Atmospheric water collection device and method

Abstract

A water collection unit includes a chamber and a container supported for rotation in the chamber. The container has a base and a sidewall extending from the base to an opening. The base is fluid impermeable and a portion of the sidewall is fluid permeable. The base and a substantial portion of the sidewall of the container are located in a first plenum space within the chamber and the opening is open to a second plenum space within the chamber. The unit can have a plurality of containers located within the chamber. A water collection system includes the water collection unit and a recuperative counterflow heat exchanger. A method of collecting water using the water collection system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an atmospheric water harvesting device and method. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for harvesting atmospheric water using a desiccant material. Background Technology

[0002] The lack of natural water reservoirs, such as those found in warmer regions, makes it difficult to meet the demand for drinking water in arid areas. Mechanical systems for collecting water from the atmosphere are known. Such systems typically use mechanically cooled surfaces to condense water vapor from the air. However, such mechanical systems are energy-intensive and inefficient.

[0003] Dehumidification systems using adsorbent materials such as silica are also known. In such systems, atmospheric water is collected by adsorbing water from the atmosphere using a desiccant before desorption / regeneration via heating. Desorption / regeneration of the desiccant via heating is an energy-intensive process primarily dictated by the latent heat of water evaporation. Therefore, these systems are not necessarily more energy efficient than mechanical atmospheric water collection systems.

[0004] Novel types of atmospheric water harvesting systems are emerging that utilize metal-organic framework (MOF) materials as desiccants. MOF materials are capable of adsorbing water molecules in the air at very low relative humidity levels and releasing the bound water molecules at temperatures significantly lower than those required for other desiccant materials traditionally used in dehumidifiers, such as silica. Some MOF materials can be desorbed / regenerated using heat sources generally considered to be "low-grade heat," such as waste heat from manufacturing processes and power generation, geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, or any combination of renewable or non-renewable heat sources. Exemplary MOF atmospheric water harvesting systems are disclosed in patent documents US2018 / 171604 and WO2019 / 152962.

[0005] The system described below provides an improvement over known atmospheric water harvesting systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a water collection unit comprising: a chamber including a first plenum space and a second plenum space located on either side of a partition member; a vessel supported for rotation within the chamber, wherein the vessel includes a base and sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls extend from the base to a vessel opening, and wherein the base is substantially fluid-impermeable and at least a portion of the sidewalls is fluid-permeable, wherein the base and most of the sidewalls of the vessel are located in the first plenum space, and wherein the vessel opening is open to the second plenum space via an opening in the partition member.

[0007] The water collection unit of the present invention is advantageous because it allows the container to rotate during use. This also allows the formation of annulus of particulate material during use when the container rotates.

[0008] Alternatively, the charge of the granular desiccant material can be located in a container.

[0009] The fluid-permeable portion of the sidewall can optionally include an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a substantially rigid porous material, and the inner layer comprises a rigid or flexible porous material. This allows the pressure drop across the fluid-permeable portion of the sidewall to be tuned at a specific flow rate by selecting the pore size and distribution in each porous material layer. The inner layer can have smaller pores than the outer layer to prevent the escape of fine particles of the desiccant material. The inner layer can be replaceable.

[0010] The sidewall of the container may include a first portion near the base and a second portion near the container opening, wherein the first portion of the sidewall is fluid-permeable and the second portion of the sidewall is substantially fluid-impermeable.

[0011] Optionally, the first portion of the sidewall is a truncated cone radiating from the base of the container toward the second portion of the sidewall. This helps to promote the formation of a ring of particulate material with a consistent depth across the height of the first wall portion. This also helps to ensure a consistent pressure drop across the ring of particulate material, thereby preventing airflow jetting, which reduces contact with the particulate material and lowers the risk of particulate material entrainment in the airflow.

[0012] The second portion of the sidewall may optionally be a truncated cone converging toward the container opening. Since the container's cross-sectional area perpendicular to the airflow direction increases with distance from the sidewall, this helps prevent particulate material loss. This causes the airflow to slow down before reaching the container opening, allowing any entrained particulate material to more easily dislodge from the airflow.

[0013] The base of the container can be a cone or a truncated cone that radiates towards the sidewalls. Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the container perpendicular to the airflow direction increases with the distance from the sidewalls, this also helps to prevent the loss of particulate material.

[0014] The water collection unit may optionally include at least one air funnel configured to direct air toward a fluid-permeable portion of the sidewall to improve airflow and pressure drop. The at least one air funnel may be configured to cover one-quarter of the fluid-permeable portion of the sidewall. Optionally, four air funnels may be provided.

[0015] Optionally, the water collection unit may include multiple containers supported for rotation within a chamber. This increases water collection efficiency because more than one container can be used simultaneously from the same air supply source to adsorb / desorb water.

[0016] The chamber may optionally include a plurality of second air-filled spaces and a plurality of corresponding partition members, wherein each second air-filled space is open to the container openings of two or more containers via an opening in a corresponding partition member. This allows for various configurations of the water collection unit to accommodate specific spatial configurations and constraints.

[0017] The base and most of the sidewalls of each container can be located in a common first inflation space to provide a simpler construction.

[0018] Optionally, at least some of the containers are offset from each other in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the container.

[0019] At least some of the containers may optionally share a common axis of rotation, such that some containers are stacked in a row.

[0020] The water collection unit may include a drive assembly configured to provide rotational drive to multiple containers during use. Alternatively, the drive assembly may be external to the water collection unit.

[0021] Alternatively, the drive component can be configured to provide rotational drive to each container when in use, so that only one drive component is required.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a cassette for a water collection unit, the cassette comprising: an enclosure defining an inflatable space, the enclosure including a boundary wall and a partition wall, wherein the partition wall includes one or more partition wall openings, and wherein the boundary wall defines an airflow opening; and one or more containers supported to rotate relative to the enclosure, wherein each container includes a base and a sidewall, wherein the sidewall extends from the base to the container opening, and wherein the base is substantially fluid-impermeable and at least a portion of the sidewall is fluid-permeable, wherein each container opening is rotatably received within a partition wall opening.

[0023] The box is advantageous because it facilitates the replacement / exchange of containers within the water collection system.

[0024] Optionally, the box includes a drive assembly configured to provide rotational drive to one or more containers during use. Alternatively, the drive assembly may be external to the box.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention provides a chamber configured to accommodate one or more boxes as described above, wherein the chamber defines a first inflatable space in which, in use, the base and most of the sidewalls of the box or one or more containers of each box are located.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention provides a water collection unit comprising the chamber as described above and one or more boxes as described above.

