Atmospheric water collection system

Abstract

In general, the present invention provides an atmospheric water collector for collecting water from ambient air. Specifically, the present invention provides a water collector configured to reduce a detectable heat loss associated with heating a volume of air in a desorption mode and cooling the volume of air in a condensation mode of an atmospheric water collection system, and methods of making the same and methods of harvesting water using the same with a reduced contribution of detectable heat loss to the total energy cost per liter of harvested water.

Description

[0001] This International Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application is a continuation of U.S. Non - Patent Application No. 17 / 951,956, filed on September 23, 2022, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Generally speaking, the present invention provides an atmospheric water collector for collecting water from the ambient atmosphere. Specifically, the present invention provides a water collector constructed to reduce the sensible heat loss associated with heating a volume of air in the desorption mode of an atmospheric water collection system and cooling the volume of air in the condensation mode, as well as a method of manufacturing the water collector and a method of using the water collector to collect water with a reduced contribution of sensible energy loss to the total energy cost per liter of water collected. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, the process of collecting water from the ambient atmosphere using a water - capturing material involves a water - collection cycle including three energy - intensive modes: adsorption of water from the ambient atmosphere onto the water - capturing material; desorption of water vapor from the water - capturing material; and condensation of the desorbed water vapor to liquid water. The water adsorption mode can be initiated by passing ambient air over the desorbed water - capturing material. Water molecules in the ambient air can become adsorbed by the water - capturing material. The water adsorption mode can end when the water - capturing material is partially or completely water - saturated. After the adsorption mode, the desorption mode can be initiated by directly or indirectly heating the partially or completely water - saturated water - capturing material to release water vapor. The desorption mode can end when the water - capturing material is partially or completely dehydrated. The condensation mode can be initiated by cooling the water vapor released by the water - capturing material. The condensation mode can end by partially or completely condensing water from the cooled water vapor. By repeating the adsorption, desorption, and condensation cycles, water can be collected from the ambient atmosphere.

[0004] The water - collection cycle can involve heating a volume of air in a first chamber containing or thermally coupled to the water - capturing material in the desorption mode and subsequently cooling the same volume of air in a second chamber in the condensation mode. The same volume of air can be recycled between the first chamber and the second chamber in consecutive water - collection cycles. The reheating and recooling of the air require a significant portion of sensible energy related to the sensible cooling of the "desorption - condensation" air stream and the heating of the "condensation - desorption" air stream.

[0005] In a constructed water - collection system or an implemented water - collection cycle, there would be a substantial advantage in reducing or eliminating the losses incurred from the sensible cooling of the "desorption - condensation" air stream and / or the heating of the "condensation - desorption" air stream: it reduces the total energy cost per liter of water produced during one or more water - collection cycles compared to conventional water - collection systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A water collection system is provided herein that can reduce the overall energy cost in the water collection cycle and / or improve water production efficiency during the water collection cycle.

[0007] The main objective of embodiments of the present invention may be to provide an atmospheric water collector that includes one or more of the following: a first chamber that houses or is coupled to a water capture material, where the water capture material adsorbs water from the ambient atmosphere in an adsorption mode of the water collector and desorbs water vapor in a desorption mode of the water collector; a heat source that is thermally coupled to the water capture material housed in the first chamber, the heat source being operable to heat the water capture material to desorb water vapor during the desorption mode of the water collector; a second chamber that is fluidly coupled to the first chamber, where water vapor carried in an air stream is recycled between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode of the water collector; a cooling source that is thermally coupled to the second chamber, where the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried in the air stream recycled between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water collector; and an air stream heat exchanger through which the air stream passes to transfer heat between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the air stream heat exchanger may be constructed and arranged in a fixed space or may be reconfigured during the water collection cycle to transfer heat between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber at a heat transfer rate that reduces, substantially reduces, or eliminates sensible heat loss and / or avoids pre-condensation of water vapor before entering the second chamber. Certain embodiments may include a controller that includes a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable memory that contains a computer program code executable to analyze one or more signals from one or more sensors, where the one or more signals change based on one or more of the following: the air stream temperature, air stream humidity, and air stream rate of the air stream passing through the air stream heat exchanger, where the controller is operable based on the analysis of the signals from the one or more sensors to control one or more of the following: the heat source, the cooling source, the configuration of the air stream heat exchanger, and the air stream rate through the air stream heat exchanger to reduce or eliminate sensible heat loss in the system or associated with the cooling of the "desorption-condensation" air stream and / or the heating of the "condensation-desorption" air stream to reduce the total energy consumption per liter of water produced during one or more water collection cycles.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the heating source may include a first heat exchanger through which a heated fluid circulates, wherein the first heat exchanger may be configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid to the water capture material housed in or thermally coupled to the first chamber, and / or the cooling source may include a second heat exchanger through which a cooled fluid circulates, wherein the second heat exchanger may be configured to transfer heat from the gas stream carrying the water vapor housed in the second chamber. In certain embodiments, the heating source may include a condenser of a heat pump, and / or the cooling source may include an evaporator of a heat pump.

[0010] Another main object of the present invention may be a method of manufacturing a water collector, which includes one or more of the following: housing or thermally coupling a water capture material to a first chamber, wherein the water capture material adsorbs water from the ambient atmosphere in an adsorption mode of the water collector, and wherein the water capture material desorbs water vapor in a desorption mode of the water collector; thermally coupling a heating source to the water capture material housed in or thermally coupled to the first chamber, wherein the heating source is operable to heat the water capture material to desorb water vapor during the desorption mode of the water collector; fluidly coupling a second chamber to the first chamber to provide a flow path between the first chamber and the second chamber, and a gas stream may be recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber in the flow path, wherein the gas stream may carry water vapor from the first chamber to the second chamber during the desorption mode of the water collector; thermally coupling a cooling source to the second chamber, wherein the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried in the gas stream recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water collector; and fluidly coupling a gas stream heat exchanger to the first chamber and the second chamber, and the gas stream passes through the gas stream heat exchanger to transfer heat between the gas stream from the first chamber and the gas stream from the second chamber.

