A multi-functional driven membrane microchannel solution air-water extraction system

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution air water harvesting system, belonging to the field of air water harvesting technology. The system includes two cyclic operating modes: "desorption-water collection" and "absorption-water harvesting," and consists of three main modules: a core component module, a solution circulation module, and an energy drive module. The core component module adopts a multi-layer flat panel architecture; the solution circulation module uses lithium bromide solution to form a closed-loop circulation loop; and the energy drive module integrates two independent drive units: solar energy and a heat pump. This invention solves the problems of low heat and mass transfer efficiency, unstable operation, large equipment size, and poor scenario adaptability of existing air water harvesting technologies. It has the advantages of high efficiency and compactness, modularity and easy deployment, energy saving and environmental protection, and adaptability to diverse scenarios. It can achieve uninterrupted and stable freshwater collection around the clock, providing a green and efficient solution for decentralized water supply in arid and semi-arid regions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air water extraction technology, specifically relating to a multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution air water extraction system. Background Technology

[0002] Water security is a core issue for global sustainable development. Currently, about half of the world's population suffers from severe seasonal water scarcity, and nearly a quarter of the population is under extreme water stress. However, traditional water extraction methods have significant limitations such as high investment and operating costs and poor regional adaptability. Therefore, decentralized air-to-water extraction technology has become an important way to alleviate freshwater shortages due to its unique advantages such as being unrestricted by geographical location, low energy consumption, and environmental friendliness.

[0003] As an important component of the global water cycle, the total amount of water resources contained in the air is as high as 13 trillion tons, which is huge and abundant. It is more than 6 times the total amount of water resources in surface rivers. Even in extremely arid environments such as the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China, the water content in the air can be maintained at 4-8 g / m3, providing a stable and abundant resource reserve for water extraction.

[0004] However, decentralized air-to-water systems still suffer from problems such as low heat and mass transfer efficiency, incomplete gas-liquid separation, non-compact equipment size, and unstable energy drive. Therefore, developing a high-efficiency, compact air-to-water system that can operate stably around the clock has become an urgent need in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution air water extraction system to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution air water extraction system, comprising two cyclic working modes, namely "desorption-water collection" and "absorption-water extraction", and consisting of three major modules: a core component module, a solution circulation module, and an energy drive module; The core component module adopts a multi-layer flat panel architecture, which integrates the liquid-blocking, air-permeable, and gas-liquid separation characteristics of hydrophobic and air-permeable separation membranes with a microchannel structure that enhances heat and mass transfer. The solution circulation module uses lithium bromide solution as a desiccant to form a closed circulation loop; The energy drive module integrates a solar drive module and a heat pump drive module. The solar drive module and the heat pump drive module can independently drive the system to complete a single set of "desorption-water collection" and "absorption-water extraction" cycles. The heat pump drive module can also drive two sets of core component modules to couple and complete the system's continuous overall water extraction cycle.

[0007] Furthermore, the core component module is assembled from five precision-machined aluminum alloy plates with a specification of 230mm×160mm and a polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane to form a multi-layer flat plate stack structure. Each component is sealed and fixed by precision bolts and customized engineering gaskets. The components are arranged in the horizontal direction from left to right as follows: the first composite base plate, the double-sided microchannel plate, the polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane, the membrane support plate, the condensation component, and the second composite base plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the double-sided microchannel plate is 3mm thick and adopts an opposing microchannel configuration. A hot fluid circulation channel is opened on its left surface for temperature control, and a solution channel is opened on its right surface for controllable injection of desiccant. The polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane has a pore size of 1 μm, a porosity of 0.8, a thickness of 60 μm, and a water vapor permeability ≥ It has resistance to corrosion from lithium bromide solution.

[0009] Furthermore, both the first and second composite base plates are 1mm thick and are made of double-layered anodized aluminum shells to provide thermal insulation and end-face sealing functions. The membrane support plate is 1mm thick and adopts a distributed load-bearing structure design to maintain the integrity of the membrane structure under operating stress; the condensation component is 4mm thick, with a condensate collection interface on the left and a microchannel cooling channel on the right to enhance condensation heat exchange.

