Atmospheric water collection system

Abstract

Generally, the present invention provides an atmospheric water collector for collecting water from ambient air. Specifically, the present invention provides an atmospheric water collector configured to reduce the sensible 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, 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 the total energy cost per liter of water collected to the sensible heat loss.

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, and is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Conventionally, a process for collecting water from the surrounding atmosphere using water-capturing materials involves a water collection cycle comprising three energy-intensive modes: adsorption of water from the surrounding atmosphere to the water-capturing material; desorption of water vapor from the water-capturing material; and condensation of the desorbed water vapor into liquid water. The water adsorption mode can be initiated by passing an airflow through the desorbing water-capturing material. Water molecules in the surrounding atmosphere can then be adsorbed by the water-capturing material. The water adsorption mode can end when the water-capturing material is partially or completely saturated with water. Following the adsorption mode, the desorption mode can be initiated by directly or indirectly heating the partially or completely 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 from the water-capturing material. The condensation mode can end by partially or completely condensing the cooled water vapor into water. Water can be collected from the surrounding atmosphere through repeated adsorption, desorption, and condensation cycles.

[0004] The water collection cycle may involve heating a volume of air in a first chamber containing or thermally coupled to a water-capturing material in a desorption mode, and subsequently cooling the same volume of air in a second chamber in a condensation mode. The same volume of air can be recirculated between the first and second chambers in a continuous water collection cycle. The reheating and recooling of the air requires a considerable portion of the sensed energy associated with the sensed cooling of the "desorption-condensation" airflow and the heating of the "condensation-desorption" airflow.

[0005] In a constructed water collection system or implemented water collection cycle, there is a substantial advantage to reducing or eliminating losses caused by the sensed cooling of the "desorption-condensation" flow and / or the heating of the "condensation-desorption" flow: compared to conventional water collection systems, it reduces the total energy cost per liter of water generated during one or more water collection cycles. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This article provides a water harvesting system that can reduce the overall energy cost in the water harvesting cycle and / or improve water production efficiency during the water harvesting cycle.

[0007] The main objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an atmospheric water collector comprising one or more of the following: a first chamber containing or coupled to a water-capturing material, wherein the water-capturing material adsorbs water from the surrounding atmospheric environment in an adsorption mode of the water collector and desorbs water vapor in a desorption mode of the water collector; a heating source thermally coupled to the water-capturing material contained in the first chamber, the heating source being operable to heat the water-capturing material to desorb water vapor during the desorption mode of the water collector; and a second chamber. A chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber, wherein water vapor carried in a gas flow is recirculated 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, wherein the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried in the gas flow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water collector; and a gas flow heat exchanger through which the gas flow passes to transfer heat between the gas flow from the first chamber and the gas flow from the second chamber.

[0008] In a particular embodiment, the airflow heat exchanger may be constructed and installed in a fixed space or may be reconstructed during water collection cycles to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber by reducing, substantially reducing or eliminating sensible heat loss and / or avoiding the heat transfer rate of water vapor condensing before entering the second chamber. A particular implementation may include a controller comprising a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer read-only memory containing computer program code executable to analyze one or more signals from one or more sensors, wherein the one or more signals change based on changes in one or more of the following: the airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow rate of the airflow through the airflow heat exchanger, wherein the controller may operate based on the analysis of such signals from the one or more sensors to control one or more of the following: the heating source, the cooling source, the configuration of the airflow heat exchanger, and the airflow rate through the airflow heat exchanger, to reduce or eliminate sensible heat loss in the system or associated with the cooling of the "desorption-condensation" airflow and / or the heating of the "condensation-desorption" airflow, thereby reducing the total energy consumption per liter of water generated during one or more water collection cycles.

[0009] In a particular embodiment, the heating source may include a first heat exchanger through which a heating fluid circulates, wherein the first heat exchanger may be configured to transfer heat from the heating fluid to the water-capturing material housed in or thermally coupled to the first chamber, and / or the cooling source may include a second heat exchanger through which a cooling fluid circulates, wherein the second heat exchanger may be configured to transfer heat from the airflow carrying water vapor housed in the second chamber. In a particular embodiment, 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 key objective of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a water collector, comprising one or more of the following: containing or thermally coupling a water-capturing material to a first chamber, wherein the water-capturing material adsorbs water from the surrounding ambient atmosphere in an adsorption mode of the water collector, and wherein the water-capturing material desorbs water vapor in a desorption mode of the water collector; thermally coupling a heating source to the water-capturing material contained in or thermally coupled to the first chamber, wherein the heating source is operable to heat the water-capturing material to desorb water vapor during the desorption mode of the water collector; and fluidly coupling a second chamber to the first chamber to allow the water-capturing material to be contained in or thermally coupled to the first chamber. A flow path is provided between the second chambers, in which an airflow can recirculate between the first and second chambers, wherein the airflow can carry water vapor from the first chamber to the second chamber in the desorption mode of the water collector; a cooling source is thermally coupled to the second chamber, wherein the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried in the airflow recirculated between the first and second chambers during the condensation mode of the water collector; and an airflow heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the first and second chambers, through which the airflow passes to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber.

