Solar air adsorption type desert water taking plant irrigation system

By designing a solar air adsorption desert water-intake plant irrigation system, the temperature difference and humidity difference between day and night is used to achieve automated water acquisition and irrigation, solving the problem of water difficulties in irrigation in desert areas, and providing low-cost and efficient water resources solutions.

CN223298219UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-05HARBIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) (INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION HARBIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SHENZHEN)

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422621489.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-29
Publication Date
2025-09-05
Estimated Expiration
2034-10-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing solar air adsorption water withdrawal has complex structure, high cost and difficult maintenance, and cannot operate fully automatically, making it difficult to effectively solve the problems of difficulty in irrigation water in desert areas and the high cost of long-distance water transportation.

Method used

Design a solar air adsorption desert water-intake plant irrigation system including an adsorption chamber, a condensation chamber, and a control system. Using the temperature difference and humidity difference between day and night, adsorbing night moisture through adsorbing materials and analyzing it during the day, condense into liquid water, and powered by solar power generation and battery power to achieve automated irrigation.

Benefits of technology

It achieves low-cost, efficient automated water acquisition, which is suitable for plant irrigation in deserts or extreme environments, reduces dependence on the external power grid, improves water output efficiency, and reduces system complexity and maintenance costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a solar energy air adsorption type desert water taking plant irrigation system, which comprises a water taking device, irrigation equipment and a control system, the water taking device comprises an adsorption chamber and a condensation chamber, a water absorption material is arranged in the adsorption chamber, and a rotatable cover plate is arranged on a shell of the adsorption chamber. The irrigation equipment comprises a water storage tank, a water pump and an irrigation pipeline, a water outlet is formed in the condensation chamber shell, and the water storage tank is connected with the water outlet; the control system comprises a solar photovoltaic panel, a storage battery and a controller. At night, the rotatable cover plate is controlled to be opened, the water absorbing material can absorb moisture in air, at daytime, the rotatable cover plate is controlled to be closed, the water absorbing material is desorbed at high temperature, and desorbed moisture flows out after being condensed in the condensation chamber and is stored in the water storage tank. When irrigation is needed, the water pump is controlled to pump water out of the water storage tank, and plants are irrigated through the irrigation equipment. Therefore, the system does not need to be powered by an external power grid, does not need human participation, and is a low-cost, efficient and sustainable solution for taking water from air.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of solar air water extraction, in particular to a solar air adsorption type desert water extraction plant irrigation system. Background Art

[0002] There is little precipitation in desert areas, with annual precipitation usually less than 200 mm, and even less than 100 mm in extremely arid areas.

[0003] Freshwater resources are particularly critical to agriculture in arid regions. They determine crop growth and the sustainability of agricultural production. Addressing water scarcity in these regions is crucial for improving agricultural productivity. According to the China Water Resources Bulletin, water availability in arid regions far exceeds demand, particularly in agriculturally significant provinces such as Gansu and Xinjiang, where this discrepancy is particularly pronounced.

[0004] Freshwater supply in desert areas mainly relies on three methods: groundwater, transported water and air water. Although groundwater and transported water are more common in practical applications, long-term use of groundwater may lead to negative effects, and transporting water requires a lot of energy. In contrast, solar air water extraction is a more environmentally friendly and energy-saving option, especially in extremely dry conditions. The air contains about 14,000 km 3 The air is a potentially valuable source of freshwater, despite the scarcity of surface water resources. In desert regions, the large temperature swings between day and night keep temperatures lower at night. For example, in China's Taklimakan Desert, the relative humidity ranges from 40% to 60%, reaching a maximum of 70% in the first quarter of the year. These nocturnal conditions favor the absorption of moisture by adsorbents, while the abundant daytime sunlight and heat in the desert facilitate its release.

[0005] The principle of solar adsorption water extraction in deserts is to exploit the difference between lower temperatures and relatively high humidity at night and higher temperatures and lower relative humidity during the day. During the night, the adsorbent absorbs water vapor from the air through air circulation. The next day, the adsorption system is sealed. When the adsorbent is exposed to strong light and reaches a desorption temperature above 80°C, the water vapor is released from the adsorbent and enters a condensation chamber at approximately 40°C, where it is condensed into liquid water.

