Air-to-water system and its control method

Abstract

This invention relates to an air-to-water system and its control method. The air-to-water system includes: an air manifold (8) having a downward-facing inlet and an upward-facing outlet, wherein the inner diameter of at least a section of the air manifold (8) in the vertical direction gradually narrows towards the outlet; and a refrigeration device including a water condenser (2) disposed at the outlet of the air manifold (8) for condensing moisture in the air into water and a compressor (3) for refrigerating the water condenser (2). When the air flowing through the water condenser after being gathered by the air manifold, the moisture in the air can be condensed into water by the water condenser. Therefore, the air-to-water system of this embodiment can be used to produce water in arid regions such as deserts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air-to-water technology, and more specifically, to an air-to-water system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] China's deserts cover approximately 700,000 square kilometers, mainly distributed in the arid northwest, accounting for about 13% of the country's total land area. For many years, desertification has become increasingly severe due to factors such as drought, vegetation destruction, wind erosion, water erosion, and soil salinization, leading to a decline or loss of soil productivity across large areas. Desertification provides a source of material for windblown sand, and its harm is becoming increasingly serious, posing a severe threat to people's living environment and causing huge economic losses. Achieving desert greening is urgent, but the biggest problem facing greening efforts is the scarcity of water resources. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an air-to-water system and its control method that can be used for water production in arid regions.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an air-to-water system is provided, the air-to-water system comprising:

[0005] An air manifold has a downward-facing inlet and an upward-facing outlet, and the inner diameter of at least a portion of the air manifold in the vertical direction tapers towards the outlet; and

[0006] Refrigeration equipment includes a moisture condenser located at the outlet of an air manifold for condensing moisture in the air into water, and a compressor for refrigerating the moisture condenser.

[0007] In some embodiments, the air-to-water system also includes solar cells that provide power to the refrigeration equipment.

[0008] In some embodiments, the air-to-water system also includes a battery.

[0009] The battery can be electrically connected to either the solar panel or the cooling device; or

[0010] Solar cells can be electrically connected to one or both of the battery and the refrigeration equipment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the moisture condenser is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, and a container is provided at the lower end of the moisture condenser to receive the condensate left by the moisture condenser.

[0012] In some embodiments,

[0013] Two moisture condensers are arranged in a V-shape above the outlet of the air manifold.

[0014] The V-shape has its tip pointing upwards; the projection of the tip of the V in the horizontal plane at least partially overlaps with the projection of the air manifold outlet in the horizontal plane.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air-to-water system further includes:

[0016] The housing is installed above the air manifold and connected to the outlet of the air manifold. The housing is provided with an air outlet for outputting the air after the moisture has been condensed.

[0017] The fan is configured to drive the airflow introduced by the air manifold through the moisture condenser and then out through the air outlet to the outside of the housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the air outlet is located on the circumferential surface of the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, a solar cell for powering a cooling device is mounted on the top of the housing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the moisture condenser includes a cooling medium pipe and fins mounted on the cooling medium pipe.

[0021] In some embodiments, the air-to-water system further includes:

[0022] Humidity detection component, used to detect the humidity of the air introduced by the air manifold;

[0023] The controller is signal-connected to both the refrigeration equipment and the humidity detection component, so as to increase the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to increase the cooling capacity when the humidity detection component detects an increase in air humidity, or to decrease the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to reduce the cooling capacity when the humidity detection component detects a decrease in air humidity.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for an air-to-water system is also provided, which, in some embodiments, includes:

[0025] Step 1: Detect the humidity of the air introduced by the air manifold;

[0026] Step 2: Increase the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to increase the cooling capacity when the air humidity increases and / or decrease the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to reduce the cooling capacity when the air humidity decreases.

[0027] In some embodiments, step one includes detecting the initial humidity C of the air introduced by the air manifold during the initial stage of the air-to-water system startup. 初始值 And / or real-time monitoring of the real-time humidity C of the air introduced into the air manifold during the water production process of the air-to-water system. 实时值 .

[0028] In some embodiments, step two includes determining the initial humidity C of the air.初始值 and / or real-time humidity C 实时值 The size of the system will control the operating power of the air-to-water system at different power levels.

