A shunt-regulated air-water extraction method

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of air water taking methods of shunt regulation, and the adsorption of water vapor in inhaled air is completed using hygroscopic material at the air inlet end of air flow channel, and after adsorption is completed, water vapor is concentrated and overflowed by desorption, and condensation water taking is realized at the air outlet end of air flow channel, wherein the hygroscopic material is divided into a plurality of isolated adsorption regions along the transverse direction of the air inlet, and the adsorption of the hygroscopic material in each adsorption region is monitored in real time, and the adsorption region saturated with adsorption is desorbed separately.The application can better improve the overall utilization efficiency of the adsorption material, improve the adsorption and desorption efficiency, and thus improve the water production efficiency, making it more suitable for large-scale water production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air water extraction technology, and specifically to a diversion-regulating air water extraction method. Background Technology

[0002] Air-based water extraction is a technology that converts atmospheric moisture into drinking water. Existing air-based water extraction technologies typically include two routes: direct cooling and condensation, and adsorption regeneration. Direct cooling and condensation requires cooling a large volume of air below the dew point, resulting in a high cooling load and high energy consumption for fans when ambient humidity is low. Adsorption-based air-based water extraction first uses hygroscopic materials to capture water vapor from the air; once saturated, desorption causes the absorbed moisture to evaporate and condense again. This method allows for concentrated use of cooling capacity, has a lower cooling load, and is particularly suitable for low dew point environments.

[0003] CN117085454A disclosed an active air-to-water method based on an adsorption bed; CN121719287A disclosed a portable solar-powered air-to-water device and method suitable for desert environments; and CN201911254938.5 disclosed a semiconductor air-to-water and ice-making machine, etc. All of these methods utilize hygroscopic materials to adsorb water vapor, then desorb the moisture and re-condense it to obtain water. However, this technology currently has the following drawbacks: 1. During desorption, this method typically uses heating for evaporation, which has low energy efficiency. Desorption not only easily leads to waste of heat but also affects the adsorption effect of subsequent cycles, reducing overall adsorption efficiency. 2. This method is only suitable for small-scale applications. When the water extraction scale is large and the equipment is large, the uneven hygroscopic material in different locations within the hygroscopic module makes it difficult to determine the desorption time. Premature desorption will waste desorption energy because some regions are not yet saturated. However, if we wait until all adsorption regions are saturated before desorption, the adsorption capacity of some prematurely saturated regions will not be utilized, resulting in a decrease in overall adsorption efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a technology that can better improve the utilization efficiency of adsorbent materials, improve the efficiency of adsorption and desorption, and thus improve water production efficiency, making it particularly suitable for large-scale water production, has become a problem that those skilled in the art need to consider and solve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is: how to provide a diversion and regulation air intake method that can better improve the overall utilization efficiency of adsorption materials, improve adsorption and desorption efficiency, and thus improve water production efficiency, so as to make it more suitable for large-scale water production.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A diversion-regulated air-water extraction method involves using a hygroscopic material at the air inlet of an airflow channel to adsorb water vapor from the intake air. After adsorption, the water vapor is desorbed and discharged, condensing and extracting water at the air outlet of the airflow channel. The method is characterized by dividing the hygroscopic material into multiple isolated adsorption regions along the cross-sectional direction of the air inlet, monitoring the adsorption status of the hygroscopic material in each region in real time, and performing desorption treatment on the adsorption regions that are saturated.

[0007] In this method, the hygroscopic material is divided into sections along its cross-section, and the adsorption status of each section is monitored in real time. Desorption is then performed individually after saturation. This avoids the problems of uneven hygroscopic material absorption leading to premature desorption and wasted energy, or delayed desorption resulting in wasted hygroscopic capacity. Overall, this method improves energy utilization efficiency and the hygroscopic material's absorption efficiency, thus enhancing water production efficiency. It is particularly suitable for large-scale water production.

[0008] Furthermore, desorption is achieved through ultrasonic vibration.

[0009] In this way, by utilizing the cavitation effect, micro-jet impact, and resonant energy transfer generated by the high-frequency mechanical waves of ultrasonic vibration, the binding force between the hygroscopic material and the moisture is broken, allowing the moisture to quickly detach from the hygroscopic material and flow out with the incoming airflow. This can achieve more efficient targeted desorption in localized areas. Furthermore, the vibration stops and desorption ceases, preventing the waste of residual heat and improving the utilization efficiency of desorption energy. It also prevents residual heat from affecting the water vapor adsorption in the next cycle.

