Atmospheric Water Production System with Thermally Integrated Sorbent Regeneration Utilizing Latent Heat of Condensation

Abstract

An atmospheric water production system is described that utilizes a thermally integrated, closed-loop approach that significantly increases energy efficiency. The key innovation is the direct capture and reuse of the latent heat released during water vapor condensation to regenerate the system's sorbent material; this enables efficient energy recycling within the system. The invention is compatible with various refrigeration systems where a phase change or heat absorption process occurs, such as vapor-compression, thermoelectric (Peltier), magnetocaloric, adsorption, or other refrigeration cycles. The latent heat absorbed by the refrigeration mechanism during condensation is transferred to the sorbent to provide the energy required for desorption without requiring a separate primary heat source. The system uses two sorbent chambers operating alternately. During operation, one chamber adsorbs moisture from the ambient air while the other is regenerated using the recovered heat of condensation.Closed regeneration chambers provide a high-humidity environment to maximize condensation efficiency and prevent vapor loss. This design enables continuous water production with minimal external energy input, offering a scalable and efficient solution for water production from atmospheric humidity.

Description

1 TARIFF Thermally Integrated Sorbent Regeneration Using the Latent Heat of Condensation Atmospheric Water Production System 1. TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to atmospheric water production (AWG) systems. More specifically, to water vapor production. the latent heat released during condensation for the regeneration of a solid or liquid sorbent reused directly or indirectly, thereby significantly improving energy efficiency. It relates to a sorption-based atmospheric water production system that increases 10. 2. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE ART Atmospheric water production systems based on sorbent materials adsorb moisture from the ambient air. by regenerating the sorbent by heating it to release the absorbed water vapor. It works by releasing vapor. The released vapor is then condensed and collected as liquid water. In current systems, sorbent regeneration typically requires external heating, while condensation 15 The latent heat released during this process is lost to the environment. This separation leads to low overall energy efficiency. and this limits large-scale or off-grid deployment. Furthermore, Many systems experience vapor leakage during regeneration, low relative humidity during condensation, and It suffers from inefficient use of cooling or thermoelectric components. Therefore, an atmospheric water production system with the following characteristics is needed: condensation 20 and thermally integrating regeneration, minimizing steam leakage during regeneration, increasing local relative humidity during condensation and continuous or semi-continuous with reduced energy input. enabling work. 2 3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE INVENTION 3.1 Purpose of the Invention The aim of this invention is to thermally integrate condensation and regeneration processes, thereby reducing condensation. by reusing its latent heat for sorbent regeneration and providing high energy efficiency. An atmospheric water production system that eliminates the disadvantages of previous technology systems. 5 to provide. 3.2 Summary of the Invention This invention is an atmospheric water production system consisting of two sorbent chambers that operate alternately. The system provides. In a vapor-compression application, the latent heat released in a condenser is transferred to the sorbent. It is used for regeneration, and the released vapor is condensed in an evaporator. A thermoelectric 10 In practice, a lower Peltier module regenerates the sorbent while a higher Peltier module releases the vapor. It concentrates. Key features include: alternating operation of compartments, high humidity. Closed regeneration chambers that use fins or flaps to create an environment and energy Fans that only operate during the adsorption phase for energy saving. This design offers high efficiency. It enables continuous water production. 15 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS • Figure 1: Schematic of a vapor-compression based AWG system in initial operating condition. View (Left compartment in adsorption mode, Right compartment in regeneration mode). • Figure 2: Schematic view of the system in Figure 1 in a second operating state (Left) (Partial regeneration mode, Right partition adsorption mode). 20 • Figure 3: Schematic of a thermoelectric-based AWG system in initial operation. Appearance (Left compartment in regeneration mode, Right compartment in adsorption mode). • Figure 4: System in Figure 3 in a second operating state with reverse electric current. Schematic view (Left compartment in adsorption mode, Right compartment in regeneration mode). The attached drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and represent the preferred applications of the invention. This demonstrates that these are merely limiting factors to the scope of the invention as defined by the attached claims. 3 It should not be interpreted as such. Various modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention concept. Configurations and equivalent structures will be open to experts in the field. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 5.1. General System Architecture The detailed explanation below refers to the attached illustrations, which illustrate specific applications with examples. 