[0010] Furthermore, the solution circulation module includes a desiccant, a solution tank, a 24V DC brushless gear pump, and a float-type flow meter. The desiccant is driven by the 24V DC brushless gear pump, flows out of the solution tank and into the dual-sided microchannel plate of the core component module, and then flows back to the solution tank through the return pipeline to form a closed loop. All fluid pipelines use chemically inert pipes with compression fittings.

[0011] Furthermore, the desiccant is a lithium bromide solution with a mass concentration of 40%-55%, and its regeneration temperature is 60℃-80℃; The solution tank has an effective volume of 15L and is made of 304 stainless steel; the 24V DC brushless gear pump is model DC55E-24160A, and the float-type flow meter is model LZB-10.

[0012] Furthermore, the solar drive module and the heat pump drive module of the energy drive module are two independent and switchable drive units, which can be activated separately according to the environmental conditions of the application scenario. The solar drive module is suitable for application scenarios with sufficient sunshine, while the heat pump drive module is suitable for application scenarios with insufficient sunshine and changeable weather.

[0013] Furthermore, the solar drive module includes a solar collector, a water storage tank, a hot fluid tank, a cooling water tank, and a variable speed pump; During the day, the system operates in the "desorption-water collection" mode. The solar collector preheats the water in the heat fluid tank to the working temperature and then pumps it to the left side of the double-sided microchannel plate to heat the lithium bromide solution via an adjustable speed pump. At the same time, the cooling water in the cooling water tank is pumped to the right side of the condensing component via an adjustable speed pump to maintain the condensing temperature gradient. The water vapor desorbed from the solution condenses on the left side of the condensing component and flows into the water storage tank. At night, the system operates in "absorption-water intake" mode. Cooling water at ambient temperature is delivered to the left side of the dual-microchannel plate via an adjustable speed pump to cool the solution. After absorbing moisture from the air, the solution flows back to the solution tank.

[0014] Furthermore, the heat pump drive module includes a compressor, a condenser, a throttle valve, an evaporator, a refrigerant, and a water tank. The refrigerant is R1234ze(E), with an ODP value of 0 and a GWP value of less than 10. When the system is running in "desorption-water collection" mode, the compressor compresses the refrigerant, the condenser releases heat to heat the hot fluid and delivers it to the left side of the dual-microchannel plate to heat the solution, and the cooling water cooled by the evaporator is delivered to the right side of the condensing component to maintain the condensation gradient. After the water vapor condenses, it flows into the water storage tank. When the system operates in "absorption-water intake" mode, the heat pump switches flow paths. The hot fluid heated by the condenser is delivered to the right side of the condenser assembly to heat the air, while the cooling water cooled by the evaporator is delivered to the left side of the dual-microchannel plate to cool the solution. After absorbing moisture from the air, the solution flows back to the solution tank.

[0015] Furthermore, when the heat pump drive module drives the overall circulation water intake system, two sets of core component modules are used as water intake and water suction respectively, and are incorporated into the same solution circulation module and heat pump drive module. After the solution is desorbed in the water collector, it flows directly into the water absorber. After absorbing water vapor from the air in the water absorber, it flows back to the water collector, forming a continuous closed loop. The condensing heat output from the heat pump condenser is used to heat the lithium bromide solution in the water collector and the air in the water absorber, while the cooling capacity output from the evaporator is used to condense and liquefy the water vapor in the water collector and to cool the solution in the water absorber.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. High efficiency and compact design, breaking through the bottleneck of miniaturization application: This invention innovatively integrates membrane microchannel technology with air water extraction technology. By leveraging the enhanced heat transfer effect at the microscale and the gas-liquid separation characteristics of PTFE porous membranes, a synergistic effect is achieved. This not only significantly improves the water collection rate by enhancing heat and mass transfer, but also ensures the compactness of the device with an integrated multi-layer flat plate structure design. It perfectly balances the dual requirements of high efficiency and miniaturization, breaking through the key bottleneck of miniaturization application of air water extraction technology in dual-carbon scenarios.

