A portable solar water purification device

Abstract

This invention provides a portable solar-powered water purifier, comprising a top, a collection device, and an evaporation device. The lower edge of the top is connected to the upper edge of the collection device via a sealing device. The evaporation device is located inside the collection device, and its outer surface does not contact the inner surface of the collection device. The top of the device is higher in the middle and lower at the edges. A water outlet is provided at the lower part of the side edge or bottom of the collection device. The evaporation device includes an evaporation material and a water container. The evaporation material is inside the water container and floats on the surface of the water to be purified. The upper edge of the water container is connected to the inner wall of the collection device via a fixing device, and the bottom of the water container automatically moves upward as water evaporates or condensate is collected. This solar-powered water purifier is highly portable, easy to operate, and the water container is detachable for easy replacement and cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a water purification device, specifically a portable solar-powered water purification device. Background Technology

[0002] Some studies consider solar energy to be the world's most abundant renewable energy source, leading to the development of solar steam generation technology, which is considered one of the most promising environmental technologies for alleviating the freshwater crisis. In recent years, the method of capturing solar energy and converting it into heat energy to heat water, causing a liquid-to-gas phase change and converting it into steam, has become a research hotspot due to its sustainability and efficiency. Currently mature water treatment technologies include reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and multi-stage flash evaporation, but most devices are difficult to carry. For people engaged in long-term outdoor activities, carrying large amounts of freshwater at once is impractical. Therefore, higher demands are placed on the water evaporation rate and portability of water purification devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems in existing technologies, this invention designs a novel portable solar water purification device. It selects an interfacial evaporation material with high photothermal conversion efficiency, and through device design, achieves rapid evaporation, condensation, and continuous collection of water. Furthermore, it uses durable materials and has advantages such as high portability, low energy consumption, low cost, and environmental friendliness.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention provides a portable solar water purifier, the device comprising at least a top, a collection device, and an evaporation device, wherein the lower edge of the top of the device is connected to the upper edge of the collection device by a sealing device, the evaporation device is located inside the collection device, and the outer surface of the evaporation device does not contact the inner surface of the collection device;

[0005] The top of the device is high in the middle and low at the edges.

[0006] The collection device is provided with a water outlet at the lower part of its side edge or bottom;

[0007] The evaporation device includes at least an evaporation material and a water container. The evaporation material is inside the water container and floats on the surface of the water to be purified. The upper edge of the water container is connected to the inner wall of the collection device by a fixing device. The bottom of the water container automatically moves upward as the water evaporates or the condensate is collected.

[0008] In some technical solutions of the present invention, the top of the device is an upwardly convex arc shape, which can further focus sunlight, increase the heat generation of the evaporation material, and further increase the evaporation rate of water. At the same time, after the water condenses at the top, it can slide down along the arc edge into the inside of the collection device. Preferably, the top is hemispherical, which further facilitates the condensation and accumulation of steam and its sliding down the cup wall.

[0009] In some technical solutions of this invention, the top of the device is made of a transparent material, which has a higher sunlight transmittance. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, glass, plexiglass, and polycarbonate (PC). Preferably, the material is food-grade to ensure that the collected condensate is directly drinkable.

[0010] In some technical solutions of the present invention, the lower edge diameter of the top of the device does not exceed the upper edge diameter of the collecting device. When sealed, the lower edge of the top of the device is wrapped inside the upper edge of the collecting device, further ensuring that the condensate slides down the inner edge of the top into the collecting device.

[0011] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the outer edge of the lower top of the device is sealed to the inner edge of the upper top of the collecting device by threads, snaps, or sealing strips.

[0012] Preferably, the threaded sealing connection specifically involves threads on both the outer lower edge of the device top and the upper edge of the collecting device, with the outer lower edge of the device top and the inner edge of the collecting device top engaging with the threads to achieve a sealing connection.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing strip connection specifically involves fixing a sealing rubber strip to the outer side of the lower edge of the top of the device or the inner side of the upper edge of the collecting device. When the top of the device is inserted into the collecting device, a sealing connection is achieved through the sealing rubber strip. When using a sealing rubber strip for the sealing connection, the shape of the lower edge of the top of the device may not be consistent with the shape of the upper edge of the collecting device; the sealing connection between the lower edge of the top of the device and the upper edge of the collecting device is achieved solely by adjusting the thickness of the sealing rubber strip.