[0027] Optionally, the water collection unit is located in a pressurized container, which may include a sealable door. Positioning the water collection unit in a pressurized container is advantageous because it allows water vapor pressure to be isolated from the environment and allows the pressure to rise, thereby increasing the dew point temperature.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention provides a water collection system comprising: one or more water collection units as described above; an atmospheric air system including an air mover configured to supply an atmospheric air flow to the first inflated space or each of the first inflated spaces in an adsorption operation mode; a desorption air system including an air mover configured to supply a desorption air flow to the first inflated space or each of the first inflated spaces in a desorption operation mode; and a heat exchanger configured to cool the desorption air flow leaving the water collection unit in a desorption operation mode such that, in use, at least some of the water vapor contained in the desorption air flow condenses within the heat exchanger.

[0029] Optionally, the water collection system includes an exhaust line configured to deliver atmospheric air away from the one or more water collection units, wherein the exhaust line is configured to deliver at least a portion of the atmospheric airflow to a heat exchanger for use as a coolant during operation. This provides efficient utilization of available heat / energy within the system.

[0030] The atmospheric air system may optionally include a chiller, which is located upstream of the one or more water collection units during use, relative to the direction of atmospheric airflow.

[0031] The desorbed air system may include a closed loop such that, in use, the desorbed airflow passes through the one or more water collection units and heat exchangers before being recirculated to the one or each first air-filled space of the water collection unit.

[0032] Optionally, the desorbed air system may include a recuperative heat exchanger configured to facilitate heat exchange between the desorbed airflow leaving the water collection unit and the desorbed airflow returning to the water collection unit. This provides efficient utilization of the airflow within the system.

[0033] The desorption air system may optionally include a heater, which is located upstream of the water collection unit in use relative to the direction of the desorption airflow, and, if present, downstream of the regenerative heat exchanger.

[0034] The desorption air system may include a supplemental cooler located downstream of the heat exchanger during use, and, if present, upstream of a regenerative heat exchanger, relative to the direction of the desorption airflow.

[0035] Optionally, the water harvesting system may include a first water harvesting bank and a second water harvesting bank. The first water harvesting bank includes one or more water harvesting units, and the second water harvesting bank includes one or more water harvesting units. The system is configured such that, in use, when one of the first or second water harvesting banks is operating in an adsorption mode, the other water harvesting bank can operate in a desorption mode. This allows for substantially continuous water production. It should be noted that the first water harvesting bank may include a different number of water harvesting units or containers within units than the second water harvesting bank.

[0036] Optionally, the water collection system is located in a pressurized container, which may include a sealable door. Positioning the water collection system in a pressurized container is advantageous because it allows for isolation of water vapor pressure from the environment and allows the pressure to rise, thereby increasing the dew point temperature.

[0037] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for collecting water from atmospheric air, the method comprising: passing an atmospheric airflow through a rotating container, wherein the container includes a base and sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls extend from the base to a container opening, and wherein the base is substantially fluid-impermeable and at least a portion of the sidewalls is fluid-permeable, wherein the container contains a charge of particulate desiccant material, wherein passing the atmospheric airflow through the rotating container includes passing the flow from the outside of the container through the sidewalls of the rotating container to the inside of the container, wherein the atmospheric airflow exits the container via the container opening; stopping the atmospheric airflow through the rotating container; passing a desorbed airflow through the rotating container, wherein passing the desorbed airflow through the rotating container includes passing the flow from the outside of the container through the sidewalls of the rotating container to the inside of the container, wherein the desorbed airflow exits the container via the container opening; and cooling the desorbed airflow exiting the container to recover liquid water from the desorbed airflow.

[0038] Optionally, passing the atmospheric airflow through the rotating container may include passing the atmospheric airflow through the container within a first predetermined time period, and wherein passing the desorbed airflow through the rotating container includes passing the desorbed airflow through the container within a second predetermined time period, wherein the first predetermined time period and the second predetermined time period may be equal.

[0039] Methods for collecting water from atmospheric air may optionally include varying a first predetermined time period and / or a second predetermined time period. This allows for optimization of the number of cycles of the adsorption and desorption operating modes based on typical usage conditions.

[0040] Atmospheric airflow can be chilled before passing through the container.

[0041] Optionally, cooling the desorbed gas flow includes a first cooling step, followed by a further second cooling step.

[0042] The desorbed gas stream may optionally be heated before it passes through the container.

[0043] The desorption flow can include a closed loop flow, such that the desorption flow circulates around the closed loop.

[0044] Optionally, the desorbed gas stream leaving the container is used to heat the desorbed gas stream before it re-enters the container.

[0045] The temperature and / or relative humidity of the circulating desorption gas stream can be optionally measured, and cooling of the circulating desorption gas stream can be prevented until the temperature and / or relative humidity have reached a predetermined value.

[0046] Alternatively, a method for collecting water from atmospheric air includes passing an atmospheric airflow through a first rotating container while passing a desorbed airflow through a second rotating container.

[0047] The atmospheric flow exiting the first container can optionally be used to cool the desorption flow exiting the second container.

[0048] Methods for collecting water from atmospheric air may include: stopping the atmospheric airflow through a first rotating container; stopping the desorption airflow through a second rotating container; and allowing the atmospheric airflow through the second rotating container while allowing the desorption airflow through the first rotating container.

[0049] Optionally, the container or each container rotates at a speed sufficient to urge the particulate desiccant material outward from the axis of rotation by centrifugal force to form an annular body of desiccant particles adjacent to the sidewall of the container; and the rates of the atmospheric flow and the desorption flow are sufficient to form a bed of at least partially fluidized desiccant particles. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 An isometric view of a container for containing desiccant particles is shown.

[0052] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional sectional view of the container;

[0053] Figure 3 It shows a product containing desiccant particles. Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the container;

[0054] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an atmospheric air collection system including a water collection unit according to the present invention is shown;

[0055] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of an alternative water collection unit arrangement to the one shown.

[0056] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of the water collection unit;

[0057] Figure 7 A perspective view of the box used for the water collection unit is shown;

[0058] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Side view of the box;

[0059] Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 A sectional perspective view of the box;

[0060] Figure 10 A perspective view of a water collection unit including multiple boxes is shown;

[0061] Figure 11a A perspective view of an alternative box for a water collection unit is shown;

[0062] Figure 11b It shows Figure 11a Alternative 3D diagram of the box;

[0063] Figure 11c It shows in Figure 11a and Figure 11b A three-dimensional diagram of the air funnel used in the box;

[0064] Figure 12 It shows several, such as Figure 11a and Figure 11b A perspective view of the water collection unit shown;

[0065] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of another alternative water collection unit operating in adsorption mode is shown;

[0066] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the water collection unit in desorption operation mode; and

[0067] Figure 15 It shows Figure 13 and Figure 14 Another illustrative version of the water collection unit. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A water collection unit 20 is shown (see Figure 4 Example of container 10. Container 10 is rotationally symmetric about a central axis A and includes a base 11 and sidewalls 12 extending from the base 11 to the container opening 13. For example, the base 11 and sidewalls 12 may be made of a rigid plastic material, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polypropylene.