[0017] 2. Modular design, adaptable to large-scale deployment in distributed scenarios: This invention adopts a standardized modular structure design. The core component is composed of 5 aluminum alloy plates the size of A4 paper. The whole is lightweight and small in size, with low initial investment cost and low later operation and maintenance cost. On-site installation and deployment are simple. It can be flexibly combined and expanded according to water supply needs, accurately adapting to the distributed water intake needs of remote rural areas in arid regions, emergency water supply, and outdoor temporary water supply, laying a solid structural foundation for the large-scale implementation of the technology.

[0018] 3. Multi-functional drive with strong adaptability to all scenarios: This invention integrates two independent drive units, solar energy and heat pump, which can be flexibly switched according to environmental conditions. In areas with sufficient sunshine, the solar energy drive mode is used to achieve continuous and stable closed-loop water intake throughout the day through orderly day and night cycle operation, with zero carbon emissions and energy saving and environmental protection; in areas with variable weather such as sandstorms and frequent rain, the heat pump drive mode is used to achieve stable water production in complex environments with a small amount of electricity consumption, completely solving the problems of traditional solar water intake systems being restricted by weather and unstable operation.

[0019] 4. Low energy consumption and significantly improved energy efficiency: For the overall circulating water intake mode of the heat pump, the heat pump does not need to switch working modes, and the compressor can run continuously and stably, avoiding the extra energy consumption caused by mode switching; at the same time, the system realizes the cascade utilization of energy. The heat pump condensation heat is used for solution desorption heating and air heating at the same time, and the evaporation cooling capacity is used for water vapor condensation and moisture absorption solution cooling at the same time, so that the small evaporation cooling capacity is maximized and precisely matched with the condensation heat demand, which greatly improves the overall energy efficiency of the device.

[0020] 5. Stable operation, enabling uninterrupted water intake around the clock: In the overall circulation mode of the heat pump, the concentrated solution after desorption flows directly into the water absorber to absorb water, and then flows back to the water absorber to complete the continuous circulation. The heat pump device can ensure uninterrupted energy supply to the system, completely breaking the limitation of the traditional single circulation system's "desorption-moisture absorption" time-sharing operation, and realizing stable freshwater collection 24 hours a day, providing a continuous and reliable water supply solution for arid areas. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the core component module structure of the multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution air water intake system of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the membrane microchannel solution air water extraction system under solar-driven mode of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the membrane microchannel solution air water extraction system in the heat pump driven single-cycle mode of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the membrane microchannel solution air water extraction system under the overall circulation mode driven by the heat pump of the present invention.

[0022] The markings in the attached diagram are as follows: 1. First composite base plate, 2. Double-sided microchannel plate, 3. Polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane, 4. Membrane support plate, 5. Condensation assembly, 6. Second composite base plate. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments.

[0024] The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The conditions in the embodiments can be further adjusted according to specific conditions, and simple improvements to the method of the present invention under the premise of the concept of the present invention are all within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0025] Example 1 This embodiment provides a solar-driven membrane microchannel solution air water intake system. The system includes two time-sharing cycle working modes: "desorption-water collection" and "absorption-water intake". It consists of three main modules: a core component module, a solution circulation module, and a solar-driven module, and is suitable for decentralized water supply scenarios in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China with abundant sunshine.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the core component module is assembled from five precision-machined aluminum alloy plates with a specification of 230mm×160mm and a polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane 3 to form a multi-layer flat plate stack structure. Each component is sealed and fixed by precision bolts and custom engineering gaskets. The components are arranged in the horizontal direction from left to right as follows: the first composite base plate 1, the double-sided microchannel plate 2, the polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane 3, the membrane support plate 4, the condensation component 5, and the second composite base plate 6.