[0011] Another main object of the present invention may be a method for collecting water from the ambient atmosphere, which includes one or more of the following: guiding the ambient atmosphere to a water capture material, wherein the water capture material adsorbs water from the surrounding ambient atmosphere in an adsorption mode of a water collector; operating a heating source thermally coupled to the water capture material housed in a first chamber or fluid-coupled to the first chamber, the heating source being operable to heat the water capture material to desorb water vapor from the water capture material during a desorption mode of the water collector; causing an air stream carrying the water vapor to recirculate between the first chamber and a second chamber fluid-coupled to the first chamber during the desorption mode of the water collector; operating a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, wherein the cooling source operates to cool the water vapor carried in the air stream recirculating between the first chamber and the second chamber during a condensation mode of the water collector; and passing the air stream through an air stream heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber. In a particular embodiment, the method includes constructing or reconstructing the air stream heat exchanger to transfer the heat between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber at a heat transfer rate that can avoid pre-condensation of water vapor before entering the second chamber and / or reduce or eliminate sensible heat losses in the system or in the water collector associated with cooling of the "desorption-condensation" air stream and / or heating of the "condensation-desorption" air stream, so as to substantially reduce the total energy consumption per liter of water generated during one or more water collection cycles.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, the method may include operating a controller, the controller including a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable memory containing a computer program code executable to analyze one or more signals from one or more sensors, wherein the signals change based on one or more of the following changes: the air stream temperature, air stream humidity, and air stream rate of the air stream passing through the air stream heat exchanger, to control one or more of the following: the heating source, the cooling source, the configuration of the air stream heat exchanger, and at least one air circulator, to avoid pre-condensation of water vapor before entering the second chamber and / or reduce or eliminate sensible heat losses in the system or associated with cooling of the "desorption-condensation" air stream and / or heating of the "condensation-desorption" air stream, so as to reduce the total energy consumption per liter of water generated during one or more water collection cycles.

[0013] In a particular embodiment, the method may include: operating a heat pump configured to provide a condenser as the heating source to transfer heat from a heated fluid to the water capture material housed in the first chamber or thermally coupled to the first chamber; and / or operating a heat pump configured to provide an evaporator as the cooling source to transfer heat from the air stream carrying the water vapor housed in the second chamber.

[0014] Of course, other objects of the present invention are disclosed throughout the specification, drawings, photographs, and other parts of the patent application scope. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 A block flow diagram of a specific embodiment of a water collection system and a water collector.

[0016] Figure 2 A block flow diagram of a specific embodiment of an air flow heat exchanger.

[0017] Figure 3 A block flow diagram of another specific embodiment of an air flow heat exchanger.

[0018] Figure 4 A block flow diagram of another specific embodiment of an air flow heat exchanger.

[0019] Figure 5 A block flow diagram of another specific embodiment of an air flow heat exchanger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description sets forth illustrative examples of a water collection system (1), also referred to as the "system", including specific embodiments of a water collector (2), a method of manufacturing the water collector (2), and a method of using the water collector (2). However, it should be recognized that the examples of the water collection system (1), the water collector (2), and the methods of manufacturing and using the water collector (2) provided by the embodiments are not intended to limit the width or scope of the embodiments, but rather to provide examples sufficient for those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the entire width and scope of the present invention.

[0021] Now, with primary reference to Figures 1 to 5, embodiments of the water collector (2) may include a first chamber (3) fluidly coupled to a second chamber (4) that defines a flow path (5), wherein an air stream (6) may be recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The first chamber (1) may house a water capture material (7), or contain one or more water capture modules (8) that house the water capture material (7), or receive one or more water capture modules (8) that house the water capture material (7) transferred by a mechanical transfer mechanism (9), or be fluidly coupled to (or decoupled from) one or more water capture modules (8) as part of the flow path (5), wherein the air stream (6) may be recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). In certain embodiments, several water capture modules (8) may be housed in the first chamber (3), or fluidly coupled to the first chamber in series or in parallel. The term "air stream" broadly encompasses a mixture of gases that is recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) and / or the condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2).

[0022] The water capture material (7) comprises a composition that can adsorb water (10) from the ambient atmosphere (11) in the adsorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2) and desorb water vapor (12) in the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). Any suitable water capture material (7) can be used in embodiments of the water capture system (1), the water collector (2), and the methods of making and using the water collector (2) described herein. In certain embodiments, the water capture material (7) may (but need not) include one or more metal-organic frameworks ("MOF"). See, e.g., H. Furukawa et al., Water Adsorption in Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks and Related Materials (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 11, 4369-4381). MOFs are characterized by high water uptake and a stepwise nature of water uptake with respect to relative humidity ("RH"). In some variations, suitable water capture materials (7), including MOFs, may have such isotherm steps that can be customized according to various climates. See, e.g., International Patent Publication No. W02020112899, Multivariate and Other Metal-Organic Frameworks, and Uses Thereof. Due to hydrogen bonding between the MOF and water molecules, the isotherm step is typically a weak function of temperature. The step isotherm allows water to be captured and released by the MOF within a very narrow range of relative humidity ("RH").