[0010] Furthermore, this method employs a diversion-regulating air-water collection device, which includes a housing. An air inlet is located on one side wall of the housing, and an air outlet is located on the other end. An airflow channel is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet. A horizontally oriented adsorption zone is located near the air inlet in the airflow channel, and a condensation zone is located near the air outlet in the airflow channel. A condensation device is located within the condensation zone and is connected to a controller. A water collection chamber is located below the condensation device. Several vertical partitions are vertically arranged along the length of the adsorption zone, forming mutually isolated adsorption zones. Each adsorption zone contains an independent moisture-absorbing module capable of horizontal airflow. Each moisture-absorbing module contains a humidity sensor and a corresponding desorption unit. The humidity sensor is connected to the controller, and the controller is connected to each desorption unit.

[0011] In this way, the device divides the adsorption area into zones and allows for individual desorption after monitoring the humidity of each zone to ensure it meets the standard. This avoids wasting desorption energy due to premature desorption and wasting moisture absorption capacity due to delayed desorption. Overall, this improves the device's moisture absorption efficiency, avoids wasting desorption energy, and enhances the overall water production efficiency of the equipment.

[0012] Furthermore, a photovoltaic panel is installed on the upper part of the casing. The photovoltaic panel is connected to the battery, and the battery is connected to the controller and other electrical components.

[0013] In this way, solar energy is obtained by using photovoltaic panels to power various electrical components, realizing green energy utilization and saving electricity.

[0014] Furthermore, a heat pipe is also provided on the lower surface of the photovoltaic panel, which is connected to the air outlet. The air outlet is located above the end of the outer casing opposite to the air inlet.

[0015] In this way, the waste heat from the photovoltaic panels is concentrated and supplied to the outlet of the gas, heating the exhaust gas and utilizing its evaporation effect to improve the exhaust efficiency and reduce the load on the fan.

[0016] Furthermore, a filter module and an air intake fan are provided at the air inlet.

[0017] This filtration process before air intake prevents the moisture absorption module from being contaminated by solid particles in the air, thus extending its lifespan.

[0018] Furthermore, the desorption unit is a piezoelectric ceramic vibration module located below each moisture absorption module, and the piezoelectric ceramic vibration module is connected to the controller.

[0019] In this way, the piezoelectric ceramic vibration module can apply high-frequency ultrasonic vibration to the moisture absorption module. This high-frequency ultrasonic vibration specifically targets the decomposition and absorption of water in the corresponding moisture absorption module. The expelled moisture flows out with the airflow, improving the efficiency of desorption energy utilization and preventing residual heat from affecting the moisture adsorption in the next cycle. The piezoelectric ceramic vibration module itself is a mature, existing product, facilitating installation, implementation, and control.

[0020] Furthermore, the moisture-absorbing module includes a packing support, on which a breathable filter plate is horizontally arranged to achieve vertical layering. Moisture-absorbing packing is stacked on each layer of breathable filter plate, and ventilation channels for horizontal airflow are left between each layer of moisture-absorbing packing. A humidity sensor is installed inside the moisture-absorbing packing, and the lower end of the packing support is connected to a piezoelectric ceramic vibration module.

[0021] This makes it easier to install the moisture-absorbing packing, facilitates the forward flow of air, and transmits the vibration of the desorption vibration to the packing, thereby improving the desorption effect of the vibration.

[0022] Furthermore, a damping spring is installed between the lower end of the piezoelectric ceramic vibration module and the bottom of the outer casing to better achieve vibration reduction.

[0023] Furthermore, the condensation device includes semiconductor cooling plates disposed on the sidewalls of both sides of the condensation zone, with the cold end of the semiconductor cooling plate facing inward and the hot end facing outward.

[0024] This method of using semiconductor cooling chips for condensation has advantages such as structural advantages and ease of control.

[0025] Furthermore, the cold end of the semiconductor cooling chip has multiple layers of inclined condensation fins extending inward and downward, while the hot end has multiple layers of heat dissipation fins extending outward and horizontally.

[0026] This improves both condensation and heat dissipation.

[0027] Furthermore, each vertical partition in the adsorption zone is vertically equipped with a damper at its front end. Each damper has a vertical shaft at one end near the vertical partition, making the other end an open end that can rotate horizontally. The shaft of each damper is connected to an independent damper motor, and each damper motor is connected to a controller.

