Seawater desalination device and method based on vegetation transpiration of coastal wetland

Abstract

A sea water desalination device and method based on coastal wetland vegetation transpiration belong to the technical field of ecology and water resource treatment crossing, and comprise a fresh water collection system, a fresh water storage system, and an auxiliary regulation and display system. According to the method, sea water desalination is achieved through the natural transpiration effect of coastal wetland vegetation (such as mangrove forests), condensed fresh water is collected through a transparent air chamber / ceiling, and operation is guaranteed by combining solar power supply and environment regulation and control. Compared with a traditional seawater desalination technology, the method is wide in application range, easy to manufacture and extremely low in energy consumption, the efficiency and sustainability of obtaining fresh water in the coastal area are improved, meanwhile, ecological protection is considered, a stable water supply solution is provided for coastal and island areas lacking fresh water resources, and technical support is provided for related resource utilization and ecological restoration research.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the interdisciplinary field of ecology and water resource treatment, and in particular to a seawater desalination device and method based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation. It is applicable to coastal and island areas with scarce freshwater resources, and can especially meet the needs of domestic water use, small community water supply and ecological water replenishment in tropical and subtropical coastal areas. Background Technology

[0002] Existing seawater desalination technologies mainly include reverse osmosis and distillation, but these technologies have significant limitations. On the one hand, the equipment relies on high-energy-consuming power systems, resulting in high operating costs and large carbon emissions, which contradicts the current trend of low-carbon and environmentally friendly development. On the other hand, the technologies have high requirements for infrastructure, requiring a stable power supply and a complex operation and maintenance system, making it difficult to promote and apply them in islands and remote coastal areas with inconvenient transportation and power shortages.

[0003] Coastal wetland vegetation (with mangroves as a typical example) possesses natural seawater desalination characteristics. Mangroves can absorb seawater and release freshwater vapor without salt through transpiration from their leaves. This ecological process provides a natural technological approach for seawater desalination. However, currently, there are no devices or supporting methods designed specifically for this characteristic to achieve efficient collection and stable utilization of freshwater. As a result, the ecological desalination potential of mangroves cannot be transformed into actual water resource supply capacity, failing to effectively solve the freshwater shortage problem in coastal areas.

[0004] Therefore, this invention proposes a seawater desalination device and method based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation. By utilizing the natural transpiration of vegetation and combining it with a low-cost and easy-to-deploy device design, it achieves low-energy consumption and environmentally friendly seawater desalination, filling the gap in existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of high energy consumption, high cost and limited application scenarios of existing seawater desalination technologies, and to provide a seawater desalination device and method based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation that has a wide range of applications, is simple to manufacture, has low energy consumption and high efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation includes a freshwater collection system, a freshwater storage system, and an auxiliary control and display system.

[0008] The freshwater collection system includes a hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber or a transparent semi-open air chamber. The air chamber is made of weather-resistant transparent plastic film, with an arc-shaped water collection device attached to the inner wall and fixed to the mudflat by a steel reinforcement base. Coastal wetland vegetation is planted inside or below the air chamber.

[0009] The freshwater storage system includes a main water collection pipe, a filtration and disinfection module, and a water storage tank. The main water collection pipe is connected to the arc-shaped water collection device and is used to transport the collected condensed freshwater to the filtration and disinfection module for processing and then store it in the water storage tank.

[0010] The auxiliary control and display system includes a temperature and humidity sensor, a controller, a data integration display, and a solar power supply module. The temperature and humidity sensor is installed in the air chamber to monitor environmental parameters in real time. The controller adjusts the environmental state of the air chamber according to the monitoring data to maintain condensation conditions. The solar power supply module supplies power to the temperature and humidity sensor, the controller, the data integration display, and the filtration and disinfection module.

[0011] The freshwater collection system is a hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber. The side wall of the air chamber is equipped with an adjustable vent that is linked to the controller to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the air chamber. The arc-shaped water collection device is laid along the arc of the inner wall of the air chamber to collect the freshwater condensed on the inner wall of the weather-resistant transparent plastic film.

[0012] The freshwater collection system is a transparent semi-open air chamber, which includes a roof with an inclination angle of 15° to 20°. The roof is supported by a steel structure frame, and a fence is set at the connection between the roof and the ground. An openable and closable drain outlet is set on the inner side of the fence. The arc-shaped water collection device is laid along the inclination direction of the roof. A sunshade curtain linked to the controller is set above the roof.

