A method for obtaining fresh water from seawater

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for obtaining fresh water from seawater. The method involves dripping or spraying seawater onto the heating end of a semiconductor cooling chip to cause it to evaporate, then condensing and collecting the evaporated water vapor above it to obtain fresh water. This invention can produce fresh water using seawater and is simple, convenient, practical, efficient, and stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of water production, specifically to a method for obtaining fresh water from seawater. Background Technology

[0002] Water is one of the essential material foundations for human survival. In some areas lacking freshwater resources, such as islands, how to reliably obtain freshwater has been a subject of ongoing research.

[0003] CN201711488928.9 disclosed a method for obtaining fresh water from seawater based on an enrichment membrane. The enrichment membrane is connected to a compressor via a heating device, and a condensation device is installed inside the enrichment membrane. The air is initially filtered to remove impurities, and then the heated air is introduced into the lower-temperature enrichment membrane device. Moisture in the air condenses, and water molecules pass through and are adsorbed onto the hydrophilic membrane, forming large water droplets. These droplets flow into a storage tank under gravity. Finally, the collected water is introduced into a filtration and sterilization device equipped with a reverse osmosis membrane to obtain directly drinkable water. CN201711484097.8 disclosed a method for obtaining fresh water from seawater using a molecular sieve membrane. The method involves first using an air filter and compressor to remove impurities and compress the air; then, the compressed air is introduced into a molecular sieve membrane water purification device for water production; finally, the water produced by the molecular sieve membrane water purification device is introduced into a water filtration and sterilization device for purification, ultimately yielding directly drinkable water. The molecular sieve membrane water purification device includes a shell and a molecular sieve membrane column and a centrifugal motor disposed inside the shell. The centrifugal motor drives the molecular sieve membrane column to rotate and produce water from the air. However, the above-mentioned patented methods all rely on special membrane structures, resulting in high costs and low membrane recyclability, leading to poor durability.

[0004] Therefore, how to design a simpler, more convenient, and more durable method to obtain fresh water directly from seawater has become a technical problem that needs to be considered and solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is: how to provide a method for obtaining fresh water from seawater that is simple, convenient, practical, efficient and stable.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A method for obtaining fresh water from seawater is characterized by dripping or spraying seawater onto the heating end of a semiconductor cooling chip to cause it to evaporate, and then condensing and collecting the evaporated water vapor above to obtain fresh water.

[0008] In this way, the method obtains fresh water by heating and evaporating seawater with a semiconductor cooling chip and then condensing and collecting it. The method is simple, convenient, easy to implement, and practical.

[0009] Furthermore, this method relies on a semiconductor seawater desalination device capable of producing water from seawater. The semiconductor seawater desalination device includes a shell, with an upward-facing spherical semiconductor cooling chip in the lower part of the shell. The spherical semiconductor cooling chip is connected to a controller and its upper surface is a heating end. It also includes an upward-facing spherical condensing top cover spaced above the spherical semiconductor cooling chip. A seawater evaporation chamber is formed between the condensing top cover and the spherical semiconductor cooling chip. An opening is provided at the top of the upper end of the shell, forming a seawater storage chamber between the opening and the condensing top cover. At least two downward-facing branch arms are evenly distributed around the seawater storage chamber. The lower ends of the branch arms penetrate the shell and have liquid outlets facing the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor cooling chip. A ring of upper water inlet is also provided on the inner side of the lower end of the condensing top cover.

[0010] In this way, seawater is poured into the seawater storage chamber through the opening at the top of the outer shell, and then slowly drips down through the branch arm onto the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor cooling chip. Since the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor cooling chip is the heating end, it can heat the seawater, causing it to vaporize efficiently. The vaporized water vapor rises and condenses into fresh water on the inner surface of the condenser cover, flowing into the upper water tank to obtain fresh water. This achieves seawater desalination and provides fresh water resources, which is particularly convenient for use on islands or in the sea. In addition, this seawater desalination module is not only suitable for seawater, but can also be used to obtain clean fresh water from other unsanitary water sources.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper water tank is connected to an upper water outlet pipe with a switch valve that extends outward from the outer casing.

[0012] This makes it more convenient to dispense and collect water.

[0013] Furthermore, an atomizing nozzle is installed at the liquid outlet. This ensures that the liquid can be more evenly and finely spread on the surface of the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip, allowing for better heating and vaporization.

[0014] Furthermore, a cleaning outlet pipe with a switch valve is connected to the lower outer shell of the seawater evaporation chamber. This facilitates the drainage of cleaning fluids and the discharge of excess seawater.