[0028] In this way, the controller can control the air intake of each area by driving the dampers based on the humidity sensors in each adsorption zone, monitoring the adsorption status of the moisture-absorbing material in each area. This controls the dampers on both sides of the air intake end in areas with lower humidity to open wider, driving more airflow into these areas. This allows for adjustment of the moisture absorption progress in each area, better controlling the areas to reach humidity saturation within the same time period, and then performing analysis within the same time period. Centralized cooling can be provided at the condensation end, greatly improving the efficiency of cooling capacity utilization and avoiding waste. Furthermore, an intake humidity sensor can be installed at the air intake and connected to the controller. The controller can further include an intake detection control module. When low intake humidity is detected (below a threshold), it can control a portion of the dampers to rotate to close the air intake ends of adjacent adsorption zones, or it can control two adjacent dampers to rotate to a mutually blocking closed state, closing the adsorption area between them without increasing air resistance, reducing unnecessary full-unit ventilation and avoiding waste.

[0029] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. By independently opening, closing and rotating regeneration of multiple moisture absorption units, moisture absorption can be continued by other units while one unit is desorbing, which can reduce the water intake interruption of traditional single-bed cycle devices.

[0030] 2. The number of fans to be turned on is dynamically determined based on the ambient humidity and the treatment target, and the target air volume or static pressure is maintained by using variable frequency fans, which can reduce unnecessary full-unit ventilation and excessive fan power consumption.

[0031] 3. The ultrasonic micro-vibration generated by piezoelectric ceramics acts on the moisture-absorbing material with ventilation channels, which can enhance the mass transfer process inside and outside the pores, shorten the regeneration response time, and avoid long-term overall heating and waste heat dissipation of the entire moisture-absorbing unit.

[0032] 4. The semiconductor refrigeration module only starts when desorption and condensation are required, and features fast start-up and shutdown and easy unit control; the cold end fins are tilted towards the water collection tank to reduce condensate retention and airflow entrainment.

[0033] 5. The moisture-proof and insulating encapsulation of piezoelectric ceramics and the bottom elastic vibration damping structure can improve the electrical reliability of the device in high humidity environments and reduce the propagation of vibration and noise to the housing.

[0034] 6. The heat pipe transports the waste heat from the photovoltaic backsheet to the exhaust side, which can form auxiliary thermal pressure in the exhaust channel, reduce the fan load, and at the same time reduce the temperature of the photovoltaic backsheet, realizing the synergistic utilization of electrical energy and low-grade heat energy.

[0035] 7. The device adopts modular moisture absorption units and independent air inlets, which facilitates the expansion of processing capacity, maintenance and replacement of units, and allows for the replacement of moisture absorption materials and control parameters according to different regional climate conditions.

[0036] 8. The system has a compact overall structure, stable operation, and a high degree of automation, making it particularly suitable for air-to-water conversion in arid regions, islands, deserts, and other environments where freshwater is scarce.

[0037] In summary, this invention can better improve the overall utilization efficiency of adsorption materials, improve adsorption and desorption efficiency, and thus improve water production efficiency, making it more suitable for large-scale water production applications. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the diversion and regulation type air water intake device used in this invention.

[0039] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view.

[0040] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the individual adsorption area and the damper.

[0041] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the location of a separate condensation zone. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0043] Preferred embodiment: A diversion-type air water extraction method, wherein a moisture-absorbing material is used at the air inlet end of the air channel to adsorb water vapor in the intake air. After adsorption is completed, the water vapor is desorbed and discharged to the air outlet end of the air channel to achieve condensation and water extraction. The feature is that the moisture-absorbing material is divided into multiple mutually isolated adsorption areas along the cross-sectional direction of the air inlet, the adsorption status of the moisture-absorbing material in each adsorption area is monitored in real time, and the adsorption saturated adsorption areas are desorbed separately.

[0044] In this method, the hygroscopic material is divided into sections along its cross-section, and the adsorption status of each section is monitored in real time. Desorption is then performed individually after saturation. This avoids the problems of uneven hygroscopic material absorption leading to premature desorption and wasted energy, or delayed desorption resulting in wasted hygroscopic capacity. Overall, this method improves energy utilization efficiency and the hygroscopic material's absorption efficiency, thus enhancing water production efficiency. It is particularly suitable for large-scale water production.

[0045] During implementation, desorption is achieved through ultrasonic vibration.

[0046] In this way, by utilizing the cavitation effect, micro-jet impact, and resonant energy transfer generated by the high-frequency mechanical waves of ultrasonic vibration, the binding force between the hygroscopic material and the moisture is broken, allowing the moisture to quickly detach from the hygroscopic material and flow out with the incoming airflow. This can achieve more efficient targeted desorption in localized areas. Furthermore, the vibration stops and desorption ceases, preventing the waste of residual heat and improving the utilization efficiency of desorption energy. It also prevents residual heat from affecting the water vapor adsorption in the next cycle.