[0069] The sidewall 12 includes a first portion 14 near the base 11 and a second portion 15 near the opening 13. The first portion 14 is truncated conical in shape, such that it radiates outward from the base 11 toward the second portion 15. The second portion 15 is also truncated conical in shape, converging inward from the first portion 14 toward the container opening 13. In this example, the sidewall 12 also includes a lip 9, which is truncated conical in shape, extending away from the base 11 and converging toward the central axis A.

[0070] The first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 diverges away from the central axis A at a shallow angle. As will be described in more detail below, this facilitates the loading 4 of the granular desiccant material 5 during use (see [link to product description]). Figure 3 They are evenly distributed on the first part 14 of the sidewall 12. Figures 1 to 3 In the example shown, the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 diverges away from the central axis A at an angle of approximately 3°. However, it should be understood that the precise divergence angle of the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 from the central axis A will depend on many design factors, including the type and particle size of the desiccant, as well as operating speed / temperature / location, etc. The divergence angle of the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 from the central axis A is typically in the range of 1° to 10°.

[0071] The second portion 15 of the sidewall 12 converges at a small angle toward the opening 13 relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation A. This helps to retain the particulate desiccant material 5 within the container 10 during use and also helps to reduce the air velocity passing through the container 10 during use, as will be described in more detail below. Figures 1 to 3 In the example shown, the second portion 15 of the sidewall 12 converges toward the opening 13 at an angle of approximately 7° relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation A. However, it should be understood that the precise convergence angle of the second portion 15 of the sidewall 12 will depend on many design factors, including the type and particle size of the desiccant, as well as operating speed / temperature / location, etc. The convergence angle of the second portion 15 of the sidewall 12 can typically range from 1° to 10°.

[0072] The base 11, the second portion 15 of the sidewall 12, and the lip 9 are fluid-impermeable, preventing air from passing through these portions of the container 10. Conversely, the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 includes a plurality of holes 16 that penetrate to the depth (thickness) of the sidewall 12, making the first portion 14 porous and therefore fluid-permeable. In the example shown, the diameter of the holes 16 is approximately 1 mm, and approximately 50% of the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 is perforated. It should be understood that any suitable hole diameter and perforation percentage can be used, and the above is given only as an example.

[0073] The inner surface of the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 is made of a flexible porous woven material 17 (see Figure 3 The container 10 is covered with a sufficiently small average pore size to prevent the particulate desiccant material 5 from escaping through the sidewall 12 of the container 10. Suitable example materials include nylon, polyester, or polypropylene fiber mesh.

[0074] Now refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The container 10 is connected to the hub 18, which is connected via a fastener (not shown) through a fastening hole 19 in the base 11. Figure 2 It is attached to the base 11. The hub 18 provides means for rotating the container 10.

[0075] When used in a water collection system (described in detail below), container 10 contains a charge 4 of particulate desiccant material 5. During atmospheric water collection operations, container 10 forms a ring 6 of desiccant material 5 adjacent to a first portion 14 of sidewall 12 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 The desiccant material 5 rotates at a speed around its vertically oriented central axis A. The small, shallow outward slope of the first section 14 of the sidewall 12 helps ensure that the depth of the ring 6 of the desiccant material 5 is substantially uniform across its height. This, in turn, helps ensure that the pressure drop across the ring 6 of the desiccant material 5 during use is uniform across the height of the ring 6.

[0076] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an atmospheric air collection system 30 including an exemplary water collection unit 20 is shown. The water collection unit 20 includes chambers 21 having boundary walls 22 and partition members 23 defining a first inflation space 24 below the partition members 23 and a second inflation space 25 above the partition members 23. The partition members 23 have an opening 26 that receives the lip 9 of a container 10 supported by a rotary bearing 27. Therefore, the base 11 and most of the sidewalls 12 of the container 10 are located within the first inflation space 24, and the container opening 13 opens into the second inflation space 25.

[0077] A drive assembly (not shown) is configured to drive the rotation of the container 10 via a hub 18. The hub 18 may be driven by a motor located inside or outside the chamber 21 and is connected to the hub 18 via a belt drive or the like.

[0078] The chamber 21 also includes a first airflow opening 28 located in the boundary wall 22 near the first inflation space 24, and a second airflow opening 29 located in the boundary wall 22 near the second inflation space 25. The first airflow opening 28 and the second airflow opening 29 provide ingress and egress openings (described below) for airflow during use.

[0079] The water collection system 30 also includes an atmospheric air system 31 for providing an atmospheric airflow through the particulate desiccant material 5, allowing water vapor in the atmospheric air to be adsorbed by the particulate desiccant material 5 in adsorption operation mode. The atmospheric air system 31 includes a blower 32 in an atmospheric inlet line 33 located upstream of the cooler 34. The atmospheric air inlet line 33 is connected to a first airflow opening 28 of the water collection unit 20.

[0080] The atmospheric air system 31 also includes an atmospheric air exhaust line 35 connected to a second airflow opening 29 of the water collection unit 20. The exhaust line 35 includes a valve 36 configured to divert some or all of the atmospheric airflow in the exhaust line 35 via a diversion section 38 to the cold-side inlet 41 of the counter-current heat exchanger 42 (described below). Atmospheric airflow not diverted to the heat exchanger 42 is discharged into the atmosphere via a discharge section 37 of the exhaust line 35.

[0081] The water collection system 30 also includes a desorption air system 40 for providing a desorption airflow through the particulate desiccant material 5 in desorption operation mode, so that water adsorbed by the particulate desiccant material 5 in adsorption operation mode can be desorbed and recovered. The desorption air system 40 includes a blower 43 for circulating air around a closed-loop desorption air line 44. Starting from the blower 43, the desorption air line 44 includes a first section 60 connecting the outlet of the blower 43 to the inlet 61 of a heater 45, which, in use, is located downstream of the blower 43 relative to the direction of the desorption airflow. A second section 46 of the line 44 connects the outlet 62 of the heater 45 to a first airflow opening 28 of the water collection unit 20, and a third section 47 of the line 44 connects a second airflow opening 29 of the water collection unit 20 to the hot-side inlet 48 of a counter-current regenerative heat exchanger 49.