[0015] Furthermore, the seawater production module also includes a cleaning brush device. The cleaning brush device includes a pressure plate horizontally arranged on the upper part of the outer shell. The pressure plate is slidably located in a diameter-reducing section at the upper end of the outer shell. A pressure rod is arranged downward in the middle of the pressure plate. The pressure rod is slidably fitted into a sleeve fixed to the condenser top cover. A pressable telescopic spring is also abutted between the pressure rod and the sleeve. The lower part of the pressure rod is a helical rod and fits in a rotating nut. A brush arm that matches and fits against the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip is arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating nut. The rotating nut is relatively limited in the height direction to the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip, and there is a space gap between the rotating nut and the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip for the helical rod at the lower part of the pressure rod to be inserted.

[0016] In this way, when the device is in use, after the seawater to be purified is poured in, the seawater presses the pressure plate downwards, causing the pressure rod to push downwards. This, in turn, drives the rotating nut via the lower screw rod, causing the brush arm to rotate and slide on the surface of the spherical thermoelectric cooler, cleaning the surface of the cooler and keeping it clean to prevent residual salt from adhering and affecting the continuous evaporation effect. After the pressure plate is pressed down below the variable diameter section at the top of the outer casing, seawater flows into the seawater storage chamber through the gaps around the pressure plate. After the pressure is released, the cooler returns to its original position under the action of the telescopic spring. This automatic cleaning of residual salt from the spherical thermoelectric cooler surface is completed every time seawater is added, making it very convenient and practical.

[0017] Furthermore, a pressure handle extending from the upper opening of the outer casing is provided on the pressure plate. This allows for manual cleaning when needed.

[0018] Furthermore, the lower surface of the brush arm is provided with bristles that contact the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor cooling chip. This allows for better cleaning.

[0019] Furthermore, the device also includes an air-to-water module, which includes the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler and a ring of water-receiving troughs arranged around the inner periphery of the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler. Downward-facing support feet are evenly distributed below the water-receiving troughs. A straight-plate thermoelectric cooler is vertically arranged in the middle of the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler. The straight-plate thermoelectric cooler divides the interior of the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler into two opposing chambers on both sides. Porous absorbent material is applied to both sides of the straight-plate thermoelectric cooler. The straight-plate thermoelectric cooler is connected to a controller, which includes a switching control module that allows for intermittent cyclic switching of the current direction of the straight-plate thermoelectric cooler.

[0020] In operation, after powering on the controller, it switches between the two sides of the flat-plate thermoelectric cooler. One side of the flat-plate cooler is the cooling end, and the other side is the heating end. Since the entire device is supported by feet, the cooling end is in direct contact with the outside atmosphere. The porous absorbent material increases the contact area with the air, and the combined action of the condensing end and the porous absorbent material produces a powerful condensation and adsorption effect, efficiently condensing and liquefying water vapor in the air and adsorbing it into the porous absorbent material. When the porous absorbent material is saturated with water, the current direction of the flat-plate thermoelectric cooler is switched, turning the cooling end into the heating end. The generated heat evaporates the water adsorbed in the porous absorbent material. The evaporated water vapor rises and condenses upon contact with the top spherical thermoelectric cooler. The condensed water flows down the inner wall of the spherical thermoelectric cooler into the lower water tank, completing the water extraction process. By repeatedly switching between these processes, the porous absorbent material can be continuously dried and regenerated, ensuring that the condensation and adsorption effect produced by its interaction with the cooling end of the thermoelectric cooler remains at its optimal level for an extended period. This avoids the drawback of reduced water vapor condensation when the cooling end of the thermoelectric cooler is full of water. This guarantees a more durable and efficient water production effect. Therefore, this device can simultaneously achieve seawater desalination and air-to-water conversion. The seawater desalination section and the air-to-water conversion module share the same spherical thermoelectric cooler, saving component costs and greatly improving the efficiency of freshwater resource acquisition.

[0021] Furthermore, a water content sensor is also provided in the porous water-absorbing material on both sides of the straight-plate semiconductor cooling chip, and the water content sensor is connected to the controller.

[0022] This allows for better detection of the water content adsorbed within the porous absorbent material, enabling more accurate control of current direction switching and ensuring better water production.