[0013] The temperature and humidity sensor of the auxiliary control system monitors the temperature and humidity in the main freshwater collection system in real time, and adjusts the opening of the adjustable vents or the shading status of the sunshade curtain through the controller.

[0014] The coastal wetland vegetation is planted in the mudflats below the air chamber, and the planting density is determined according to the vegetation species to ensure a balance between the transpiration surface area per unit area and the vegetation growth space.

[0015] The filtration and disinfection module includes an activated carbon filtration unit and an ultraviolet disinfection unit arranged in series.

[0016] The water storage tank is equipped with a water level sensor, which is connected to a data integration display to show the water storage volume.

[0017] The data integration display includes a data integration processor and an LED display screen. The data integration processor receives data from temperature and humidity sensors and water level sensors, calculates the data, outputs the seawater desalination rate and environmental parameters, and displays them visually on the LED display screen.

[0018] A seawater desalination method based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation includes the following steps:

[0019] 1) Select a site in the intertidal zone of coastal wetlands or islands, and choose the type of freshwater collection system according to the regional climate characteristics. In tropical rainy areas or areas with tall vegetation, choose a transparent semi-open air chamber (14), and in temperate dry areas or areas with low vegetation, choose a hemispherical transparent closed air chamber (1).

[0020] 2) Deploy a freshwater collection system: The freshwater collection system can be built directly above the existing coastal wetland vegetation, or the coastal wetland vegetation can be planted in the air chamber or below the area without vegetation (5) before the freshwater collection system is built, and the seawater can be naturally introduced by tides to moisten the vegetation roots.

[0021] 3) After absorbing seawater, the coastal wetland vegetation produces fresh water vapor through leaf transpiration. The vapor rises and condenses after contacting the weather-resistant transparent plastic film, flowing into the arc-shaped water collection device along the inner wall of the film.

[0022] 4) The condensate is collected in the main water pipe and then transported to the filtration and disinfection module. After being treated by activated carbon filtration and ultraviolet disinfection, it is stored in the water storage tank.

[0023] 5) The temperature and humidity sensor monitors the temperature and humidity parameters in the air chamber in real time. The controller automatically adjusts the opening of the adjustable vent or the shading state of the sunshade according to the preset threshold to maintain the optimal evaporation and condensation environment.

[0024] 6) The data integration display device collects freshwater output and meteorological data, calculates and outputs seawater desalination rate data and displays it visually. The freshwater in the water storage tank is output for use through the water outlet.

[0025] In step 5), when the freshwater collection system is a hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber, the controller controls the temperature inside the air chamber to be maintained at 25~35℃ and the relative humidity to be maintained at 70%~85%.

[0026] In step 5), when the freshwater collection system is a transparent semi-open air chamber, the controller controls the average daily sunlight duration in the planting area to be no less than 6 hours.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects achieved by the technical solution of this invention are:

[0028] 1. Low energy consumption and environmental protection: It relies entirely on the natural transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation to achieve seawater desalination. Only the auxiliary system needs a small amount of solar power. The energy consumption is reduced by more than 80% compared with the traditional reverse osmosis method. There is no carbon emission, which is in line with the low-carbon ecological concept.

[0029] 2. High adaptability: The device has a simple structure and can be selected in closed / open mode according to the regional climate. It does not require complex infrastructure and is suitable for islands and remote coastal areas with power shortages and inconvenient transportation.

[0030] 3. High efficiency and stability: The freshwater collection system accounts for a high proportion. Combined with temperature and humidity control, the freshwater collection efficiency can reach 60% to 70% of the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation (the daily water production can meet the domestic water needs of 3 to 5 households). At the same time, the planting of coastal wetland vegetation can improve the coastal ecological environment and achieve the dual benefits of "desalination water supply + ecological protection".

[0031] 4. Low cost: The equipment materials (weather-resistant transparent plastic film, pipes, etc.) are readily available, and the manufacturing and deployment costs are low; the later maintenance only requires periodic checks on vegetation growth and pipe patency, and the operating cost is far lower than that of traditional desalination technology. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the closed air chamber of the seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation provided by the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the semi-open air chamber of the seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation provided by the present invention.

[0034] Reference numerals: 1-Hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber, 2-Weather-resistant transparent plastic film, 3-Arc-shaped water collection device, 4-Reinforced steel base, 5-Coastal wetland vegetation, 6-Main water collection pipe, 7-Filter and disinfection module, 8-Water storage tank, 9-Temperature and humidity sensor, 10-Controller, 11-Data integration display, 12-Solar power supply module, 13-Adjustable ventilation opening, 14-Transparent semi-open air chamber, 15-Roof, 16-Steel structure support, 17-Enclosure, 18-Water level sensor, 19-Sunshade curtain. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention clearer and more understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] See Figures 1-2 This invention provides a seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation, including a freshwater collection system, a freshwater storage system, and an auxiliary control and display system. The various parts work together to achieve seawater desalination and freshwater supply.