[0023] In certain embodiments, different variants or combinations of MOFs can be utilized, including one or more of the following: MOF-303: A1(OH)(HPDC), where HPDC is 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate; CAU-10: A1(OH)(IPA, where IPA is isophthalate; MOF-801: Zr 6 O 4 (OH) 4 (fumaric acid) 6 ; MOF-841: Zr 6 O 4 (OH) 4 (MTB) 6 (HCOO) 4 (H 2 O) 2 ; aluminum fumarate: (fumaric acid)Al(OH); MIL-160: A1(OH)(FDA), where FDA is 2,5-furandicarboxylate; MIL-53: A1(OH)(TPA), where TPA is terephthalate; or aluminum phosphate: A1PO4-LTA. In certain variants, the MOF can have a pore size in the range of about 0.5 nm to about 1 nm, or in the range of about 0.7 nm to about 0.9 nm. In some variants, the MOF can have a hydrophilic pore structure. In some variants, the MOF can have a hydrophilic pore structure comprising acid and / or amine functional groups. In some variants, the MOF has one-dimensional channels that permit reversible water adsorption. In some embodiments, the MOF can be mixed with an adhesive to improve its adhesion properties to a substrate or support. As an illustrative example, other suitable water capture materials (7) can include certain molecular sieves (as an example, SAPO-34 microporous zeolite, CAS number 1318-02-1) and certain zeolites having the properties described above. Any combination of the MOFs described herein or other MOFs or other compositions capable of water adsorption and hydrolytic adsorption can also be used alone or in combination.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the water capture material (7) can be disposed on one or more structural elements (13) located inside the water capture module (8) or inside the first chamber (3). The structural element (13) can be constructed to increase the surface area of the water capture material (7) exposed to the ambient atmosphere (11) to enhance water (10) adsorption from the air (11) during the absorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2) or to enhance heat transfer to the water capture material (7) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). In certain embodiments, the structural element (13) can include plates or fins (14) that can be independently coated on one or both sides having the water capture material (7). In some variations, the plates or fins (14) can be arranged in a spatial relationship and, in certain embodiments, are configured to be substantially parallel to each other, with a gap (15) present between adjacent plates or fins (14). In certain embodiments, the gap (15) between adjacent plates can be adjusted relative to the length of each plate to achieve an air flow, thereby maximizing water adsorption of the water capture material (7) during the adsorption mode (AM) or desorption mode (DM). In some variations, the gap (15) between adjacent plates or fins (14) can be about one percent (1%) to about 5% of the length of the plates or fins (14). In certain embodiments, the plates or fins (14) can be coated with layers of the water capture material (7), each layer having a thickness between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, or between about 50 microns and 500 microns, or between about 10 microns and about 50 microns. In certain embodiments, layers of the water capture material (7) within these thickness ranges can allow for faster adsorption and / or desorption compared to thicker layers of the water capture material (7). In other embodiments, the plates or fins (14) can be coated with layers of the water capture material (7), each layer having a thickness of about 0.1 centimeter ("cm") to about 1 cm. Thicknesses within this range can allow for a greater amount of water vapor (12) to be generated during the desorption mode (DM) compared to thinner layers. In certain embodiments, each layer of the water capture material (7) on the plates or fins (14) can have porosity. In some variations, the calculated porosity (volume of pores in the water capture material divided by the total volume of the water capture material × 100) can be at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, or at least about 80%; or about 40% to about 90%, about 50% to about 90%, about 40% to about 80%, about 50% to about 80%, or about 60% to about 80%. In other embodiments, the layers of the water capture material (7) can be substantially non-porous. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the layers of the water capture material (7) can be greater than the thickness of the plates for the fins (14).In some embodiments, only one side of the plate or fin (14) may be coated with the water capture material (7), wherein the thickness of the water capture material relative to the thickness of the plate or fin (14) is adjusted to reduce or minimize the energy used per unit of water released from the water capture material (7) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). Similarly, in some embodiments, both sides of the plate or fin (14) may be coated with the water capture material (7), and the ratio of the thickness of the first layer of the water capture material (7) (e.g., the first side layer) to the thickness of the plate or fin (14) to the thickness of the second layer of the water capture material (7) (e.g., the second side layer) may be adjusted to reduce or minimize the energy used per unit of water released from the water capture material (7) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). The plate or fin (14) may be made of any suitable material, including any suitable metal or plastic. As illustrative examples, the plate may comprise one or more of aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, tungsten. In some variations, the plate comprises a solid metal. In other variations, each plate or fin (14) may have a honeycomb design defining small channels or corrugations. In other variations, each plate or fin (14) may further include surface topography features that enhance water adsorption. Illustrative examples of topography features include one or more of the following: particles, perforations, arcuate holes, bumps, ridges or grooves or any combination thereof. In another variation, the plate or fin may comprise a mesh.

[0025] Again, with primary reference to Figure 1 , in the adsorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2), the water capture material (7) absorbs water (10) from the surrounding ambient atmosphere (11). In some embodiments, the structural element (13) may be designed and configured to allow water (10) to diffuse from the surrounding ambient atmosphere (11) to the water capture material (7) during the adsorption mode (AM). In certain embodiments, the air circulator (16) may be operable to generate an air flow (6) at a determined speed through the water capture material (7) to assist the water capture material (7) in adsorbing water (10). As an illustrative example, the water capture material (7) may be coated on the adjacent structural element (13), and the ambient atmosphere (11) may pass through the gap (15) between the structural elements (13) during the adsorption phase. When the water capture material (7) reaches the target water saturation level and / or the target adsorption rate, the adsorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2) may end.

[0026] Now, with primary reference to Figure 1, a heating source (17) can be thermally coupled to the water capture material (7). The water capture material (7) thermally coupled to the heating source (17) can be accommodated in the first chamber (1), in one or more water capture modules (8) contained in the first chamber (3), in one or more water capture modules transferred to the first chamber (3) by the transfer mechanism (9), or in one or more water capture modules (8) fluid-coupled as part of the flow path (5), and an air stream (6) can be recycled between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) in this flow path. The heating source (17) can be operated to heat the water capture material (7) to desorb water vapor (12) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). There are two heating methods to release water vapor (12) from the water capture material (7): First, direct heating, which involves heat transfer directly from the heating source (17) to the surface of the first chamber (3), to the structural element (13) supporting the water capture material (7), or to the water capture material (7) or a combination thereof; and second, indirect heating, which involves heating the internal space of the first chamber (3), heating around the structural element (13) supporting the water capture material (7), or heating the water capture material (7). The heating source (17) can include any mechanism, object, area, material, composition, by-product, waste heat, or energy and combinations thereof that can be used to sufficiently heat the water capture material (7) to release water vapor (12). Typically, the heating source (3) operates at a temperature in the range of about 80 °C (about 176 °F) to about 160 °C (about 320 °F). The specific temperature within the temperature range can depend on the water capture material (7) or combination of water capture materials (7) utilized in the water collection system (1) or water collector (2). However, this is not intended to exclude embodiments that employ temperatures outside of this range to release water vapor (12) from the water capture material (7).