[0027] Among them: the first composite base plate 1 and the second composite base plate 6 are both 1mm thick and both use double-layer anodized aluminum shells to provide thermal insulation and end face sealing functions; The double-sided microchannel plate 2 is 3mm thick and adopts an opposing microchannel configuration. A hot fluid circulation channel is opened on its left surface for temperature control, and a solution channel is opened on its right surface for controlled injection of desiccant. The polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane has a pore size of 1 μm, a porosity of 0.8, a thickness of 60 μm, and a water vapor permeability ≥ It has resistance to lithium bromide solution corrosion and can achieve efficient gas-liquid separation of solution and water vapor; The membrane support plate 4 is 1mm thick and adopts a distributed load-bearing structure design to maintain the structural integrity of the membrane structure under operating stress. The condenser assembly 5 is 4mm thick, with a condensate collection interface on its left side and a microchannel cooling channel on its right side to enhance condensation heat exchange.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the solution circulation module includes a desiccant, a solution tank, a 24V DC brushless gear pump, and a float-type flow meter. The desiccant is driven by the 24V DC brushless gear pump to flow out of the solution tank and into the solution channel of the double-sided microchannel plate 2. It then flows back to the solution tank through the return pipeline to form a closed loop. All fluid pipelines use chemically inert pipes with compression fittings to ensure leak-free operation under cyclic heat load conditions.

[0029] The desiccant is a lithium bromide solution with a mass concentration of 40%-55%, and its regeneration temperature is 60℃-80℃. It still has excellent moisture absorption efficiency in low humidity environments, and is non-toxic, non-irritating, chemically stable, and environmentally friendly. The solution tank has an effective volume of 15L and is made of 304 stainless steel. It is used to store the lithium bromide solution required for circulation. The 24V DC brushless gear pump, model DC55E-24160A, is used for precise control of solution circulation flow rate; the float-type flow meter, model LZB-10, is used for real-time quantification of solution volumetric flow rate.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the solar drive module includes a solar collector, a water storage tank, a hot fluid tank, a cooling water tank, and an adjustable speed pump.

[0031] The system operation process in this embodiment is as follows: During the day, the system enters the "desorption-water collection" mode. The solar collector preheats the water in the heat fluid tank from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature of 60-80℃. The adjustable speed pump delivers the heat fluid to the heat fluid channel on the left side of the double-sided microchannel plate 2, heating the lithium bromide solution flowing on the other side of the plate, causing the water vapor in the solution to be desorbed. At the same time, the cooling water at the ambient temperature is regulated by the adjustable speed pump and flows from the cooling water tank into the microchannel cooling channel on the right side of the condenser component 5, maintaining the temperature gradient required for the continuous liquefaction of water vapor. The water vapor desorbed from the solution passes through the polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane 3 and condenses into liquid fresh water on the left side of the condenser component 5 after the temperature meets the dew point condition. The liquid water then falls naturally into the storage tank, completing the fresh water collection.

[0032] At night, the system enters the "absorption-water extraction" mode. At this time, the concentration of the solution increases after the desorption process during the day, and it has a strong hygroscopic capacity. The adjustable speed pump delivers cooling water at ambient temperature to the hot fluid flow channel on the left side of the dual-microchannel plate 2 to continuously cool the solution and ensure its stable hygroscopic performance. After the solution absorbs water vapor from the air, its concentration decreases and it flows back to the solution tank to wait for the next round of desorption-water collection cycle during the day, realizing continuous water extraction operation day and night.

[0033] Example 2 This embodiment provides a membrane microchannel solution air water extraction system with heat pump driven single-cycle mode. The system includes two switchable cycle working modes: "desorption-water collection" and "absorption-water extraction". It consists of three main modules: core component module, solution circulation module and heat pump drive module, and is suitable for complex weather application scenarios with frequent rain, dust, and insufficient sunshine.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the core component module is assembled from five precision-machined aluminum alloy plates with a specification of 230mm×160mm and a polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane 3 to form a multi-layer flat plate stack structure. Each component is sealed and fixed by precision bolts and custom engineering gaskets. The components are arranged in the horizontal direction from left to right as follows: the first composite base plate 1, the double-sided microchannel plate 2, the polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane 3, the membrane support plate 4, the condensation component 5, and the second composite base plate 6.

