Liquid separation system

Abstract

A separation system separates a first liquid from a composite liquid. Examples of the composite liquid are seawater, brine, rainwater, wastewater, a biofuel precursor, lactic acid, or juice. The plate heat exchanger includes at least one evaporation channel and at least one condensation channel. The composite liquid flows through the evaporation channel, wherein the first liquid evaporates from the composite liquid into the gas. The direct heat exchanger also vaporizes the first liquid into the gas. The gas flows from the direct heat exchanger through a condensation channel, where the first liquid condenses and thereby separates from the composite liquid.

Description

Declaration on the Rights of the Federal Government

[0001] This invention was completed with the support of the U.S. government under contract number DE-EE0009683 granted by the U.S. Department of Energy. The U.S. government enjoys certain rights to this invention. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of this technology generally relate to a liquid separation device, which includes a direct heat exchanger and a plate heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0003] The world's growing population and increasing water demand for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes are leading to increased water scarcity and pressure on the world's water systems. One approach to addressing this demand is the desalination of brine. However, desalination can be an energy-intensive and expensive process. Therefore, improved systems that desalinate brine by separating water from other components in the brine would be beneficial. In other words, improved liquid separation systems that can operate more cost-effectively and have greater energy efficiency would be advantageous.

[0004] Besides desalinating brine, improved liquid separation systems can have a variety of other applications. For example, liquid separation systems can be used to treat rainwater, wastewater, biofuels, lactic acid, and drinking liquids such as fruit juice. Therefore, more efficient and cost-effective liquid separation systems can offer a range of benefits. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to a separation system. The separation system may include: (i) a plurality of plates, within which at least one evaporation channel is provided; (ii) a tank arranged to contain a composite liquid and supply the composite liquid to flow along the inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel, wherein the composite liquid may include a first liquid having a first evaporation potential and a second component having a second evaporation potential; (iii) a gas moving device arranged to move gas through the at least one evaporation channel, wherein as the gas moves through the evaporation channel, a portion of the first liquid flowing along the inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel evaporates into the gas; and (iv) a direct heat exchanger that may be in thermal communication with the tank. A direct heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat to the composite liquid as the gas leaves the evaporation channel and enters the direct heat exchanger, causing an additional portion of the first liquid in the tank to evaporate into the gas; (v) at least one condensing channel disposed within the plurality of plates, the at least one condensing channel being in thermal communication with the at least one evaporation channel, the at least one condensing channel being arranged to receive the gas as it leaves the direct heat exchanger and to condense the first liquid from the gas as the gas moves through the at least one condensing channel; and (vi) a condensing container that can receive the first liquid after it has condensed within the at least one condensing channel.

[0006] Another exemplary embodiment provides a method for separating complex liquids. The method may include: (i) providing a composite fluid from a tank to at least one evaporation channel disposed in a plate heat exchanger, wherein the composite fluid flows along an inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel, and wherein the composite fluid comprises a first liquid having a first evaporation potential and a second component having a second evaporation potential; (ii) providing gas flowing through the at least one evaporation channel, wherein a portion of the first liquid flowing along the inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel evaporates into the gas as the gas flows through the at least one evaporation channel; (iii) providing the gas to a direct heat exchanger as the gas exits the at least one evaporation channel, wherein the direct heat exchanger provides heat to the composite fluid in the tank, thereby causing an additional portion of the first liquid in the tank to evaporate into the gas as the gas flows through the direct heat exchanger; (iv) providing the gas to at least one condensation channel of the plate heat exchanger as the gas exits the direct heat exchanger, the at least one condensation channel being in thermal communication with the at least one evaporation channel, wherein the first liquid condenses from the gas as the gas flows through the at least one condensation channel; and (v) providing the first liquid condensed in the at least one condensation channel to a condensation container.