5 However, the invention is not limited to these specific applications. Rather, the principle and The properties can be used in a variety of numerous applications without deviating from the scope of the invention. The basic principle of the invention is the alternating operation of two adsorbent compartments. One compartment contains the medium. While one compartment adsorbs moisture from the air, the other compartment uses the latent heat released during condensation. It undergoes regeneration, and the released water vapor is condensed. During condensation, 10 is released. The resulting latent heat is used directly or indirectly for regeneration, thus thermally integrating. a cycle is created. During the regeneration phase, preferably with a closed or semi-closed structure. Condensation efficiency is increased and vapor loss is reduced by creating a high-humidity environment. However... The system's operation does not require the adsorbent compartments to be completely hermetically sealed; It can also be applied in partially open or pressure-balanced structures, albeit with lower condensation efficiency. 15 The principle of thermal integration can be applied in various applications, such as the condensing unit on the cold side. and magnetocaloric, where the rejected or recovered heat acts as a regeneration unit, adsorption, acoustic or radiative cooling systems, including but not limited to these. any active or passive cooling mechanism that can create a temperature difference, except for not It can be implemented using 20. Preferred applications are enclosed spaces to maximize efficiency and prevent steam loss. sealing mechanisms during regeneration to create a high humidity environment When using fins / damps, the latent heat of condensation is regenerated in an alternating cycle. The basic principle of transferring the material is the same even in systems where the compartment is not hermetically sealed. It is feasible, albeit with potentially lower condensation efficiency. 25 4 5.2. Vapor-Compression Application (Figures 1 and 2) 5.2.1 Structural Components and Reference Numbers: The system revolves around a vapor-compression refrigeration loop thermally coupled to sorbent chambers. It has been built. • 1: Compressor 5 • 2, 3: Compartments containing sorbent material (6 and 7) (Left and Right absorption / desorption compartments) rooms). • 4, 5: Capacitor coils (Left and Right, respectively) • 6, 7: Solid or liquid sorbent in direct thermal contact with capacitors 4 and 5. Materials (e.g., silica gel, MOFs). 10 • 8: Evaporator coil that cools the humid air. • 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: Valves that control the direction of refrigerant flow (e.g., solenoid) valves). • 15, 17: Right compartment that covers the entire right compartment and condensation area during the regeneration phase. winglets. 15 • 16, 18: Left compartment that encloses the entire left compartment and condensation area during the regeneration phase. winglets • 19, 20: Respectively, by working during the adsorption phase on their respective sides, absorbing fresh moist air. main air intake right and left side fans • 21, 22: Only during the desorption and water production phase on its own side, the released steam is 20 Circulation fan that works to move the water towards evaporator 8. • 23, 24: Flaps that close one side of the condensate chamber in each cycle • 25, 26: Right and left compartment air filters • 27: Direction of refrigerant gas movement • 28: Water collection passage 25 that collects water droplets and conveys them to the tank • 29: Water collection tank. • 30: A tap connected to tank 29 for water extraction. • 31: Directional movement of air 5.2.2 Study - Figure 1 (Initial State): • Left Side (Adsorption): The main air intake fan (20) on the left side is working and the left hand Due to the negative pressure it applies to the compartment, both left flaps (16 and 18) open. It comes. The fan (20) draws the humid air through the filter (26) and leaves the sorbent material (7) It passes through the material which is in contact with the capacitor coil (5). Dry air It comes out through the fan (20). 5 • Right Side (Regeneration): Fan (19) is off and negative pressure to turn them on Because of this, the right vanes (15 and 17) are closed, sealing the right chamber. Valves (9, 11 and 14), Hot, high-pressure refrigerant from compressor (1) passes over evaporator (8) To create sufficient cooling to release the moisture that will condense, place the right condenser (4) and then it is open to direct to the evaporator (8). Moisture released from absorber (6) is 10 Condensation forms when in contact with the evaporator or condensation coil (8). Evaporator or Latent heat released from water vapor condensation in contact with the condensation coil (8), The internal fan (21) regenerates the right sorbent material (6). The released moisture is removed from the closed right chamber. It circulates through the cold evaporator (8) where the water condenses. The condensed liquid is water, After being collected by the water collector (28), it flows into the collection tank (29). Sealing 15 When the vane (23) is open due to the pressure of the circulation fan (21), the seal on the left side The fin (24) closes the left side of the condensate chamber housing the evaporator (8). Right The main air intake fan (19) in the column is switched off. 5.2.3 Study - Figure 2 (Second Case): The roles have been reversed compared to the system shown in Figure 1. 20 • Right Side (Adsorption): With vanes (15 and 17) open, right side intake fan (19) open, It draws air through the filter (25) and on the right side which is in contact with the condenser (4). It brings the refrigerant into contact with the absorption material (6). Valves (10, 12, 13) release the refrigerant. It is open so that it passes through the condenser (5) on the side and then through the evaporator (8). • Left Side (Regeneration): The left side main fan (20) is off, therefore the vanes 25 (16 and 18) internal circulation fan (22) when closed to close the left side compartment (3) It is open. Valve (10, 12, 13) directs the coolant to the left condenser (5), leaving the left sorbent open. (7) regenerates. The sealing vane (24) opens with the pressure of the left circulation fan (22) and Moisture released from the left compartment (3) comes into contact with the evaporator (8) and condenses and collects. After passing through the pass (28), they gather in the tank (29). 