continue in the coming few more years.

In the Indian context, the market sales of air conditioners have risen by around 17% in the past two years. Semi-arid tropical climate which is prevalent in most parts of India with average temperatures ranging from 30 - 40o C and reaching up to 50o C during summers make air conditioning a requirement for domestic usage. Similarly with the multi-fold expansion in the manufacturing and consumer goods sector, the need for facilities with controlled purified air supply and temperature is all the more significant.

Though it is clear that air conditioners are essential and have specific utility in different domains, the achievement of sustainable and holistic provisions is essential. Existing facilities have high-energy consumption, heat stress inequalities, and uncontrollable chains of risks. These challenges are by no means exhaustive and there is an imperative need for a more holistic approach to handle growing heat challenge.

Energy consumption and economic comparisons show that on an average 1 trillion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity is annually utilized for providing conditioned air.

With reference to Dahl R. Cooling concepts, alternatives to air conditioning for a warm world. Environ Health Perspect. 2013;121(1):a18–a25. doi: 10.1289/ehp.121-a18 it is predicted that a tenfold increase in energy demand would be necessary for cooling by 2050, if the use of AC continues to follow current trends.

With reference to Isaac M, van Vuuren DP, Modeling global residential sector energy demand for heating and air conditioning in the context of climate change. Energy Policy. 2009;37(2):507–521 it is observed that world energy demand for AC will increase rapidly from close to 300 TWh in year 2000, to about 4000 TWh in 2050 and more than 10,000 TWh in 2100.

With reference to Brager G, Zhang H, Arens E, Evolving opportunities for providing thermal comfort. Build Res Inf. 2015;43(3):274–287, the impact of AC on climate change depend on the type of energy source used to produce the cooling.

Alternative cooling technologies
At present, there is ongoing research and development of innovative cooling technologies and strategies that could potentially lower energy consumption.
Novel cooling technologies also include personal cooling, such as cooling vests with phase change materials.
Such systems have potential to cool the person’s micro-environment. However, they are often expensive and thus not accessible or seen as a priority by the common population.
Furthermore, the current situation with rising temperatures in Hanoi has undermined all attempts to reduce energy consumption, especially for cooling purposes.

Description of the Prior Art
At present the refrigeration cycle or thermoelectric cycle is used to either generate water or provide cold regions by absorbing heat, namely, air conditioning equipments containing compressors, condensers and evaporators that use refrigeration cycle and peltiers that use thermoelectric effects.
For the application of generating water from atmospheric air, the atmospheric air is cooled up to its dew point either by refrigeration cycle or thermoelectric cycle. This allows the moisture present in the air to condense, this obtaining water in liquid form.
For applications such as cooling the air for cold storages in residential/commercial spaces, the heat is removed with the help of refrigeration cycle.

As a sustainable solution for above-mentioned challenges, a novel process and device has been developed to produce ultra-pure water from atmospheric moisture working on the principle of condensation and a vapour compression system. The novel process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator (AWG) of the present invention offers a sustainable solution in terms of lower energy consumption and its ability to utilize zero-carbon energy for operations that significantly lower environmental pollution. Additionally, with the same energy being consumed, provision of clean and safe drinking water is made, which is an essential commodity for every individual without incurring any additional costs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator and device thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the device to generate potable water from atmospheric air and also absorbs heat from one or more above-mentioned regions of interest.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process and device which circulates the pre-cooled air after extraction of water in liquid form and using this cold air to cool a specific region such as, but not limited to enclosed spaces like cold storages, residential and commercial enclaves.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a holistic solution in terms of energy consumption, additional water supply and its ability to adapt for using renewable energy as a source.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a design and process using atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology which is of low cost as it dispenses potable water, alkaline water and demineralized water, as per requirement.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel process and design where the automated dosing of mineral rich solution with atmospheric water condensate to attain potable water with TDS of 70-90 ppm and alkaline water with pH of 8.3 to 10.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device and process which employs the novel high flux polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane module to ensures efficient clarification and disinfection of the re-mineralized or potable water.

Another object of the present is to obtain and maintain a lower temperature in the enclosure region/ cold room close to 4oC to 8oC with high efficiency of heat exchanger assembly (HEA).

Another object of the present invention is to use the combination of atmospheric water generator (AWG) and heat exchanger assembly (HEA) processes where the cold evaporator air of atmospheric water generator (AWG) is directed towards heat exchanger assembly (HEA) to takes away heat from the circulating air in the enclosure region and facilitate cooling of the enclosure region without any additional power consumption.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a process and device where the AWGs requiring electric power for its compressors and fans is powered by solar panels to eliminate user’s dependency on grid power and allowing users to be left with miniscule operating costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator and device thereof. The novel device generates potable water from atmospheric air and also absorbs heat from one or more above-mentioned regions of interest. The device circulates the pre-cooled air after extraction of water in liquid form and using this cold air to cool a specific region such as, but not limited to enclosed spaces like cold storages, residential and commercial enclaves. It provides a holistic solution in terms of energy consumption, additional water supply and its ability to adapt for using renewable energy as a source.