[0011] Another primary objective of the present invention may be a method for collecting water from ambient atmosphere, comprising one or more of the following: directing ambient atmosphere to a water-capturing material, wherein the water-capturing material adsorbs water from the ambient atmosphere in an adsorption mode of a water collector; operating a heating source thermally coupled to or fluidly coupled to the water-capturing material housed in a first chamber, the heating source being operable to heat the water-capturing material to desorb water vapor from the water-capturing material during a desorption mode of the water collector; recirculating an airflow 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, wherein the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried in the airflow recirculated between the first and second chambers during a condensation mode of the water collector; and passing the airflow through an airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber. In a particular embodiment, the method includes constructing or reconstructing the airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber at a heat transfer rate, wherein the heat transfer rate avoids pre-condensation of water vapor before entering the second chamber and / or reduces or eliminates sensible heat loss in the system or water collector associated with cooling of the "desorption-condensation" airflow and / or heating of the "condensation-desorption" process, thereby substantially reducing 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 including a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer read-only memory containing computer program code executable to analyze one or more signals from one or more sensors, wherein the signals change based on changes in one or more of the following: the airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow rate of the airflow through the airflow heat exchanger, to control one or more of the following: the heating source, the cooling source, the configuration of the airflow heat exchanger, and at least one air circulator to prevent water vapor from condensing before entering the second chamber, and / or reduce or eliminate sensible heat loss in the system or associated with the cooling of the "desorption-condensation" airflow and / or the heating of the "condensation-desorption" airflow, 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 heat source to transfer heat from a heated fluid to the water-capturing material contained in 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 airflow carrying the water vapor contained in the second chamber.

[0014] Of course, other objectives of the invention are revealed throughout this specification, drawings, photographs and other parts of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A block flowchart illustrating a specific implementation of a water collection system and a water collector.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a block flowchart illustrating a specific implementation of an airflow heat exchanger.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a block flowchart of another specific implementation of an airflow heat exchanger.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a block flowchart of another specific implementation of an airflow heat exchanger.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a block flowchart of another specific implementation of an airflow heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following description illustrates illustrative examples of a water collection system (1) (also referred to as the "system"), including specific embodiments of the water collector (2), methods of manufacturing the water collector (2), and methods of using the water collector (2). However, it should be understood 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 breadth or scope of the embodiments, but rather to provide examples sufficient for those skilled in the art to manufacture and use the entire breadth and scope of the invention.

[0021] Now, the main reference is Figures 1 to 5The water collector (2) may be implemented in a first chamber (3) fluidly coupled to a second chamber (4) defining a flow path (5), wherein airflow (6) may recirculate between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The first chamber (1) may contain water-capturing material (7), or hold one or more water-capturing modules (8) containing water-capturing material (7), or receive one or more water-capturing modules (8) containing water-capturing material (7) transferred by a mechanical transmission mechanism (9), or be fluidly coupled to (or decoupled from) one or more water-capturing modules (8) as part of the flow path (5), wherein airflow (6) may recirculate between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). In a particular embodiment, several water-capturing modules (8) may be contained in the first chamber (3), or fluidly coupled to the first chamber in series or in parallel. The term "gas flow" broadly encompasses the mixture of gases recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) and / or condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2).

[0022] The water-capturing material (7) comprises a composition that adsorbs water (10) from the ambient atmosphere (11) in an adsorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2) and desorbs water vapor (12) in a desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). Any suitable water-capturing material (7) can be used in embodiments of the water-capturing system (1), the water collector (2), and the methods of making and using the water collector (2) described herein. In certain embodiments, the water-capturing material (7) may (but does not necessarily) comprise one or more metal-organic frameworks (“MOFs”). See, for example, H. Furukawa et al., Water Adsorption in Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks and Related Materials (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 11, 4369-4381). MOFs may be characterized by high water absorption and a stepped characteristic of water absorption relative to relative humidity (“RH”). In some variations, suitable water-capturing materials (7), including MOFs, can have such isothermal steps that can be customized for various climates. See, for example, International Patent Publication No. WO2020112899, Multivariate and Other Metal-Organic Frameworks, and Uses Thereof. Due to the hydrogen bonds between the MOF and water molecules, the isothermal steps are typically a weak function of temperature. Stepped isotherms allow water to be captured and released by the MOF within a very narrow range of relative humidity ("RH").