[0023] Furthermore, each side of the straight-plate semiconductor cooling chip is provided with a vertically outward thermally conductive protrusion. The thermally conductive protrusion is made of a highly thermally conductive material (such as metal, ceramic, carbon nanotube, etc.), and the porous water-absorbing material is attached to the surface of the thermally conductive protrusion.

[0024] This increases the contact area between the condenser and the air, thus improving the water condensation efficiency.

[0025] Furthermore, the heat-conducting protrusions are arranged in rows, and the rows of heat-conducting protrusions are staggered in the vertical direction.

[0026] This improves the contact between the heat-conducting protrusions and the air, thus enhancing the water condensation efficiency.

[0027] Furthermore, the lower end of the straight-plate semiconductor cooling chip has a downwardly extending barrier section.

[0028] This separates the heating chamber and the condensing chamber, better preventing the high temperature at one side of the heating end of the flat-plate semiconductor refrigeration chip from affecting the condensation effect at the other side.

[0029] Furthermore, the lower water tank is equipped with a drain pipe with a switch valve, making it more convenient to dispense and use water.

[0030] In summary, the present invention can obtain fresh water by relying on seawater, and has the characteristics of being simple, convenient, practical, efficient, and more stable. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the semiconductor seawater desalination device used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view.

[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the separate cleaning brush device.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the semiconductor seawater desalination device used in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] Example 1: A method for obtaining fresh water from seawater, characterized in that seawater is dripped or sprayed onto the heating end of a semiconductor cooling chip to evaporate it, and then the evaporated water vapor is condensed and collected above to obtain fresh water.

[0037] In this way, the method obtains fresh water by heating and evaporating seawater with a semiconductor cooling chip and then condensing and collecting it. The method is simple, convenient, easy to implement, and practical.

[0038] In this embodiment, the method relies on a semiconductor seawater desalination device capable of producing water from seawater. (See attached image for details.) Figure 1-3As shown, the device includes an outer shell 1, with an upward-facing spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip 2 in the lower part of the outer shell 1. The spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip 2 is connected to a controller 3 and its upper surface is a heating end. It also includes an upward-facing spherical condensing top cover 4, which is spaced above the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip 2. A seawater evaporation chamber 5 is formed between the condensing top cover 4 and the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip 2. An opening is provided at the top of the upper end of the outer shell 1, and a seawater storage chamber 6 is formed between the opening and the condensing top cover. At least two branch arms 7 are evenly distributed around the seawater storage chamber 6 and are connected downwards. The lower end of the branch arms 7 penetrates into the outer shell and is provided with a liquid outlet facing the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip. A ring of upper water inlet trough 8 is also provided on the inner side of the lower end of the condensing top cover.

[0039] In this way, seawater is poured into the seawater storage chamber through the opening at the top of the outer shell, and then slowly drips down through the branch arm onto the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor cooling chip. Since the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor cooling chip is the heating end, it can heat the seawater, causing it to vaporize efficiently. The vaporized water vapor rises and condenses into fresh water on the inner surface of the condenser cover, flowing into the upper water tank to obtain fresh water resources. This achieves seawater desalination and provides fresh water resources, which is particularly convenient for use on islands or in the sea. In addition, this seawater desalination module is not only suitable for seawater, but can also be used to obtain clean fresh water from other unsanitary water sources. Furthermore, the use of the spherical semiconductor cooling chip maximizes the use of space within a limited area to improve water production efficiency, and this structure also makes surface cleaning easier.

[0040] The upper water tank 8 is connected to an upper water outlet pipe 9 with a switch valve that extends outward from the outer casing.

[0041] This makes it more convenient to dispense and collect water.

[0042] The liquid outlet is equipped with an atomizing nozzle. This ensures that the liquid is more evenly and finely spread on the surface of the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip, allowing for better heating and vaporization.

[0043] The lower part of the seawater evaporation chamber 5 is also connected to a cleaning outlet pipe 10 with a switch valve. This facilitates cleaning drainage and the discharge of excess seawater.

[0044] The seawater production module also includes a cleaning brush device. The cleaning brush device includes a pressure plate 11 horizontally arranged on the upper part of the outer shell. The pressure plate 11 is slidably located in a diameter-reducing section 12 at the upper end of the outer shell. A pressure rod 13 is arranged downward in the middle of the pressure plate. The pressure rod 13 is slidably sleeved in a sleeve 14 fixed on the condenser top cover. A pressable telescopic spring 15 is also abutted between the pressure rod 13 and the sleeve 14. The lower part of the pressure rod is a spiral rod 16 and is fitted in a rotating nut 17. A brush arm 18 is provided on the outer periphery of the rotating nut 17 and is matched and attached to the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip. The rotating nut 17 is relatively limited in the height direction to the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip, and there is a space gap between the rotating nut and the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip for the spiral rod 16 at the lower part of the pressure rod to be inserted.