The proposed design and process using atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology is of low cost as it dispenses potable/re-mineralized water, alkaline water and demineralized water, as per requirement and also its automated dosing of mineral rich solution with atmospheric water condensate to attain potable water with TDS of 70-90 ppm and alkaline water with pH of 8.3 to 10. The device further employs the novel high flux polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane module to ensure efficient clarification and disinfection of the re-mineralized/potable water.

Also, in the present invention the AWGs requiring electric power for its compressors and fans is powered by solar panels to eliminate user’s dependency on grid power and allowing users to be left with miniscule operating costs.

In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator (101), wherein the process comprises of the following steps:
forced sucking the ambient air/ atmospheric air (104) using an evaporator fan (12) of an atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101),
drawing the refrigerant in vapor state flowing from an evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) at low temperature and low pressure by a compressor (1) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and discharging the high pressure and high temperature vapor into a condenser (2) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101);
reducing the temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser (2) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) by ambient air sucked in by the condenser to obtain a saturated or sub-cooled liquid,
exiting of the hot air from the condenser (2) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) through the condenser duct into the atmosphere through a condenser fan (13) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101),
returning to step (III), pumping the saturated or sub-cooled refrigerant in the evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) by the compressor (1) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101);
contacting the pulled air of step (I) with the cold surfaces of the evaporator coils (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101);
rapidly releasing the heat of moisture in the air by contacting with the cold surface and condensing into water droplets;
collecting the water droplets into a water tough (14) as pure water utilized for drinking;
transporting the remaining cooled air from the evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) to a heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102);
transporting the hot air from an enclosure region (103) to the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) through a duct using a fan;
facilitating heat exchange between the cold air of evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and hot air of the enclosure region (103) in the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) resulting in lowering temperature of the air of the enclosure region (103);
transporting the cold air (lower temperature air) of step (XI) back to the enclosure region (103) through a duct using a fan to lower or maintain the temperature of the enclosure region (103);
exiting the hot air of evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) of step (XI) into the atmosphere by an exhaust fan;
wherein, the said process extracts water in liquid form from the atmosphere and cools the enclosure region (103) by absorbing heat from the region (103) using the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102).

The energy input to run the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (103) is mechanical power input or single phrase electrical power input or three phase electrical power input in nature.

In step (XII) the temperature of the enclosure region (103) is in the range of 1oC to 10oC, more particularly the temperature of the enclosure region (103) is in the range of 4oC to 8oC.

During heat exchange between the cold air of evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and hot air of the enclosure region (103) in the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) there is no mixing between each other and no exchange of moisture is allowed.

In another aspect of the present invention, the invention provides a device (100) for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator, wherein the device (100) comprises:
- an atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) with an inlet (101a) and an outlet (101b),
- a heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) with an inlet (102a) and an outlet (102b), and
- an enclosure region (103);
wherein, the said device extracts water in liquid form from the atmosphere and cools the enclosure region (103) by absorbing heat from the region (103) using the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102).

The atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) dispenses potable water, alkaline water and demineralized water, as per requirement.

In the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) the automated dosing of mineral rich solution with atmospheric water condensate to attain potable water with TDS of 70-90 ppm and alkaline water with pH of 8.3 to 10.

The device comprises a high flux polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane module to clarify and disinfect the re-mineralized water.

During heat exchange between the cold air of evaporator (6) and hot air of the enclosure region (103) in the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) there is no mixing between each other and no exchange of moisture is allowed in the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) and the temperature of the enclosure region (103) is in the range of 4oC to 8oC.

The above description merely is an outline of the technical solution of the present disclosure; in order to know the technical means of the present disclosure more clearly so that implementation may be carried out according to contents of the specification, and in order to make the above and other objectives, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure more clear and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing illustrating the device (100) of present invention.

Figure 2 shows Process Flow Diagram of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) for production of potable, alkaline and demineralized water.

Figure 3 shows schematic for enclosure region (103) cooling with refrigeration cooling incorporating the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) for the same.

Figure 4 shows the schematic diagram of device (100) highlighting the air flow path.

Figure 5 shows the computerized images of experimental setup illustration for testing.
Figure 5(a) shows the computerized image of experimental setup elucidating the components of the setup.
Figure 5(b) shows the several zones/points where the temperature and relative humidity are measured while experimenting.