30 6 5.3. Thermoelectric Application (Figures 3 and 4) 5.3.1 Structural Components and Reference Numbers: This application uses thermoelectric (Peltier) modules for heating and cooling. • 15, 17: Right compartment that covers the entire right compartment and condensation area during the regeneration phase. winglets. 5 • 16, 18: Left compartment that encloses the entire left compartment and condensation area during the regeneration phase. winglets • 19, 20: Respectively, by working during the adsorption phase on their respective sides, absorbing fresh moist air. main air intake right and left fans • 25, 26: Right and left compartment air filters 10 • 28: Water collection passage that collects water droplets and conveys them to the tank. • 29: Water collection tank. • 30: A tap connected to tank 29. • 31: Directional movement of air • 32: Right side of the two-section body / chassis. 15 • 33: Left side of the two-section body / chassis. • 34: Lower Peltier module. Two independent sides, with sorbent material in each compartment for thermal insulation. They are in contact. • 35: Top Peltier module for condensation. Left and right sides, depending on the DC current direction. It can independently function as a cold plate. 20 • 36, 37: Left compartments in direct contact with both sides of the Peltier (34) and the right solid or liquid sorbent material. • 38, 39: Attached to both sides of the upper Peltier module (35) and on one side (absorption The main heat sinks function as a heat sink on the regeneration side and a condensation section on the regeneration side. 5.3.2 Study - Figure 3 (Initial Situation): 25 • The electrical current is adjusted so that the right side of the lower Peltier (34) is hot and the right side It regenerates the sorbent material (36). At the same time, the left side of the upper Peltier (35) is hot and It acts as a heat sink and the right side of the upper Peltier module (38) is cold and oscillating It acts as a cold surface to condense moisture into liquid water. 7 • The right-hand flaps (15 and 17) are closed, and the right compartment is a closed, high-humidity room. It is closed in such a way as to create. The released vapor is on the cold right side of the upper Peltier (38). It intensifies. • The left compartment is in the absorption phase: the main inlet fan (20) on the left side passes through the filter (26) by drawing in air and applying positive pressure, keeping the flaps (16 and 18) open. 5 It works. The fan (19) on the right side is off. While the right side of the lower Peltier (36) is hot, the lower Peltier (37) The left side is cold. An electrical control unit, Peltier It reverses the current direction to switch the hot / cold sides of modules 34 and 35. 5.3.3 Study - Figure 4 (Second Case): • The direction of the current is reversed. 10 • The right side of the lower Peltier (36) becomes cold and the left side (37) becomes hot, and the sorbent on the left side (37) regenerates. The right side of the upper Peltier (38) becomes hot and acts as a heat sink and The left side (39) becomes cold to condense the vapor released from the absorbent (37). Left Since the fan (20) on the left side is not working, the dampers (16 and 18) on the left side release the moisture in the left compartment. (33) to hold it inside and contact the cold side of the upper Peltier module (39) 15 It is closed in order to concentrate. • The right side compartment (32) is in the absorption phase; here the main inlet fan (19) draws fresh humid air After passing through the air filter (25), it brings it and the flaps open as long as the main fan is running. (15 and 17) force it to stay open. The right side of the lower Peltier (36) is cold, which causes absorption. This allows the material (36) to absorb moisture from the air passing through it much more efficiently. 20 5.4. Advantages of the Invention • High Energy Efficiency: Latent condensate heat is directly recycled for regeneration. Its use greatly reduces external energy input. • Minimized Water Loss: Closed regeneration chambers prevent steam leakage. • Enhanced Condensation: Localized saturated atmosphere during regeneration, condensation 25 It increases speed and efficiency. • Continuous Operation: The alternating cycle of the two compartments enables uninterrupted water production. • Dual Modality: Both vapor-compression and thermoelectric systems, as well as others. It can be efficiently implemented through cooling and heating methods. 8 6. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWINGS 1. Compressor 2. Right sorbent compartment 3. Left sorbent compartment 4. Right capacitor 5 5. Left capacitor 6. Right sorbent material 7. Sol sorbent material 8. Evaporator 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Valve (refrigerant control) 10 15, 16. Right and left upper flaps. 17, 18. Right and left lower flaps 19. Right-hand side air intake fan 20. Left ambient air intake fan 21. Right internal circulation air 15 22. Left internal circulation air 23. Right-hand sealing flap 24. Left sealing flap 25. Right air filter 26. Left air filter 20 27. Direction of refrigerant gas movement. 28. Water collection plate and tube 29. Water collection tank 30. Water drain tap 31. Air movement direction 25 32. Right side of the two-section body / chassis 33. Left side of the two-section body / chassis 34. Lower Peltier module (for sorbent regeneration) 35. Upper Peltier module (for water vapor condensation) 36. Right sorbent material 30 9 37. Sol sorbent material 38. Right side of the upper Peltier for water condensation. 39. Left side of the upper Peltier for water condensation. 10 20 30