[0082] The fourth section 51 of the desorption air line 44 connects the cold side outlet 50 of the counter-current regenerative heat exchanger 49 to the hot side inlet 52 of the counter-current heat exchanger 42. The fifth section 53 of the desorption air line 44 then connects the cold side outlet 54 of the counter-current heat exchanger 42 to the inlet 55 of the cooler 56. The sixth section 58 of the desorption air line 44 connects the outlet 57 of the cooler 56 to the cold side inlet 59 of the counter-current regenerative heat exchanger 49. Finally, the seventh section 63 of the desorption air line 44 connects the hot side outlet 64 of the counter-current regenerative heat exchanger 49 to the inlet of the blower 43.

[0083] The cold-side inlet 41 of the counter-current heat exchanger 42 is connected to an inlet line 67 including a blower 66 and a valve 65. The blower 66 is configured to supply atmospheric air to the counter-current heat exchanger 42. The valve 65 is configured to selectively allow only atmospheric air supplied by the blower 66, only atmospheric air discharged from the deflector section 38 of the exhaust line 35, or a mixture of atmospheric air supplied by the blower 66 and atmospheric air discharged from the deflector section 38 of the exhaust line 35 into the counter-current heat exchanger 42. Thus, valves 36 and 65 can be used to control the operation of the counter-current heat exchanger 42 by changing the relative amounts of discharged atmospheric air and atmospheric air entering the counter-current heat exchanger 42. Atmospheric air leaving the counter-current heat exchanger 42 is exhausted back to the atmosphere via a vent 70.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the water collection system 30 includes a plurality of water collection units 20, such that an adsorption operation mode can be operated with a first water collection unit 20, while a desorption operation mode can be operated with a second water collection unit 20. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the aforementioned piping and connections can be configured to supply one or more water collection units 20 using suitable valves, conduit connections, and controllers. Each water collection unit 20 may have its own dedicated atmospheric air system 31 and desorption air system 40. Alternatively, the water collection units 20 may be connected to a common atmospheric air system 31 and a common desorption air system 40, such that when one water collection unit (or multiple water collection units) 20 is connected to the atmospheric air system 31, another water collection unit (or multiple water collection units) 20 is connected to the desorption air system 40.

[0085] In either case, in the adsorption operation mode, the container 10 is rotated as described above to form a ring 6 of particulate desiccant material 5 adjacent to a first portion 14 of the container sidewall 12, and the blower 32 is operated to supply air via the cooler 34 to the first airflow opening 28 of the water collection unit 20. Cold air from the cooler 34 enters the first inflation space 24 and passes through the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 into the container 10. The cold air passes through the sidewall 12 in the main radial direction at a speed sufficient to at least partially fluidize the annular bed 6 of the particulate desiccant material 5, which is propelled outward by the centrifugal force exerted upon it by the rotation of the container 10. Thus, excellent contact is achieved between the atmospheric airflow and the particles of the desiccant material 5 without entraining the particles in the airflow, so that they are subsequently lost as the atmospheric airflow passes through the container opening 13. The atmospheric airflow exits the container 10 via the container opening 13 and then exits the atmospheric air system 31 via the second inflation space 25, the second airflow opening 29, and the exhaust line 35.

[0086] The truncated conical shape of the second portion 15 of the sidewall 12 helps prevent loss of particulate desiccant material 5 because the cross-sectional area of ​​the container 10 perpendicular to the airflow direction increases with increasing distance from the sidewall 12. This causes the airflow to slow down before reaching the container opening 13, thus allowing any entrained particulate material 5 to fall more easily from the airflow. This applies to both adsorption and desorption operating modes.

[0087] The adsorption operation mode continues until the charge 4 of the granular desiccant material 5 has become water saturated, or until it is otherwise determined that the adsorption operation mode should end. For example, it has been found in experiments that the highest water adsorption rate occurs in the first 10 minutes of operation, and that continued operation after 10 minutes yields almost no benefit in terms of the relationship between the adsorbed water and the energy and time used.

[0088] When the adsorption operation mode is considered to be over, the water collection unit switches to the desorption operation mode via its own or a common desorption air system 40. Similar to the adsorption operation mode, in the desorption operation mode, the container 10 rotates to form a ring 6 of particulate desiccant material 5 adjacent to a first portion 14 of the container sidewall 12. A blower 43 of the desorption air system 40 is operated to supply air to the first airflow opening 28 of the water collection unit 20 via a heater 45. Hot air from the heater 45 enters the first air-filled space 24 and passes through the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 into the container 10. The hot air passes through the sidewall 12 in the main radial direction at a speed sufficient to at least partially fluidize the annular bed 6 of the particulate desiccant material 5, which is forced outward by the centrifugal force exerted upon it by the rotation of the container 10. Thus, excellent contact is achieved between the desorption airflow and the particles of the desiccant material 5 without entraining the particles in the airflow, causing them to be subsequently lost with the desorption airflow.

[0089] The desorbed airflow exits container 10 via the second inflation space 25, the second airflow opening 29, and the third section 47 of the desorbed air line 44. From there, the desorbed airflow passes through a regenerative counter-current heat exchanger 49, where it releases some of its heat to the returning desorbed airflow flowing in the opposite direction through the regenerative counter-current heat exchanger 49. The now slightly cooled desorbed airflow flows along the fourth section 51 of the desorbed air line 44 to the hot-side inlet 52 of the counter-current heat exchanger 42, where it is cooled by the airflow supplied through the inlet line 67 of the counter-current heat exchanger 42 in the opposite direction. The cooling of the desorbed airflow in the counter-current heat exchanger 42 is sufficient to bring it below its dew point temperature, causing at least some of the water vapor in the desorbed airflow to condense. The condensate is collected from the counter-current heat exchanger 42.

[0090] Upon exiting the counter-current heat exchanger 42, the desorbed airflow flows along the fifth section 53 of the desorbed air line 44 to the cooler 56, where it is further cooled, and any remaining water from the desorbed airflow is condensed and collected. Subsequently, the desorbed airflow flows along the sixth section 58 of the desorbed air line 44 to the regenerative counter-current heat exchanger 49, where it is heated by the desorbed airflow exiting the water collection unit 20. Finally, the desorbed airflow passes through the seventh section 63 of the desorbed air line 44 and returns to the blower 43 to complete the closed loop.