Figure 6 shows the erected/actual experimental setup elucidating the components of the setup.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator and device thereof. The device has been developed to perform the said process as described here in the present invention to produce ultra-pure water from atmospheric moisture working on the principle of condensation and a vapour compression system. The present invention further aims at using cold air generated by an atmospheric water generator (AWG) to be utilized for cooling a specific region such as, but not limited to enclosed spaces like cold storages, residential and commercial enclaves. The present invention is in effect generating potable water from atmospheric air and also absorbs heat from one or more above-mentioned regions of interest. It mainly comprises of atmospheric water generators and heat exchanger assemblies and works on the combined process of atmospheric water generator (AWG) and heat exchanger assembly (HEA).

The novel process involves forced suction of atmospheric air using a fan, ducted to the evaporator. Air pulled into the unit comes in contact with the cold surfaces of the evaporator coils which are maintained at a temperature below dew point by circulating refrigerant through them. As the moisture in the air comes in contact with the cold surface it rapidly releases heat and condenses into water droplets which is collected as pure water utilized for drinking. However, the remaining air devoid of moisture also looses heat and lowers its temperatures. As the moisture is condensed and collected as water the cool air passing from the atmospheric water generator (AWG) units can be utilized as a source of pre-cooled air that can be used for a domestic as well as a commercial facility. Such an option provides a holistic solution in terms of energy consumption, additional water supply and its ability to adapt for using renewable energy as a source.

Cold air utility with atmospheric water generator (AWG) offers a sustainable solution in terms of lower energy consumption and its ability to utilize zero-carbon energy for operations that significantly lower environmental pollution. Additionally, with the same energy being consumed, provision of clean and safe drinking water is made, which is an essential commodity for every individual without incurring any additional costs.

Further, as known conventionally the evaporator air is dissipated into atmosphere. However, in this combined atmospheric water generator (AWG) and heat exchanger assembly (HEA) process of the present invention, evaporator air is directed towards heat exchanger assembly (HEA) where the cold evaporator air takes away heat from the circulating air in the enclosure region and this facilitates cooling of the enclosed room without any additional power consumption.

This combination of atmospheric water generator (AWG) and heat exchanger assembly (HEA) processes provides certain benefits/ advantages over the existing prior arts like:

A. Lower temperatures in cold room/enclosure region
Lower temperature in the enclosure region close to 4oC to 8oC can be obtained with the help of the present invention with high efficiency of heat exchanger assembly (HEA).

B. Scaling up to larger cold storages
The present setup can be scaled up with a proportion of cooling 1230ft3 of cold storage requiring 4TR capacity of AWGs. Thus, a cold storage of size 12300ft3 would require AWGs of capacity 40TR.

C. Powering with renewable energy
As known the background, the regions around the world which have acute shortage of water and food storage facilities are the same ones with extremely high solar irradiation. AWGs of the present invention requiring electric power for its compressors and fans can be powered by solar panels as well. One would require around 1200ft2 of area of solar PV cells in order to power an enclosure region of 1230ft3 capacity during the day as well as night. This eliminates user’s dependency on grid power, allowing users to be left with miniscule operating costs such as operator’s salary and mineral dosing for water generated.

D. Proposed design of atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology
The proposed design of atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology is of low cost as it dispenses potable water, alkaline water and demineralized water, as per requirement. Further, the atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology utilizes lesser electric power with innovations including independent fans for evaporator and condenser and condenser fan having higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) when compared to evaporator fans. Also, the automated dosing of mineral rich solution with atmospheric water condensate to attain potable water with TDS of 70-90 ppm and alkaline water with pH of 8.3 to 10. The novel high flux polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane module, employed in the process, further ensures efficient clarification and disinfection of the re-mineralized/potable water.

Figures 1-6 above shows the representative setup of the device and process flow diagram for the novel process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator (AWG) of the present invention. The present invention is further illustrated with the help of the accompanying drawings 1-6.

In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention discloses a novel device for generating potable water from atmospheric air and also absorbs heat from one or more above-mentioned regions of interest. The setup performs the said novel process of integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator (AWG).