[0035] Among them: the first composite base plate 1 and the second composite base plate 6 are both 1mm thick, and both use double-layer anodized aluminum shells, which provide thermal insulation and end face sealing functions through precision surface processing; The double-sided microchannel plate 2 is 3mm thick and adopts an opposing microchannel configuration. A hot fluid circulation channel is opened on its left surface for temperature control, and a solution channel is opened on its right surface for controlled injection of desiccant. The polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane 3 possesses excellent liquid-blocking and gas-permeable properties, with a pore size of 1 μm, a porosity of 0.8, a thickness of 60 μm, and a water vapor permeability ≥ It can achieve efficient gas-liquid separation of solution and water vapor, and has excellent resistance to lithium bromide solution corrosion, which can ensure long-term stable operation of the system. The membrane support plate 4 is 1mm thick and adopts a distributed load-bearing structure design to ensure the structural integrity of the membrane structure under operating stress. The condenser assembly 5 is 4mm thick, with a condensate collection interface on its left side and an optimized microchannel cooling channel on its right side for efficient condensation heat exchange.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown, the solution circulation module includes a desiccant, a solution tank, a 24V DC brushless gear pump, and a float-type flow meter. The desiccant is driven by the 24V DC brushless gear pump to flow out of the solution tank and into the solution channel of the double-sided microchannel plate 2. It then flows back to the solution tank through the return pipeline to form a closed loop. All fluid pipelines use chemically inert pipes with compression fittings to ensure leak-free operation under cyclic heat load conditions.

[0037] The desiccant is a lithium bromide solution with a mass concentration of 40%-55%, which has a strong water vapor absorption capacity and still has excellent moisture absorption efficiency in low humidity environments. The regeneration temperature is 60℃-80℃, and it is non-toxic, non-irritating, chemically stable, and environmentally friendly. The solution tank has an effective volume of 15L and is made of 304 stainless steel. It is used to store the lithium bromide solution required for circulation. The 24V DC brushless gear pump, model DC55E-24160A, is used for precise control of the solution's circulating flow rate; the float-type flow meter, model LZB-10, is used for real-time quantitative display of the solution's volumetric flow rate.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the heat pump drive module includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, refrigerant, and water tank; the refrigerant used is R1234ze(E), which meets the temperature and pressure conditions required for system operation, while having an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0 and a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 10. It is a new type of environmentally friendly working fluid that is friendly to the atmospheric environment.

[0039] The system operation process in this embodiment is as follows: When the system enters the "desorption-water collection" mode, the compressor compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant to form a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which is then sent into the condenser. The refrigerant condenses and liquefies in the condenser, releasing a large amount of heat. The released heat heats the hot fluid in the condenser to the working temperature of 60-80°C. The hot fluid that reaches the working temperature is injected into the hot fluid flow channel on the left side of the double-sided microchannel plate 2, uniformly heating the lithium bromide solution flowing on the other side of the plate, causing the water vapor in the solution to be desorbed by heat. At the same time, the refrigerant in the evaporator absorbs a large amount of heat through throttling evaporation, cooling the cooling water in the evaporator. The cooled cooling water is then transported to the microchannel cooling flow channel on the right side of the condenser assembly 5, continuously maintaining the low-temperature environment and stable temperature gradient required for water vapor liquefaction. The water vapor desorbed from the solution passes through the polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane 3 and condenses into liquid fresh water on the left side of the condenser assembly 5 after the temperature meets the dew point condition. The liquid water then falls naturally into the water storage tank, completing the fresh water collection process.

[0040] After a period of desorption, the lithium bromide solution reaches its peak hygroscopic capacity due to increased water concentration from water precipitation. The system then switches its fluid flow path to "absorption-water extraction" mode. Simultaneously, the heat pump switches its operating path, the compressor continuously compresses the refrigerant, and the condenser continuously releases heat to heat the hot fluid. The heated hot fluid is then transported to the right-hand channel of the original condenser assembly 5, uniformly heating the ambient air and increasing the partial pressure of water vapor in the air, making it easier for water vapor to diffuse into the lithium bromide solution. Simultaneously, the low-temperature cooling water from the evaporator is transported to the left-hand channel of the original dual-sided microchannel plate 2, continuously cooling the lithium bromide solution and ensuring that the solution maintains a stable high hygroscopic capacity throughout the hygroscopic process. After absorbing water vapor from the air, the solution concentration decreases, and it eventually flows back into the solution tank, awaiting the next desorption-water collection cycle. This embodiment can completely eliminate the limitations of sunlight conditions, achieving stable and continuous water extraction operations even in complex weather environments with only a small amount of electrical energy consumed.