[0047] More specifically, this method employs a diversion-regulating air-water intake device, which can be found in [reference needed]. Figures 1-4 As shown, the device includes an outer shell 1, with an air inlet 2 on one side wall and an air outlet 3 on the other. An air flow channel is formed between the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3. An adsorption zone along the horizontal direction is provided near the air inlet in the air flow channel, and a condensation zone is provided near the air outlet in the air flow channel. A condensation device is provided in the condensation zone and is connected to a controller. A water collection chamber 4 is provided below the condensation device. Several vertical partitions 5 are arranged vertically along the length of the adsorption zone, forming mutually isolated adsorption zones. Each adsorption zone is provided with an independent moisture absorption module 6 that can be ventilated horizontally. Each moisture absorption module 6 is provided with a humidity sensor (not shown in the figure), and each moisture absorption module is also provided with a corresponding desorption unit. The humidity sensor is connected to the controller 7, and the controller 7 is connected to each desorption unit.

[0048] In this way, the device divides the adsorption area into zones and allows for individual desorption after monitoring the humidity of each zone to ensure it meets the standard. This avoids wasting desorption energy due to premature desorption and wasting moisture absorption capacity due to delayed desorption. Overall, this improves the device's moisture absorption efficiency, avoids wasting desorption energy, and enhances the overall water production efficiency of the equipment.

[0049] The upper part of the outer casing is also equipped with a photovoltaic panel 8, which is connected to a storage battery 9. The storage battery 9 is connected to a controller 7 and other electrical components.

[0050] In this way, solar energy is obtained by using photovoltaic panels to power various electrical components, realizing green energy utilization and saving electricity.

[0051] Among them, the lower surface of the photovoltaic panel 8 is also provided with a heat pipe 10 and an air outlet 3 connected to the outlet position. The air outlet 3 is located above the end of the outer shell 1 that is away from the air inlet 2.

[0052] In this way, the waste heat from the photovoltaic panels is concentrated and supplied to the outlet of the gas, heating the exhaust gas and utilizing its evaporation effect to improve the exhaust efficiency and reduce the load on the fan.

[0053] The air inlet 2 is equipped with a filter module 11 and an air intake fan 12.

[0054] This filtration process before air intake prevents the moisture absorption module from being contaminated by solid particles in the air, thus extending its lifespan.

[0055] The desorption unit is a piezoelectric ceramic vibration module 13 located below each moisture absorption module 6, and the piezoelectric ceramic vibration module is connected to the controller.

[0056] In this way, the piezoelectric ceramic vibration module can apply high-frequency ultrasonic vibration to the moisture absorption module. This high-frequency ultrasonic vibration specifically targets the decomposition and absorption of water in the corresponding moisture absorption module. The expelled moisture flows out with the airflow, improving the efficiency of desorption energy utilization and preventing residual heat from affecting the moisture adsorption in the next cycle. The piezoelectric ceramic vibration module itself is a mature, existing product, facilitating installation, implementation, and control.

[0057] The moisture-absorbing module 6 includes a packing support 14, on which a breathable filter plate is horizontally arranged to achieve vertical layering. Moisture-absorbing packing is stacked on each layer of breathable filter plate, and a ventilation channel 15 is left between each layer of moisture-absorbing packing for horizontal ventilation. A humidity sensor is installed inside the moisture-absorbing packing. The lower end of the packing support is connected to the piezoelectric ceramic vibration module 13.

[0058] This makes it easier to install the moisture-absorbing packing, facilitates the forward flow of air, and transmits the vibration of the desorption vibration to the packing, thereby improving the desorption effect of the vibration.

[0059] A damping spring 17 is provided between the lower end of the piezoelectric ceramic vibration module 13 and the bottom of the outer casing to better achieve vibration reduction.

[0060] The condensation device includes a semiconductor cooling chip 18 disposed on the sidewalls of both sides of the condensation zone, with the cold end of the semiconductor cooling chip 18 facing inward and the hot end facing outward.

[0061] This method of using semiconductor cooling chips for condensation has advantages such as structural advantages and ease of control.

[0062] Among them, the cold end side of the semiconductor cooling chip 18 is provided with multiple layers of inclined condensation fins 19 extending inward and downward, and the hot end side is provided with multiple layers of heat dissipation fins 20 extending outward and horizontally.

[0063] This improves both condensation and heat dissipation.

[0064] In the adsorption zone, each vertical partition is vertically equipped with a damper 21 at its front end. Each damper 21 has a vertical shaft at one end near the vertical partition, making the other end an open end that can rotate horizontally. The shaft of each damper is connected to an independent damper motor 22, and each damper motor 22 is connected to the controller 7.