Now referring to figure 1, Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing illustrating the setup (100) the present invention. The setup (100) mainly comprises of an atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101), a heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) and enclosure region (103) where the atmospheric air (104) being absorbed by the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101). The atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) has an inlet (101a) and an outlet (101b). The Heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (103) also comprises of an inlet duct of heat exchanger assembly (HEA) denoted by (102a) and outlet duct by (102b). The atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) operates by taking in the atmospheric air (104) and cooling it from incoming duct system (101a). Once this air is cooled and moisture is extracted in the form of liquid water the same cooler and drier air is directed to heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) via 101b to 102a i.e., ducting assembly where this cold air is made to absorb the heat load of the enclosure region (103). The complete setup (100) which comprises of three individual unit is explained below with respect to the individual unit:

Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) (101):

The atmospheric water generator (AWG) shall either work on principle of refrigeration cycle and/or thermoelectric effect. More specifically, the atmospheric water generator (AWG) works on the principle of condensation of atmospheric moisture using vapor compression system. The process for atmospheric moisture condensation involves forced suction of atmospheric moist air using a fan, ducted to the evaporator. The moist air enters the system after passing through pleated polypropylene micro static air filter for removing suspended particles up to 12 microns. Air then comes in contact with the cold surface of the evaporator coil which is maintained below dew point temperature by circulation of the refrigerant. The moist air on contact with cold surface of the evaporator looses heat and condenses into water droplets on the surface of the coil. The water from the coil trickles down into a collection trough which is further treated by an ozone generator operated at predetermined frequency.

The pure water from collection tank is pumped and mixed with minerals dosed from the dosing tank and passed through a multi-stage filtration to generate potable or alkaline water, whereas, the system generates demineralized water, when the water from the collection tank passes through a RO membrane system incorporated with an indigenous high flux polyetherurea membrane in single pass to obtain 2 ppm TDS or cascaded two-stage arrangement with resin to achieve water quality of less than 1 ppm TDS.

Referring to Figure 2, Fig. 2 shows the process flow diagram of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) integrated with membrane process / chemical dosage for production of three different grades of water i.e. re-mineralized or potable water, demineralized water and alkaline water. In the figure, the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) comprises of two parallel circuits i.e. L- Left hand side circuit and R- Right hand side circuit. Both the circuits works in the similar manner and comprises of same components. Thus, the reference numerals in the diagram are suffixed by “L” and “R” indicating the side of the circuit. Herein after the component of the atmospheric water generator (AWG) may be or may not be referred by the suffix “L” or “R”.

In a typical vapor compression refrigeration cycle of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101), the compressor (1L, 1R) draws the refrigerant in vapor state flowing from the evaporator (6L, 6R) at low temperature and low pressure and discharges high pressure and high temperature vapor into the condenser (2L, 2R). The temperature of the refrigerant is reduced in the condenser (2L, 2R) by ambient air, which is sucked in by the condenser fan (13), resulting in a saturated or sub-cooled liquid. The liquid then flows through the expansion valve (5L, 5R), where it experiences a pressure drop as a result of which temperature and pressure of the refrigerant further reduces before entering the evaporator (6L, 6R). The refrigerant in the evaporator (6L, 6R) vaporizes by taking heat from the ambient air entering the system caused due to the forced suction by the evaporator fan (12) and exits as low temperature and low pressure vapor. The vaporized refrigerant then passes through an accumulator (7L, 7R) to collect any residual liquid refrigerant and enters the compressors (1L, 1R) as low pressure and low temperature vapor to restart the cycle. The evaporator fan (12) near the evaporator (6L, 6R) takes the air from the ambient atmosphere and passes through a series of air filters (3L, 3R) and then enters into the evaporator (6L, 6R), where the air is cooled below its dew point and moisture in the air is converted into pure water which gets collected in the water trough (14), the cool air existing from evaporator is send out to atmosphere or utilized to cool the chosen area. The water collected in the water trough (14) then flows into the collecting tank (15) by gravity where the water is subjected to ozone treatment in a predetermined frequency by an ozone generator (21).

The pure water from collection tank (15) is pumped (17) and mixed with minerals dosed (18) from the dosing tank (16) and passed through a multi-stage filtration (19) to generate potable or alkaline water, whereas, the system generates demineralized water, when the water from the collection tank passes through a RO membrane system incorporated with an indigenous high flux polyetherurea membrane (22) in single pass to obtain 2 ppm TDS or cascaded two-stage arrangement with resin to achieve water quality of less than 1 ppm TDS. Along with the above mentioned components the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) also comprises of liquid indicators (4L, 4R), hand shut off valves (8L, 8R, 11L, 11R), LP switches (9L, 9R), HP switches (10L, 10R) and water storage tank (20) as shown in the figure to complete the circuit.

In atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101), the cooling process is based on the principle of vapor compression refrigeration cycle. In this cycle, compressor (1L, 1R), evaporator (6L, 6R), condenser (2L, 2R) and expansion valve (5L, 5R) are involved during the cooling process. The mentioned component’s working repeats cyclically and the atmospheric air is continuously cooled and condensed to water thus, harvesting water from air through this process.

Further, the proposed design of atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology is of low cost as it dispenses potable water, alkaline water and demineralized water, as per requirement. The atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology utilizes lesser electric power with innovations including independent fans for evaporator and condenser and condenser fan having higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) when compared to evaporator fans. Also, the automated dosing of mineral rich solution with atmospheric water condensate to attain potable water with TDS of 70-90 ppm and alkaline water with pH of 8.3 to 10. The novel high flux polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane module, employed in the device process, further ensures efficient clarification and disinfection of the re-mineralized water.