[0027] In certain embodiments, direct heating can include resistively heating at least one structural element (13) that is a conductive element (19) by passing an electric current therethrough to facilitate desorption of water vapor (12) from the water capture material (7) coated on the conductive element (19). In some embodiments, the power applied to the conductive element (19) can be adjusted to achieve a predetermined desorption time, since the rate of water desorption is related to the power applied.

[0028] In certain embodiments, indirect heating can include using resistive heating, where the conductive element (19) of the resistive heating transfers heat to the air (18) surrounding the water capture material (7) to release water vapor (12).

[0029] In certain embodiments, indirect heating can include guiding waste heat generated by a machine or other process separated from the water collector (2) in the vicinity to or into the first chamber (3).

[0030] In certain embodiments, the heating source (17) may include a first heat exchanger (20) through which a heated fluid (21) circulates. The first heat exchanger (20) may be configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid (21) to the water capture material (7). In some variations, the first heat exchanger (3) may transfer heat from the heated fluid (21) to one or more of the following: the structure of the first chamber (3), the structure of one or more water capture modules (8) contained or received within the first chamber (3), the structural elements (13) supporting the water capture material (7), or the water capture material (7) directed to the coating heating source (17).

[0031] In certain embodiments, the heating source (17) may include a condenser (22) of a heat pump (23). The heat pump (23) may include a compressor (24), an expansion valve (25), a condenser (22) (or hot side heat exchanger), and an evaporator (26) (or cold side heat exchanger). The compressor (24) may be operable to compress a refrigerant to produce a heated fluid (21) that may be circulated to the condenser (22). The expansion valve (25) may be configured to receive the heated fluid (21) from the condenser (22). The expansion valve (25) may be operable to allow the heated fluid (21) to expand to produce a cooled fluid (27). The cooled fluid may be circulated to the evaporator (26). In certain embodiments, the condenser (22) (or the hot side of the heat exchanger) may be set to operate at a temperature in the range of about 90 °C (about 194 °F) to about 160 °C (about 320 °F), and the evaporator (26) or cold side heat exchanger may be set to operate at a temperature in the range of about 30 °C (about 86 °F) to about 95 °C (about 203 °F). The condenser (22) may be associated with the first chamber (3) to transfer heat directly or indirectly to the water capture material (7) contained within, fluidly coupled to, or thermally coupled to the first chamber (3). As an illustrative example, the condenser (22) may be arranged to transfer heat to sufficiently raise the temperature of the water capture material (7) to release water vapor (12) from the water capture material (7) in the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2).

[0032] Now, with primary reference to Figure 1, an embodiment of the water collection system (1) or the water collector (2) may include a second chamber (4) fluidly coupled to the first chamber (3). The water vapor (12) released from the water capture material (7) may be carried in an air stream (6) that recirculates in a flow path (5) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). In a particular variation, after reaching a target water vapor concentration in the first chamber (3), the air circulator (16) may be operable to cause the air stream (6) to recirculate between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). The recirculation of the air stream (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) may initiate the condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2).

[0033] Again, with primary reference Figure 1 , a cooling source (27) may be thermally coupled to the second chamber (4). The cooling source (27) may be operable to cool the water vapor (12) carried in the fluid stream (6) that recirculates between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2). The cooling source (27) may sufficiently cool the water vapor (12) in the second chamber (4) or passing through the second chamber such that at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the air stream (6) condenses into liquid water (28). In a particular embodiment, the cooling source (27) may be arranged to cool the structure of the second chamber (4) to a temperature below the dew point of the fluid stream (6) within the second chamber (4) such that at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the fluid stream (6) condenses into liquid water (28). The second chamber (4) may be constructed to increase the surface area of the inner surface of the second chamber (4) to increase the condensation of the water vapor (12) in the fluid stream (6) within the second chamber (4). In other embodiments, the cooling source (27) may be disposed inside the second chamber (4), and the fluid stream (6) carrying the water vapor (12) may pass over the cooling source (27) such that at least a portion of the water vapor (12) condenses within the second chamber (4). In a particular embodiment, the cooling source (27) may include waste cold generated by a machine or other process separate from the water collector (2) and directed in the vicinity or into the second chamber (4). An illustrative example, the waste cold may include the regasification of liquefied natural gas from a frozen state. In other embodiments, the cooling source (27) may include a second heat exchanger (29) through which a cooled fluid (30) is circulated. The second heat exchanger (29) may be disposed proximate to the second chamber (4) to cool the air stream (6) carrying the water vapor (12) that is contained within or passes through the second chamber (4). The air stream (6) may be cooled below the dew point to cause at least a portion of the water vapor (12) to condense into liquid water (28).

[0034] In certain embodiments, the cooling source (27) can be the evaporator (26) of the heat pump (23). The evaporator (26) or the cold side heat exchanger can be set to operate at a temperature in the range of about 30 °C (about 86 °F) to about 95 °C (about 203 °F). The evaporator (26) can be associated with the second chamber (4) to directly or indirectly transfer heat from an air stream (6) carrying water vapor (12) contained in or passing through the second chamber (4). As an illustrative example, the evaporator (26) can be arranged to transfer heat from one or more of the structures within the second chamber (4), the structural elements (13) within the second chamber (4), and the air stream (6) within the second chamber (4), or otherwise arranged such that in the condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2), the temperature of the fluid stream (6) is reduced sufficiently to cause condensation of at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the fluid stream (6).

[0035] Now, with primary reference Figures 1 to 5 , embodiments of the water collector (2) can include an air stream heat exchanger (31). For the purposes of the present invention, the term air stream heat exchanger (31) means any device adapted or constructed to bring portions of air streams (6) at different temperatures into partial thermal contact to transfer heat between a first air stream portion (6') and a second air stream portion (6"). As illustrative examples, the term air stream heat exchanger (31) encompasses air-to-air heat exchangers, parallel heat exchangers, countercurrent heat exchangers, crossflow heat exchangers, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the water collector (2) can include an air stream heat exchanger (31) through which a recirculated air stream (6) passes in thermal contact with a portion of the air stream (6) in a parallel or countercurrent direction to transfer heat between a first fluid stream portion (6') passing from the first chamber (3) to the second chamber (4) and a physically separate second fluid stream portion (6") passing from the second chamber (4) to the first chamber (3). In certain embodiments, the hot and humid air generated in the first chamber (3) and transferred from the first chamber (3) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2) can be directed to one or more inlets of the air stream heat exchanger (31). At the same time, the cold and dry air passing through from the second chamber (4) during the condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2) can be directed to one or more inlets of the air stream heat exchanger (31) to transfer heat from the hot and humid fluid to the cold and dry air to correspondingly pre-cool the hot and humid air and pre-heat the cold and dry air.