[0023] In specific embodiments, different variations or combinations of MOFs may be utilized, including one or more of the following: MOF-303: Al(OH)(HPDC), wherein HPDC is 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate; CAU-10: Al(OH)(IPA), wherein IPA is isophthalic acid ester; MOF-801: Zr6O4(OH)4(fumaric acid)6; MOF-841: Zr6O4(OH)4(MTB)6(HCOO)4(H2O)2; aluminum fumarate: (fumaric acid)Al(OH); MIL-160: Al(OH)(FDA), wherein FDA is 2,5-furandicarboxylate; MIL-53: Al(OH)(TPA), wherein TPA is terephthalic acid ester; or aluminum phosphate: AlPO4-LTA. In specific variations, the MOF may have The pore size is 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 variations, the MOF may have a hydrophilic porous structure. In some variations, the MOF may have a hydrophilic porous structure containing acid and / or amine functional groups. In some variations, the MOF has one-dimensional channels that allow reversible water adsorption. In some embodiments, the MOF may be mixed with an adhesive to improve its adhesion to a substrate or support. As an illustrative example, other suitable water-capturing materials (7) may 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 MOF or other MOFs described herein or other compositions capable of water adsorption and hydrolysis can also be used alone or in combination.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the water-capturing material (7) may be disposed on one or more structural elements (13) located inside the water-capturing module (8) or the first chamber (3). The structural element (13) may be configured to increase the surface area of ​​the water-capturing material (7) exposed to the ambient atmosphere (11) to enhance adsorption of water (10) from the air (11) during the absorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2) or to enhance heat transfer to the water-capturing material (7) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). In a particular embodiment, the structural element (13) may include plates or fins (14) that can be independently coated on one or both sides having the water-capturing material (7). In some variations, the plates or fins (14) may be spatially arranged, and in a particular embodiment, are arranged substantially parallel to each other, with gaps (15) existing between adjacent plates or fins (14). In a particular embodiment, the gap (15) between adjacent plates can be adjusted relative to the length of each plate to achieve airflow, thereby maximizing water adsorption of the water-capturing material (7) during adsorption mode (AM) or desorption mode (DM). In some variations, the gap (15) between adjacent plates or fins (14) can be from about one percent (1%) to about 5% of the length of the plate or fin (14). In a particular embodiment, the plates or fins (14) can be coated with layers of water-capturing material (7), each layer having a thickness between about 10 micrometers and about 500 micrometers, or between about 50 micrometers and about 500 micrometers, or between about 10 micrometers and about 50 micrometers. In a particular embodiment, layers of water-capturing material (7) in this thickness range allow for faster adsorption and / or desorption compared to thicker layers of water-capturing material (7). In other embodiments, the plates or fins (14) can be coated with layers of water-capturing material (7), each layer having a thickness of about 0.1 cm to about 1 cm. Compared to thinner layers, this thickness range allows for the generation of a larger amount of water vapor (12) during desorption mode (DM). In some embodiments, the layers of water-capturing material (7) on the plate or fin (14) may have porosity. In some variations, the calculated porosity (volume of pores in the water-capturing material divided by the total volume of the water-capturing material × 100) may 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 water-capturing material (7) may be substantially non-porous. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the layers of water-capturing material (7) may be greater than the thickness of the plate used for the fin (14).In some embodiments, only one side of the plate or fin (14) may be coated with a water-capturing material (7), wherein the thickness of the water-capturing material relative to the thickness of the plate or fin (14) is adapted to reduce or minimize the energy required per unit of water released from the water-capturing 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-capturing material (7), and the ratio of the thickness of the first layer (e.g., the first side layer) of the water-capturing material (7) to the thickness of the second layer (e.g., the second side layer) of the water-capturing material (7) may be adapted to reduce or minimize the energy required per unit of water released from the water-capturing 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 an illustrative example, the plate may comprise one or more of aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, and tungsten. In some variations, the plates comprise 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 morphology features that enhance water adsorption. Illustrative examples of morphology features include one or more of the following: particles, perforations, arcuate holes, bumps, ridges or grooves, or any combination thereof. In another variation, the plates or fins may comprise a mesh.

[0025] Secondly, the main reference Figure 1 In the adsorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2), the water-capturing material (7) absorbs water (10) from the ambient atmosphere (11). In some embodiments, structural elements (13) may be designed and configured to allow water (10) to diffuse from the ambient atmosphere (11) to the water-capturing material (7) during the adsorption mode (AM). In a particular embodiment, an air circulator (16) may be operated to generate an airflow (6) at a determined velocity via the water-capturing material (7) to assist the water-capturing material (7) in adsorbing water (10). As an illustrative example, the water-capturing material (7) may be coated on adjacent structural elements (13), and the ambient atmosphere (11) may pass through the gaps (15) between the structural elements (13) during the adsorption phase. The adsorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2) may end when the water-capturing material (7) reaches a target water saturation level and / or a target adsorption rate.