Claims

REQUESTS 1. The invention relates to thermally integrated sorbent regeneration using the latent heat of condensation. It relates to atmospheric water production systems, and its characteristic feature is; • compressor (1), 5 which enables the compression of the refrigerant in the system. • located on the right side and enabling the adsorption of moisture from the ambient air. right sorbent compartment (2), • positioned on the left side and enables the adsorption of moisture from the ambient air. left sorbent compartment (3), • The right sorbent compartment provides heat transfer during the regeneration process. capacitor (4), • The left sorbent compartment provides heat transfer during the regeneration process. capacitor (5), • located inside the right sorbent compartment, which enables the adsorption of moisture from the air. sorbent material (6), 15 • The left sorbent compartment contains a left section that adsorbs moisture from the air. sorbent material (7), • Evaporator (8) that enables the condensation of released water vapor. • valves that allow control of the refrigerant flow within the system (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14), 20 • located in the upper part of the right compartment, during the regeneration phase, the entire right side The upper right flap (15) enables closing the compartment and the condensate area. • located in the upper part of the left chamber, during the regeneration phase, the entire left The upper left flap (16) enables closing the compartment and the condensate area. • located in the lower part of the right compartment, the entire right 25 during the regeneration phase The lower right flap (17) enables closing the compartment and the condensate area. • located in the lower part of the left chamber, during the regeneration phase, the entire left lower left flap (18) which enables closing the compartment and condensation area, • right ambient air intake fan (19) which provides ambient air intake to the right sorbent compartment, • Left ambient air intake fan (20) which provides ambient air to the left sorbent compartment, 30 11 • right internal chamber that allows circulation of water vapor formed during regeneration. circulation fan (21), • left internal chamber that allows circulation of water vapor formed during regeneration circulation fan (22), • right sealing flap (23) which ensures the sealing of the condensation area on the right side, 5 • left sealing flap (24) which ensures the sealing of the condensation area on the left side, • right air filter (25) which enables the air entering the system from the right side to be filtered, • Left air filter (26) which enables the air entering the system from the left side to be filtered. • refrigerant gas that indicates the direction of movement of the refrigerant gas within the system. direction of movement (27), 10 • water harvesting, which involves collecting condensed water and transferring it to a storage area. plate and tube (28), • water collection tank (29) which enables the storage of the water obtained. • water drain tap (30) which allows the stored water to be removed from the system. • Air movement direction (31), which shows the direction of air flow within the system, 15 • In thermoelectric applications, the right side of the housing / chassis, which forms the right side of the two-compartment structure. side (32), • In thermoelectric applications, the left side of the housing / chassis, which forms the left side of the two-compartment structure. side (33), • Lower Peltier module (34) providing heat for sorbent regeneration, 20 • upper Peltier module (35) which enables the condensation of water vapor, • right sorbent material located on the right side of the thermoelectric system (36), • left sorbent material located on the left side of the thermoelectric system (37), • The right surface, located on the right side of the upper Peltier module, enables water condensation. (38), 25 • left surface (39) located on the left side of the upper Peltier module and which enables water condensation It includes the following sections.