[0091] Continue the desorption operation mode until the charge 4 of the granular desiccant material 5 becomes dry, or until it is otherwise determined that the desorption operation mode should end. For example, it has been found in experiments that the highest water desorption rate occurs within the first 10 minutes of operation, and continued operation after 10 minutes yields almost no benefit in terms of the desorbed water versus the energy and time used. When using an external energy source to operate the heater 45 and cooler 56, balancing the water yield rate with the energy used in the desorption operation mode is particularly important.

[0092] Optionally, a bypass line 68 can be provided to redirect air circulating around the regenerative countercurrent heat exchanger 49 in the desorption cycle from before the hot-side inlet 48 of the countercurrent regenerative heat exchanger 49 to after the cold-side outlet 50 of the regenerative heat exchanger 49. This allows control of the air temperature on the heat rejection side of the regenerative heat exchanger 49. A valve 69 located at the intersection 47 of the bypass line 68 and the line 44 controls how much hot air leaving the water collection unit 20 enters the regenerative heat exchanger 49 and how much (hot air) bypasses the regenerative heat exchanger 49 via the bypass line 68.

[0093] In some cases, it may be desirable to circulate the desorbed airflow around the closed loop of the desorbed air line 44 for a period of time before the countercurrent heat exchanger 42 is supplied with cooling air from the inlet line 67 and before the cooler 56 is operated. This allows the desorbed airflow to be loaded with water vapor from the dry desiccant particles 5 before any cooling / evaporation operation occurs. Since the airflow becomes increasingly water-saturated as the dew point temperature of the circulating airflow increases, this can potentially help improve the efficiency of the desorption operation. This, in turn, means that the circulating airflow requires less cooling to reach its dew point temperature, thus optimizing the amount of water that can be recovered by the countercurrent heat exchanger 42 and requiring less external energy input to the cooler 56. Preferably, the cooling of the desorbed airflow is introduced slowly or gradually so as not to remove excessive water from the circulating airflow, thereby reducing the relative humidity of the airflow and lowering its dew point below the temperature that can be reached in the countercurrent heat exchanger 42.

[0094] If the water collection system is operated in a hot environment (such as an arid region), the outside air temperature can be 40°C or higher. To maximize the water that can be recovered in the countercurrent heat exchanger 42, it is preferable that the circulating desorption gas flow becomes sufficiently saturated to raise the dew point temperature to 40°C (or higher). Operating the desorption cycle at the highest possible dew point temperature is also advantageous, because the less the circulating desorption gas flow must be cooled (for water release), the less it must be heated by heater 45 in the desorption operation mode (e.g.) to desorb water vapor from the particulate desiccant material 5.

[0095] It should be understood that, in its simplest form, the second air-filled space 25 of the water collection unit 20 can be a simple conduit extending from one or more openings 13 of one or more containers 10 to transfer air to the next stage in the adsorption / desorption operation.

[0096] The preferred material for the particulate desiccant material 5 is a MOF material, such as aluminum fumarate. Tests have shown that, when used in the aforementioned system, the particulate MOF material can desorb / regenerate at air temperatures as low as 55°C, thereby enabling it to utilize its own "low-grade heat" source to provide heating power. This is beneficial from both an environmental and efficiency perspective.

[0097] In the experiment, 100g of aluminum fumarate material 4 with an average particle size of 0.3mm to 1mm was used in a container 10 with a diameter of approximately 190mm. In adsorption mode, the container 10 was rotated at approximately 200 rpm, and an airflow rate of approximately 15 L / min passed through the container 10 around its circumference. This produced an annular bed 6 with fully fluidized particulate desiccant material 5. In desorption mode, the container 10 was rotated at approximately 120 to 150 rpm, and a desorption airflow rate of 5 L / min passed through the container 10 around its circumference. Again, this produced an annular bed 6 with fully fluidized particulate desiccant material 5.

[0098] It should be understood that these are merely examples, and other suitable container sizes, fill sizes, speeds, and flow rates may exist depending on the precise operating parameters and the type and particle size of the desiccant used.

[0099] Since the pressure drop across the ring 6 of the desiccant material 5 formed as the container 10 rotates becomes too high, and more power is required to fluidize the annular bed of granular desiccant material 5, it is inefficient to overload the container 10 with a large amount of granular desiccant material 5.

[0100] It should be noted that the rotational speed and airflow rate of container 10 can vary between adsorption and desorption operation modes depending on the specific parameters of the system. It should also be noted that the duration of the adsorption operation mode does not need to match the duration of the desorption operation mode, and depends on system parameters and the location / conditions of the operation; one operation mode may require a longer run time than the other.

[0101] Although it has been discussed Figure 4 The specific layout and operation of the system described herein pertain to the operation of the water collection system 30; however, it should be understood that many variations are possible. For example, adsorption operations can be performed without the use of cooler 34, and desorption operations can be performed without the regenerative counter-current heat exchanger 49 and / or cooler 56. In its simplest form, the desorption operation may consist only of passing a heated atmospheric gas stream through the water collection unit 20 and the heat exchanger 42. It should also be understood that either the counter-current heat exchangers 42, 49 can be replaced with a parallel-flow heat exchanger. The counter-current heat exchanger 42 can also be replaced with a cooler.

[0102] Figure 5 A water collection unit 120 is disclosed, comprising a chamber 121 having a boundary wall 122 and a partition member 123 defining a first inflatable space 124 below the partition member 123 and a second inflatable space 125 above the partition member 123. The partition member 123 has a plurality of openings 126 (see...). Figure 6 The lip 9 of a plurality of containers 10 supported by a rotary bearing 27 is provided. The base 11 and most of the sidewalls 12 of the containers 10 are located within a first inflation space 124, and the container opening 13 opens to a second inflation space 125.

[0103] Although not shown, each container 10 of the water collection unit 120 includes a hub 18 to facilitate rotation of the container 10 during use. A drive assembly (not shown) is provided to drive the rotation of the container 10 via the hub 18. The hub 18 may be driven by one or more motors located inside or outside the chamber 121 and connected to the hub 18 via one or more belt drives.

[0104] The chamber 121 also includes a first airflow opening 128 located in the boundary wall 122 near the first inflation space 124 and a second airflow opening 129 located in the boundary wall 122 near the second inflation space 125. The first airflow opening 128 and the second airflow opening 129 provide an inlet and an outlet opening for airflow during use.