[0026] Now, the main reference is Figure 1The heating source (17) can be thermally coupled to the water-capturing material (7). The water-capturing material (7) thermally coupled to the heating source (17) can be housed in the first chamber (1), in one or more water-capturing modules (8) housed in the first chamber (3), in one or more water-capturing modules transferred to the first chamber (3) by the transfer mechanism (9), or in one or more water-capturing modules (8) fluidly coupled as part of a flow path (5), in which the airflow (6) can recirculate between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The heating source (17) can be operated to heat the water-capturing material (7) to desorb water vapor (12) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). There are two heating methods for releasing water vapor (12) from the water-capturing material (7): first, direct heating, which involves heat transfer from the heating source (17) directly to the surface of the first chamber (3), to the structural element (13) supporting the water-capturing material (7), or to the water-capturing material (7) or a combination thereof; and second, indirect heating, which involves heating the interior space of the first chamber (3), heating around the structural element (13) supporting the water-capturing material (7), or heating the water-capturing material (7). The heating source (17) may comprise any mechanism, object, area, material, composition, byproduct, waste heat or energy, or a combination thereof, that can be used to sufficiently heat the water-capturing material (7) to release water vapor (12). Typically, the heating source (3) operates at a temperature ranging from about 80°C (about 176°F) to about 160°C (about 320°F). The specific temperature within the temperature range may depend on the water-capturing material (7) or a combination of water-capturing materials (7) utilized in the water collection system (1) or water collector (2). However, this does not preclude the implementation of using temperatures outside this range to release water vapor (12) from the water-capturing material (7).

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

[0028] In a particular embodiment, indirect heating may include the use of resistive heating, wherein a resistively heated conductive element (19) transfers heat to the air (18) surrounding the water-capturing material (7) to release water vapor (12).

[0029] In a particular embodiment, indirect heating may involve directing waste heat generated by a machine or other process separate from the water collector (2) to or into the first chamber (3).

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the heating source (17) may include a first heat exchanger (20) through which the heated fluid (21) circulates. The first heat exchanger (20) may be configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid (21) to the water-capturing 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-capturing modules (8) contained or housed in the first chamber (3), structural elements (13) supporting the water-capturing material (7), or the water-capturing material (7) being coated with the heating source (17).

[0031] In a particular embodiment, the heating source (17) may include the condenser (22) of a heat pump (23). The heat pump (23) may include a compressor (24), an expansion valve (25), a condenser (22) (or a hot-side heat exchanger), and an evaporator (26) (or a cold-side heat exchanger). The compressor (24) is operable to compress a refrigerant, thereby producing a heated fluid (21) that can 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) is operable to allow the heated fluid (21) to expand to produce a cooled fluid (27). The cooled fluid can be circulated to the evaporator (26). In a particular embodiment, the condenser (22) (or the hot side of the heat exchanger) may be configured to operate at a temperature ranging from about 90°C (about 194°F) to about 160°C (about 320°F), and the evaporator (26) or the cold side heat exchanger may be configured to operate at a temperature ranging from 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-capturing material (7) contained in the first chamber (3) and fluidly or thermally coupled to it. As an illustrative example, the condenser (22) may be arranged to transfer heat to sufficiently raise the temperature of the water-capturing material (7) to release water vapor (12) from the water-capturing material (7) in the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2).

[0032] Now, the main reference is Figure 1An embodiment of the water collection system (1) or water collector (2) may include a second chamber (4) fluidly coupled to the first chamber (3). Water vapor (12) released from the water-capturing material (7) may be carried in an airflow (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 a target water vapor concentration is reached in the first chamber (3), an air circulator (16) may be operated to recirculate the airflow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). The recirculation of the airflow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) may initiate a condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2).

[0033] Secondly, the main reference Figure 1 A cooling source (27) may be thermally coupled to the second chamber (4). The cooling source (27) may be operated to cool water vapor (12) carried in the fluid flow (6) recirculated 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 or through the second chamber (4) such that at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the airflow (6) condenses into liquid water (28). In a particular embodiment, the cooling source (27) may be configured to cool the structure of the second chamber (4) to a temperature below the dew point of the fluid flow (6) within the second chamber (4) such that at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the fluid flow (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 water vapor (12) in the fluid flow (6) within the second chamber (4). In other embodiments, a cooling source (27) may be located inside the second chamber (4), and a fluid flow (6) carrying 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 cooling generated by a machine or other process separate from the water collector (2) directed nearby to or into the second chamber (4). As an illustrative example, the waste cooling may include 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 cooling fluid (30) circulates. The second heat exchanger (29) may be located close to the second chamber (4) to cool the airflow (6) carrying water vapor (12) contained in or passing through the second chamber (4). The airflow (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 a particular embodiment, the cooling source (27) may be the evaporator (26) of a heat pump (23). The evaporator (26) or cold-side heat exchanger may be configured to operate at a temperature ranging from about 30°C (about 86℉) to about 95°C (about 203℉). The evaporator (26) may be associated with the second chamber (4) to transfer heat directly or indirectly from the airflow (6) carrying water vapor (12) contained in or through the second chamber. As an illustrative example, the evaporator (26) may be arranged to transfer heat from one or more of the structure within the second chamber (4), the structural element (13) within the second chamber (4), the airflow (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 flow (6) decreases sufficiently to cause condensation of at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the fluid flow (6).