[0036] Now, with primary reference Figures 1 to 5, in certain embodiments, the air flow heat exchanger (31) may have a fixed spatial structure configuration. In such embodiments, one or more of the following may be preselected or coordinated to reduce, substantially prevent, or prevent pre-condensation of the water vapor (12) carried by the recirculating air flow (6) before entering the second chamber (4): the structural material of the air flow heat exchanger (31), the temperature of the air flow (6) passing through the first chamber (3), the temperature of the air flow (6) passing through the second chamber (4), and the air flow rate through the air flow heat exchanger (31). Coordinating these various parameters rather than changing the geometric configuration of the counter-flow heat exchanger (31) can provide a mechanically less complex embodiment of the water collector (2). As Figures 2 to 5 shown in the illustrative examples of

[0037] Now, referring mainly to Figure 1 and Figure 3 , in certain embodiments, the air flow heat exchanger (31) may have a structure that can be reconfigured before or during the operation of the water collector (2) to adjust the transfer of heat between the air flow (6) from the first chamber (3) and the air flow (6) from the second chamber (4). This allows adjustment of the heat transfer rate to accommodate changes in the operating parameters of the water collector (2) including one or more of the following: the temperature of the air flow (6) passing through the first chamber (3), the temperature of the air flow (6) passing through the second chamber (4), and the air flow rate through the air flow heat exchanger (31). In a particular variation, this allows a wider range of operating parameters in the water collector (2) that concurrently reduce, substantially prevent, or prevent pre-condensation of the water vapor (12) carried by the recirculating air flow (6) before entering the second chamber (4). In Figure 5 the illustrative examples of

[0038] In some variations, the water collection system (1) or water collector (2) may further include a controller (33) coupled to one or more ambient air temperature sensors (34) and / or one or more ambient air humidity sensors (35) located outside the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), adapted or configured to generate a signal that varies with a change in the ambient air temperature and / or ambient air humidity of the environment surrounding one or more components of the water collection system (1) or water collector (2). The controller (33) may be coupled to one or more temperature sensors (36) and / or one or more humidity sensors (37) and / or one or more air flow sensors (38) respectively located inside the first chamber (3) and / or the second chamber (4), adapted or configured to generate a signal that varies with a change in the first chamber temperature and / or humidity and / or the second chamber temperature and / or humidity. The controller (33) may include a processor (39) communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable memory (40) containing a water collection algorithm (41) (also referred to as the "algorithm"), which analyzes signals from the sensors (34, 35, 36, 37, 38) under the control of the processor (39) to measure one or more of the following: ambient air temperature (AT), ambient air humidity (AH), first chamber temperature (FCT) and / or first chamber humidity (FCH), second chamber temperature (SCT) and / or second chamber humidity (SCH), air flow temperature (AFT), air flow humidity (AFH), and air flow rate (AFR) of the fluid flow (6, 6', 6") through the air flow heat exchanger (31), and combinations thereof.

[0039] The measured results of the first chamber temperature (FCT) and / or the first chamber humidity (FCH) and / or the second chamber temperature (SCT) and / or the second chamber humidity (SCH) and the measured results of the ambient air temperature (AT) and / or the ambient air humidity (AH) may be used under the control of the controller (33) to implement the water collection algorithm (41) to adjust the operating parameters of the water collector (2) with respect to one or more of the following: the time period allocated to the adsorption mode (AM) in which the ambient air (11) flows through the water capture material (7), the temperature (FCT) of the first chamber (3) during the desorption mode (DM) and the time period allocated to the desorption mode (DM), the temperature of the second chamber (4) during the condensation mode (CM) and the time period allocated to the condensation mode (CM), the operation of the air circulator (16) to adjust the air flow rate (AFR) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), reconstructing the air flow heat exchanger (31) to increase or decrease the area of the flow path (5) passing through the air flow heat exchanger (31) in one or both directions, and in certain embodiments, controlling the operation of the heat pump (23).

[0040] Now, mainly referring to Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 4 and Table 1, the embodiment of the water collector (2) including the air flow heat exchanger (31) can substantially reduce the amount of energy used by the water collection system (1) or the water collector (2) to produce unit liquid water (28), and this liquid water can be guided to the water collection storage tank (42).

[0041] Including the air flow heat exchanger (31) can substantially reduce or mitigate the sensible energy loss of the recirculating fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The reduction or mitigation of the sensible energy loss can reduce the amount of energy used by the water collection system (1) to reheat and recool the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), thereby reducing the energy used by the water collection system (1) or the water collector (2) to produce unit liquid water (28).

[0042] When eliminating the sensible heat loss from both reheating and recooling the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), unexpected results also occur. In that case, a substantially extremely unexpected advantage is produced: the temperature difference between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) can be substantially reduced, which can provide a very substantial increase in the total energy efficiency of the water collection system (1) or the water collector (2).

[0043] Example 1.

[0044] CAU-10 with an isothermal line step of 20% RH at 25 °C (about 77 °F) is used as the water capture material (7). The water capture material (7) is desorbed at a desorption temperature of about 85 °C (about 185 °F) in the first chamber (3). The second chamber (4) is maintained at a condensation temperature of about 30 °C (about 86 °F). The air flow heat exchanger (31) is not used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity in the first chamber (3) is about 90 grams of water per cubic meter of air (90g H 2 O / m 3 air). The absolute humidity in the second chamber is about 30 grams of moisture per cubic meter of air (30g H 2 O / m 3 air). The amount of the air flow (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb one gram (1g) of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense it into more than 0.95 grams (>0.95g) of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is about 0.016 cubic meters of air (0.016m 3Air). Compared with the total energy used to produce >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4), the sensible loss contribution from heating and cooling the recycled 0.016 m 3 of air to desorb 1 g of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is approximately 20%. The total energy cost is approximately 0.35 kilowatts per liter of water (about 0.35 kWh / L). The sensible heat loss attributed to cooling and heating the air stream (6) recycled between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) is approximately 0.07 kWh / L.