[0014] In some technical solutions of this invention, the material of the collecting device can be the same as or different from the material of the top. Specifically, examples include, but are not limited to, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), glass, plexiglass, etc. Preferably, the material is food-grade to ensure that the collected condensate is directly drinkable. Furthermore, the inner surface of the collecting device can be further hydrophobic to ensure that the condensate can slide as far as possible to the bottom of the collecting device, improving the collection rate of purified water.

[0015] In some technical solutions of the present invention, the outlet of the collecting device can be closed. Furthermore, a plug, specifically a rubber stopper or a cork stopper, is provided at the outlet to seal it. The stopper is removed when water is needed and replaced when water is not needed. Alternatively, a thread is provided at the outlet, allowing it to be opened and closed by using a screw that matches the thread of the outlet.

[0016] Furthermore, the outlet is a tubular structure extending outwards, and a valve is installed at the pipe opening to control the opening and closing of the pipe.

[0017] Furthermore, a support can be installed at the bottom of the collection device to reserve space for a container to collect water at the bottom of the outlet.

[0018] In some technical solutions of this invention, the evaporation material includes at least a carbon felt layer, an alumina layer, and a kapok felt layer. The carbon felt is located at the top of the evaporation material, the kapok felt layer is located at the bottom of the evaporation material, and the alumina layer passes through and connects the carbon felt layer and the kapok felt layer. Further, the carbon felt includes activated carbon fibers. The carbon felt layer can absorb solar energy and convert it into heat energy. The kapok felt layer provides buoyancy to the evaporation material, allowing it to float on the surface of the water to be purified. The alumina layer can absorb water and conduct heat, carrying purified water through the alumina fibers from the bottom of the evaporation material to its surface. Simultaneously, the alumina fibers conduct the heat generated by the carbon felt layer to the fibers, heating the water adsorbed by the alumina fibers and promoting water evaporation.

[0019] In some technical solutions of the present invention, the outer edge of the evaporation material does not exceed the inner edge of the water container.

[0020] In some technical solutions of this invention, the water container is made of a rollable film material. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, polypropylene film, polyethylene film, and PET film. Preferably, the film is made of food-grade material.

[0021] Preferably, the water container has a single-layer or double-layer structure.

[0022] Furthermore, the water container has a double-layer structure, and the inner and outer layers can be made of the same or different materials. The inner and outer film layers are bonded together at least at the top opening. Preferably, the outer layer material is food-grade.

[0023] In some technical solutions of the present invention, a detachable fixing device is provided between the top of the water container and the inner wall of the collecting device.

[0024] Preferably, no less than three limiting protrusions are provided on the inner wall of the collection device, and the upper edge of the water container can be placed on the limiting protrusions. In this fixing method, the upper edge of the water container must be a rigid structure.

[0025] Preferably, a limiting and fixing ring is provided on the inner wall of the collection device, below the sealing port of the collection device. The edge of the ring is fixed to the inner wall of the collection device through at least two connection points. The water container can be fixed to the upper edge of the limiting and fixing ring by a buckle or a clip.

[0026] In some technical solutions of this invention, the bottom of the water-holding container can be controlled to automatically raise the liquid level of the water to be purified as the water evaporates. This keeps the evaporation device at a relatively fixed distance from the top, ensuring that it can be exposed to sunlight focused from the top.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a floating object is fixed to the outer surface of the bottom of the water container. As the water in the water container evaporates, the liquid level of the condensate in the collection device rises, and the floating object, following the rise of its liquid level, causes the lower surface of the water container to rise.