[0035] Now, the main reference is Figures 1 to 5 The water collector (2) may be implemented in a manner that includes an airflow heat exchanger (31). For the purposes of this invention, the term airflow heat exchanger (31) means any device adapted or constructed to allow portions of airflows (6) at different temperatures to come into thermal contact, thereby transferring heat between a first airflow portion (6') and a second airflow portion (6") . As an illustrative example, the term airflow heat exchanger (31) encompasses air-to-air heat exchangers, parallel heat exchangers, counter-current heat exchangers, cross-flow heat exchangers, and combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the water collector (2) may include an airflow heat exchanger (31) through which a recirculated airflow (6) passes in a co-current or counter-current direction in thermal contact, such that heat is transferred between a first fluid flow portion (6') from the first chamber (3) to the second chamber (4) and a physically separated second fluid flow portion (6") from the second chamber (4) to the first chamber (3). In a particular embodiment, hot, humid air generated in 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 airflow heat exchanger (31). Simultaneously, cold, dry air passing through the second chamber (4) during the condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2) can be directed to one or more inlets of the airflow heat exchanger (31) to transfer heat from the hot, humid fluid to the cold, dry air to correspondingly pre-cool the hot, humid air and pre-heat the cold, dry air.

[0036] Now, the main reference is Figures 1 to 5In certain embodiments, the airflow heat exchanger (31) may have a fixed spatial configuration. In these embodiments, one or more of the following may be preselected or coordinated to reduce, substantially prevent, or prevent pre-condensation of water vapor (12) carried by the recirculating airflow (6) into the second chamber (4): the structural material of the airflow heat exchanger (31), the temperature of the airflow (6) passing through the first chamber (3), the temperature of the airflow (6) passing through the second chamber (4), and the airflow rate through the airflow heat exchanger (31). Coordinating these various parameters rather than changing the geometry of the counter-current heat exchanger (31) can provide a mechanically less complex implementation of the water collector (2). Figures 2 to 5 As shown in the illustrative examples, numerous variations of the internal and external structural geometry of the airflow heat exchanger (31) are suitable for use with specific embodiments of the invention. Illustrative examples of air heat exchangers (31) suitable for use with specific embodiments of the invention are available from Xiamen Air Technology Co., Ltd., No. 80, Siming Industrial Park, Meixi Road, Tongan District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, 361100.

[0037] Now, the main reference is Figure 1 and Figure 3 In a particular embodiment, the airflow heat exchanger (31) may have a structure that can be reconfigured before or during operation of the water collector (2) to adjust the heat transfer between the airflow (6) from the first chamber (3) and the airflow (6) from the second chamber (4). This allows the heat transfer rate to be adjusted to accommodate changes in the operating parameters of the water collector (2), including one or more of the following: the temperature of the airflow (6) passing through the first chamber (3), the temperature of the airflow (6) passing through the second chamber (4), and the airflow rate through the airflow heat exchanger (31). In a particular variation, this allows for a wider range of operating parameters in the water collector (2) that simultaneously reduce, substantially prevent, or inhibit the condensation of water vapor (12) carried by the recirculated airflow (6) before entering the second chamber (4). Figure 5 In an illustrative example, the airflow heat exchanger (31) may include a damper (32) that can be adjusted to change an open area (32) of a flow path (5) through the airflow heat exchanger (31) to correspondingly adjust the airflow rate from the first chamber (3) and / or from the second chamber (4).

[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 atmospheric temperature sensors (34) and / or one or more ambient atmospheric humidity sensors (35), located outside the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), and adapted or configured to generate a signal that changes with changes in the ambient atmospheric temperature and / or ambient atmospheric humidity around 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 airflow sensors (38), located inside the first chamber (3) and / or the second chamber (4), and adapted or configured to generate a signal that changes with changes in the temperature and / or humidity of the first chamber and / or the temperature and / or humidity of the second chamber. The controller (33) may include a processor (39) communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer read-only memory (40) containing a water harvesting algorithm (41) (also referred to as the "algorithm") that, under the control of the processor (39), analyzes signals from various sensors (34, 35, 36, 37, 38) 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), airflow temperature (AFT), airflow humidity (AFH), and airflow rate (AFR) of the fluid flow (6, 6', 6") through the airflow heat exchanger (31), and combinations thereof.

[0039] The first chamber temperature (FCT) and / or first chamber humidity (FCH) measurements and / or second chamber temperature (SCT) and / or second chamber humidity (SCH) and ambient air temperature (AT) and / or ambient air humidity (AH) measurements can 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) relative to one or more of the following: the time period of the adsorption mode (AM) of the ambient air (11) flowing through the water-capturing material (7), the first chamber (3) during desorption The temperature (FCT) 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 airflow rate (AFR) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), the reconstruction of the airflow heat exchanger (31) to increase or decrease the area of ​​the flow path (5) through the airflow heat exchanger (31) in one or both directions, and, in a particular embodiment, the control of the operation of the heat pump (23).

[0040] Now, referring mainly to Examples 1 to 4 and Table 1, the implementation of the water collector (2) including the airflow heat exchanger (31) can substantially reduce the amount of energy used by the water collection system (1) or the water collector (2) to generate a unit of liquid water (28) which can be directed to the water collection tank (42).