[0045] Example 2.

[0046] CAU-10 with an isotherm step of 20% RH at 25 °C (about 77 °F) is used as the water capture material (7). The water capture material (7) is desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of about 85 °C (about 185 °F). The second chamber (4) is maintained at a condensation temperature of about 50 °C (about 122 °F). An air stream heat exchanger (31) is not used in the flow path (5) of the fluid stream (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity in the first chamber (3) is about 80 grams of water per cubic meter of air (80 g H 2 O / m 3 air). The absolute humidity in the second chamber is about 80 grams of moist air per cubic meter of air (about 80 g H 2 O / m 3 air). The amount of the air stream (6) recycled between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb one gram (1 g) of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense it into more than 0.95 grams (>0.95 g) of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is about 0.108 cubic meters of air (0.108 m 3 air). Compared with the total energy used to produce >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4), the sensible loss contribution from heating and cooling the recycled 0.108 m 3 of air to desorb 1 g of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is approximately 50%. The total energy cost is approximately 0.50 kilowatts per liter of water (about 0.50 kWh / L). The sensible heat loss attributed to cooling and heating the air stream (6) recycled between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) is approximately 0.25 kWh / L.

[0047] Example 3.

[0048] CAU-10 with an isotherm step of 20% RH at 25 °C (about 77 °F) is used as the water capture material (7). The water capture material (7) is desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of about 85 °C (about 185 °F). The second chamber (4) is maintained at a condensation temperature of about 30 °C (about 86 °F). An air flow heat exchanger (31) is used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity in the first chamber (3) is about 90 grams of water per cubic meter of air (90g H 2 O / m 3 air). The absolute humidity in the second chamber is about 30 grams of moisture per cubic meter of air (about 80g H 2 O / m 3 air). The amount of the air flow (6) recycled between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb one gram (1g) of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense it into more than 0.95 grams (>0.95g) of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is about 0.016 cubic meters of air (0.016m 3 air). Compared with the total energy used to produce >0.95g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4), the sensible loss contribution from heating and cooling the recycled 0.108m 3 air to desorb 1g of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense >0.95g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is reduced to near zero or reduced to zero. The total energy cost is about 0.28 kilowatt per liter of water (about 0.28 kWh / L).

[0049] Example 4.

[0050] CAU-10 with an isotherm step of 20% RH at 25 °C (about 77 °F) is used as the water capture material (7). The water capture material (7) is desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of about 85 °C (about 185 °F). The second chamber (4) is maintained at a condensation temperature of about 30 °C (about 86 °F). An air flow heat exchanger (31) is used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity in the first chamber (3) is about 90 grams of water per cubic meter of air (90g H 2 O / m 3 air). The absolute humidity in the second chamber is about 30 grams of moisture per cubic meter of air (about 80g H 2 O / m 3Air). The amount of the air stream (6) that recirculates between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb one gram (1 g) of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense into more than 0.95 grams (>0.95 g) of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is about 0.108 m 3 cubic meters of air (0.108 m 3 Air). The sensible loss contribution from heating and cooling the recirculated 0.108 m 3 air to desorb 1 g of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is reduced to near zero or reduced to zero. The total energy cost is about 0.25 kilowatts per liter of water (about 0.25 kWh / L).

[0051] Table 1 - Summary of Results

[0052]

[0053] As can be readily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention can be embodied in many ways. The present invention relates to a water collection system (1), a water collector (2), and numerous and varying embodiments of a method for manufacturing and using such a water collection system (1) and water collector (2) including the best mode.

[0054] Thus, the specific embodiments or elements of the present invention disclosed in this specification or shown in the accompanying drawings or tables of this application are not intended to be restrictive, but are intended to illustrate the numerous and varying embodiments generally covered by the present invention or the equivalents covered with respect to any specific element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the present invention may not explicitly describe all possible embodiments or elements; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the embodiments and the drawings.

[0055] It should be understood that each element of the device or each step of the method can be described by device terms or method terms. Such terms can be replaced if necessary so that the implicitly broad coverage for which the present invention is given rights becomes explicit. By way of example only, it should be understood that all steps of the method can be disclosed as one action, a component for performing the action, or an element that causes the action to be performed. Similarly, the elements of the device can be disclosed as physical elements or the actions facilitated by the physical elements. By way of example only, the disclosure of a "water collector" should be understood to cover the disclosure of the action of "water collection" (whether explicitly discussed or not), and conversely, if there is a disclosure of the action of "water collection", this disclosure should be understood to cover the disclosure of a "water collector" or even a "component for water collection". Such alternative terms for each element or step should be understood to be explicitly included in this specification.

[0056] In addition, with respect to each term used, it should be understood that, unless its use in the present application is inconsistent with such interpretation, the common dictionary definition should be understood to be included as described in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, Second Edition, and each definition is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0057] All numerical values herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about" whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, a range can be expressed as from "about" a particular value to "about" another particular value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from a particular value to another particular value. The recitation of numerical values by endpoints includes all values subsumed within that range. For example, a numerical range of one to five includes the values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and the like. It should be further understood that each endpoint of a range is significant relative to the other endpoint and independent of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the foregoing "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" generally means a range of values that a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value or a value having the same function or result. Similarly, the foregoing "substantially" means largely but not exactly the same form, manner, or degree, and a particular element will have a construction range that a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider to have the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximate element by use of the foregoing "substantially", it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, for the purposes of the present invention, unless otherwise restricted, the term "a" entity actually means one or more of such entity. Thus, the terms "a (or an)", "one or more", and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

[0059] In addition, for the purposes of the present invention, depending on the embodiment, the term "coupled" or its derivatives can mean indirectly coupled, coupled, directly coupled, connected, directly connected, or integrated with.