[0007] The foregoing embodiments are non-limiting examples, and other aspects and embodiments will be described herein. The foregoing summary is provided to introduce various concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify essential or necessary features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for liquid separation systems and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. The principles illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of the drawings can be applied to alternative methods and apparatuses. Furthermore, the elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the emphasis is on clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to aid in visually conveying such principles. In the drawings, the same reference numerals used in different embodiments denote similar or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

[0009] Figure 1 A liquid separation system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 A liquid separation system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 3A liquid separation system according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The exemplary embodiments discussed herein relate to apparatus and methods for separating a first liquid from a complex liquid. The exemplary embodiments described herein provide improved methods for separating liquids. As will be further described below, the exemplary separation systems and methods can operate with greater energy efficiency than existing methods for separating liquids. Furthermore, the exemplary separation systems and methods are simpler than existing methods, allowing them to be more compact and expanding their applicability in a variety of applications. The separation systems and methods described herein can be used to separate a first liquid from a complex liquid by utilizing the greater evaporation potential of the first liquid. Examples of complex liquids to which examples can be applied include: seawater, brine, rainwater, wastewater, biofuel precursors, lactic acid, and fruit juice. The advantages of the separation systems described herein will be explained in more detail in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described below.

[0011] In the following paragraphs, specific embodiments will be described in further detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, well-known components, methods, and / or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described. Furthermore, references to various features(s) of the embodiments do not imply that all embodiments must include the referenced features(s).

[0012] Now referring to the attached diagram, in Figure 1 An exemplary separation system 100 is shown in cross-section. Figure 2 and Figure 3 An additional exemplary embodiment of the separation system, also shown in cross-section, is illustrated. The following is a list of components of the exemplary separation system, which will be described in further detail below.

[0013] 1- Heat source 2- Pump 3-board 4- A composite liquid comprising a first liquid and a second component 5- Gas passing through the system 6- Fan 7- Composite Liquid Tank 8- Condensate of the first liquid 9- Condensation container 10- Direct heat exchanger 11- Plate heat exchanger 12- Composite Liquid Circuit 13- Circuit 14- Thermoelectric generator 15- Condenser of a heat pump 16- Evaporator of a heat pump 17- Expansion Valve 18- Compressor 19- Refrigerant Circuit 20- Heat Pump 21- Evaporation channel container 22- Evaporation Channel 23- The central longitudinal axis of the evaporation channel 24- Condensation Channel 25 - Central longitudinal axis of the condensation channel 26- Redirection device Now for reference Figure 1 For example, separation system 100 can be used to separate a first liquid from a composite liquid. The composite liquid 7 may include components with different evaporation potentials, including a first liquid having a greater evaporation potential than other components present in the composite liquid. System 100 includes a plate heat exchanger 11 and a direct heat exchanger 10. The direct heat exchanger 10 includes a heat source 1 that delivers heat to the composite liquid present in the tank 7. As an example, the heat source may include a resistive heating element or a compressor of a heat pump.

[0014] The plate heat exchanger includes at least one condensing channel 24 and at least one evaporating channel 22 formed by plates 3 of the plate heat exchanger 11. Other embodiments of the plate heat exchanger may include multiple evaporating channels and multiple condensing channels. To optimize heat transfer between the channels of the plate heat exchanger, the plates are made of a thermally conductive material, such as any of various metallic materials, alloys, or composite materials. The plates shown in the example of system 100 have a parallel orientation, wherein the evaporating channel 22 has a central longitudinal axis 23 parallel to the central longitudinal axis 25 of the condensing channel 24. Although in Figure 1 Not shown, but the channels formed by the plates may be largely closed along their edges by gaskets or other features that restrict the flow of liquid through the channels at inlet and outlet points. In other embodiments of the separation system, the plates and channels may have a non-parallel orientation.

[0015] The separation system 100 relies on a three-stage process. The first stage can be the initial saturation of gas 5 flowing through at least one evaporation channel 22. Gas 5 can be air or another gas suitable for the separation process. Figure 1 As shown, the composite fluid 4 can flow along the inner wall of the evaporation channel 22. As an example, the composite fluid 4 can flow from the tank 7 into the fluid loop 12, where it is guided to the inner wall of the evaporation channel 22. The composite fluid 4 can be guided through the fluid loop by the pump 2, by gravity, or by another pressure source (e.g., geothermal brine or seawater flow at its natural pressure).

[0016] A fan 6 can be used to move gas 5 from the inlet end of evaporation channel 22 through evaporation channel 22 and discharge it from the outlet end of evaporation channel 22. As gas 5 moves through evaporation channel 22, it contacts the composite liquid 4 flowing along the inner wall of evaporation channel 22, causing the first fluid of composite fluid 4 to evaporate into gas 5. The first fluid may have a greater evaporation potential than the other components of composite fluid 4. The evaporation of the first fluid into gas 5 separates the first fluid from composite fluid 4. Evaporation in the evaporation channel also results in cooling of the plates of plate heat exchanger 11.