[0041] The inclusion of an airflow heat exchanger (31) can substantially reduce or mitigate the perceptible energy loss of the recirculating fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The reduction or mitigation of perceptible energy loss reduces the amount of energy required 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 required by the water collection system (1) or the water collector (2) to produce a unit of liquid water (28).

[0042] Unexpected results can also occur when eliminating the perceptible heat loss from both the recooling and reheating of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). In that case, a substantially 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 substantial increase in the overall energy efficiency of the water collection system (1) or the water collector (2).

[0043] Example 1.

[0044] CAU-10 with an isothermal step of 20% RH at 25°C (approximately 77°F) was used as the water-capturing material (7). The water-capturing material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of approximately 85°C (approximately 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of approximately 30°C (approximately 86°F). No airflow heat exchanger (31) was 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) was approximately 90 g water / m³ air (90 g H₂O / m³). 3 The absolute humidity in the second chamber is approximately 30 grams of moisture per cubic meter of air (30 g H2O / m³). 3 Air). The amount of airflow (6) that recirculates between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb one gram (1g) of water (10) from the water-capturing material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condenses into a liquid water (28) greater than 0.95g (>0.95g) in the second chamber (4) is approximately 0.016 cubic meters of air (0.016m). 3 (Air). Compared to the total energy used to produce >0.95g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4), the 0.016m³ of energy from heating and cooling via recirculation is used for heating and cooling.3 The sensible loss contribution of air to the desorption of 1 g of water (10) from the water-capturing material (7) in the first chamber (3) and the condensation of >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is approximately 20%. The total energy cost is approximately 0.35 kW per liter of water (approximately 0.35 kWh / L). The sensible heat loss attributable to the airflow (6) recirculating between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) for cooling and heating is approximately 0.07 kWh / L.

[0045] Example 2.

[0046] CAU-10 with an isothermal step of 20% RH at 25°C (approximately 77°F) was used as the water-capturing material (7). The water-capturing material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of approximately 85°C (approximately 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of approximately 50°C (approximately 122°F). No airflow heat exchanger (31) was 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) was approximately 80 g water / m³ air (80 g H₂O / m³). 3 The absolute humidity in the second chamber is approximately 80 grams of moisture per cubic meter of air (approximately 80 g H2O / m³). 3 Air). The amount of airflow (6) that recirculates between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb one gram (1g) of water (10) from the water-capturing material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condenses into a liquid water (28) greater than 0.95g (>0.95g) in the second chamber (4) is approximately 0.108 cubic meters of air (0.108m). 3 (Air). Compared to the total energy used to produce >0.95g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4), the 0.108m³ of energy from heating and cooling via recirculation is significantly less than the total energy used to produce liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4). 3 The sensible loss contribution of air to the desorption of 1 g of water (10) from the water-capturing material (7) in the first chamber (3) and the condensation of >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is approximately 50%. The total energy cost is approximately 0.50 kW per liter of water (approximately 0.50 kWh / L). The sensible heat loss attributable to the airflow (6) recirculating between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) for cooling and heating is approximately 0.25 kWh / L.

[0047] Example 3.

[0048] CAU-10 with an isothermal step of 20% RH at 25°C (approximately 77°F) was used as the water-capturing material (7). The water-capturing material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of approximately 85°C (approximately 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of approximately 30°C (approximately 86°F). An airflow heat exchanger (31) was 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) was approximately 90 g water / m³ air (90 g H₂O / m³). 3 The absolute humidity in the second chamber is approximately 30 grams of moisture per cubic meter of air (approximately 80 g H2O / m³). 3 Air). The amount of airflow (6) that recirculates between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb one gram (1g) of water (10) from the water-capturing material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condenses into a liquid water (28) greater than 0.95g (>0.95g) in the second chamber (4) is approximately 0.016 cubic meters of air (0.016m). 3 (Air). Compared to the total energy used to produce >0.95g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4), the 0.108m³ of energy from heating and cooling via recirculation is significantly less than the total energy used to produce liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4). 3 The perceptible loss contribution of air desorbing 1g of water (10) from the water-capturing material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condensing >0.95g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is reduced to near zero or to zero. The total energy cost is approximately 0.28 kW per liter of water (approximately 0.28 kWh / L).

[0049] Example 4.

[0050] CAU-10 with an isothermal step of 20% RH at 25°C (approximately 77°F) was used as the water-capturing material (7). The water-capturing material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of approximately 85°C (approximately 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of approximately 30°C (approximately 86°F). An airflow heat exchanger (31) was 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) was approximately 90 g water / m³ air (90 g H₂O / m³). 3 The absolute humidity in the second chamber is approximately 30 grams of moisture per cubic meter of air (approximately 80 g H2O / m³). 3 Air). The amount of airflow (6) that recirculates between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb one gram (1g) of water (10) from the water-capturing material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condenses into a liquid water (28) greater than 0.95g (>0.95g) in the second chamber (4) is approximately 0.108m.3 cubic meters of air (0.108m³) 3 (Air). 0.108m³ from heating and cooling via recirculation. 3 The perceptible loss contribution of air desorbing 1g of water (10) from the water-capturing material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condensing >0.95g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is reduced to near zero or to zero. The total energy cost is approximately 0.25 kW per liter of water (approximately 0.25 kWh / L).