Heat Exchanger Assembly (HEA) (102):

Figure 3 shows schematic for enclosure region (103) cooling with refrigeration cooling incorporating the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) for the same. The figure further shows the different line of air passage. The cold air from AWGs evaporator coil is passed through an air-to-air heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) via insulated ducts (101b and 102a). This line of air passage also called as evap lines are denoted by points (32, 33). Air from the enclosure region (103) that contains food for storage, is circulated on the other side of the same air to air heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102). This line of air passage also called as a room-line are denoted by points 34 and 35 as shown in figure 3.

More specifically, point (31) denotes ambient or atmospheric environment, point 32 denotes line of air passage i.e. evap lines denoting air passing through the evaporator (6), point 33 denotes line of air passage i.e. evap lines denoting downstream point to heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102), point 34 denotes line of air passage i.e. room line denoting air entry point to the cold room/ enclosure region (103), point 35 denotes line of air passage i.e. room line denoting air entry point to the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) and point 36 denotes inner wall of the enclosure region (103). In the process, atmospheric air loses moisture in the form of liquid water (L) while moving across the evaporator coil i.e., from point 31 to 32.

Air of evap-lines (32, 33) and room-lines (34, 35) come in contact with each other via a conductive surface (not shown) that facilitates heat exchange. However, there is no mixing between each other hence, no exchange of moisture is allowed. This ensures continuous heat transfer from the room line (34, 35) to the evap line (32, 33). It is important to note that prior to this application evap-line air was simply released into the atmosphere, whereas in the present concept the same continuously keeps the enclosure region (103) cool.

Enclosure Region (103):

An insulated closed area is defined as an enclosure region (103). The enclosure region can be anything that is completely closed and there is no heat leakage in it.

In certain embodiment of the present invention, the enclosure region (103) is specific region such as, but not limited to enclosed spaces like cold storages, residential and commercial enclaves. The region (103) can also be referred as cold room or cold storage (103). All the six walls of the enclosure region (103) are insulate such that no air or heat can circulate in or out.

The temperature of the enclosure region (103) is maintained as low as possible based upon the requirement. In one embodiment of the present invention, lower temperatures in enclosure region (103) close to 1oC to 10oC can be obtained with high efficiency of heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102). In another embodiment of the present invention lower temperatures in enclosure region (103) close to 4oC to 8oC can be obtained with high efficiency of heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102).

In another aspect of the present invention, the invention provides a novel process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator (AWG) with the help of all the above mentioned device (100).

As mentioned above, the present invention aims at using cold air generated by an atmospheric water generator (AWG) to be utilized for cooling a specific region such as, but not limited to enclosed spaces like cold storages, residential and commercial enclaves. The present invention is in effect generating potable water from atmospheric air and also absorbs heat from one or more above-mentioned regions of interest.

The atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) essentially works by converting cooled humid air to water, so it can help to cool a specific region. So far, the design has been able to provide enough cooling for a building for up to six hours, after which, a conventional commercial air conditioner takes over.

Referring to figure 4, the novel process involves forced suction or transport of ambient air/ atmospheric air (104) using an evaporator fan (12) ducted to the evaporator (6) through duct (101a) of the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101). Air pulled into the unit (101) comes in contact with the cold surfaces of the evaporator coils (6) which are maintained at a temperature below dew point by circulating refrigerant through them. The refrigerant is pumped through the evaporator (6) and condenser (2) by the compressor (1). As the moisture in the air comes in contact with the cold surface it rapidly releases heat and condenses into water droplets which is collected as pure water utilized for drinking. The water condensed from the evaporator (6) which is collected in a tank is further pumped out through the filtration process and dosing using a pump. However, the remaining air devoid of moisture also looses heat and lowers its temperatures. As the moisture is condensed and collected as water, the cool air passing from the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) units can be utilized as a source of pre-cooled air that can be used for a domestic as well as a commercial facility. Cooled air from the evaporator (6) is transported to heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) and exits out into the atmosphere by an exhaust fan. The hot air from condenser (2) exits through the condenser duct into the atmosphere through the condenser fan (13). And in the air to air heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102), the hot air from the enclosure region (103) is transported to the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) by fan (not shown). In the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) the air is cooled by the cold air from the atmospheric water generator (AWG) evaporator (6). The cooled air from the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) is transported back to the enclosure region (103) through a fan (not shown).