[0041] Example 3 This embodiment provides a membrane microchannel solution air water intake system with a heat pump driven overall circulation mode. The system couples the two independent working processes of "desorption-water collection" and "absorption-water intake" to form a continuous overall circulation. It consists of two sets of core component modules, one solution circulation module and one heat pump drive module. The two sets of core component modules serve as water intake and water intake respectively, and are incorporated into the same solution circulation module and heat pump drive module. It can realize uninterrupted water intake 24 hours a day and is suitable for fixed water supply scenarios in remote rural areas that require continuous and stable water supply.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, a single core component module is assembled from five precision-machined aluminum alloy plates with a specification of 230mm×160mm and a polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane 3 to form a multi-layer flat plate stack structure. Each component is sealed and fixed by precision bolts and customized engineering gaskets. The components are arranged in the horizontal direction from left to right as follows: the first composite base plate 1, the double-sided microchannel plate 2, the polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane 3, the membrane support plate 4, the condensation component 5, and the second composite base plate 6.

[0043] Among them: the first composite base plate 1 and the second composite base plate 6 are both 1mm thick, and both use double-layer anodized aluminum shells, which provide thermal insulation and end face sealing functions through precision surface processing; The double-sided microchannel plate 2 is 3mm thick and adopts an opposing microchannel configuration. A hot fluid circulation channel is opened on its left surface for temperature control, and a solution channel is opened on its right surface for controlled injection of desiccant. The polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane 3 possesses excellent liquid-blocking and gas-permeable properties, with a pore size of 1 μm, a porosity of 0.8, a thickness of 60 μm, and a water vapor permeability ≥ It can achieve efficient gas-liquid separation of solution and water vapor, and has excellent resistance to lithium bromide solution corrosion, which can ensure long-term stable operation of the system. The membrane support plate 4 is 1mm thick and adopts a distributed load-bearing structure design to ensure the structural integrity of the membrane structure under operating stress; the condensation component 5 is 4mm thick, with a condensate collection interface on the left and an optimized microchannel cooling channel on the right to achieve efficient condensation heat exchange.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the solution circulation module includes a desiccant, a solution tank, a 24V DC brushless gear pump, and a float-type flow meter. After the lithium bromide solution flows out of the solution tank, it is first injected into the double-sided microchannel plate of the water absorber to complete the desorption process. Then, it flows directly into the double-sided microchannel plate of the water absorber through the loop to absorb water vapor in the air to complete the humidification process. Finally, it flows back to the solution tank to form a continuous closed loop. All fluid pipelines use chemically inert pipes with compression fittings to ensure leak-free operation under cyclic heat load conditions.

[0045] The desiccant is a lithium bromide solution with a mass concentration of 40%-55%, which has a strong water vapor absorption capacity and still has excellent moisture absorption efficiency in low humidity environments. The regeneration temperature is 60℃-80℃, and it is non-toxic, non-irritating, chemically stable, and environmentally friendly. The solution tank has an effective volume of 15L and is made of 304 stainless steel. It is used to store the lithium bromide solution required for circulation. The 24V DC brushless gear pump, model DC55E-24160A, is used for precise control of the solution circulation flow rate. The float-type flow meter, model LZB-10, is used for real-time quantitative display of the volumetric flow rate of a solution.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the heat pump drive module includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, refrigerant, and water tank; the refrigerant used is R1234ze(E), which meets the temperature and pressure conditions required for system operation, while having an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0 and a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 10. It is a new type of environmentally friendly working fluid that is friendly to the atmospheric environment.