[0065] In this implementation, a damper control module can be installed within the controller. This module, based on humidity sensors within each adsorption area monitoring the adsorption status of the moisture-absorbing material, drives the dampers to control the air intake in each area. It controls the dampers on both sides of the air intake in areas with lower humidity to open wider, forcing more airflow into these areas. This allows for adjustment of the moisture absorption progress in each area, better controlling the time it takes for each area to reach humidity saturation and then perform analysis within the same timeframe. Centralized cooling can then be provided at the condensation end, significantly improving the efficiency of cooling capacity utilization and avoiding waste. Furthermore, an intake humidity sensor can be installed at the air inlet and connected to the controller. The controller can further include an intake detection control module. When low intake humidity (below a threshold) is detected, this module can control a portion of the dampers to rotate to close the air intake of adjacent adsorption areas, or it can control two adjacent dampers to rotate to a mutually blocking closed state, closing the adsorption area between them without increasing air resistance, reducing unnecessary full-unit ventilation and avoiding waste.

Claims

1. A diversion-type air-water extraction method, wherein a moisture-absorbing material is used at the air inlet end of an airflow channel to adsorb water vapor in the intake air, and after adsorption, desorption is performed to allow the water vapor to overflow and condense at the air outlet end of the airflow channel, characterized in that... The moisture-absorbing material is divided into multiple isolated adsorption zones along the cross-sectional direction of the air inlet. The adsorption status of the moisture-absorbing material in each adsorption zone is monitored in real time, and the adsorption zones that are saturated with adsorption are desorbed separately.

2. The diversion-regulating air-water intake method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Desorption is achieved through ultrasonic vibration.

3. The diversion-regulating air-water intake method according to claim 2, characterized in that, This method employs a diversion-regulating air-water collection device, which includes a housing. An air inlet is located on one side wall of the housing, and an air outlet is located on the other end. An airflow channel is formed between the air inlet and outlet. A horizontally oriented adsorption zone is located near the air inlet, and a condensation zone is located near the air outlet. A condensation device is installed within the condensation zone and is connected to a controller. A water collection chamber is located below the condensation device. Several vertical partitions are vertically arranged along the length of the adsorption zone, forming mutually isolated adsorption zones. Each adsorption zone contains an independent moisture-absorbing module capable of horizontal airflow. Each moisture-absorbing module contains a humidity sensor and a corresponding desorption unit. The humidity sensor is connected to the controller, and the controller is connected to each desorption unit.

4. The diversion-regulating air-water intake method according to claim 3, characterized in that, A photovoltaic panel is also installed on the upper part of the casing. The photovoltaic panel is connected to the battery, and the battery is connected to the controller and other electrical components.

5. The diversion-regulating air-water intake method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower surface of the photovoltaic panel is also equipped with heat pipes connected to the air outlet, which is located on the upper part of the outer casing away from the air inlet. The air inlet is equipped with a filter module and an air intake fan.

6. The diversion-regulating air-water intake method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The desorption unit is a piezoelectric ceramic vibration module located below each moisture absorption module, and the piezoelectric ceramic vibration module is connected to the controller.

7. The diversion-regulating air-water intake method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The moisture-absorbing module includes a packing support, on which a breathable filter plate is horizontally arranged to achieve vertical layering. Moisture-absorbing packing is stacked on each layer of breathable filter plate, and ventilation channels are left between each layer of moisture-absorbing packing for horizontal airflow. A humidity sensor is installed inside the moisture-absorbing packing. The lower end of the packing support is connected to a piezoelectric ceramic vibration module.

8. The diversion-regulating air-water intake method according to claim 7, characterized in that, A damping spring is installed between the lower end of the piezoelectric ceramic vibration module and the bottom of the outer shell.

9. The diversion-regulating air-water intake method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The condensation device includes semiconductor cooling plates disposed on the side walls of both sides of the condensation zone, with the cold end of the semiconductor cooling plate facing inward and the hot end facing outward. The semiconductor refrigeration chip has multiple layers of inclined condensation fins extending inward and downward on the cold end side, and multiple layers of heat dissipation fins extending outward and horizontally on the hot end side.

10. The diversion-regulating air-water intake method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each vertical partition in the adsorption zone has a corresponding vertical damper at its front end. Each damper has a vertical shaft at one end near the vertical partition, making the other end an open end that can rotate horizontally. The shaft of each damper is connected to an independent damper motor, and each damper motor is connected to a controller.

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