[0038] The freshwater collection system is the core component of the device, accounting for 80% to 90% of the total area of ​​the device. It is divided into two types: closed air chamber and semi-open air chamber, which can be flexibly selected according to factors such as plant type and regional climate.

[0039] Specifically, the freshwater collection system includes a hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber 1 or a transparent semi-open air chamber 14; the air chamber is made of weather-resistant transparent plastic film 2, with an arc-shaped water collection device 3 attached to the inner wall, and fixed in the mudflat by a steel base 4 to ensure stability; coastal wetland vegetation 5 is planted inside or below the air chamber;

[0040] The freshwater storage system includes a main water collection pipe 6, a filtration and disinfection module 7, and a water storage tank 8. The main water collection pipe 6 is connected to the arc-shaped water collection device 3 and is used to transport the collected condensed freshwater to the filtration and disinfection module 7 for treatment and then store it in the water storage tank 8.

[0041] The auxiliary control and display system includes a temperature and humidity sensor 9, a controller 10, a data integration display 11, and a solar power module 12. The temperature and humidity sensor 9 is installed in the air chamber for real-time monitoring of environmental parameters. The controller 10 adjusts the environmental state of the air chamber according to the monitoring data to maintain condensation conditions. The solar power module 12 supplies power to the temperature and humidity sensor, the controller, the data integration display, and the filtration and disinfection module. Thus, the device of the present invention achieves self-powered operation through the solar power module 12.

[0042] When the freshwater collection system is a hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber 1, an adjustable vent 13 linked to the controller 10 is provided on the side wall of the air chamber to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the air chamber and ensure the growth of coastal wetland plants. The arc-shaped water collection device 3 is laid along the arc of the inner wall of the air chamber to collect the freshwater condensed on the inner wall of the weather-resistant transparent plastic film 2.

[0043] When the freshwater collection system is a transparent semi-open air chamber 14, the air chamber includes a roof 15 with an inclination angle of 15°~20°. The roof 15 is supported by a steel structure bracket 16, and a barrier 17 is installed at the connection between the roof and the ground. An openable and closable drain outlet is provided on the inner side of the barrier 17. The arc-shaped water collection device 3 is laid along the inclination direction of the roof. A sunshade curtain 19 linked to the controller 10 is installed above the roof.

[0044] The coastal wetland vegetation 5 is planted in the mudflats below the air chamber, and the planting density is determined according to the vegetation species to ensure a balance between the transpiration surface area per unit area and the vegetation growth space.

[0045] The filtration and disinfection module 7 includes an activated carbon filtration unit and an ultraviolet disinfection unit arranged in series.

[0046] The water storage tank 8 is equipped with a water level sensor 18, which is connected to the data integration display 11 to display the water storage volume.

[0047] The data integration display 11 includes a data integration processor and an LED display screen. The data integration processor receives data from the temperature and humidity sensor 9 and the water level sensor 18, calculates the data, outputs the seawater desalination rate and environmental parameters, and displays them visually on the LED display screen.

[0048] Freshwater vapor produced by plant transpiration in all air chambers condenses upon contact with the weather-resistant transparent plastic film 2 of the air chamber, and flows along the arc-shaped water collection device 3 into the main water collection pipe 6. After being filtered by activated carbon and disinfected by ultraviolet light by the filtration and disinfection module 7, it is stored in the water storage tank 8. Users can take freshwater through the water outlet of the water storage tank 8.

[0049] Specifically, the weather-resistant transparent plastic film 2 can be made of polycarbonate film material, which has both light transmittance and UV resistance, ensuring the photosynthesis of vegetation and the service life of the device.

[0050] The arc-shaped water collection device 3 adopts a trough structure to form an arc-shaped water collection trough, and is made of corrosion-resistant material. It is laid along the inner wall of the membrane or in an inclined direction to ensure that the condensed fresh water is collected smoothly.

[0051] The roof is tilted at an angle of 15° to 20° to facilitate the flow and collection of freshwater. An open planting space is reserved below to accommodate both freshwater collection and landscape display. The enclosure installed at the junction of the roof and the ground can prevent external rainwater from mixing with the condensed freshwater.