[0017] The second stage can provide increased saturation of the gas 5 in the direct heat exchanger 10. After the gas leaves the outlet end of the evaporation channel 22, it passes through the direct heat exchanger 10 containing the heat source 1. The heat source 1 can heat the composite fluid 4 present in the tank 7, causing further evaporation of the first fluid from the composite fluid 4 and further saturation of the gas 5 by the first fluid. The heat source 1 can also heat the gas 5 passing through the direct heat exchanger 10, thereby further increasing the capacity of the gas 5 to utilize the evaporating first fluid for saturation. The additional heat from the direct heat exchanger 10 enhances evaporation, and it allows the gas 5 to be supersaturated by the first fluid, which facilitates the condensation of the first fluid in the third stage.

[0018] Supersaturated gas 5 exits the direct heat exchanger 10 through the outlet and returns to the plate heat exchanger 11 for the third stage. The direct heat exchanger 10 can be oriented such that it is positioned at the outlet of the evaporation channel 22 and the inlet of the condensation channel 24. Optionally, a redirection device 26 can be located at the outlet of the direct heat exchanger 10 to redirect the flow of supersaturated gas 5 to the condensation channel 24. Examples of the redirection device 26 include a fan, baffle, or barrier. Supersaturated gas 5 enters the condensation channel 24 at the inlet and flows through the condensation channel toward its outlet. Unlike the evaporation channel, the inner wall of the condensation channel is not wetted by the composite fluid. Instead, the wall of the condensation channel 24 has been cooled by evaporation in the evaporation channel. As the gas flows through the condensation channel 24, the cooled wall of the condensation channel 24 causes a first liquid 8 to condense from the warm supersaturated gas 5. The first liquid 8 formed by condensation can be collected in a condensation container 9 located at the outlet of the condensation channel 24. Subsequently, since the first liquid 8 has been separated from the composite liquid 4, the first liquid 8 can be transported from the condensation container 9 for storage or for various applications. An additional benefit of system 100 is that the latent heat of condensation in the condensation channel 24 is transferred to the evaporation channel 22, thereby increasing evaporation and improving the energy efficiency of system 100. Due to the heat transfer between the condensation channel and the evaporation channel, components such as the heat source 1, fan 6, and pump 2 require only a small amount of electrical energy. Therefore, separation system 100 can separate the first fluid from the composite fluid with very low energy consumption.

[0019] The following data shown in Table 1 are similar to Figure 1 The diagram shows representative data on the operation of the separation system. This representative data illustrates the separation system's ability to produce pure distilled water from waste liquid with minimal power consumption.

[0020]

[0021] Table 1 Contrary to the data above illustrating the efficiency of the exemplary separation system described herein, conventional systems typically consume almost twice the energy. For example, according to industry-cited statistics, existing ion exchange membrane technologies commonly used for commercial seawater desalination consume 3–3.5 kWh per cubic meter of desalinated water.

[0022] Examples of fluids that can be separated using this method include: seawater, brine, lactic acid, biofuel precursors, fruit juice, wastewater, rainwater, etc. Each application may include a specially optimized heat exchanger structure for better performance. Seawater, brine, lactic acid, and biofuel precursors require the use of corrosion-resistant materials. Fruit juice concentration requires materials approved for contact with potable fluids. Seawater and rainwater allow for lower channel heights (e.g., 2-4 mm). In contrast, some liquids and slurries (e.g., wastewater, fruit juice, brine, and acid) require higher channels (>3 mm) due to higher liquid viscosity and / or higher particulate matter content. Fruit juice concentration may require additional heating of the juice before it enters the plate heat exchanger. For all applications, the same channel shape is recommended: a flat rectangular, unguided structure for the plate heat exchanger (unguided channel structures are optimal for fluid separation because they allow for easy removal of concentrated fluids).