[0028] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, an elastic device connects the upper and lower edges of the water container. This elastic device is located inside the water container or in a middle interlayer, and does not directly contact the collected condensate. Specifically, the elastic device can be, but is not limited to, a spring or a rubber band. When the water container is full, the elastic device is in a stretched state. As the water evaporates, the elastic device retracts, causing the lower surface of the evaporation device to move automatically upwards.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this invention are:

[0030] This invention uses a top structure to focus sunlight onto the surface of an evaporating material with high photothermal conversion efficiency, achieving rapid and continuous evaporation of water. The resulting water vapor condenses at the top and flows along the inner wall of the top device into a collection device. Simultaneously, through the device design, the bottom of the water container rises with the evaporation or condensation, keeping the evaporating material at a relatively fixed distance from the top, ensuring continuous access to the focused sunlight and facilitating rapid evaporation and condensation. The device is portable, easy to operate, and the water container is detachable for convenient replacement and cleaning. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary solar water purification device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an exemplary solar water purification device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the elastic device in an exemplary solar water purification device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an evaporation material provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The reference numerals in the attached figures represent:

[0037] 1. Top; 2. Collection device; 3. Evaporation device; 31. Evaporation material; 311. Carbon felt layer; 312. Alumina layer; 313. Kapok felt layer; 32. Water container; 32a. Floating device; 32b. Elastic device; 4. Sealing device; 5. Outlet; 5a. Rubber stopper or cork stopper; 5b. Sealing screw; 6. Fixing device

[0038] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the invention, which are described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0040] In the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the purpose of clarity and simplification in describing the invention, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. To make the technical solutions and advantages of this invention clearer, the embodiments of this invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] This invention provides a portable seawater desalination device, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the seawater desalination device includes a top 1, a collection device 2, and an evaporation device 3. The lower edge of the top of the device is connected to the upper edge of the collection device by a sealing device 4. The evaporation device is inside the collection device, and the outer surface of the evaporation device does not contact the inner surface of the collection device. The top 1 of the device is higher in the middle and lower at the edges. The bottom of the collection device 2 is provided with a water outlet 5, which has threads and a sealing screw 5b. The water outlet can be opened and closed by rotating and tightening the sealing screw 5b.

[0043] The evaporation device 3 includes an evaporation material 31 and a water container 32. The evaporation material is inside the water container and floats on the surface of the water to be purified. The upper edge of the water container 32 is connected to the inner wall of the collection device by a fixing device 6. A floating device 32a is fixed to the bottom of the outer surface of the water container 32. The water in the water container 32 evaporates, condenses on the inner wall of the top 1, and slides down to the collection device 2. As the condensate accumulates in the collection device 2, the liquid level rises, and the floating device 32a also rises with the liquid level, causing the bottom surface of the water container 32 to float. This keeps the evaporation device 3 at a relatively fixed distance from the top 1, ensuring that it can receive sunlight focused from the top and obtain more solar energy, thereby increasing the evaporation rate.

[0044] The top 1 is hemispherical, allowing sunlight to focus and hit the evaporating material, thus increasing the rate of water evaporation. In this embodiment, food-grade acrylic glass is used to make the top 1 transparent, resulting in higher sunlight transmittance while ensuring the cleanliness of the condensate.

[0045] The outer surface of the lower edge of the top 1 is sealed to the inner surface of the upper edge of the collecting device 2. The connection method is selected from one of the following: thread, snap-fit, or sealing strip. This sealed connection ensures the airtightness of the entire water purification device, preventing water vapor from escaping and affecting the condensation effect. In this embodiment, a rubber sealing strip is used to achieve the sealed connection.

[0046] In this example, the material of the collection device 2 is the same food-grade acrylic glass as the top material. Furthermore, the inner surface of the collection device can be further treated with a hydrophobic coating to ensure that condensate can slide down to the bottom of the collection device as much as possible, thereby improving the collection rate of purified water.

[0047] In this example, the bottom of the collecting device 2 is threaded, and rotational opening and closing are achieved by using a screw 5b that matches the thread of the water outlet. In another example of the invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, a rubber stopper 5a is provided at the water outlet. When the stopper is in place, the water outlet is closed.