[0006] A search of existing literature reveals that all existing fixed solar air adsorption water extractor designs are complex and expensive. For example, CN113152590A, which includes a vacuum heat collection component, a filtration system, and multiple sensors, is expensive, making it difficult to deploy in desert areas and requiring significant maintenance.

[0007] Chinese patent number CN117738286A designs a portable, compact, relatively simple, and energy-free solar air adsorption water extraction device. However, the adsorption chamber shell needs to be manually opened or closed during the day and night, and the device cannot operate fully automatically. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a solar air adsorption type desert water-taking plant irrigation system, which can solve the problems of difficulty in obtaining irrigation water in desert areas and high cost of long-distance water transportation.

[0009] The utility model is realized as follows: a solar air adsorption type desert water-taking plant irrigation system includes a water-taking device, irrigation equipment and a control system. The water-taking device includes an adsorption chamber and a condensation chamber. The adsorption chamber is provided with a water-absorbing material, and the outer shell of the adsorption chamber is provided with a rotatable cover plate;

[0010] A water vapor passage for water vapor to pass through is provided between the condensation chamber and the adsorption chamber;

[0011] The irrigation equipment includes a water tank, a water pump and an irrigation pipeline, wherein the water pump is used to pump water in the water tank to the irrigation pipeline for irrigation;

[0012] The shell of the condensing chamber is provided with a water outlet, and the water storage tank is connected to the water outlet to collect water flowing out of the condensing chamber;

[0013] The control system includes a solar photovoltaic panel, a battery and a controller; the solar photovoltaic panel is electrically connected to the battery, the battery is electrically connected to the controller, the controller is electrically connected to the rotatable cover and the water pump, and the controller can control the rotatable cover to open or close, and can control the water pump to start or stop.

[0014] Furthermore, the condensation chamber and the adsorption chamber are separated by a heat insulation plate with a plurality of micropores; or are connected and arranged separately by pipelines; wherein the micropores or pipelines serve as the water vapor channel.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes light-absorbing material. The top of the outer shell of the adsorption chamber is a transparent cover. A base is also provided in the adsorption chamber. The light-absorbing material is coated on the top of the base, and the water-absorbing material is located below the base.

[0016] Furthermore, a vacuum layer is formed between the light-absorbing material and the transparent cover plate.

[0017] Furthermore, the transparent cover plate is an acrylic plate, a glass plate or a PE film.

[0018] Furthermore, the base is made of a metal plate or a plastic plate, and the base is made of a flat plate structure or a rib structure.

[0019] Furthermore, the water-absorbing material has both water-absorbing and light-absorbing properties.

[0020] Furthermore, the water-absorbing material is silica gel, zeolite, organic metal framework, hydrogel or salt-containing composite adsorption material.

[0021] Furthermore, a radiator is provided on the bottom and / or outer surface of the shell of the condensation chamber.

[0022] Furthermore, a water outlet switch is provided on the outer shell of the condensation chamber at a position corresponding to the water outlet. The water outlet switch is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller can control the water outlet switch to be opened or closed.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes a fixed bracket, the water intake device is installed on the fixed bracket, and the fixed bracket has the function of adjusting the height and tilt angle.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] This utility model provides a solar-powered air-adsorption desert water-collecting plant irrigation system. It uses solar power to generate electricity and stores it in a battery. The battery can then power the system's controller, water pump, rotatable cover mechanism, and other electrical devices. Under the control of the controller, the rotatable cover is opened at night, allowing the water-absorbing material in the adsorption chamber to absorb moisture from the air. During the day, the rotatable cover is closed, allowing the water-absorbing material to desorb moisture at high temperatures. The desorbed moisture is condensed in the condensation chamber. The condensed water in the condensation chamber flows out through an outlet and is stored in a water tank. When the plants need irrigation, the water is pumped from the tank using a water pump, and the irrigation system irrigates the plants.

[0026] It can be seen that the desert water-taking plant irrigation system of the present invention makes full use of the temperature difference between day and night and the changes in air humidity to achieve water analysis and condensation. The operating mechanism is simple and efficient, does not require external power supply from the power grid, and the entire working process does not require human participation. It is a low-cost, efficient and sustainable air water-taking solution, which is particularly suitable for automated water-taking and irrigation of plants in deserts or other extreme environments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system provided in Example 1 of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system provided in Example 2 of the present utility model.