[0105] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of the water collection unit 120. (See attached image.) Figure 6As shown, the separating member 123 is not parallel to the boundary wall 122 on either side of the inflation spaces 124, 125, such that, in the direction parallel to the first airflow opening 128, the first inflation space 124 has a larger cross-sectional area at its inlet end than at its opposite closed end. Similarly, in the direction parallel to the second airflow opening 129, the second inflation space 125 has a larger cross-sectional area at its outlet end than at its opposite closed end. This configuration helps ensure a constant pressure drop, which is well known in the piping industry. Therefore, during use, the airflow through the sidewall 12 of the container 10 is substantially uniform across all containers 10.

[0106] It should be easy to understand that, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The water collection unit 120 can be used in Figure 4 In the water collection system 30, the water collection unit 120 is replaced. Since the water collection unit 120 has multiple containers 10 located within a chamber 121 and operating simultaneously, the amount of water that can be generated from this system will exceed the amount that can be generated from the water collection unit 20. Figure 4 The amount of water produced by the system is proportional to the amount of desiccant used.

[0107] Figures 7 to 9 A water collection unit 220 is shown. Figure 10 The box 200 in the box. The box 200 includes a housing 201 defining an inflation space 225. The housing 201 is defined by a boundary wall 222 and a partition wall 223 including four partition wall openings 226. The boundary wall 222 also defines an airflow opening 229 at one end. Figure 9 The box also includes four containers 10, each of which is housed in one of the partition wall openings 226 and is supported by bearings 227 for rotation therein.

[0108] Each container 10 includes a hub 18 connected to a motor 250 via a belt drive 251. The motor 250 and the belt drive 251 together form a drive assembly 252 for driving the rotation of the container 10 during use. The base 11 of the container 10 is supported by a frame 260, which includes a support beam 261 and side straps 262 connecting the support beam 261 to the boundary wall 222 of the housing 201.

[0109] Reference Figure 10The water collection unit 220 includes a chamber 221 defining a first inflation space 224. The chamber 221 is configured to accommodate six boxes 200 in a side-by-side and stacked configuration. It should be understood that any suitable number of boxes 200 can be accommodated in the chamber 221, and the boxes 200 can be constructed in any suitable manner. For example, the boxes can be arranged as a single stack, or arranged side-by-side without stacking. Furthermore, depending on the specific orientation of any particular box relative to the chamber 221, the airflow openings 229 of the box 200 can be located on different sides of the chamber 221.

[0110] exist Figure 10 In the example, all airflow openings 229 of the box 200 lead to a third inflation space 230 defined by the chamber 221 and are separated from the first inflation space 224 by a partition wall 231. The box 200 is supported within the chamber 221 by the partition wall 231 and other frames (not shown). When installed within the chamber 221, the containers 10 of the box 200 are positioned such that their bases 11 and most of their sidewalls 12 are located within the first inflation space 224. The chamber 221 includes a first airflow opening 228 that allows airflow into the first inflation space 224 during use. Air is guided into the first inflation space 224 by a baffle 229.

[0111] Box 200 can be easily removed and replaced, allowing the granular desiccant material 5 to be topped up or replaced as needed, or for damaged parts to be replaced or secured. This is advantageous because it allows for quick maintenance and minimal system downtime.

[0112] It should be easy to understand that, Figure 10 Water collection unit 220 can be used Figure 4 In the water collection system 30, it replaces the water collection unit 20.

[0113] Figure 11a and Figure 11b A perspective view of an alternative water collection box 300 is shown, comprising a chamber 341 having a boundary wall 342 and a partition member 343 defining a box inflation space 344 located within the boundary wall 342 and below the partition member 343. The partition member 343 has an opening 346 in which the lip 9 of a container 10 supported by a rotary bearing is received. Thus, the base 11 and most of the sidewalls 12 of the container 10 are located within the box inflation space 344.

[0114] The container 300 includes air funnels 350 located at each corner of the chamber 341. Each air funnel 350 includes an air inlet 452 and an air outlet 353. The air inlet 352 is located at the lower corner of the chamber 341, and the air outlet 353 is positioned near the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 of the container 10. The air outlets 353 are configured such that they substantially cover the entire first quarter of the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12. Thus, when all four air funnels 350 are in place, the first portion 14 of the sidewall 12 is substantially covered by the funnel outlets 353.

[0115] The air funnel includes an array of baffles 351 to guide and funnel airflow from the air inlet 352 to the air outlet 353. In practice, it has been found that the provision of the air funnel 350 improves airflow around the container 10, reduces air pressure drop, and thus reduces the power requirement for the air blower. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baffles 351 can be constructed in conjunction with… Figure 11a and Figure 11b The differences are shown.

[0116] The air funnel 450 is supported by the boundary wall 342 of the box 300. In one embodiment, the base of the box 340 below the container 10 may include a partition wall having an opening at each corner to allow air to flow into the airflow opening 452 of the air funnel 450. Alternatively, the base of the box 340 may be open.

[0117] Figure 12 A plurality of boxes 300 are shown arranged together in a water collection unit 320 including a chamber 321. The boxes 340 are arranged in a stacked array within the chamber 321 such that the box inflation space 344 is open to a first inflation space 324 within the chamber 321. The opening 13 of the container 10 opens to a second inflation space 325 within the chamber 321. Seals (not shown) are located between the chambers 341 of the boxes 300 to seal and separate the first inflation space 324 from the second inflation space 325 within the chamber 321. Although... Figure 12 Not shown, but in use the container 10 is rotated by a drive system acting on the hub 10 of each container 10.

[0118] In an alternative embodiment, the box 340 may include a single partition 343 comprising a plurality of openings 346 in which the lips 9 of corresponding plurality of containers 10 are received. In this arrangement, the boundary wall 342 may be a continuous interconnected plate. Alternatively, the boundary wall 324 may be omitted entirely, in which case a frame is provided to support the air funnel 350.

[0119] Water collection unit 320 is suitable for Figure 4 30. Water collection system.

[0120] The number of water collection units 20, 120, 220, and 320, or the number of containers 10 within water collection units 20, 120, 220, and 320, can be varied between adsorption and desorption operation modes. This can be useful for balancing the time spent operating in adsorption mode and the time spent operating in desorption mode. In either operation mode, the number of water collection units 20, 120, 220, and 320 used at any given time, or the number of containers 10 within water collection units 20, 120, 220, and 320, can be adjusted using appropriate piping, control valves, and controllers.

[0121] Figure 13 An alternative water collection unit 440 is shown that operates in desorption mode. Due to the water collection system 30 (as described above...) Figure 4 The process of using heat to expel water from MOF particles preferably involves making the air in the desorption cycle as humid as possible, thereby raising the dew point temperature so that ambient air can be used as a cooling medium to condense water from the desorption gas flow. This results in an increase in water vapor pressure inside the desorption cycle. If the water collection unit 320 is not vapor-sealed, the increased water vapor pressure inside the water collection unit 320 tends to drive the gas flow outward toward the surrounding ambient air, which has a lower water vapor pressure. Therefore, it is preferable that the water collection unit 320 is vapor-sealed, or that the water collection unit 320 is located inside a vapor-sealed container.