[0048] In this example, such as Figure 3As shown, the evaporation material 31 includes a carbon felt layer 311, an alumina layer 312, and a kapok felt layer 313. The carbon felt layer 311 is located at the top of the evaporation material 31, and the kapok felt layer 313 is located at the bottom of the evaporation material 31. The alumina layer 312 passes through the carbon felt layer 311 and the kapok felt layer 313 and connects the two layers. The carbon felt layer 311 includes activated carbon fibers, which can absorb solar energy and convert it into heat energy. The kapok felt layer 313 provides buoyancy to the evaporation material 31, allowing it to float on the surface of the water to be purified. The alumina layer can absorb water and conduct heat. Purified water is transferred from the bottom of the evaporation material to the surface of the evaporation material through the alumina fibers. At the same time, the alumina fibers conduct the heat generated by the carbon felt layer to the fibers, heating the water adsorbed by the alumina fibers and promoting the evaporation of water.

[0049] In this example, the water container 32 is a food-grade polypropylene film. A floating device 32a, made of polystyrene foam, is located at the bottom outer edge of the film. As water evaporates from the container, the level of condensate in the collection device rises, and the floating device 32a, along with the rising water level, causes the lower surface of the container to rise as well. This keeps the evaporator 31 at a relatively fixed distance from the top, ensuring it receives focused sunlight. Without this design, the evaporator would gradually decrease in height as the water level in the container drops, eventually moving away from the focal point of sunlight and affecting the evaporation rate.

[0050] In another example, such as Figure 4 As shown, an elastic device connects the upper and lower edges of the water container. In this example, the elastic device is a spring 33b, which is placed inside the water container. When the water container is empty, the spring is in a relaxed state; when it is full of water, it is in a stretched state. As the water evaporates, the elastic device retracts, causing the lower surface of the evaporation device to move automatically upward, thereby maintaining the evaporation device 31 at a relatively fixed position relative to the top.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions and specific embodiments, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit it; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable solar-powered water purification device, characterized in that, The device includes at least a top (1), a collecting device (2) and an evaporating device (3). The lower edge of the top of the device is connected to the upper edge of the collecting device by a sealing device (4). The evaporating device is inside the collecting device, and the outer surface of the evaporating device does not contact the inner surface of the collecting device. The top (1) of the device is high in the middle and low at the edges; The collecting device has an outlet (5) at the lower part of its side edge or bottom. The evaporation device (3) includes at least an evaporation material (31) and a water container (32). The evaporation material is inside the water container and floats on the surface of the water to be purified. The upper edge of the water container is connected to the inner wall of the collection device by a fixing device (6). The bottom of the water container moves automatically upward as the water evaporates or the condensate is collected. The outlet (5) is provided with a rubber stopper or a cork stopper (5a); or the outlet is provided with a thread and a sealing screw (5b) that matches the thread of the outlet; or the outlet is a tubular structure extending outward, and a valve is provided at the pipe opening; The water container (32) has a single-layer or double-layer structure; the water container (32) is made of a rollable thin film material; A floating device (32a) is fixed to the bottom outer surface of the water container (32).

2. The solar water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top (1) of the device is an upward-convex arc shape; the top (1) of the device is made of transparent material.

3. The solar water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower edge diameter of the top (1) of the device does not exceed the upper edge diameter of the collecting device (2). When sealed, the lower edge of the top (1) of the device is wrapped inside the upper edge of the collecting device (2). The outer side of the lower edge of the top (1) of the device and the inner side of the upper edge of the collecting device (2) are sealed together by threads, buckles or sealing strips.

4. The solar water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the collecting device (2) may be the same as or different from the material of the top; the material of the collecting device (2) is selected from at least one of 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

5. The solar water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The evaporation material (31) includes at least a carbon felt layer (311), an alumina layer (312), and a kapok felt layer (313). The carbon felt layer (311) is located on top of the evaporation material (31), the kapok felt layer (313) is located at the bottom of the evaporation material, and the alumina layer (312) passes through the carbon felt layer (311) and the kapok felt layer (313) and connects the two layers.

6. The solar water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the water container (32) and the inner wall of the collection device (2) are provided with detachable fixing devices.

7. The solar water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water container (32) is connected to the upper edge and the bottom edge by an elastic device (32b), which is located inside the water container (32) or in the middle interlayer of the water container (32).

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