[0045] In this way, when the device is in use, after the seawater to be purified is poured in, the seawater presses the pressure plate downwards, causing the pressure rod to push downwards. This, in turn, drives the rotating nut via the lower screw rod, causing the brush arm to rotate and slide on the surface of the spherical thermoelectric cooler, cleaning the surface of the cooler and keeping it clean to prevent residual salt from adhering and affecting the continuous evaporation effect. After the pressure plate is pressed down below the variable diameter section at the top of the outer casing, seawater flows into the seawater storage chamber through the gaps around the pressure plate. After the pressure is released, the cooler returns to its original position under the action of the telescopic spring. This automatic cleaning of residual salt from the spherical thermoelectric cooler surface is completed every time seawater is added, making it very convenient and practical.

[0046] The pressure plate 11 has a pressure handle 19 extending out of the opening at the top of the outer casing. This allows for manual cleaning when needed.

[0047] The lower surface of the brush arm is provided with bristles 20 that contact the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor cooling chip. This allows for better cleaning.

[0048] Example 2, the difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that, as follows, Figure 4 The semiconductor seawater desalination device shown is implemented in [the following context: the semiconductor seawater desalination device in...] Figure 1-3 Based on the device shown, an air-to-water module has been added. See [link to device description]. Figure 4The system includes the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler 2, and a ring of water inlets 21 arranged on the inner side of the periphery of the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler 2. The water inlets 21 are evenly distributed with downward support feet 22 below them. A straight plate-shaped thermoelectric cooler 23 is also vertically arranged in the middle of the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler 2. The straight plate-shaped thermoelectric cooler 23 divides the interior of the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler into two opposing chambers on both sides. Porous water-absorbing material 24 is covered on both sides of the straight plate-shaped thermoelectric cooler. The straight plate-shaped thermoelectric cooler 23 is connected to the controller 3. The controller 3 is equipped with a switching control module that realizes the interval cyclic switching control of the current direction of the straight plate-shaped thermoelectric cooler.

[0049] In operation, after powering on the controller, it switches between the two sides of the flat-plate thermoelectric cooler. One side of the flat-plate cooler is the cooling end, and the other side is the heating end. Since the entire device is supported by feet, the cooling end is in direct contact with the outside atmosphere. The porous absorbent material increases the contact area with the air, and the combined action of the condensing end and the porous absorbent material produces a powerful condensation and adsorption effect, efficiently condensing and liquefying water vapor in the air and adsorbing it into the porous absorbent material. When the porous absorbent material is saturated with water, the current direction of the flat-plate thermoelectric cooler is switched, turning the cooling end into the heating end. The generated heat evaporates the water adsorbed in the porous absorbent material. The evaporated water vapor rises and condenses upon contact with the top spherical thermoelectric cooler. The condensed water flows down the inner wall of the spherical thermoelectric cooler into the lower water tank, completing the water extraction process. By repeatedly switching between these processes, the porous absorbent material can be continuously dried and regenerated, ensuring that the condensation and adsorption effect produced by its interaction with the cooling end of the thermoelectric cooler remains at its optimal level for an extended period. This avoids the drawback of reduced water vapor condensation when the cooling end of the thermoelectric cooler is full of water. This guarantees a more durable and efficient water production effect. Therefore, this device can simultaneously achieve seawater desalination and air-to-water conversion. The seawater desalination section and the air-to-water conversion module share the same spherical thermoelectric cooler, saving component costs and greatly improving the efficiency of freshwater resource acquisition.

[0050] The porous water-absorbing material 24 on both sides of the straight-plate semiconductor cooling chip 23 is also equipped with a water content sensor 25, which is connected to the controller.

[0051] This allows for better detection of the water content adsorbed within the porous absorbent material, enabling more accurate control of current direction switching and ensuring better water production.

[0052] The straight-plate semiconductor cooling chip has vertically outward thermally conductive protrusions 26 distributed on both sides. The thermally conductive protrusions 26 are made of highly thermally conductive materials (such as metals, ceramics, carbon nanotubes, etc.), and the porous water-absorbing material 24 is attached to the surface of the thermally conductive protrusions 26.

[0053] This increases the contact area between the condenser and the air, thus improving the water condensation efficiency.