[0122] In order to condense water from the desorption gas stream during the desorption cycle, it is necessary to have a cooling surface with a temperature lower than the dew point temperature of the desorption gas stream. Since the water collection system 30 uses ambient air as the cooling medium, the desorption gas stream needs to have a dew point temperature that is a certain amount higher than the ambient air temperature.

[0123] It is known that dew point temperature increases with increasing pressure. However, a problem exists that increased pressure during desorption cycles reduces the desorption performance of MOF materials. Surprisingly, during testing, it was determined that increasing the pressure during desorption cycles did not affect the desorption performance of MOF materials. It was found that an increase in pressure of approximately 2 bar resulted in an increase in dew point temperature of approximately 20°C.

[0124] Figure 13 The water collection unit 440 includes a water collection unit located inside the pressure vessel 441. Figure 12 Water collection unit 320. Pressure vessel 441 has two functions: the first is to ensure a vapor-tight environment for the desorption cycle, and the second is to allow pressurization during the desorption cycle.

[0125] Figure 13 The water collection system is marked with the above Figure 4The same reference numerals are used throughout, making it easy to understand the desorption cycle of the water collection system 30 performed by the water collection unit 440. Figure 15 A schematic version of the water collection unit 440 is also shown, and according to Figure 4 The accompanying figures are labeled accordingly.

[0126] Figure 14 The operation in adsorption mode is shown. Figure 13 The water collection unit 440. The pressure vessel 441 includes sealable doors 442 and 443, which are opened to allow ambient air from the environment to flow through the pressure vessel and through the water collection unit 320, so that water can be adsorbed by the MOF material in the container 10 of the water collection unit 320. Once the MOF material in the container 10 is sufficiently saturated with water, the doors are sealed closed, thereby enabling desorption cycles.

[0127] It should be understood that the water collection unit 440 is not limited to... Figure 12 The water collection unit 320 is used together, and any of the above-mentioned water collection units 20, 120, and 220 can be used equally well inside the pressure vessel 441.

[0128] As mentioned above, [the text has already been referenced]. Figures 1 to 3 The specific example shown describes one or more containers 10. It should be understood that the one or more containers 10 can be of any suitable shape and construction, and the one or more containers 10 are not limited to the specific example described above. In particular, it should be understood that the sidewalls 12 of the container 10 need not be frustoconical, and the container 10 does not need to include a lip 9 of frustoconical or other shape. In another example (not shown), the base 11 of the container 10 is frustoconical, such that it diverges upward toward the base of the sidewall 12.

[0129] The container 10 can be made of any suitable material capable of supporting the particulate desiccant material 5 and rotating at a speed sufficient to cause the particulate desiccant material 5 to form rings 6 adjacent to the sidewall 12 during use. Furthermore, if the orifice 16 has a sufficiently small size to contain the particulate desiccant material 5, the sidewall 12 of the container 10 does not need to include an internal porous layer 17. If an internal porous layer 17 is used, it does not need to be flexible or woven, provided it is porous.

[0130] Finally, although described in the context of water collection operations, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described systems and methods can be used for any dehumidification operation, such as the dehumidification of chemical gas streams in building air conditioning systems or industrial processes. Furthermore, it should be understood that the adsorption and desorption gas streams can include gases and gas mixtures other than air.

Claims

1. A water collection unit, comprising: The chamber includes a first inflatable space and a second inflatable space located on both sides of the partition member, respectively; A container supported for rotation within the chamber, wherein the container includes a base and sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls extend from the base to a container opening, and wherein the base is substantially fluid-impermeable and at least a portion of the sidewalls is fluid-permeable, wherein the base and most of the sidewalls of the container are located in a first inflation space, and wherein the container opening is open to a second inflation space via an opening in the partition member. The rotation of the container can form a ring of particulate desiccant material adjacent to the sidewall.

2. The water collection unit according to claim 1, comprising: The granular desiccant material is loaded into the container.

3. The water collection unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid-permeable portion of the sidewall comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a substantially rigid porous material, and wherein the inner layer comprises a rigid or flexible porous material.

4. The water collection unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sidewall of the container includes a first portion near the base and a second portion near the container opening, wherein the first portion of the sidewall is fluid-permeable and wherein the second portion of the sidewall is substantially fluid-impermeable.

5. The water collection unit according to claim 4, wherein, The first part of the sidewall is a truncated cone shape that radiates from the base of the container toward the second part of the sidewall.

6. The water collection unit according to claim 4, wherein, The second part of the sidewall is a truncated cone that converges toward the container opening.

7. The water collection unit according to claim 1, 2, 5 or 6, wherein, The base of the container is a conical or truncated conical shape that radiates toward the sidewall.

8. The water collection unit according to claim 1, 2, 5 or 6, comprising: At least one air funnel is configured to guide air toward a fluid-permeable portion of the sidewall.

9. The water collection unit according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one air funnel is configured to cover one-quarter of the fluid-permeable portion of the sidewall.

10. The water collection unit according to claim 8, comprising four air funnels.

11. The water collection unit according to claim 1, 2, 5, 6, 9 or 10, comprising: Multiple containers are supported for rotation within the chamber.

12. The water collection unit according to claim 11, wherein, The chamber includes a plurality of second inflatable spaces and a plurality of corresponding partitions, wherein each second inflatable space is open to the container openings of two or more containers via an opening in the corresponding partition.

13. The water collection unit according to claim 12, wherein, The base and most of the sidewalls of each container are located in a common first inflation space.

14. The water collection unit according to claim 11, wherein, At least some of the containers are offset from each other in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the containers.

15. The water collection unit according to claim 14, wherein, At least some of the containers share a common axis of rotation.

16. The water collection unit according to claim 11, comprising: The drive component is configured to provide rotational drive to multiple containers when in use.

17. The water collection unit according to claim 16, wherein, The drive component is configured to provide rotational drive to each container when in use.

18. The water collection unit according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12 to 17, wherein, The water collection unit is located in a pressurized container.