There exists an evaporator line of atmospheric water generator (AWG) wherein the moisture from the air get condensed on the evaporator coil at its dew point temperature and is collected, and the moisture free air gets cooled at the surface of the coil and is then allowed to flow forward into an air to air heat exchanger assembly (HEA). There even exists a cold storage, residential and commercial enclaves etc., wherein its enclosed air is circulated through the above mentioned air-to-air heat exchanger assembly (HEA). At the point, there is continuous heat exchange between the cold air from evaporator coil and air of the enclosure region. The heat gets rejected from the air of enclosure region to refrigerant cooled air of evaporator coil, and thereby cooling the enclosure region along with the process of generating potable water using atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology.

Thus, the said process can be summarized in the following steps:
forced sucking the ambient air/ atmospheric air (104) using an evaporator fan (12) of an atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101),
drawing the refrigerant in vapor state flowing from an evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) at low temperature and low pressure by a compressor (1) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and discharging the high pressure and high temperature vapor into a condenser (2) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101);
reducing the temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser (2) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) by ambient air sucked in by the condenser to obtain a saturated or sub-cooled liquid,
exiting of the hot air from the condenser (2) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) through the condenser duct into the atmosphere through a condenser fan (13) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101),
returning to step (III), pumping the saturated or sub-cooled refrigerant in the evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) by the compressor (1) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101);
contacting the pulled air of step (I) with the cold surfaces of the evaporator coils (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101);
rapidly releasing the heat of moisture in the air by contacting with the cold surface and condensing into water droplets;
collecting the water droplets into a water tough (14) as pure water utilized for drinking;
transporting the remaining cooled air from the evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) to a heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102);
transporting the hot air from an enclosure region (103) to the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) through a duct using a fan;
facilitating heat exchange between the cold air of evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and hot air of the enclosure region (103) in the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) resulting in lowering temperature of the air of the enclosure region (103);
transporting the cold air (lower temperature air) of step (XI) back to the enclosure region (103) through a duct using a fan to lower or maintain the temperature of the enclosure region (103);
exiting the hot air of evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) of step (XI) into the atmosphere by an exhaust fan.

Thus, the said novel process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator (AWG) results in extracting water in liquid form from the atmosphere and provide cooling by absorbing heat from a specific enclosed region (103).

Further, the energy input required to run the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) can be either electric or mechanical in nature. Electric supply can be a single and or three phase in nature. Further, the power can also be provided with solar power. Solar cooling and absorption, solar thermal energy conversion, or photovoltaic conversion, are new technologies which have a high potential to replace conventional cooling technology based on electricity. The advantage with solar cooling is that the energy production is renewable and also local which is good for the regional energy supply and for the energy user. Further, the design of air-cooled engines is simple and it is lighter in weight than water-cooled engines due to the absence of water jackets, radiator, circulating pump and the weight of the cooling water.

Experimental setup

An experimental setup of the device (100) was constructed to check the feasibility of the concept. Figure 5(a) shows the computerized image of experimental setup elucidating the components of the setup and Figure 6 shows the erected/actual experimental setup elucidating the components of the setup. An insulated enclosure region (103) of sizes 10ft*10ft*10ft was constructed with door (103A). Choosing a 100 LPD machine evaporator (6) , compressor (1L, 1R), and condenser (2L, 2R) with it, insulated ducting (101a, 101b, 102a, 102b) and air to air heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) were also sized and constructed. Temperature and relative humidity data were collected at several crucial points along the setup. At the same time air velocity values were also obtained to know the airflow rates.

All the six walls of the enclosure region (103) were insulated with 6 inches thick polyurethane foam. In order to have room air circulation to the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) two cut outs were made for insulated elbow ducts to enter the room. These joints were sealed and insulated. All the GI ducts are also insulated with 6mm thick foam. 4mm insulation foam was also attached to the outer walls of the heat exchanger assembly (HEA). Mild steel structure was erected to support assembly of ducts, evaporator, compressor, and condenser.

Further, several components of the setup and points/zones or area of the setup were considered to observe temperature and relative humidity measurements to evaluate the results and observations. Figure 5(b) shows the several zones/points where the temperature and relative humidity are measured while experimenting.

In the first experimental run only one evaporator coil (6), compressor (1) and condenser (2) coil set were installed to check the efficacy of the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) and effects of changing flow rate on the amount of cooling that can be achieved inside the enclosure region (103).

Experiment

After ensuring no air and heat leakages in the experimental set up heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) is switched on to start air flow in the evap line as well as the room line. Subsequently, the compressor (1) was also switched on. Slowly, air entering the evap line keeps getting colder. This also starts cooling the air inside the room. Air flow rates for room line and evaporator line are controlled with the help of damping arrangements. Within about 25 minutes to 35 minutes (depending on the ambient temperature) we can observe steady state temperatures and humidity achieved at all points. These steady state values are different for different evaporator coil efficiency and ambient temperatures + humidity values.