[0029] Reference numerals:

[0030] 1. Adsorption chamber; 11. Adsorption chamber shell; 111. Transparent cover; 12. Rotatable cover; 2. Condensation chamber; 21. Condensation chamber shell; 22. Water outlet; 23. Radiator; 3. Water-absorbing material; 4. Insulation board; 5. Water storage tank; 6. Water pump; 7. Irrigation pipeline; 8. Solar photovoltaic panel; 9. Battery; a. Controller; b. Light-absorbing material; c. Base; d. Vacuum layer; e. Fixed bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The utility model provides a solar air adsorption desert water-collecting plant irrigation system that has the characteristics of compact structure, simple design, small footprint, no need for external power grid power supply, and efficient water collection performance. The present invention effectively solves the problems existing in the prior art, such as insufficient material performance, complex system, high construction and maintenance costs, and low energy utilization efficiency. By utilizing the natural characteristics of solar energy and nighttime humidity in the environment, the system achieves automated and efficient water collection and ensures the continuity of plant irrigation in deserts or other extreme environments. The modular design of the system makes the equipment easy to expand and mass-produce, significantly improving water output efficiency while reducing dependence on external resources.

[0032] The technical solution of the present utility model is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] Example 1:

[0034] Reference Figure 1 , shows a solar air adsorption desert water-taking plant irrigation system provided by Example 1, including a water intake device, irrigation equipment and a control system. The water intake device includes an adsorption chamber 1 and a condensation chamber 2. The adsorption chamber 1 is provided with a water-absorbing material 3. The adsorption chamber shell 11 of the adsorption chamber 1 is connected to a rotatable cover 12 by a hinge.

[0035] In this embodiment, a water vapor passage is provided between the condensation chamber 2 and the adsorption chamber 1, through which water vapor in the adsorption chamber 1 can enter the condensation chamber 2. Micropores or pipes can serve as the water vapor passage. In this embodiment, the condensation chamber 2 and the adsorption chamber 1 are separated by an insulation board 4 having a plurality of micropores. In other embodiments, the condensation chamber 2 and the adsorption chamber 1 can also be arranged separately via a pipe connection.

[0036] The irrigation equipment includes a water tank 5, a water pump 6 and an irrigation pipeline 7. The water pump 6 is used to pump water in the water tank 5 to the irrigation pipeline 7 for irrigation.

[0037] The condensing chamber 2 has a water outlet 22 on the condensing chamber shell 21 , and a water outlet switch is provided at a position corresponding to the water outlet 22 on the condensing chamber shell 21 ; the water storage tank 5 is connected to the water outlet 22 to collect water flowing out of the condensing chamber 2 .

[0038] The control system includes a solar photovoltaic panel 8, a battery 9 and a controller a; the solar photovoltaic panel 8 is electrically connected to the battery 9, the battery 9 is electrically connected to the controller a, the controller a is electrically connected to the rotatable cover 12, the water outlet switch and the water pump 6, and the controller a can control the rotatable cover 12 and the water outlet switch to open or close, and can control the water pump 6 to open or close.

[0039] Furthermore, in order to increase the temperature in the adsorption chamber 1 during the day, this embodiment further includes a light-absorbing material b, and the top of the adsorption chamber housing 11 is a transparent cover 111. Preferably, the entire adsorption chamber housing 11 or the transparent cover 111 can be made of acrylic plate, glass plate or PE film.

[0040] During the day, sunlight shines on the solar photovoltaic panel 8, generating electricity, which is stored in the battery 9. The battery 9 can power the system's controller a, rotatable cover 12, water pump 6, water outlet switch, and other electrical devices. Under the control of the controller, at night, the rotatable cover 12 is regularly opened, allowing the water-absorbing material 3 in the adsorption chamber 1 to absorb moisture from the air. During the day, the rotatable cover 12 is regularly closed, allowing the light-absorbing material b to absorb solar radiation, raising the temperature in the adsorption chamber 1. The water-absorbing material 3 desorbs at high temperatures, and the adsorption chamber 1, condensation chamber 2, and micropores on the insulation board 4 form a flow channel for the desorbed water vapor-rich air. The desorbed water vapor is released into the channel, and the change in water vapor partial pressure creates an air pressure difference. This pressure drives the water vapor to flow and be transported between the adsorption chamber 1 and the condensation chamber 2. The water outlet 22 in the condensation chamber 2 is connected to the water storage tank 5. After flowing through the condensation chamber 2, the water vapor-rich air condenses to form condensed water, which is then collected in the water storage tank 5. When the plants need irrigation, the water pump 6 is used to provide power to pump water out of the water tank 5, and the plants are irrigated through the irrigation equipment.