[0052] The freshwater storage system described in this invention is used to collect, treat, and store condensed freshwater, ensuring the quality and stability of freshwater supply. Specifically, the freshwater storage system operates as follows: the freshwater collected by each arc-shaped water collection device is aggregated through a main water collection pipe and enters a filtration and disinfection module (using activated carbon filtration + ultraviolet disinfection to remove microorganisms and a small amount of impurities). The treated clean freshwater is then transported to a storage tank for storage.

[0053] The auxiliary control and display system described in this invention is used to regulate environmental parameters within a freshwater collection system, ensuring vegetation growth and freshwater collection efficiency, while also providing energy support for the device. Specifically, the auxiliary control system enables temperature and humidity sensors to monitor the temperature and humidity within the freshwater collection system in real time, and automatically adjusts the opening of the ventilation openings in the sealed air chamber (or the shading curtains in the semi-open air chamber) through a controller to maintain the optimal environment for vegetation growth and steam condensation (sealed air chamber temperature 25~35℃, humidity 70%~85%; semi-open air chamber planting area average daily light duration not less than 6 hours).

[0054] Furthermore, the auxiliary control system described in this invention is powered autonomously by solar energy, enabling the device to operate without external power supply and making it suitable for remote coastal and island environments.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] This embodiment provides a seawater desalination method based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation, including the following steps:

[0057] 1) Select a site in the intertidal zone of coastal wetlands or islands, level the land and build a freshwater collection system (for tropical rainy areas or areas with tall plants, choose a transparent semi-open air chamber 14; for temperate dry areas or areas with low plants, choose a hemispherical transparent closed air chamber 1). At the same time, lay seawater supply pipelines and a freshwater storage system to ensure that all components are connected smoothly.

[0058] 2) Select an area above existing vegetation to construct this equipment, or in areas without vegetation such as bare beaches, plant coastal wetland plant seedlings inside (or below) the air chamber of the freshwater collection system. The varieties should be adapted to the regional climate, and the spacing between seedlings should be controlled to ensure sufficient space for vegetation growth while ensuring transpiration area.

[0059] 3) After the coastal wetland vegetation absorbs seawater, it produces fresh water vapor through leaf transpiration. The vapor condenses into liquid fresh water after contacting the weather-resistant transparent plastic film 2 in the air chamber, and flows into the arc-shaped water collection device 3 along the inner wall of the film.

[0060] 4) The condensed fresh water is collected by the main water pipe 6 and then transported to the filtration and disinfection module 7. After being treated by activated carbon filtration and ultraviolet disinfection, it is stored in the water storage tank 8. The fresh water in the water storage tank 8 is output through the water outlet to supply households or communities.

[0061] 5) The temperature and humidity sensor 9 monitors the temperature and humidity parameters in the air chamber in real time, and the controller 10 automatically adjusts the opening of the adjustable vent 13 or the shading state of the sunshade 19 according to the preset threshold to maintain the optimal evaporation and condensation environment.

[0062] When the freshwater collection system is a hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber 1, the controller 10 controls the temperature inside the air chamber to be maintained at 25~35℃ and the relative humidity to be maintained at 70%~85%. If the air chamber is a hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber 1, the temperature and humidity sensor 9 monitors the environment inside the air chamber in real time. When the temperature is higher than 35℃ or the humidity is higher than 85%, the controller 10 automatically opens the vent 13 to cool down and dehumidify. When the temperature is lower than 25℃ or the humidity is lower than 70%, the vent 13 is closed to improve the condensation efficiency.

[0063] When the freshwater collection system is a transparent semi-open air chamber 14, the controller 10 controls the average daily sunlight duration of the planting area to be no less than 6 hours; the temperature and humidity sensor 9 monitors the environment of the planting area, and when the light intensity is insufficient, the controller turns on the light transmission mode of the roof shading curtain 19; when encountering heavy rain, the drainage outlet inside the enclosure 17 is closed to prevent rainwater from entering.

[0064] 6) The data integration display device 11 collects freshwater output and meteorological data, calculates and outputs seawater desalination rate data and displays it visually, realizing the triple value of "water supply + ecology + popular science".