19. The water collection unit according to claim 18, wherein, The pressurized container includes a sealable door.

20. A box for a water collection unit, the box comprising: A housing defining an inflation space, the housing including a boundary wall and a partition wall, wherein the partition wall includes one or more partition wall openings, and wherein the boundary wall defines an airflow opening; as well as One or more containers supported for rotation relative to the housing, wherein each container includes a base and a sidewall, wherein the sidewall extends from the base to a container opening, and wherein the base is substantially fluid-impermeable and at least a portion of the sidewall is fluid-permeable, wherein each container opening is rotatably received within a partition wall opening. The rotation of the one or more containers can form a ring of particulate desiccant material adjacent to the sidewall.

21. The box according to claim 20, comprising: A drive component, which is configured to provide rotational drive to one or more containers when in use.

22. A chamber configured to receive one or more boxes according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The chamber defines a first inflation space, in which, when in use, the base and most of the sidewalls of the box or one or more containers of each box are located within the first inflation space.

23. A water collection unit comprising a chamber according to claim 22 and one or more cartridges according to claim 20 or 21.

24. The water collection unit according to claim 23, wherein, The water collection unit is located in a pressurized container.

25. The water collection unit according to claim 24, wherein, The pressurized container includes a sealable door.

26. A water collection system, comprising: One or more water collection units according to any one of claims 1 to 19 or 23 to 25; An atmospheric air system, comprising an air booster configured to supply atmospheric airflow to the first inflated space or each of the first inflated spaces in an adsorption operation mode. A desorption air system, comprising an air booster configured to supply a desorption airflow to the first inflation space or each of the first inflation spaces in a desorption operation mode. as well as A heat exchanger is configured to cool the desorbed gas stream exiting the water collection unit in the desorbed operation mode, such that, in use, at least some of the water vapor contained in the desorbed gas stream condenses within the heat exchanger.

27. The water collection system according to claim 26, wherein, The atmospheric air system includes an exhaust line configured to deliver atmospheric air away from one or more water collection units, wherein the exhaust line is configured to deliver at least a portion of the atmospheric airflow to the heat exchanger for use as a coolant during operation.

28. The water collection system according to claim 26 or 27, wherein, The atmospheric air system includes a cooler located upstream of the one or more water collection units during use, relative to the direction of atmospheric airflow.

29. The water collection system according to claim 26 or 27, wherein, The desorbed air system includes a closed loop such that, in use, the desorbed airflow passes through the one or more water collection units and the heat exchanger before being recirculated to the one or more first air-filled spaces of the water collection unit.

30. The water collection system according to claim 29, wherein, The desorbed air system includes a regenerative heat exchanger configured to facilitate heat exchange between the desorbed airflow leaving the water collection unit and the desorbed airflow returning to the water collection unit.

31. The water collection system according to claim 29, wherein, The desorption air system includes a heater, which is located upstream of the water collection unit in use relative to the direction of the desorption airflow, and downstream of the regenerative heat exchanger if one is present.

32. The water collection system according to claim 29, wherein, The desorbed air system includes a supplemental cooler located downstream of the heat exchanger in use, relative to the direction of the desorbed airflow, and upstream of the regenerative heat exchanger if one is present.

33. The water collection system according to any one of claims 26, 27 or 30 to 32, comprising: The first water collection reservoir includes one or more water collection units; And a second water collection reservoir, comprising one or more water collection units, wherein the system is configured such that, in use, when one of the first or second water collection reservoirs is operating in an adsorption operation mode, the other water collection reservoir is capable of operating in a desorption operation mode.

34. The water collection system according to any one of claims 26, 27 or 30 to 32, wherein, The water collection system is located in a pressurized container.

35. The water collection system according to claim 34, wherein, The pressurized container includes a sealable door.

36. A method for collecting water from atmospheric air, the method comprising: An atmospheric airflow is passed through a rotating container, wherein the container includes a base and sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls extend from the base to a container opening, and wherein the base is substantially fluid-impermeable and at least a portion of the sidewalls is fluid-permeable, wherein the container contains a charge of particulate desiccant material, wherein passing the atmospheric airflow through the rotating container includes passing the flow from the outside of the container through the sidewalls of the rotating container to the inside of the container, wherein the atmospheric airflow exits the container via the container opening; The atmospheric airflow is stopped from passing through the rotating container; The desorption gas flow is passed through the rotating container, wherein passing the desorption gas flow through the rotating container includes causing the flow to pass from the outside of the container through the side wall of the rotating container to the inside of the container, wherein the desorption gas flow exits the container via the container opening; and Cool the desorption gas stream exiting the container to recover liquid water from the desorption gas stream; The rotation of the container can form a ring of particulate desiccant material adjacent to the sidewall.

37. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to claim 36, wherein, Passing the atmospheric airflow through the rotating container includes passing the atmospheric airflow through the container within a first predetermined time period, and wherein passing the desorbed airflow through the rotating container includes passing the desorbed airflow through the container within a second predetermined time period, wherein the first predetermined time period and the second predetermined time period can be equal.

38. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to claim 37, comprising: Change the first predetermined time period and / or the second predetermined time period.

39. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to any one of claims 36 to 38, comprising: The atmospheric airflow is cooled before passing through the container.

40. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein, Cooling the desorbed gas stream includes a first cooling step, followed by a further second cooling step.

41. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to any one of claims 36 to 38, comprising: The desorption gas stream is heated before it passes through the container.

42. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein, The desorption gas flow includes a closed loop flow, such that the desorption gas flow circulates around the closed loop.

43. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to claim 42, comprising: The desorption gas flow leaving the container is used to heat the container before the returning desorption gas flow re-enters it.

44. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to claim 42, comprising: Measure the temperature and / or relative humidity of the circulating desorption gas stream, and prevent the cooling of the circulating desorption gas stream until the temperature and / or relative humidity have reached a predetermined value.

45. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to any one of claims 36 to 38, 43 or 44, comprising: Atmospheric airflow is passed through the first rotating container while the desorbed airflow passes through the second rotating container.

46. ​​The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to claim 45, comprising: The atmospheric flow exiting the first container is used to cool the desorbed flow exiting the second container.

47. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to claim 45, comprising: Stop the airflow through the first rotating container; Stop the desorption gas flow through the second rotating container; as well as The atmospheric airflow is passed through the second rotating container while the desorbed airflow passes through the first rotating container.

48. The method for collecting water from atmospheric air according to any one of claims 36 to 38, 43, 44, 46 or 47, wherein: The container or each container rotates at a speed sufficient to propel the particulate desiccant material outward from the axis of rotation by centrifugal force, to form an annular body of desiccant particles adjacent to the sidewalls of the container; and The velocities of the atmospheric airflow and the desorption airflow are sufficient to cause the annular body of the desiccant particles to form a bed that is at least partially fluidized.

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