Module for producing water from air

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air water production module which comprises an air adsorption assembly and a water collection and ventilation assembly, air is collected in an adsorption area of the air adsorption assembly through the water collection and ventilation assembly, and then flows back to an air inlet of the water collection and ventilation assembly through a desorption area. And the high-temperature air in the collecting pipe and the air outside the collecting pipe form a temperature difference to condense the high-temperature air in the collecting pipe and collect the high-temperature air at a water outlet at the lower end of the water collecting and ventilating assembly. According to the utility model, simple heat exchange between the ambient environment and the heated air is utilized for simple air water production, and the output can be obviously improved under the same electricity consumption. The obvious effect of the utility model can generate profound benefits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of air-to-water technology, specifically relating to an air-to-water module. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional water resource acquisition methods often rely on natural water sources such as groundwater, rivers, or lakes. However, with the impact of factors such as population growth and climate change, the supply of these traditional water resources faces numerous challenges, such as declining groundwater levels and increasingly prominent water pollution problems. Therefore, finding new ways to acquire water resources has become an urgent task. Air-to-water generators, as a new type of water resource acquisition technology, can extract moisture from the air, providing an innovative solution to the problem of water scarcity. Against this backdrop, air-to-water technology has emerged, utilizing water vapor in the air through specific processes to condense and extract it, thereby achieving the effective utilization and regeneration of water resources.

[0003] There are generally two methods for producing water from air: condensation and adsorption. Condensation involves lowering the air temperature below the dew point, causing the moisture in the air to saturate and precipitate into tiny water droplets, which are then collected. Adsorption, on the other hand, uses adsorbents to absorb moisture from the air and then thermally desorbs it. Adsorption typically only works at night when humidity is high and desorption occurs during the day when temperatures are higher, limiting its continuity. Therefore, most air-to-water generators on the market are condensation type. Condensation generators often use vapor compression refrigeration, which, due to its complex system, large size, and weight, suffers from drawbacks such as difficult maintenance, high operating noise, and high energy consumption. While semiconductor refrigeration technology is maturing, there is still a significant gap in its application to air-to-water production. Current semiconductor refrigeration uses semiconductors as the cold end, continuously cooling the air to reach the dew point and produce water. However, this technology requires cooling the semiconductor itself, leading to low energy efficiency, and the water production effect is not ideal in environments with low air moisture content or low dew point temperatures.

[0004] The main operating cost of the aforementioned air-to-water generator is the electricity cost required to power the compressor in the refrigeration unit. Furthermore, the complex structure of the compressor and the fact that the produced water passes through each component increases the cost of sterilization for subsequent drinking water production.

[0005] The cost of water production varies greatly, mainly due to energy costs. With the advancement of new technologies, the cost of seawater desalination is gradually decreasing. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a highly efficient, energy-saving, and simple air-to-water module. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problems mentioned in the background art, this utility model provides an air-to-water module with a simple structure that does not require a compressor in the refrigeration unit and simply achieves air moisture collection and condensation water collection through temperature difference.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model includes an air adsorption component for adsorbing water molecules in the air. The air adsorption component is divided into an adsorption zone and a desorption zone. The adsorption zone is used to introduce outside air into the adsorption component for water molecule adsorption. The desorption zone is used to introduce the high-temperature air desorbed in the desorption zone into a water collection and ventilation component. The air adsorption component is connected to a drive motor to control its rotation, and the adsorption zone and desorption zone switch between each other as the rotation occurs. A water collection and ventilation component includes an air inlet communicating with the desorption zone, an array of condensation collection tubes communicating with the air inlet, and a drain outlet connected to a water purification system. Air passes through the water collection and ventilation component and gathers in the adsorption zone of the air adsorption component. The hot air that passes through the desorption zone then reaches the array of condensation collection tubes through the air inlet at the upper end of the water collection and ventilation component. A temperature difference is formed between the high-temperature air inside the collection tube and the ambient air outside the collection tube, and the air is collected at the drain outlet at the lower end of the water collection and ventilation component by gravity.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the air adsorption component is a MOF moisture-absorbing material.