Claims

1. A seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation, characterized in that: Includes freshwater collection systems, freshwater storage systems, and auxiliary control and display systems; The freshwater collection system includes a hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber (1) or a transparent semi-open air chamber (14). The air chamber is made of weather-resistant transparent plastic film (2), with an arc-shaped water collection device (3) attached to the inner wall and fixed in the mudflat by a steel base (4). Coastal wetland vegetation (5) is planted inside or below the air chamber. The freshwater storage system includes a main water collection pipe (6), a filtration and disinfection module (7), and a water storage tank (8). The main water collection pipe (6) is connected to the arc-shaped water collection device (3) and is used to transport the collected condensed freshwater to the filtration and disinfection module (7) for processing and then storing it in the water storage tank (8). The auxiliary control and display system includes a temperature and humidity sensor (9), a controller (10), a data integration display (11), and a solar power supply module (12). The temperature and humidity sensor (9) is installed in the air chamber to monitor environmental parameters in real time. The controller (10) adjusts the environmental state of the air chamber according to the monitoring data to maintain condensation conditions. The solar power supply module (12) supplies power to the temperature and humidity sensor, the controller, the data integration display, and the filtration and disinfection module.

2. The seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The freshwater collection system is a hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber (1). The side wall of the air chamber is provided with an adjustable vent (13) that is linked to the controller (10) to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the air chamber. The arc-shaped water collection device (3) is laid along the arc of the inner wall of the air chamber to collect the freshwater condensed on the inner wall of the weather-resistant transparent plastic film (2).

3. The seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The freshwater collection system is a transparent semi-open air chamber (14). The air chamber includes a roof (15) with an inclination angle of 15°~20°. The roof (15) is supported by a steel structure bracket (16). A fence (17) is set at the connection between the roof and the ground. An openable and closable drain outlet is set on the inner side of the fence (17). The arc-shaped water collection device (3) is laid along the inclination direction of the roof. A sunshade curtain (19) linked with the controller (10) is set above the roof.

4. A seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The coastal wetland vegetation (5) is planted in the mudflats below the air chamber. The planting density is determined according to the vegetation species to ensure the balance between the transpiration surface area per unit area and the vegetation growth space.

5. A seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The filtration and disinfection module (7) includes an activated carbon filtration unit and an ultraviolet disinfection unit arranged in series.

6. A seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The water storage tank (8) is equipped with a water level sensor (18), which is connected to the data integration display (11) to display the water storage volume.

7. A seawater desalination device based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The data integration display device (11) includes a data integration processor and an LED display screen. The data integration processor receives data from the temperature and humidity sensor (9) and the water level sensor (18), calculates and outputs the seawater desalination rate and environmental parameters, and displays them visually through the LED display screen.

8. A seawater desalination method based on the transpiration of coastal wetland vegetation, using the apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: 1) Select a site in the intertidal zone of coastal wetlands or islands, and choose the type of freshwater collection system according to the regional climate characteristics. In tropical rainy areas or areas with tall vegetation, choose a transparent semi-open air chamber (14), and in temperate dry areas or areas with low vegetation, choose a hemispherical transparent closed air chamber (1). 2) Deploy a freshwater collection system: The freshwater collection system can be built directly above the existing coastal wetland vegetation, or the coastal wetland vegetation can be planted in the air chamber or below the area without vegetation (5) before the freshwater collection system is built, and the seawater can be naturally introduced by tides to moisten the vegetation roots. 3) The coastal wetland vegetation (5) absorbs seawater and generates fresh water vapor through leaf transpiration. The vapor rises and condenses after contacting the weather-resistant transparent plastic film (2), and flows into the arc-shaped water collection device (3) along the inner wall of the film. 4) The condensed fresh water is collected through the main water collection pipe (6) and then transported to the filtration and disinfection module (7). After being treated by activated carbon filtration and ultraviolet disinfection, it is stored in the water storage tank (8). 5) The temperature and humidity sensor (9) monitors the temperature and humidity parameters in the air chamber in real time, and the controller (10) automatically adjusts the opening of the adjustable vent (13) or the shading state of the sunshade (19) according to the preset threshold to maintain the optimal evaporation and condensation environment. 6) The data integration display device (11) collects freshwater output and meteorological data, calculates and outputs seawater desalination rate data and displays it visually. The freshwater in the water storage tank (8) is output for use through the water outlet.

9. The seawater desalination method as described in claim 8, characterized in that: In step 5), when the freshwater collection system is a hemispherical transparent sealed air chamber (1), the controller (10) controls the temperature inside the air chamber to be maintained at 25~35℃ and the relative humidity to be maintained at 70%~85%.

10. The seawater desalination method as described in claim 8, characterized in that: In step 5), when the freshwater collection system is a transparent semi-open air chamber (14), the controller (10) controls the average daily light duration of the planting area to be no less than 6 hours.

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