[0023] Now for reference Figure 2 This illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the separation system 200. Figure 1 The foregoing description of the components and operation of the separation system 100 applies to Figure 2 Similar elements with the same reference numerals are included in the separation system 200. Therefore, their description will not be repeated. The separation system 200 is essentially the same as the separation system 100. Since the fluid separation process using the separation system 200 can be thermally driven, and it involves a large amount of heat transfer through the plates of the plate heat exchanger 11, while requiring a small amount of electrical energy to operate the system's components, the addition of a thermoelectric generator 14 can provide additional benefits. Figure 2As shown, the thermoelectric generator 14 can be positioned in thermal communication with the evaporation channel 22 and the condensation channel 24. In this case, the heat generated by condensation in the condenser channel 24 and transferred to the evaporation channel 22 can be partially converted into electricity in the thermoelectric generator 14. The heat flux passes through the exchanger plate 3 and thus through the thermoelectric generator 14, a portion of which can be converted into electrical energy. The obtained electrical energy can be transferred to the circuit 13 to power components of the separation system, such as the pump 2 and the fan 6.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 3 This illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the separation system 300. Figure 1 The separation system 100 and Figure 2 The foregoing description of the components and operation of the separation system 200 applies to Figure 3 Similar elements with the same reference numerals are included in the separation system 300. Therefore, their description will not be repeated. The separation system 300 is essentially the same as separation systems 100 and 200, except that it incorporates a heat pump system 20. Since the process requires heat and can generate electrical energy through the thermoelectric effect, the separation system 300 can benefit from the implementation of the heat pump 20. An exemplary heat pump 20 may include the following main components: a condenser 15, an evaporator 16, an expansion valve 17, a compressor 18, and a refrigerant circuit 19. The benefit of a heat pump can be characterized by its coefficient of performance (COP), meaning that it generates more heat than it consumes electrical energy. Figure 3 The heat pump 20 in this embodiment can generate heat for separating the first liquid from the composite liquid while consuming relatively low energy. The condenser 15 can be used as a heat source for the direct heat exchanger 10, which can be used directly or indirectly (with an additional intermediate medium). The evaporator 16 can be used after the third stage of the separation process to increase the condensation of the first fluid 8 from the gas 5 (this further increases the efficiency of the process). The compressor 18 and other electrical components of the separation system 300 are powered by electricity generated through heat transfer on the thermoelectric generator 14. The evaporator 16 and condenser 15 can be additionally equipped with thermoelectric generators to increase additional power generation capacity and improve the overall energy efficiency of the separation system 300.

[0025] Exemplary Example [EE] The following are illustrative exemplary embodiments. Other exemplary embodiments besides those listed below are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0026] [EE1] A separation system comprising: Multiple plates, with at least one evaporation channel provided within the multiple plates; A tank, the tank being arranged to contain a composite liquid and supply the composite liquid to flow along the inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel, wherein the composite liquid comprises a first liquid having a first evaporation potential and a second component having a second evaporation potential; A gas moving device is arranged to move gas through the at least one evaporation channel, wherein, as the gas moves through the evaporation channel, a portion of the first liquid flowing along the inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel evaporates into the gas; A direct heat exchanger in thermal communication with the tank, the direct heat exchanger being arranged to transfer heat to the composite liquid as the gas leaves the evaporation channel and enters the direct heat exchanger, causing an additional portion of the first liquid in the tank to evaporate into the gas; At least one condensing channel is disposed within the plurality of plates, the at least one condensing channel being in thermal communication with the at least one evaporating channel, the at least one condensing channel being arranged to receive the gas as the gas leaves the direct heat exchanger, and to condense the first liquid from the gas as the gas moves through the at least one condensing channel; and A condenser that receives the first liquid after it has condensed in the at least one condensation channel.

[0027] [EE2] According to the separation system of EE1, the composite liquid is a mixture comprising one of the following: seawater, brine, rainwater, wastewater, and fruit juice.

[0028] [EE3] The separation system according to EE1, wherein the gas is air.

[0029] [EE4] According to the separation system of EE1, the tank is located at the outlet of the at least one evaporation channel and the inlet of the at least one condensation channel.

[0030] [EE5] According to the separation system of EE1, the direct heat exchanger also transfers heat to the gas as it flows through it.

[0031] [EE6] The separation system according to EE1 further includes an evaporation channel container that collects a portion of the composite liquid that has not evaporated in the at least one evaporation channel and flows out of the at least one evaporation channel.