[0060] Additionally, for the purposes of the present invention, when referring to two or more components, the term "integrated" means that the components (i) can be joined to provide a single-piece construction, a unitary construction, or a combined whole, or (ii) can be formed into a single-piece construction, a unitary construction, or a combined whole. In other words, the components can be integrally formed, meaning joined together so as to constitute a single complete piece or unit, or so as to work together as a single complete piece or unit, and thus cannot be easily disassembled without destroying the integrity of the piece or unit.

[0061] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the applicant claims at least the following: i) each of the water collection systems or water collectors disclosed and described herein, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent and even implicit variations of each of such devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments that achieve each of the functions shown, disclosed or described, v) those alternative designs and methods that achieve each of the functions shown to be implicit in the disclosed and described content, vi) each feature, component and step shown as a separate and independent invention, vii) applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and devices substantially as described above and with reference to any of the accompanying embodiments, x) various combinations and permutations of each of the previously disclosed elements.

[0062] The prior art section (if any) of this patent application provides a statement of the field to which the invention pertains. This section may also include or contain certain U.S. patents, patent applications, publications, or explanations of the subject matter of the invention for which the invention is directed, as well as relevant information, problems, or concerns regarding the state of the art. It is not intended that any U.S. patent, patent application, publication, review, or other information cited or incorporated herein be construed, interpreted, or considered as admitted prior art with respect to the invention.

[0063] The claims, if any, set forth in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this specification of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all or part of such incorporated claim content as additional description to support any one or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any part or all of such incorporated claim content or any of its elements or components from the specification to the claims or vice versa, as necessary, to define the subject matter sought to be protected by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, divisional, or partial continuation application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of fee reduction in accordance with or pursuant to the patent laws, rules or regulations or treaties of any country, and such incorporated content shall continue to exist throughout the pendency of this application, including any subsequent continuation, divisional, or partial continuation application thereof, or any reissue or extension thereof. Elements following an open transitional phrase (such as "comprising") may be claimed in the alternative with a closed transitional phrase (such as "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of"), whether or not the descriptive portion of the specification expressly indicates so.

[0064] In addition, the patent claims set forth in this specification, when present, further intend to describe the recognized scope of a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the present invention or a complete listing of the embodiments of the present invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not disclaim the development of other patent claims based on the description set forth above as part of any continuation, divisional, or partial continuation application or similar application.

Claims

1. A water collector, comprising: A first chamber that houses or is coupled to a water capture material that adsorbs water from the ambient atmosphere in an adsorption mode of the water collector and desorbs water vapor in a desorption mode of the water collector; A heat source thermally coupled to the water capture material, the heat source operable to heat the water capture material to desorb the water vapor during the desorption mode of the water collector; A second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber, the water vapor being carried in an air stream that recirculates between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode of the water collector; A cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, the cooling source operable to cool the water vapor carried in the air stream that recirculates between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water collector. An air stream heat exchanger through which the air stream passes to transfer heat between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber.

2. The water collector according to claim 1, wherein the air stream heat exchanger is constructed to transfer heat between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber.

3. The water collector according to claim 2, wherein the air stream heat exchanger is reconfigurable to adjust the rate of heat transfer between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber.

4. The water collector according to claim 1, further comprising at least one air circulator operable to recirculate the air stream between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or the condensation mode of the water collector.

5. The water collector according to claim 4, further comprising one or more sensors constructed to sense the air stream, the one or more sensors generating a signal that varies based on one or more of the following: air stream temperature, air stream humidity, and air stream rate.

6. The water collector according to claim 5, further comprising a controller including a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable memory containing a computer program code that analyzes the signal under the control of the processor, the signal varying based on a change in one or more of the following: the air stream temperature, the air stream humidity, and the air stream rate of the air stream passing through the air stream heat exchanger.

7. The water collector according to claim 6, wherein the controller is operable based on the analysis of the signal to control one or more of the heat source, the cooling source, and the at least one air circulator to prevent pre-condensation of the water vapor carried in the air stream before entering the second chamber.

8. The water collector according to claim 1, wherein the water capture material is disposed in one or more water capture modules located inside the first chamber.

9. The water collector according to claim 1, wherein the water capture material is disposed on a support structure constructed to increase the surface area of the water capture material exposed to the ambient atmosphere or the air stream.

10. The water collector according to claim 9, wherein the support structure comprises one or more fins or one or more plates.

11. The water collector according to claim 1, wherein the water capture material comprises one or more water capture materials.

12. The water collector according to claim 12, wherein the one or more water capture materials comprise a metal-organic framework.

13. The water collector according to claim 1, wherein the heat source comprises a first heat exchanger through which a heated fluid circulates, the first heat exchanger being configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid to the water capture material housed in or coupled to the first chamber.

14. The water collector according to claim 1, wherein the heat source comprises a condenser of a heat pump.

15. The water collector according to claim 13, wherein the cooling source comprises a second heat exchanger through which a cooled fluid circulates, the second heat exchanger cooling the air stream carrying the water vapor in the second chamber.

16. The water collector according to claim 14, wherein the cooling source comprises an evaporator of a heat pump.

17. The water collector according to claim 16, wherein the heat pump comprises one or more of the following: A compressor configured to generate the heated fluid, wherein the heated fluid is circulated to the condenser; and An expansion valve configured to receive the heated fluid from the condenser, the expansion valve being operable to allow the heated fluid to expand to produce a cooled fluid, wherein the cooled fluid is circulated to the evaporator.

18. The water collector according to claim 17, wherein the heated fluid and the cooled fluid comprise a refrigerant.

19. The water collector according to claim 1, further comprising a water collection storage tank coupled to the second chamber.