[0029] In some embodiments,

[0030] Obtain the air humidity reference value C used to classify operating power levels. 参考值 If the reference value of k1*C is less than or equal to C 初始值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the first power level; if C 参考值 ≤C 初始值 If K1*C is less than the reference value, then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the second power level; if K2*C 参考值 ≤C 初始值 <C 参考值 If C, then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the third power level; 初始值 <K2*C 参考值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the fourth power level; where K2 < 1, 1 < K1, and the operating power decreases sequentially from the first to the fourth power level; or

[0031] Obtain the air humidity reference value C used to classify operating power levels. 参考值 If the reference value of k1*C is less than or equal to C 实时值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the first power level; if C 参考值 ≤C 实时值 If K1*C is less than the reference value, then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the second power level; if K2*C 参考值 ≤C 实时值 <C 参考值 If C, then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the third power level; 实时值 <K2*C 参考值 If the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled, it is the fourth power level; where K2 < 1, 1 < K1, and the operating power of the first to fourth power levels decreases sequentially.

[0032] By applying the technical solution of this application, when the air flow after being gathered by the air manifold passes through the moisture condenser, the moisture in the air can be condensed into water by the moisture condenser. Therefore, the air-to-water system of this embodiment can be used to produce water in arid areas such as deserts.

[0033] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an air-to-water system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the evaporator structure of an air-to-water system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0037] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the operation of an air-to-water system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the air-to-water system of this embodiment includes an air manifold 8 and a refrigeration device. The air manifold 8 has a downward-facing inlet and an upward-facing outlet. The inner diameter of at least one section of the air manifold 8 in the vertical direction gradually narrows towards the outlet. The refrigeration device includes a water condenser 2 disposed at the outlet of the air manifold 8 for condensing moisture in the air into water and a compressor 3 for refrigerating the water condenser 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, when the air after being gathered by the air manifold 8 flows through the moisture condenser 2, the moisture in the air can be condensed into water by the moisture condenser 2. Therefore, the air-to-water system of this embodiment can be used to produce water in arid areas such as deserts.

[0041] In this embodiment, the refrigeration equipment further includes a condenser connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 3 and used to condense the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 3. The outlet of the condenser is connected to a water-sealed condenser 2. The condensed refrigerant evaporates in the water-sealed condenser 2. In this embodiment, the water-sealed condenser 2 serves as the evaporator of the refrigerant circulation system. During the refrigerant evaporation process, heat is absorbed and moisture in the air flowing through the water-sealed condenser 2 is condensed.

[0042] The air-to-water system also includes a solar cell 6 that provides power to the refrigeration equipment. The use of the solar cell 6 as an energy source in this embodiment of the air-to-water system is beneficial for energy conservation and also for applications in areas with limited access to electricity.

[0043] The air-to-water system also includes a battery 4, which can be electrically connected to either the solar cell 6 or the refrigeration device. When electrically connected to the solar cell 6, the battery 4 stores the electrical energy generated by the solar cell 6. When electrically connected to the refrigeration device, the battery 4 provides power to the refrigeration device. In this embodiment, the battery 4 is charged when the solar cell 6 has sufficient power, and the battery 4 can provide power to the refrigeration device when the solar cell 6 has insufficient power. Therefore, in this embodiment, water production can be carried out at night when the air humidity is high, which helps to improve the water production efficiency of the air-to-water system.

[0044] The solar cell 6 can be electrically connected to one or both of the storage battery 4 and the refrigeration equipment. When the solar cell 6 is electrically connected to the storage battery 4, the solar cell 6 charges the storage battery; when the solar cell 6 is electrically connected to the refrigeration equipment, the solar cell 6 supplies power to the refrigeration equipment; when the solar cell 6 is simultaneously connected to the refrigeration equipment and the storage battery 4, the solar cell supplies power to the refrigeration equipment while charging the storage battery 4.

[0045] In some embodiments, the water condenser 2 is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, and a container 1 for receiving condensate flowing down from the water condenser 2 is provided at the lower end of the water condenser 2.

[0046] Two moisture condensers 2 are arranged in a V-shape above the outlet of the air manifold 8, with the tip of the V pointing upwards; the projection of the tip of the V in the horizontal plane at least partially overlaps with the projection of the outlet of the air manifold 8 in the horizontal plane.

[0047] The water control system also includes a water pipe 7 for guiding the condensate generated on the water condenser 2 toward the container 1. A container 1 is respectively provided at the lower end of the two water condensers 2, and a water pipe is provided between the two water condensers 2 and the corresponding container 1.

[0048] The air-to-water system also includes a housing 10 and a fan 5. The housing 10 is installed above the air manifold 8 and is connected to the outlet of the air manifold 8. The housing 10 is provided with an air outlet for outputting the air after condensation of water. The fan 5 is configured to drive the air introduced by the air manifold 8 through the water condenser 2 and then discharge it to the outside of the housing 10 through the air outlet.