Results and Observations

Temperature, relative humidity and air speed data were collected at points that are described above. The efficacy of the concept lies in the steady state values for temperature and relative humidity. Table 1(a) tabulates the steady state values observed for different ambient temperatures and air flow rates and 1(b) tabulate the temperature and their corresponding relative humidity values when steady state is achieved. Table 1(a) and 1(b) are as shown below:

Table 1(a): the steady state values observed for different ambient temperatures and air flow rates.
Sr. No. T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T6-T5 T4-T5 T3-T5 Air flow rate (kg/s)
(oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) Evap line Room line
1 24 24 23 24 17.6 35.2 17.6 6.4 5.4 0.60 0.83
2 27 26.2 25 27.2 19.4 35 15.6 7.8 5.6 0.60 0.83
3 24.4 24.6 23 26.2 18 31.8 13.8 8.2 5 0.60 0.29
4 22 21 20 22 16 30.4 14.4 6 4 0.42 0.29

Table 1(b): the temperature and their corresponding relative humidity values when steady state is achieved
Sr. No T1 RH1 T2 RH2 T3 RH3 T4 RH4 T5 RH5 T6 RH6
(oC) (%) (oC) (%) (oC) (%) (oC) (%) (oC) (%) (oC) (%)
1 24 49.6 24 53 23 59.6 24 51.2 17.6 80.2 35.2 30
2 27 34.2 26.2 37 25 41.8 27.2 35 19.4 59.6 35 24
3 24.4 44.4 24.6 45 23 52.8 26.2 41 18 75.2 31.8 30.6
4 22 57.4 21 62.4 20 70.4 22 58.2 16 91 30.4 41.6

Thus, based above the above results, the following are the interpretations that can be made for the same:
Temperature drop of 14 oC (±1.5) can be observed for the air passing through the evaporator coil.
By changing the efficiency of the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) along with the air flow rates of evaporator line and room line one can obtain the room temperature close to 6oC to 7oC higher than that of the cold air temperature downstream of the evaporator coil. Table 1(a) s.no 4 describes the experimental run with lowest difference between T5 and T4. It is important to note that for an air to air heat exchanger assembly (HEA) cold air inlet temperature T5 and hot air exit temperature T3 have a difference of 4oC for the maximum efficiency of heat exchange. This difference remains independent of ambient temperature and only depends on the efficiency of the heat exchange.
Relative humidity values are as observed in table 1(b) are mainly the function of ambient conditions. When relative humidity combined with dry bulb temperatures result in dew points close to 17oC one can observe water production from the atmospheric air at the rate of 75 liters per day.

Advantageous features:
Extracting water in liquid form from the atmosphere and provide cooling by absorbing heat from a specific enclosed region.
The atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) essentially works by converting cooled humid air to water, so it can help to cool a specific region. So far, the design has been able to provide enough cooling for a building for up to six hours, after which, a conventional commercial air conditioner takes over.
Lower temperature in the enclosure region close to 4oC to 8oC can be obtained in the present invention with high efficiency of heat exchanger assembly (HEA).
The proposed design of atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology is of low cost as it dispenses potable water, alkaline water and demineralized water, as per requirement.
The atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology of the present invention utilizes lesser electric power with innovations including independent fans for evaporator and condenser and condenser fan having higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) when compared to evaporator fans.
The automated dosing of mineral rich solution with atmospheric water condensate to attain potable water with TDS of 70-90 ppm and alkaline water with pH of 8.3 to 10m and the novel high flux polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane module, employed in the process, further ensures efficient clarification and disinfection of the re-mineralized water.
AWGs of the present invention requiring electric power for its compressors and fans can be powered by solar panels as well. Solar cooling and absorption, solar thermal energy conversion, or photovoltaic conversion, are new technologies which have a high potential to replace conventional cooling technology based on electricity. The advantage with solar cooling is that the energy production is renewable and also local which is good for the regional energy supply and for the energy user.
The design of air-cooled engine is simple and it is lighter in weight than water-cooled engines due to the absence of water jackets, radiator, circulating pump and the weight of the cooling water.
It is cheaper to manufacture and it needs less care and maintenance.
This system of cooling is particularly advantageous where there are extreme climatic conditions in the arctic or where there is scarcity of water as in deserts.
No risk of damage from frost, such as cracking of cylinder jackets or radiator water tubes.