[0047] The system operation process in this embodiment is as follows: The compressor compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which is then sent to the condenser. Inside the condenser, the refrigerant condenses and liquefies, releasing a large amount of heat. Once the hot fluid in the condenser is heated to its operating temperature of 60-80°C, it is first injected into the hot fluid channel on the left side of the dual-channel platen of the water collector. This uniformly heats the lithium bromide solution in the water collector, causing the water vapor in the solution to desorb. The heated hot fluid then continues to flow along the loop into the channel on the right side of the condenser assembly of the water collector, uniformly heating the ambient air flowing through it. This increases the partial pressure of water vapor in the air, making it easier for the water vapor to be absorbed by the lithium bromide solution. The hot fluid then flows back to the condenser to complete the hot fluid cycle, achieving full utilization of the heat pump's condensation heat in stages.

[0048] Meanwhile, the refrigerant in the evaporator undergoes throttling and evaporation, absorbing a large amount of heat to deeply cool the cooling water inside the evaporator. The cooled water first flows into the microchannel cooling channel on the right side of the condenser assembly of the water collector, maintaining the low-temperature environment and stable temperature gradient required for water vapor liquefaction in the water collector. The water vapor desorbed in the water collector passes through the polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane and condenses into liquid fresh water on the left side of the condenser assembly after the temperature meets the dew point condition. It then falls naturally into the water storage tank to complete the fresh water collection. After condensation and cooling, the cooling water continues to flow along the loop into the channel on the left side of the double-sided microchannel plate of the water collector, continuously cooling the lithium bromide solution in the water collector and ensuring that the solution maintains a stable high hygroscopic capacity during the hygroscopic process. Afterward, the cooling water flows back to the evaporator to complete the cold fluid circulation, maximizing the utilization of the heat pump's evaporative cooling capacity.

[0049] The concentrated solution, which becomes more concentrated after the desorption process in the water collector, flows directly into the microchannel plates on both sides of the water collector to absorb water vapor from the heated air. After the concentration decreases, it flows back to the water collector to continue the desorption process, forming a continuous and uninterrupted solution cycle.

[0050] In this embodiment, the heat pump does not need to switch operating modes, and the compressor can maintain continuous and stable operation, which greatly reduces the additional start-stop energy consumption caused by mode switching. At the same time, it realizes the full cascade utilization of heat pump condensation heat and evaporation cooling capacity, significantly improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of the system. It also completely breaks the limitation of time-sharing operation of traditional single-cycle systems, realizing stable freshwater production 24 hours a day, providing a continuous and reliable fixed water supply solution for remote villages in arid and semi-arid regions.

[0051] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution-air-water extraction system, characterized in that, It includes two cyclic working modes: "desorption-water collection" and "absorption-water extraction," and consists of three major modules: a core component module, a solution circulation module, and an energy drive module. The core component module adopts a multi-layer flat panel architecture, which integrates the liquid-blocking, air-permeable, and gas-liquid separation characteristics of hydrophobic and air-permeable separation membranes with a microchannel structure that enhances heat and mass transfer. The solution circulation module uses lithium bromide solution as a desiccant to form a closed circulation loop; The energy drive module integrates a solar drive module and a heat pump drive module. The solar drive module and the heat pump drive module can independently drive the system to complete a single set of "desorption-water collection" and "absorption-water extraction" cycles. The heat pump drive module can also drive two sets of core component modules to couple and complete the system's continuous overall circulation water extraction.

2. The multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution-air-water extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core component module is assembled from five precision-machined aluminum alloy plates with a specification of 230mm×160mm and a polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane (3) to form a multi-layer flat plate stack structure. Each component is sealed and fixed by precision bolts and customized engineering gaskets. The components are arranged from left to right along the horizontal direction as the first composite base plate (1), the double-sided microchannel plate (2), the polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane (3), the membrane support plate (4), the condensation component (5), and the second composite base plate (6).

3. The multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution-air-water extraction system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The double-sided microchannel plate (2) is 3mm thick and is configured with opposing microchannels. A hot fluid circulation channel is opened on its left surface for temperature control, and a solution channel is opened on its right surface for controllable injection of desiccant. The polytetrafluoroethylene microporous hydrophobic membrane (3) has a pore size of 1 μm, a porosity of 0.8, a thickness of 60 μm, and a water vapor permeability ≥ It has resistance to corrosion from lithium bromide solution.