[0054] The heat-conducting protrusions 26 are arranged in rows, and the rows of heat-conducting protrusions 26 are staggered in the vertical direction.

[0055] This improves the contact between the heat-conducting protrusions and the air, thus enhancing the water condensation efficiency.

[0056] The lower end of the straight-plate semiconductor cooling chip 23 has a downwardly extending barrier section.

[0057] This separates the heating chamber and the condensing chamber, better preventing the high temperature at one side of the heating end of the flat-plate semiconductor refrigeration chip from affecting the condensation effect at the other side.

[0058] The lower water tank is equipped with a lower water outlet pipe 27 with a switch valve, which makes it more convenient to dispense water.

Claims

1. A method for obtaining fresh water from seawater, characterized in that, Seawater is dripped or sprayed onto the heating end of a semiconductor cooling chip to evaporate it, and then the evaporated water vapor is condensed and collected above to obtain fresh water. The method relies on a semiconductor seawater desalination device capable of producing seawater from seawater. The semiconductor seawater desalination device includes a shell, with an upward-facing spherical semiconductor cooling chip in the lower part of the shell. The spherical semiconductor cooling chip is connected to a controller and its upper surface is a heating end. It also includes an upward-facing spherical condensing top cover spaced above the spherical semiconductor cooling chip. A seawater evaporation chamber is formed between the condensing top cover and the spherical semiconductor cooling chip. An opening is provided at the top of the upper end of the shell, forming a seawater storage chamber between the opening and the condensing top cover. At least two downward-facing branch arms are evenly distributed around the seawater storage chamber. The lower ends of the branch arms penetrate the shell and have liquid outlets facing the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor cooling chip. A ring of upper water inlet is also provided on the inner side of the lower end of the condensing top cover.

2. The method for obtaining fresh water from seawater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper water tank is connected to an upper water outlet pipe with a switch valve that extends outward from the outer casing.

3. The method for obtaining fresh water from seawater according to claim 1, characterized in that, An atomizing nozzle is installed at the liquid outlet.

4. The method for obtaining fresh water from seawater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower part of the seawater evaporation chamber is also connected to a cleaning liquid outlet pipe with a switch valve.

5. The method for obtaining fresh water from seawater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seawater production module also includes a cleaning brush device, which includes a pressure plate horizontally positioned on the upper part of the outer shell. The pressure plate is slidably located within a diameter-reducing section at the upper end of the outer shell. A pressure rod is positioned downwards in the middle of the pressure plate and is slidably fitted into a sleeve fixed to the condenser top cover. A pressable telescopic spring is also abutting between the pressure rod and the sleeve. The lower part of the pressure rod is a helical rod that fits into a rotating nut. A brush arm that matches and fits against the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip is extended outwards from the outer periphery of the rotating nut. The rotating nut is relatively confined to the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip in the height direction, and a space gap is left between the rotating nut and the spherical semiconductor refrigeration chip for the insertion of the helical rod at the lower part of the pressure rod.

6. The method for obtaining fresh water from seawater according to claim 5, characterized in that, A pressure handle extending from the upper opening of the outer casing is provided on the pressure plate.

7. The method for obtaining fresh water from seawater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower surface of the brush arm is provided with bristles that contact the upper surface of the spherical semiconductor cooling chip.

8. The method for obtaining fresh water from seawater according to claim 5, characterized in that, This device also includes an air-to-water module, which includes the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler and a ring of water-receiving troughs arranged around the inner side of the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler. Downward-facing support feet are evenly distributed below the water-receiving troughs. A straight-plate thermoelectric cooler is vertically arranged in the middle of the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler. The straight-plate thermoelectric cooler divides the interior of the spherical crown-shaped thermoelectric cooler into two opposing chambers on both sides. Each side of the straight-plate thermoelectric cooler is covered with a porous absorbent material. The straight-plate thermoelectric cooler is connected to a controller, which includes a switching control module that allows for intermittent cyclic switching of the current direction of the straight-plate thermoelectric cooler.

9. The method for obtaining fresh water from seawater according to claim 8, characterized in that, A water content sensor is also provided in the porous water-absorbing material on both sides of the straight-plate semiconductor cooling chip, and the water content sensor is connected to the controller. The straight-plate semiconductor cooling chip has vertically outward thermally conductive protrusions distributed on both sides. The thermally conductive protrusions are made of a high thermal conductivity material, and the porous water-absorbing material is attached to the surface of the thermally conductive protrusions.

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