[0032] [EE7] According to the separation system of EE1, wherein the at least one evaporation channel has a longitudinal axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one condensation channel.

[0033] [EE8] The separation system according to EE7 further includes a redirection device that redirects the gas leaving the direct heat exchanger to the at least one condensation channel.

[0034] [EE9] The separation system according to EE1 further includes a thermoelectric generator in thermal communication with the at least one evaporation channel and the at least one condensation channel.

[0035] [EE10] The separation system according to EE9 further includes a circuit that supplies power from the thermoelectric generator to the direct heat exchanger.

[0036] [EE11] The separation system according to EE1 further includes a heat pump, wherein the heat pump supplies heat to the direct heat exchanger.

[0037] [EE12] According to the separation system of EE11, wherein the heat pump cools the gas leaving the at least one condensation channel.

[0038] [EE13] The separation system according to EE9 also includes a circuit that supplies power to the heat pump.

[0039] [EE14] A method for separating complex fluids, the method comprising: A composite fluid from a tank is provided to at least one evaporation channel, the at least one evaporation channel being disposed in a plate heat exchanger, wherein the composite fluid flows along the inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel, and wherein the composite fluid comprises a first liquid having a first evaporation potential and a second component having a second evaporation potential; A gas is provided flowing through the at least one evaporation channel, wherein as the gas flows through the at least one evaporation channel, a portion of the first liquid flowing along the inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel evaporates into the gas; As the gas exits the at least one evaporation channel, the gas is supplied to a direct heat exchanger, wherein the direct heat exchanger provides heat to the composite fluid in the tank, thereby causing an additional portion of the first liquid in the tank to evaporate into the gas as the gas flows through the direct heat exchanger; As the gas leaves the direct heat exchanger, it is supplied to at least one condensing channel of the plate heat exchanger, the at least one condensing channel being in thermal communication with at least one evaporating channel, wherein the first liquid condenses from the gas as it flows through the at least one condensing channel; and The first liquid, condensed in the at least one condensation channel, is provided to the condensation container.

[0040] [EE15] According to the method of EE14, the tank is disposed at the outlet of the at least one evaporation channel and the inlet of the at least one condensation channel.

[0041] [EE16] According to the method of EE14, the direct heat exchanger also transfers heat to the gas as it flows through it.

[0042] [EE17] The method according to EE14 further includes redirecting the gas leaving the direct heat exchanger back into the at least one condensation channel.

[0043] [EE18] The method according to EE14 further includes generating electricity from a thermoelectric generator that is in thermal communication with the at least one evaporation channel and the at least one condensation channel.

[0044] [EE19] The method according to EE18 further includes supplying power to the direct heat exchanger.

[0045] [EE20] The method according to EE18 further includes supplying power to a heat pump that supplies heat to the direct heat exchanger and cooling the gas leaving the at least one condensation channel.

[0046] For any of the accompanying drawings shown and described herein, one or more components may be omitted, added, repeated, and / or substituted. Furthermore, it should be understood that in some cases, components of the exemplary system may be combined or may be divided into sub-components. Therefore, embodiments shown in a particular drawing should not be considered limited to the specific arrangement of components shown in such a drawing. Moreover, if a component in a drawing is described but not explicitly shown or labeled in that drawing, the labeling for the corresponding component in another drawing can be inferred to refer to that component. Conversely, if a component in a drawing is labeled but not described, the description of such a component may be substantially the same as the description of the corresponding component in another drawing.

[0047] Regarding the exemplary methods described herein, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, certain steps of the method may be performed in a different order, may be performed in parallel, or may be omitted. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, additional steps may be added to the exemplary methods described herein. Therefore, the exemplary methods provided herein should be considered illustrative and not limiting of this disclosure.

[0048] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “far side,” “proximal side,” and “within” are used only to distinguish one component (or a portion of a component or a state of a component) from another component. Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, such terms do not imply preference or a particular orientation, nor do they imply limitation on the embodiments described herein. Numerous specific details are set forth in the exemplary embodiments described herein to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0049] The terms “an,” “a,” and “the” are intended to include multiple alternatives, such as at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “with,” and “having” as used herein are defined as encompassing (i.e., open-ended language).

[0050] Although the embodiments described herein are made with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications are entirely within the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific application discussed and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative rather than restrictive. Equivalents of the elements shown in the description of the exemplary embodiments will be implied to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using this disclosure will be implied to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the exemplary embodiments is not limited thereto.