[0051] Table 1 - Overview of Results

[0052]

[0053] As can be readily understood from the foregoing, the basic concept of the present invention can be embodied in a variety of ways. The present invention relates to numerous and varied embodiments of a water collection system (1), a water collector (2), and methods for manufacturing and using such a water collection system (1) and water collector (2), including optimal modes.

[0054] Therefore, the specific embodiments or elements of the invention shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather to illustrate numerous and varied embodiments or equivalents covered by the general scope of the invention. Furthermore, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all possible embodiments or elements; many alternatives are implicitly revealed by the embodiments and figures.

[0055] It should be understood that the elements of the apparatus or the steps of the method can be described using apparatus or method terms. Such terms may be replaced where necessary to make the implicit broad coverage of the invention explicit. For example only, it should be understood that all steps of a method can be disclosed as an action, a component for performing that action, or an element causing that action to take place. Similarly, the elements of the apparatus can be disclosed as physical elements or actions facilitated by those physical elements. For example only, the disclosure of "water collector" should be understood to cover the disclosure of the action of "water collection" (whether explicitly stated 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 "water collector" or even "component for water collection." Such alternative terms for elements or steps should be understood to be explicitly included in this specification.

[0056] Furthermore, regarding the terms used, it should be understood that, unless their use in this application does not conform to such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as including the descriptions contained in the second edition of Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0057] Whether explicitly indicated or not, all numerical values ​​herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about". For the purposes of this invention, a range may be expressed as from "about" one specific value to "about" another specific value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from one specific value to another specific value. The enumeration of numerical values ​​by endpoints includes all numerical values ​​contained within that range. For example, the numerical range of one to five includes the values ​​1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. It should be further understood that the endpoints of each range are significant and independent of the other endpoints. When values ​​are expressed as approximate values ​​by using the preceding "about", it will be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numerical values ​​that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to or have the same function or result as the listed numerical values. Similarly, the preceding "substantially" means substantially but not exactly the same form, manner, or degree, and that a particular element will have a range of constructions that a person skilled in the art would consider to have the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximate element by using the preceding phrase "substantially", it will be understood that the particular element forms another implementation.

[0058] Furthermore, for the purposes of this invention, unless otherwise limited, the term "a" in general refers to one or more of the other entities. Therefore, the terms "a (a or an)," "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

[0059] Furthermore, for the purposes of this invention, depending on the implementation, the term "coupled" or its derivatives may mean indirect coupling, coupling, direct coupling, connection, direct connection, or integration with.

[0060] Additionally, for the purposes of this invention, when referring to two or more components, the term "integration" means that the components (i) can be combined to provide a single-piece structure, a monolithic structure, or a combined whole, or (ii) can be formed as a single-piece structure, a monolithic structure, or a combined whole. In other words, the components can be integrally formed, meaning connected together to form a single complete piece or unit, or to work together as a single complete piece or unit, and therefore cannot be easily disassembled without compromising the integrity of the piece or unit.

[0061] Therefore, it should 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 these apparatuses and methods; iv) alternative implementations of each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described; v) alternative designs and methods shown to implement functions implicit in the disclosed and described contents; vi) features, components, and steps shown as separate and independent inventions; vii) applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed; viii) products resulting from such systems or components; ix) methods and apparatus substantially as described above and referring to any of the accompanying embodiments; and x) various combinations and arrangements of the previously disclosed elements.

[0062] The prior art section of this patent application (if present) provides a statement of the fields to which this invention relates. This section may also include, or contain, explanations of relevant information, questions, or concerns applicable to the technical state to which this invention pertains, in connection with the subject matter of certain U.S. patents, patent applications, publications, reviews, or other information cited or incorporated herein by reference. It is not intended that any U.S. patent, patent application, publication, summary, or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed, or accepted as prior art relating to this invention.

[0063] The claims set forth in this specification are incorporated herein 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 content of such claims as additional description supporting any 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 content of the claims or any element or component thereof from the specification to the claims, or vice versa, as necessary, to define any subject matter sought to be protected by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division or part of a successor application, or to obtain any benefit of reduced costs under or in accordance with the patent laws, guidelines or regulations or treaties of any country, and such incorporated content shall continue to exist throughout the entire pending period of this application, including any subsequent application, division or part of a successor application or any reissue or extension thereof. Elements following an open transitional phrase (such as "comprising") may be asserted in alternatives with a closed transitional phrase (such as "consistent with" or "comprises with"), whether or not explicitly referring to the descriptive portion of this specification.