[0009] The preferred solution is to adjust the speed of the drive motor according to the humidity of different environments.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, there is a permeable gap between the array of condensation collection tubes, through which air enters the adsorption zone.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the first port at the upper end of the collecting pipe collects the hot air from the air inlet, and the second port at the lower end collects the condensed water droplets.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a heating component is connected to the back of the desorption zone to heat the air entering the desorption zone, thereby promoting the release of water vapor from the desorption zone.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a high-temperature air transmission component is provided between the desorption zone and the water collection and ventilation component.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the high-temperature air transmission component has a horn-shaped structure, with the large end covering the desorption zone to collect the high-temperature air generated in the desorption zone; the small end is connected to the air inlet of the water collection and ventilation component.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the large port of the high-temperature air transmission component includes a hot air extraction pump that extracts high-temperature air into the air inlet of the water collection and ventilation component.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, a fan is provided on the other side of the air adsorption component, which is synchronously driven to rotate by the drive motor, so that air from the surrounding environment moves to the vicinity of the air adsorption component.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the area of ​​the adsorption region is larger than the area of ​​the desorption region.

[0018] The preferred option is that the collection pipe of the water collection and ventilation component is made of food-grade PUV material.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0020] 1. This utility model generates a temperature difference between the heated air and the external environment, and collects the water using a water collection and ventilation component. It eliminates the need for a complex compressor to compress the air and release condensation, greatly reducing energy consumption. This has profound significance for collecting air and producing water under harsh conditions.

[0021] 2. Furthermore, in the air-to-room-temperature-water collection of this utility model, the air only needs to pass through the water-collecting and ventilating component to the air adsorption component, and then return from the air adsorption component to the water-collecting and ventilating component, which greatly reduces secondary pollution during recycling.

[0022] 3. By switching between the adsorption and desorption zones of the gas adsorption component, condensate is collected quickly, greatly increasing the water conversion rate and achieving greater energy saving and improved conversion efficiency.

[0023] 4. Furthermore, this utility model is designed as an air-to-water module, which can be widely used in various air-to-water generator equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a first perspective view of the air-to-water module proposed in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a second perspective view of the air-to-water module proposed in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a first exploded view of the air-to-water module proposed in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a second exploded view of the air-to-water module proposed in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water collection and air permeability component of the air-to-water module proposed in this utility model.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the air-to-water module proposed in this utility model.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the first state change of the air adsorption component of the air-to-water module proposed in this utility model.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the second state change of the air adsorption component of the air-to-water module proposed in this utility model.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 1…Air-to-water module, 11…Air adsorption component, 111…Adsorption zone, 112…Desorption zone, 113…Drive motor, 12…Water collection and ventilation component, 121…Air inlet, 123…Collection pipe, 1231…First port, 1232…Second port, 124…Drain outlet, 13…Heating component, 14…High-temperature air transmission component, 15…Fan, 16…Filter screen Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0036] Please see Figures 1-5 The first aspect of this utility model provides an air-to-water module 1 with a simple structure, including an air adsorption component 11 for adsorbing water molecules in the air. The air adsorption component 11 is divided into an adsorption zone 111 and a desorption zone 112. The adsorption zone 111 is used to introduce outside air into the adsorption component for water molecule adsorption. The desorption zone 112 is used to introduce the high-temperature air desorbed in the desorption zone 112 into a water collection and ventilation component 12. The air adsorption component 11 is driven to rotate by a drive motor 113. The adsorption zone 111 and the desorption zone 112 change during the rotation. When rotated to the heating position, it is the desorption zone 112. A high-temperature air transmission component 14 is provided at the position corresponding to the desorption zone 112 to introduce the high-temperature air desorbed in the desorption zone 112 into the air inlet 121 of the water collection and ventilation component 12.

[0037] The drive motor 113 can adjust its speed according to the ambient humidity to meet the water production rate in different humidity environments, thereby achieving more effective energy saving.

[0038] It also includes a water collection and ventilation component 12, which includes an air inlet 121 connected to the desorption zone, an array of condensation collection pipes 123 communicating with the air inlet 121, and a drain outlet 124 connected to the purification system (not shown in the figure). Air passes through the water collection and ventilation component 12 and is collected in the adsorption zone 111 of the air adsorption component 11. Then, it flows back to the air inlet 121 of the water collection and ventilation component 12 through the desorption zone 112. The high-temperature air in the collection pipe 123 and the air outside the collection pipe 123 form a temperature difference and condense the high-temperature air in the collection pipe 123, which is collected at the lower drain outlet 124 of the water collection and ventilation component 12.