4. The multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution-air-water extraction system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first composite base plate (1) and the second composite base plate (6) are both 1mm thick and are made of aluminum shell with double-layer anodized treatment to provide thermal insulation and end face sealing functions; the membrane support plate (4) is 1mm thick and adopts a distributed load-bearing structure design to maintain the integrity of the membrane structure under operating stress. The condensation component (5) has a thickness of 4 mm. Its left side is a condensate collection interface, and its right side has a microchannel cooling channel to enhance condensation heat exchange.

5. The multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution-air-water extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solution circulation module includes a desiccant, a solution tank, a 24V DC brushless gear pump, and a float-type flow meter. The desiccant is driven by the 24V DC brushless gear pump and flows out of the solution tank into the dual-sided microchannel plate (2) of the core component module. It then flows back to the solution tank through the return pipeline to form a closed loop. All fluid pipelines use chemically inert pipes with compression joints.

6. The multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution-air-water extraction system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The desiccant is a lithium bromide solution with a mass concentration of 40%-55%, and its regeneration temperature is 60℃-80℃; The solution tank has an effective volume of 15L and is made of 304 stainless steel; the 24V DC brushless gear pump is model DC55E-24160A, and the float-type flow meter is model LZB-10.

7. The multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution-air-water extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy drive module consists of two independent and switchable drive units: a solar drive module and a heat pump drive module. These can be activated separately depending on the environmental conditions of the application scenario. The solar drive module is suitable for application scenarios with sufficient sunshine, while the heat pump drive module is suitable for application scenarios with insufficient sunshine and changeable weather.

8. A multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution-air-water extraction system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The solar drive module includes a solar collector, a water storage tank, a hot fluid tank, a cooling water tank, and a variable speed pump; During the day, the system operates in the "desorption-collection" mode. The solar collector preheats the water in the heat fluid tank to the working temperature and then pumps it to the left side of the double-sided microchannel plate (2) to heat the lithium bromide solution. At the same time, the cooling water in the cooling water tank is pumped to the right side of the condensation component (5) to maintain the condensation temperature gradient. The water vapor desorbed from the solution condenses on the left side of the condensation component (5) and flows into the water storage tank. At night, the system operates in the "absorption-take-water" mode. The cooling water at ambient temperature is pumped to the left side of the double-sided microchannel plate (2) to cool the solution. The solution absorbs moisture from the air and flows back to the solution tank.

9. A multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution-air-water extraction system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heat pump drive module includes a compressor, a condenser, a throttle valve, an evaporator, a refrigerant, and a water tank. The refrigerant is R1234ze(E), with an ODP value of 0 and a GWP value of less than 10. When the system is running in the "desorption-water collection" mode, the compressor compresses the refrigerant, the condenser releases heat to heat the hot fluid and delivers it to the left side of the double-sided microchannel plate (2) to heat the solution, and the cooling water cooled by the evaporator is delivered to the right side of the condensing component (5) to maintain the condensation gradient. After the water vapor condenses, it flows into the water storage tank. When the system is running in "absorption-water intake" mode, the heat pump switches the flow path. The hot fluid heated by the condenser is delivered to the right side of the condenser assembly (5) to heat the air. The cooling water cooled by the evaporator is delivered to the left side of the double-sided microchannel plate (2) to cool the solution. After absorbing the moisture in the air, the solution flows back to the solution tank.

10. A multi-energy driven membrane microchannel solution-air water extraction system according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the heat pump drive module drives the overall circulation water intake system, two sets of core component modules are used as water intake and water suction respectively, and are incorporated into the same solution circulation module and heat pump drive module. After the solution is desorbed in the water collector, it flows directly into the water absorber. After absorbing water vapor from the air in the water absorber, it flows back to the water collector, forming a continuous closed loop. The condensing heat output from the heat pump condenser is used to heat the lithium bromide solution in the water collector and the air in the water absorber, while the cooling capacity output from the evaporator is used to condense and liquefy the water vapor in the water collector and to cool the solution in the water absorber.

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