[0049] In some embodiments, the air outlet is located on the circumferential surface of the housing 10. Optionally, the fan 5 is mounted on the air outlet.

[0050] The top of the housing 10 is fitted with a solar cell 6 for powering the cooling equipment.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the moisture condenser 2 includes a cooling medium pipe 9 and fins mounted on the cooling medium pipe.

[0052] In some embodiments, the air-to-water system further includes a humidity detection component and a controller. The humidity detection component detects the humidity of the air introduced by the air manifold 8. The controller is signal-connected to both the refrigeration equipment and the humidity detection component, so as to increase the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to increase the cooling capacity when the humidity detected by the humidity detection component increases, or decrease the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to decrease the cooling capacity when the humidity detected by the humidity detection component decreases. The air-to-water system of this embodiment adjusts the operating power of the refrigeration equipment according to the air humidity, which helps to save energy and avoid waste.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for an air-to-water system is also provided, the control method comprising:

[0054] Step 1: Detect the humidity of the air introduced by the air manifold 8;

[0055] Step 2: Increase the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to increase the cooling capacity when the air humidity increases and / or decrease the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to reduce the cooling capacity when the air humidity decreases.

[0056] Step one includes detecting the initial humidity C of the air introduced into the air manifold 8 during the initial stage of the air-to-water system startup. 初始值 And / or real-time monitoring of the real-time humidity C of the air introduced into the air manifold 8 during the water production process of the air-to-water system. 实时值 .

[0057] Step two includes determining the initial humidity C of the air. 初始值 and / or real-time humidity C 实时值 The size of the system will control the operating power of the air-to-water system at different power levels.

[0058] Obtain the air humidity reference value C used to classify operating power levels. 参考值 If the reference value of k1*C is less than or equal to C 初始值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the first power level; if C 参考值 ≤C 初始值 If K1*C is less than the reference value, then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the second power level; if K2*C 参考值 ≤C 初始值 <C 参考值 If C, then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the third power level;初始值 <K2*C 参考值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the fourth power level; where K2 < 1, 1 < K1, and the operating power decreases sequentially from the first to the fourth power level; or

[0059] Obtain the air humidity reference value C used to classify operating power levels. 参考值 If the reference value of k1*C is less than or equal to C 实时值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the first power level; if C 参考值 ≤C 实时值 If K1*C is less than the reference value, then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the second power level; if K2*C 参考值 ≤C 实时值 <C 参考值 If C, then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the third power level; 实时值 <K2*C 参考值 If the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled, it is the fourth power level; where K2 < 1, 1 < K1, and the operating power of the first to fourth power levels decreases sequentially.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the specific control flow of the air-to-water system in this embodiment is as follows:

[0061] Step S10: The air-to-water system starts, and the control process begins;

[0062] Step S20: Power on and perform self-test on each component of the air-to-water system to check if it is working properly;

[0063] Step S30: The photovoltaic panel solar cell 6 starts working, and the humidity detection component detects the initial value of the air humidity C at this time;

[0064] Step S40: The air conditioning system reads the humidity value C from the database. 参考值 ;

[0065] Step S50: Set the air humidity value fluctuation range ratios k1 and k2;

[0066] Step S60: Determine k1*C 参考值 ≤C 初始值 ;

[0067] Step S61: If the judgment result is "yes", it indicates that the air humidity is at its highest level and the unit is operating at full load.

[0068] Step S62: If the judgment result is "no", then determine C. 参考值 ≤C 初始值 <k1*C 参考值 ;

[0069] Step S63: If the judgment result is "yes", it indicates that the air humidity is high at this time and the unit is operating at 75% load;

[0070] Step S64: If the result is "No", check K2*C. 参考值 ≤C 初始值 <C 参考值 ;

[0071] Step S65: If the judgment result is "yes", it indicates that the air humidity is low at this time and the unit is operating at 50% load;

[0072] Step S66: If the judgment result is "No", then C 初始值 <K2*C 参考值 This indicates that the air humidity is extremely low at this time, and the unit is operating at 25% load.

[0073] Step S70: The photovoltaic panel continuously stores energy, and the humidity detection component detects the real-time value of the air humidity C.

[0074] Step S80: Determine k1*C 参考值 ≤C 实时值 ;

[0075] Step S81: If the judgment result is "yes", it indicates that the air humidity is at its highest level and the unit is operating at full load.