[0039] Figure 5 The structural principle diagram of the water collection and ventilation component 12 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown: The upper end of the water collection and ventilation component 12 is set as a high-temperature airflow transmission area A, which gathers at the first port 1231 of the array collection tube 123. Hot air enters along the first port 1231 of the collection tube 123. Since the outer wall of the collection tube 123 is in direct contact with the environment, a temperature difference is formed with the high-temperature air inside it. This causes the high-temperature air inside the collection tube 123 to condense and flow towards the second port 1232 at the lower end of the collection tube 123 under the action of gravity, forming water droplets that gather in the water collection area B. Then, it is connected to the water purification system through the drain port 124 of the water collection and ventilation component 12 and enters the subsequent water purification stage.

[0040] Furthermore, the array of collecting tubes 123 has gaps between them, which not only increases the heat exchange area but also provides a passage for air intake, making the design simpler. The distance between the gaps can be reasonably designed based on the water production power and efficiency.

[0041] Furthermore, the air adsorption component 11 is a MOF hygroscopic material. MOF hygroscopic materials have advantages such as high porosity and large specific surface area, which means that they can adsorb more substances. MOF materials have greater potential in adsorption and separation.

[0042] Furthermore, a heating component 13 is provided on the back side of the desorption zone 112 to heat the humid air adsorbed in the desorption zone 112, thereby promoting the desorption of water vapor from the desorption zone 112.

[0043] Furthermore, a high-temperature air transmission component 14 is provided between the desorption zone 112 and the water collection and ventilation component 12.

[0044] Furthermore, the high-temperature air transmission component 14 has a trumpet-shaped structure, with the large end connected to the desorption zone 112 to collect the high-temperature air generated by the desorption zone 112; the small end is connected to the air inlet 121 of the water collection and ventilation component 12. The high-temperature air transmission component 14 is not limited to a trumpet-shaped structure, and other structures that facilitate the full transmission of high-temperature air are not limited.

[0045] Furthermore, a fan 15 is provided on one side of the air adsorption component 11. The fan 15 can be synchronously driven to rotate by the drive motor 113 to move air from the surrounding environment to the vicinity of the air adsorption component. Of course, it can also be driven to rotate by another motor, without sharing the drive motor 113.

[0046] Furthermore, the area of ​​the adsorption zone 111 is much larger than the area of ​​the desorption zone 112, so that more air can be adsorbed and concentrated in the desorption zone 112. The optimal way is that the area of ​​the adsorption zone 111 is three times that of the desorption zone 112, the air adsorption component 11 is set as a circle, and the desorption zone 112 occupies a quarter of the circle in the upper left corner.

[0047] Furthermore, the upper end of the water collection and ventilation component 12 is provided with an air inlet 121, and the lower end is provided with a drain outlet 124.

[0048] Furthermore, the collection pipe 123 of the water collection and ventilation component 12 is made of food-grade PUV material.

[0049] To further enhance the air filtration effect, the front end of the water collection and ventilation component 12 also includes a filter screen 16, which purifies the air passing through the water collection and ventilation component 12.

[0050] To further illustrate the process of mutual conversion between the adsorption zone 111 and the desorption zone 112 of the air desiccant component 11, as follows: Figure 7 As shown, at the beginning of rotation, the desorption zone 112, corresponding to zone C in the diagram, is located at the position corresponding to the heating component 13. When the air desiccant component 11 starts rotating, as... Figure 8 As shown: the previously corresponding desorption zone 112, which corresponds to zone C in the figure, rotates to the non-heating position and is located in the adsorption functional zone. This process repeats continuously. When the adsorption functional zone rotates to the heating position, it transforms into the desorption function. When the desorption functional zone rotates to the non-heating position, it transforms into the adsorption function. In this way, through the continuous switching between adsorption and desorption, the water production conversion rate is greatly increased, and energy saving and conversion efficiency are achieved to a greater extent.