Claims

1. A separation system comprising: a plurality of panels having at least one evaporation channel disposed therein; a tank arranged to contain a composite liquid and to supply the composite liquid to flow along an inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel, wherein the composite liquid comprises a first liquid having a first evaporation potential and a second component having a second evaporation potential; a gas moving device arranged to move a gas through the at least one evaporation channel, wherein a portion of the first liquid flowing along the inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel evaporates into the gas as the gas moves through the evaporation channel; a direct heat exchanger in thermal communication with the tank, the direct heat exchanger arranged to transfer heat to the composite liquid as the gas exits the evaporation channel and enters the direct heat exchanger, causing an additional portion of the first liquid in the tank to evaporate into the gas; at least one condensation channel disposed within the plurality of panels, the at least one condensation channel in thermal communication with the at least one evaporation channel, the at least one condensation channel arranged to receive the gas as the gas exits the direct heat exchanger and to cause the first liquid to condense from the gas as the gas moves through the at least one condensation channel; and a condensation vessel to receive the first liquid after it condenses within the at least one condensation channel.

2. The separation system of claim 1, wherein, The composite liquid is a mixture comprising one of: seawater, saltwater, rainwater, wastewater, and fruit juice.

3. The separation system of claim 1, wherein, The gas is air.

4. The separation system of claim 1, wherein, The tank is disposed at an outlet of the at least one evaporation channel and at an inlet of the at least one condensation channel.

5. The separation system of claim 1, wherein, The direct heat exchanger also transfers heat to the gas as the gas flows through the direct heat exchanger.

6. The separation system of claim 1, further comprising an evaporation channel vessel to collect a portion of the composite liquid that does not evaporate in the at least one evaporation channel and flows out of the at least one evaporation channel.

7. The separation system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one evaporation channel has a longitudinal axis oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the at least one condensation channel.

8. The separation system of claim 7, further comprising a redirection device to redirect the gas exiting the direct heat exchanger into the at least one condensation channel.

9. The separation system of claim 1, further comprising a thermoelectric generator in thermal communication with the at least one evaporation channel and the at least one condensation channel.

10. The separation system of claim 9, further comprising an electrical circuit to power the direct heat exchanger from the thermoelectric generator.

11. The separation system of claim 1, further comprising a heat pump, wherein the heat pump supplies heat to the direct heat exchanger.

12. The separation system of claim 11, wherein, The heat pump cools the gas exiting the at least one condensation channel.

13. The separation system of claim 9, further comprising an electrical circuit to power a heat pump.

14. A method of separating a composite fluid, the method comprising: providing the composite fluid from the tank to at least one evaporation channel disposed in a plate heat exchanger, wherein the composite fluid flows along an inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel, and wherein the composite fluid includes a first liquid having a first evaporation potential and a second component having a second evaporation potential; providing a gas to flow through the at least one evaporation channel, wherein a portion of the first liquid flowing along the inner wall of the at least one evaporation channel evaporates into the gas as the gas flows through the at least one evaporation channel; providing the gas to a direct heat exchanger as the gas exits the at least one evaporation channel, wherein the direct heat exchanger provides heat to the composite fluid in the tank, thereby causing an additional portion of the first liquid in the tank to evaporate into the gas as the gas flows through the direct heat exchanger; providing the gas to at least one condensation channel of the plate heat exchanger as the gas exits the direct heat exchanger, the at least one condensation channel being in thermal communication with the at least one evaporation channel, wherein the first liquid condenses from the gas as the gas flows through the at least one condensation channel; and providing the first liquid condensed in the at least one condensation channel to a condensation vessel.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, the tank is disposed at an outlet of the at least one evaporation channel and at an inlet of the at least one condensation channel.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, the direct heat exchanger also transfers heat to the gas as the gas flows through the direct heat exchanger.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising redirecting the gas exiting the direct heat exchanger into the at least one condensation channel.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising generating electricity from a thermoelectric generator in thermal communication with the at least one evaporation channel and the at least one condensation channel.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising powering the direct heat exchanger.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising powering a heat pump, the heat pump supplying heat to the direct heat exchanger, and the heat pump cooling the gas exiting the at least one condensation channel.

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