[0076] Step S82: If the judgment result is "No", then determine C. 参考值 ≤C 实时值 <k1*C 参考值 ;

[0077] Step S83: If the judgment result is "yes", it indicates that the air humidity is high at this time and the unit is operating at 75% load;

[0078] Step S84: If the judgment result is "no", then check K2*C. 参考值 ≤C 实时值 <C 参考值 ;

[0079] Step S85: If the judgment result is "yes", it indicates that the air humidity is low at this time and the unit is operating at 50% load;

[0080] Step S86: If the judgment result is "No", then C 实时值 <K2*C 参考值 This indicates that the air humidity is extremely low at this time, and the unit is operating at 25% load.

[0081] Step S90: Control flow ends.

[0082] The technical effects achieved by the air-to-water system and its control method in this embodiment are as follows:

[0083] 1. The operating mode can be adjusted according to air humidity to achieve energy-saving effects.

[0084] 2. Solving the problem of water scarcity in deserts

[0085] 3. Photovoltaic panels have energy storage capabilities, which can provide power for system operation and save energy.

[0086] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an air-to-water system, characterized in that, The air-to-water system includes: An air manifold (8) having a downward-facing inlet and an upward-facing outlet, wherein the inner diameter of at least a portion of the air manifold (8) in the vertical direction tapers towards the outlet; and The refrigeration equipment includes a moisture condenser (2) located at the outlet of the air manifold (8) for condensing moisture in the air into water, and a compressor (3) for refrigerating the moisture condenser (2). The control method includes: Step 1: Detect the humidity of the air introduced by the air manifold (8); Step two: When the humidity of the air increases, increase the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to increase the cooling capacity and / or when the humidity of the air decreases, decrease the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to reduce the cooling capacity. Step one includes detecting the initial humidity C of the air introduced by the air manifold (8) during the initial stage of the start-up of the air-to-water system. 初始值 And / or real-time detection of the real-time humidity C of the air introduced by the air manifold (8) during the water production process of the air-to-water system. 实时值 , Step two includes determining the initial humidity C of the air. 初始值 and / or real-time humidity C 实时值 The size of the valve will control the operating power of the air-to-water system at different power levels. Obtain the air humidity reference value C used to classify the operating power level. 参考值 If the reference value of k1*C is less than or equal to C 初始值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled to the first power level; if the C 参考值 ≤C 初始值 If K1*C is less than the reference value, then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the second power level; if K2*C 参考值 ≤C 初始值 <C 参考值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the third power level; if C 初始值 <K2*C 参考值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled to the fourth power level; where K2 < 1, 1 < K1, and the operating power of the first to fourth power levels decreases sequentially; or Obtain the air humidity reference value C used to classify the operating power level. 参考值 If the reference value of k1*C is less than or equal to C 实时值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled to the first power level; if the C 参考值 ≤C 实时值 If K1*C is less than the reference value, then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the second power level; if K2*C 参考值 ≤C 实时值 <C 参考值 Then the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled at the third power level; if C 实时值 <K2*C 参考值 If the operating power of the air-to-water system is controlled to be the fourth power level, then K2 < 1, 1 < K1, and the operating power of the first to fourth power levels decreases sequentially.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes solar cells (6) that provide power to the cooling device.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a storage battery (4). The battery (4) is electrically connected to one of the solar cell (6) and the refrigeration device; or The solar cell (6) is electrically connected to one or both of the battery (4) and the refrigeration device.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water condenser (2) is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, and a container (1) is provided at the lower end of the water condenser (2) to receive the condensed water left by the water condenser (2).

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two moisture condensers (2) are arranged in a V-shape above the outlet of the air manifold (8). The V-shape has its tip pointing upwards; the projection of the tip of the V in the horizontal plane at least partially overlaps with the projection of the outlet of the air manifold (8) in the horizontal plane.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The housing (10) is installed above the air manifold (8) and communicates with the outlet of the air manifold (8). The housing (10) is provided with an air outlet for outputting the air after condensation of moisture. The fan (5) is configured to drive the air introduced by the air manifold (8) through the moisture condenser (2) and then out through the air outlet to the outside of the housing (10).

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air outlet is located on the circumferential surface of the housing (10).

8. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, A solar cell (6) for powering the cooling device is mounted on the top of the housing (10).

9. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moisture condenser (2) includes a cooling medium pipe (9) and fins mounted on the cooling medium pipe.

10. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A humidity detection component is used to detect the humidity of the air introduced by the air manifold (8); The controller is signal-connected to the refrigeration equipment and the humidity detection component, respectively, to increase the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to increase the cooling capacity when the humidity of the air detected by the humidity detection component increases, or to decrease the operating power of the refrigeration equipment to decrease the cooling capacity when the humidity of the air detected by the humidity detection component decreases.

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