[0051] The working principle diagram of this utility model is as follows: Figure 6As shown, solid lines represent the air entry path, and dashed lines represent the path of hot air turning into condensate. Air filtered by filter screen 16 passes through the gaps of water collection and ventilation component 12 and is adsorbed into adsorption zone 111 of air moisture absorption component 11. When a certain amount of humid cold air accumulates in adsorption zone 111, the drive motor 115 of air moisture absorption component 11 rotates adsorption zone 111 to a position with heating component 13 on the back. Adsorption zone 111 is then transformed into desorption zone 112. The humid cold air accumulated in desorption zone 112 is heated, causing hot air to precipitate from desorption zone 112. The hot air is then drawn into air inlet 121 of water collection and ventilation component 12 by extraction pump. It is then connected to the purification system through drain outlet 124 at the lower end of water collection and ventilation component 12 and enters the next purification process. The purification process is not the focus of this application and will not be described in detail here.

[0052] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0053] This utility model generates a temperature difference between the heated air and the external environment, and collects the water using a water collection and ventilation component 12. It eliminates the need for a complex compressor to compress the air and release condensation, greatly reducing energy consumption. This has profound significance for collecting air and producing water under harsh conditions.

[0054] 2. Furthermore, in the air-to-room-temperature-water collection of this utility model, the air only needs to pass through the water-collecting and ventilating component 12 to the air adsorption component, and then return from the air adsorption component 11 to the water-collecting and ventilating component, which greatly reduces secondary pollution during recycling.

[0055] 3. By converting the adsorption zone 111 and the desorption zone 112 of the gas adsorption component 11, condensate is collected quickly, greatly increasing the water conversion rate and achieving energy saving and improved conversion efficiency to a greater extent.

[0056] 4. Furthermore, this utility model is designed as an air-to-water module, which can be widely used in various air-to-water generator equipment.

[0057] Although embodiments of the present 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 and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0058] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "example" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0059] Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0060] The further embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the present invention. These further embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the present invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the present invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the present invention.

Claims

1. An air-to-water module, characterized in that, include: An air adsorption component is used to adsorb water molecules in the air. The air moisture absorption component is divided into an adsorption zone and a desorption zone. The adsorption zone is used to introduce outside air into the moisture absorption component for water molecule adsorption, and the desorption zone is used to introduce the high-temperature air desorbed in the desorption zone into the water collection and ventilation component. The air adsorption component is connected to a drive motor to control its rotation, and the adsorption zone and the desorption zone switch between each other as the rotation occurs. A water-collecting and air-permeable component includes an air inlet communicating with the desorption zone, an array of condensate collection pipes communicating with the air inlet, and a drain outlet connected to the water purification system. Air passes through the water collection and ventilation component and gathers in the adsorption area of ​​the air adsorption component. Then, the hot air passes through the desorption area and reaches the array condensation collection tube through the air inlet at the top of the water collection and ventilation component. The high temperature air inside the collection tube and the ambient air outside the collection tube form a temperature difference, and the air is collected at the drain outlet at the bottom of the water collection and ventilation component by gravity.

2. The air-to-water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air adsorption component is a MOF moisture-absorbing material.

3. The air-to-water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The speed of the drive motor is adjusted according to the humidity of different environments.

4. The air-to-water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are air-permeable gaps between the array of condensation collection tubes, allowing air to pass through the gaps and enter the adsorption zone.

5. The air-to-water module according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The first port at the upper end of the collection tube collects hot air from the air inlet, and the second port at the lower end collects condensed water droplets.

6. The air-to-water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, A heating element is connected to the back of the desorption zone to heat the air entering the desorption zone, thereby promoting the release of water vapor from the desorption zone.

7. The air-to-water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, A high-temperature air transmission component is provided between the desorption zone and the water collection and ventilation component.

8. The air-to-water module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The high-temperature air transmission component has a horn-shaped structure, with the large end covering the desorption zone to collect the high-temperature air generated in the desorption zone; the small end is connected to the air inlet of the water collection and ventilation component.

9. The air-to-water module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The large port of the high-temperature air transmission component includes a hot air extraction pump, which extracts high-temperature air into the air inlet of the water collection and ventilation component.

10. The air-to-water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fan is provided on the other side of the air adsorption component, which is synchronously driven to rotate by the drive motor so that air from the surrounding environment moves to the vicinity of the air adsorption component.

11. The air-to-water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The area of ​​the adsorption region is larger than the area of ​​the desorption region.

12. The air-to-water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collection pipe of the water collection and ventilation component is made of food-grade PUV material.

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