[0041] The adsorption chamber 2 also includes a base c, with light-absorbing material b applied to the top of the base c and water-absorbing material 3 positioned below it. The fins below the base c and the water-absorbing material 3 attached to the fins in the adsorption chamber 2 are generally rectangular, with water-absorbing material 3 attached to both sides of the fins. Preferably, the base c can be made of a metal plate such as copper, aluminum, or stainless steel, or a plastic plate such as acrylic, with either a flat plate or finned structure. The water-absorbing material 3 can be made of silica gel, zeolite, an organic metal framework, a hydrogel, or a salt-containing composite adsorption material.

[0042] Based on the calculation that the water-absorbing material 3 is 1000 hydrogel, the thicknesses of the ribs and the water-absorbing material 3 are 1.5 mm and 4 mm respectively, and the desorption surface of the water-absorbing material 3 is 23 cm long, 25 cm wide and 3.2 cm high.

[0043] A vacuum layer d is formed between the light-absorbing material b and the transparent cover plate 111 , and the light-absorbing material b is isolated from the outside by the vacuum layer d, thereby improving the light energy absorption efficiency.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to improve the condensation efficiency of the condensation chamber 2 , a radiator 23 is provided at the bottom of the condensation chamber housing 21 .

[0045] Furthermore, the plant irrigation system of this embodiment also includes a fixed bracket e, and the water intake device is installed on the fixed bracket e. The fixed bracket e has adjustable height and tilt angle functions, so that the height and tilt angle of the water intake device can be adjusted so that the light-absorbing material b can better receive solar energy. At the same time, the inclined water intake device can also speed up the outflow rate of water in the condensation chamber 2.

[0046] This embodiment also provides a working method of the above-mentioned solar air adsorption type desert water-taking plant irrigation system, wherein a water-taking cycle process includes:

[0047] Adsorption Phase: At night, the system automatically activates, and the controller controls the hinges to rotate, opening the rotatable covers 12 on either side. This allows the absorbent material 3 in the adsorption chamber 1 to fully come into contact with the outside air, utilizing the higher relative humidity in desert areas at night to absorb moisture from the air. The open design of the adsorption chamber 1 and its excellent air flow ensure efficient moisture adsorption. The system's ventilation and adsorption time can be adjusted according to seasonal weather conditions to further improve the adsorption efficiency of the absorbent material.

[0048] Solar desorption phase: During daytime, the system automatically closes the rotatable cover 12, creating a sealed space. The water intake device is adjusted to the optimal tilt angle to maximize solar radiation. Sunlight is absorbed by the light-absorbing material b and converted into heat, which heats the water-absorbing material 3, causing moisture to desorb from the material and evaporate into water vapor. The water vapor then enters the condensation chamber 2, condenses into liquid water, and is transported through a collection device to the water storage tank 5 for plant irrigation.

[0049] In practice, the system operates primarily in a nighttime adsorption phase and a daytime desorption phase. The nighttime adsorption phase typically lasts 12 hours, during which the absorbent material 3 fully absorbs moisture from the air. The daytime desorption phase, lasting seven hours, utilizes solar heating to efficiently release moisture from the absorbent material 3, ensuring maximum condensate production.

[0050] During the day, the system collects energy from solar photovoltaic panels 8 and stores it in batteries 9. This stored energy is used to operate the adsorption chamber 1 at night and to activate the water pump 6 during the day. At night, the control system automatically opens the rotatable covers 12 on either side of the adsorption chamber 1, exposing the absorbent material 3 for moisture adsorption. Simultaneously, the ventilation system (including fans and other ventilation devices) is activated to ensure air circulation and improve adsorption efficiency.