Below given list of components of the device of the present invention:
100- Device to perform integration of cold air utility with AWG.
101- Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG)
101a- Inlet of AWG
101b- Outlet of AWG
102- Heat Exchanger Assembly (HEA)
102a- Inlet of HEA
102b- Outlet of HEA
103- Enclosure region/ Cold Room
103A- Door of enclosure region
104- Ambient air/ atmospheric Air
1- Compressor (1L, 1R)
2- Condenser (2L, 2R)
3- Air filter (3L, 3R)
4- Liquid indicator (4L, 4R)
5- Expansion valve (5L, 5R)
6- Evaporator (6L, 6R)
7- Accumulator (7L, 7R)
8- Hand shut off valve (8L, 8R)
9- LP switch (9L, 9R)
10- HP switch (10L, 10R)
11- Hand shut off valve (11L, 11R)
12- Evaporator Fan
13- Condenser fan
14- Water trough
15- Water collecting tank
16- Dosing tank
17- Collecting tank pump
18- Mineral dosed
19- Multi-stage filtration
20- Water storage tank
21- Ozonator
22- Polyetherurea membrane
31- Point where ambient air enters the AWG
32- Line of air passage i.e. evap line denoting air passing through the evaporator
33- Line of air passage i.e. evap lines denoting downstream point to heat exchanger assembly (HEA)
34- Line of air passage i.e. room line denoting air entry point to the cold room/ enclosure region
35- Line of air passage i.e. room line denoting air entry point to the heat exchanger assembly (HEA)
36- Inner wall of the enclosure region
L- Condensed water
,CLAIMS:1. A process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator (101), wherein the process comprises of the following steps:
i. forced sucking the ambient air/ atmospheric air (104) using an evaporator fan (12) of an atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101),
ii. drawing the refrigerant in vapor state flowing from an evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) at low temperature and low pressure by a compressor (1) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and discharging the high pressure and high temperature vapor into a condenser (2) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101);
iii. reducing the temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser (2) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) by ambient air sucked in by the condenser to obtain a saturated or sub-cooled liquid,
iv. exiting of the hot air from the condenser (2) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) through the condenser duct into the atmosphere through a condenser fan (13) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101),
v. returning to step (III), pumping the saturated or sub-cooled refrigerant in the evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) by the compressor (1) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101);
vi. contacting the pulled air of step (I) with the cold surfaces of the evaporator coils (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101);
vii. rapidly releasing the heat of moisture in the air by contacting with the cold surface and condensing into water droplets;
viii. collecting the water droplets into a water tough (14) as pure water utilized for drinking;
ix. transporting the remaining cooled air from the evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) to a heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102);
x. transporting the hot air from an enclosure region (103) to the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) through a duct using a fan;
xi. facilitating heat exchange between the cold air of evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and hot air of the enclosure region (103) in the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) resulting in lowering temperature of the air of the enclosure region (103);
xii. transporting the cold air (lower temperature air) of step (XI) back to the enclosure region (103) through a duct using a fan to lower or maintain the temperature of the enclosure region (103);
xiii. exiting the hot air of evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) of step (XI) into the atmosphere by an exhaust fan;
wherein, the said process extracts water in liquid form from the atmosphere and cools the enclosure region (103) by absorbing heat from the region (103) using the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102).

2. The process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy input to run the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) is mechanical power input or single phrase electrical power input or three phase electrical power input in nature.

3. The process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (XII) the temperature of the enclosure region (103) is in the range of 1oC to 10oC.

4. The process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator as claimed in claim 4, wherein the temperature of the enclosure region (103) is in the range of 4oC to 8oC.

5. The process for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein during heat exchange between the cold air of evaporator (6) of atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) and hot air of the enclosure region (103) in the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) there is no mixing between each other and no exchange of moisture is allowed.

6. A device (100) for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator, wherein the device (100) comprises:
- an atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) with an inlet (101a) and an outlet (101b),
- a heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) with an inlet (102a) and an outlet (102b), and
- an enclosure region (103);
wherein, the said device extracts water in liquid form from the atmosphere and cools the enclosure region (103) by absorbing heat from the region (103) using the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102).

7. The device (100) for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator as claimed in claim 6, wherein the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) dispenses potable water, alkaline water and demineralized water, as per requirement.

8. The device (100) for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator as claimed in claim 6, wherein in the atmospheric water generator (AWG) (101) the automated dosing of mineral rich solution with atmospheric water condensate to attain potable water with TDS of 70-90 ppm and alkaline water with pH of 8.3 to 10.

9. The device (100) for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator as claimed in claim 6, wherein the device comprises a high flux polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane module to clarify and disinfect the re-mineralized water.

10. The device (100) for integration of cold air utility with atmospheric water generator as claimed in claim 6, wherein during heat exchange between the cold air of evaporator (6) and hot air of the enclosure region (103) in the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) there is no mixing between each other and no exchange of moisture is allowed in the heat exchanger assembly (HEA) (102) and the temperature of the enclosure region (103) is in the range of 4oC to 8oC.