2. The invention relates to thermally integrated sorbent regeneration using the latent heat of condensation. It is a method of producing water from atmospheric air, 30 12 • Sorbent materials (6,7) in the right sorbent compartment (2) or left sorbent compartment (3) adsorption of moisture from the air by passing ambient air through it, • during the adsorption process, the right ambient air inlet fan (19) or the left ambient air inlet fan Passing ambient air through the relevant air filter (25,26) via (20), • While the adsorption process continues in one sorbent compartment, 5 in the other sorbent compartment performing the regeneration process, • during the regeneration process via the right capacitor (4) or the left capacitor (5) heat transfer to the relevant sorbent material (6,7), • during the regeneration process of water vapor adsorbed in sorbent material (6,7) release, 10 • during the regeneration phase right upper flap (15) and right lower flap (17) or left upper flap (16) and closing of the relevant sorbent compartment via the lower left flap (18), • Condensation via the right sealing flap (23) or the left sealing flap (24) ensuring the watertightness of the area, • Free air flow via the right internal circulation fan (21) or the left internal circulation fan (22) 15 directing the released water vapor to the evaporator (8), • Condensation of the released water vapor on the evaporator (8), • the condensed water is transferred to the water collection tank (29) via the water collection plate and tube (28) transfer, • Latent heat released during condensation is used in the regeneration of sorbent material (6,7) 20 usage, • Alternating adsorption of the right sorbent compartment (2) and the left sorbent compartment (3) It involves sequentially following the steps of operating it during the regeneration phases.

3. Thermally integrated sorbent 25 using the latent heat of condensation according to claim 1. It relates to an atmospheric water production system through regeneration, and its characteristic feature is; combined vapor compression. compressor (1) that enables the cooling cycle, right condenser (4), left condenser (5) includes the evaporator (8) and valves (9,10,11,12,13,14).

4. Thermally integrated sorbent 30 using the latent heat of condensation according to claim 1. It relates to atmospheric water production systems through regeneration, and its characteristic feature is that it only involves regeneration. 13 right internal circulation fan (21) and left internal circulation fan (22) which provide operation in phase It includes.

5. Thermally integrated sorbent using the latent heat of condensation according to claim 1. It relates to an atmospheric water production system through regeneration, and its characteristic feature is that it uses adsorption only. 5 right ambient air intake fan (19) and left ambient air intake fan (20) that provide operation in phase It includes.

6. Thermally integrated sorbent using the latent heat of condensation according to claim 2. The method of producing water from atmospheric air through regeneration is thermoelectric 10 In practice, sorbent regeneration is performed with the lower Peltier module (34) and the upper Peltier module module (35) involves the condensation of water vapor.

7. Thermally integrated sorbent using the latent heat of condensation according to claim 1. It relates to atmospheric water production systems through regeneration, and its characteristic feature is regeneration and condensation 15 enabling the units to form a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle and with the system a compressor (1), condensing unit in direct or indirect thermal contact an evaporator (8) acting as a capacitor, two condensers (4,5) and the respective capacitor of each condenser The sorbent compartment (2,3) contains sorbent material (6,7).

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