[0051] Irrigation: When the water level in the water tank 5 reaches a certain level, the control system automatically activates the water pump 6 based on soil moisture or a set time interval. Water in the irrigation pipes is then delivered to the plant roots via a drip or sprinkler system. Irrigation pipes are typically distributed throughout the planting area to ensure that each plant receives the appropriate amount of water. During irrigation, the control system adjusts the pump's operating time and intensity based on water demand, ambient temperature, and soil moisture to avoid water waste.

[0052] According to the working method provided above, a fin-type base structure is adopted, and 1600g of water-absorbing material 3 can be loaded under 1 light-receiving area. It can be achieved that within one working cycle, about 1600g of condensed water can be produced per square meter of light-receiving area, and 3 to 4 desert plants (water requirement 400g to 500g) can be supplied with water under the unit square adsorption structure. At the same time, the solar energy utilization efficiency reaches about 40%.

[0053] Example 2:

[0054] Most of the contents of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, except that:

[0055] Reference Figure 2 The water-absorbing material 3 used in this embodiment has both water-absorbing and light-absorbing properties. The water-absorbing material 3 is attached to an aluminum base c, which is provided with a number of micropores that also serve as a heat shield. Furthermore, the hinge and rotatable cover 12 are relocated to the top of the adsorption chamber housing 11. The rotatable cover 12 is made of a transparent material (such as acrylic). During the nighttime adsorption process, the transparent rotatable cover 12 rotates open under the control of a controller.

[0056] In summary, the utility model of the desert water-taking plant irrigation system makes full use of the temperature difference between day and night and the change of air humidity to realize the analysis and condensation of water. The operation mechanism is simple and efficient, no external power grid is required, and no human participation is required in the entire working process. It is a low-cost, efficient and sustainable air water-taking solution, which is particularly suitable for the automated water-taking and irrigation of plants in deserts or other extreme environments.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system, characterized in that: It includes a water intake device, irrigation equipment and a control system. The water intake device includes an adsorption chamber and a condensation chamber. The adsorption chamber is provided with a water-absorbing material. The outer shell of the adsorption chamber is provided with a rotatable cover plate. A water vapor passage for water vapor to pass through is provided between the condensation chamber and the adsorption chamber; The irrigation equipment includes a water tank, a water pump and an irrigation pipeline, wherein the water pump is used to pump water in the water tank to the irrigation pipeline for irrigation; The shell of the condensing chamber is provided with a water outlet, and the water storage tank is connected to the water outlet to collect water flowing out of the condensing chamber; The control system includes a solar photovoltaic panel, a battery and a controller; the solar photovoltaic panel is electrically connected to the battery, the battery is electrically connected to the controller, the controller is electrically connected to the rotatable cover and the water pump, and the controller can control the rotatable cover to open or close, and can control the water pump to start or stop.

2. The solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The condensation chamber and the adsorption chamber are separated by a heat insulation plate with a plurality of micropores; or are connected and arranged separately by pipelines; wherein the micropores or pipelines serve as the water vapor channel.

3. The solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: It also includes light-absorbing material. The top of the outer shell of the adsorption chamber is a transparent cover. A base is also provided in the adsorption chamber. The light-absorbing material is coated on the top of the base, and the water-absorbing material is located below the base.

4. The solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system according to claim 3 is characterized in that: A vacuum layer is formed between the light absorbing material and the transparent cover plate.

5. The solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The transparent cover plate is an acrylic plate, a glass plate or a PE film; the base is a metal plate or a plastic plate, and the base is a flat plate structure or a rib structure.

6. The solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The water-absorbing material has both water-absorbing and light-absorbing properties.

7. The solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The water-absorbing material is silica gel, zeolite, organic metal framework, hydrogel or salt-containing composite adsorption material.

8. The solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A radiator is provided on the bottom and / or outer surface of the shell of the condensation chamber.

9. The solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A water outlet switch is provided on the outer shell of the condensation chamber at a position corresponding to the water outlet. The water outlet switch is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller can control the water outlet switch to be opened or closed.

10. The solar air adsorption type desert water plant irrigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a fixed bracket, the water intake device is installed on the fixed bracket, and the fixed bracket has the function of adjusting the height and tilt angle.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Improved solar adsorption type device for taking water from air

    CN113152590A

  • Series module type adsorption type air water taking unit based on solar energy and using method of series module type adsorption type air water taking unit

    CN117738286A

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