[0064] Furthermore, the claims set forth in this specification, where applicable, are intended to describe a limited number of generally accepted embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the most extensive embodiment of the invention or a complete enumeration of all possible embodiments of the invention. The applicant does not waive the right to develop other claims based on the foregoing description as part of any successor, divisional, or partial successor application or similar application.

Claims

1. A water collector comprising: A first chamber containing or coupled to a water-capturing material that adsorbs water from the surrounding ambient atmosphere in an adsorption mode of the water collector and desorbs water vapor in a desorption mode of the water collector. A heating source thermally coupled to the water-capturing material, the heating source being operable to heat the water-capturing material to desorb the water vapor during the desorption mode of the water collector; A second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber, wherein the water vapor is carried in a gas flow that recirculates between the first and second chambers during the desorption mode of the water collector; A cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, the cooling source being operable to cool the water vapor carried in the airflow recirculating between the first and second chambers during a condensation mode of the water collector; An airflow heat exchanger through which the airflow passes to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber; An air circulator, the at least one air circulator being operable to recirculate the airflow between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or the condensation mode of the water collector; One or more sensors are configured to sense the airflow, the sensors generating a signal that varies based on one or more of the following: airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow rate; and A controller includes a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer read-only memory containing computer program code that, under the control of the processor, analyzes a signal that changes based on a change in one or more of the following: the airflow temperature, the airflow humidity, and the airflow rate of the airflow passing through the airflow heat exchanger, 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 circulator to prevent water vapor carried in the airflow from condensing before entering the second chamber.

2. The water collector of claim 1, wherein the airflow heat exchanger can be reconfigured to adjust the heat transfer rate between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber.

3. The water collector of claim 1, wherein the water-capturing material is disposed in one or more water-capturing modules located inside the first chamber.

4. The water collector of claim 1, wherein the water-capturing material is disposed on a support structure configured to increase the surface area of ​​the water-capturing material exposed to the ambient atmosphere or the airflow.

5. The water collector of claim 4, wherein the support structure comprises one or more fins or one or more plates.

6. The water collector of claim 1, wherein the water-capturing material comprises one or more water-capturing materials.

7. The water collector of claim 6, wherein the one or more water-capturing materials comprise a metal-organic architecture.

8. The water collector of claim 1, wherein the heating source includes 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-capturing material contained in or coupled to the first chamber.

9. The water collector of claim 8, wherein the cooling source includes a second heat exchanger through which a cooling fluid circulates, the second heat exchanger cooling the airflow carrying the water vapor in the second chamber.

10. The water collector of claim 1, further comprising a water collection tank coupled to the second chamber.

11. A water collector comprising: A first chamber containing or coupled to a water-capturing material that adsorbs water from the surrounding ambient atmosphere in an adsorption mode of the water collector and desorbs water vapor in a desorption mode of the water collector. A heating source thermally coupled to the water-capturing material, the heating source being operable to heat the water-capturing material to desorb the water vapor during the desorption mode of the water collector; A second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber, wherein the water vapor is carried in a gas flow that recirculates between the first and second chambers during the desorption mode of the water collector; A cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, the cooling source being operable to cool the water vapor carried in the airflow recirculating between the first and second chambers during a condensation mode of the water collector; An airflow heat exchanger through which the airflow passes to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber; The heating source includes a condenser of a heat pump.

12. The water collector of claim 11, wherein the cooling source comprises an evaporator of a heat pump.

13. The water collector of claim 12, wherein the heat pump comprises one or more of the following: A compressor configured to produce the heated fluid, wherein the heated fluid is circulated to the condenser; and An expansion valve is configured to receive the heated fluid from the condenser, and the expansion valve is operable to allow the heated fluid to expand to produce a cooled fluid, wherein the cooled fluid is circulated to the evaporator.

14. The water collector of claim 13, wherein the heated fluid and the cooled fluid comprise a refrigerant.

15. The water collector of claim 11, wherein the airflow heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber.

16. The water collector of claim 15, wherein the airflow heat exchanger can be reconfigured to adjust the heat transfer rate between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber.

17. The water collector of claim 11, further comprising at least one air circulator operable to recirculate the airflow between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or the condensation mode of the water collector.

18. The water collector of claim 17, further comprising one or more sensors configured to sense the airflow, the one or more sensors generating a signal that varies based on one or more of the following: airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow rate.

19. The water collector of claim 18, further comprising a controller including a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer read-only memory containing computer program code that analyzes the signal under the control of the processor, the signal being changed based on a change in one or more of the following: the airflow temperature, the airflow humidity, and the airflow rate of the airflow passing through the airflow heat exchanger.

20. The water collector of claim 19, wherein the controller is operable 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 prevent the water vapor carried in the airflow from condensing before entering the second chamber.

21. The water collector of claim 11, wherein the water-capturing material is disposed in one or more water-capturing modules located inside the first chamber.

22. The water collector of claim 11, wherein the water-capturing material comprises one or more water-capturing materials.

23. The water collector of claim 22, wherein the water-capturing material comprises a metal-organic architecture.

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