20. A method of manufacturing a water collector, comprising: Housing a water capture material in or coupling a water capture material to a first chamber, the water capture material adsorbing water from ambient air in a moisture adsorption mode of the water collector, the water capture material desorbing water vapor in a hydrolysis adsorption mode of the water collector; Thermally coupling a heat source to the water capture material housed in or coupled to the first chamber, the heat source being operable to heat the water capture material to desorb the water vapor during the desorption mode of the water collector; Fluidly coupling a second chamber to the first chamber, the water vapor being carried in an air stream that recirculates between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or the condensation mode of the water collector; Thermally coupling a cooling source to the second chamber, the cooling source being operable to cool the water vapor carried in the air stream that recirculates between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water collector; and Fluidly coupling an air stream heat exchanger to the first chamber and the second chamber, the air stream passing through the air stream heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising constructing the air flow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising reconstructing the air flow heat exchanger to adjust the heat transfer rate between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising constructing at least one air circulator to recirculate the air flow between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or the condensation mode of the water collector.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising constructing one or more sensors to sense the air flow, the one or more sensors generating a signal that changes based on one or more of the following: air flow temperature, air flow humidity, and air flow rate.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising providing a controller, the controller including a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable memory, the non-transitory computer-readable memory containing a computer program code, the computer program code analyzing the signal under the control of the processor, the signal changing based on a change in one or more of the following: the air flow temperature, the air flow humidity, and the air flow rate of the air flow passing through the air flow heat exchanger.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the controller can operate based on the analysis of the signal to control one or more of the heating source, the cooling source, and the at least one air flow recirculation generator to prevent pre-condensation of the water vapor carried in the air flow before entering the second chamber.

27. The method according to claim 20, further comprising disposing the water capture material on one or more water capture modules located inside the first chamber.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising disposing the water capture material on a support structure to increase the surface area of the water capture material exposed to the ambient atmosphere of the air flow.

29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising constructing the support structure as one or more fins or one or more plates.

30. The method according to claim 20, wherein the water capture material comprises one or more water capture materials.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the one or more water capture materials comprise a metal-organic framework.

32. The method according to claim 20, further comprising constructing the heating source as a first heat exchanger through which a heated fluid circulates, the first heat exchanger being constructed to transfer heat from the heated fluid to the water capture material accommodated in or coupled to the first chamber.

33. The method according to claim 20, wherein the heating source comprises a condenser of a heat pump.

34. The method according to claim 32, further comprising constructing the cooling source as a second heat exchanger through which a cooled fluid circulates, the second heat exchanger being constructed to transfer heat from the air flow carrying the water vapor in the second chamber.

35. The method according to claim 20, wherein the cooling source comprises an evaporator of a heat pump.

36. The method according to claim 20, wherein the heating source comprises a condenser of a heat pump, and wherein the cooling source comprises an evaporator of a heat pump.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the heat pump comprises one or more of the following: A compressor configured to generate the heated fluid, wherein the heated fluid is circulated to the condenser; and An expansion valve configured to receive the heated fluid from the condenser, the expansion valve being operable to allow the heated fluid to expand to produce a cooled fluid, wherein the cooled fluid is circulated to the evaporator.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the heated fluid and the cooled fluid comprise a refrigerant.

39. The method according to claim 20, further comprising coupling a water collection storage tank to the second chamber.

40. A method of using a water collector, comprising: Directing ambient atmospheric air to a water capture material that adsorbs water from the surrounding ambient atmosphere in a moisture adsorption mode of the water collector and desorbs water vapor from the water capture material in a hydrolysis adsorption mode of the water collector; Operating a heating source thermally coupled to the water capture material in a first chamber, the heating source being operable to heat the water capture material during the desorption mode of the water collector to desorb the water vapor from the water capture material; Recirculating an air stream carrying the water vapor between the first chamber and a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber during the desorption mode of the water collector; Operating a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, the cooling source being operable to cool the water vapor carried in the air stream recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water collector; and Passing the air stream through an air stream heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber.

41. The method according to claim 40, further comprising constructing the air stream heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber.

42. The method according to claim 41, further comprising reconstructing the air stream heat exchanger to adjust the heat transfer rate between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber.

43. The method according to claim 40, further comprising operating at least one air circulator to recirculate the air stream between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or the condensation mode of the water collector.

44. The method according to claim 43, further comprising: Operating one or more sensors to sense the air stream; and Generating a signal that varies based on sensing one or more of the following: air stream temperature, air stream humidity, and air stream rate.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising operating a controller including a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable memory containing computer program code that, under control of the processor, analyzes the signal that changes based on one or more of: the air flow temperature, the air flow humidity, and the air flow rate of the air flow through the air flow heat exchanger.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising operating the controller based on the analysis of the signal to control one or more of the heating source, the cooling source, and the at least one air circulator to avoid pre-condensation of the water vapor carried in the air flow before entering the second chamber.

47. The method of claim 40, further comprising operating a heat pump including a condenser, wherein the condenser acts as the heating source thermally coupled to the water capture material.

48. The method of claim 40, further comprising operating a heat pump including an evaporator, wherein the evaporator acts as the cooling source to transfer heat from the air flow carrying the water vapor contained in the second chamber.

49. The method of claim 40, further comprising: operating a heat pump configured to provide a condenser as the heating source to transfer heat from the heated fluid to the water capture material contained in the first chamber; and operating a heat pump configured to provide an evaporator as the cooling source to transfer heat from the air flow carrying the water vapor contained in the second chamber.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein operating the heat pump includes one or more of: operating a compressor configured to generate the heated fluid, wherein the heated fluid is circulated to the condenser; and operating an expansion valve to allow the heated fluid to expand to generate a cooled fluid, wherein the cooled fluid is circulated to the evaporator.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the heated fluid and the cooled fluid comprise a refrigerant.

52. The method of claim 40, further comprising collecting water from the condensation of the water vapor in the second chamber.

53. The method of claim 40, wherein passing the air flow through the air flow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber reduces the total energy cost per liter of liquid water produced by the water collector.

54. The method of claim 40, wherein passing the air flow through the air flow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber can reduce the contribution of sensible heat loss to the total energy cost per liter of water collected.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein the contribution of sensible heat loss to the total energy cost per liter of water collected is reduced to approximately zero.

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