Multi-stage distiller
By using a nested design of a hemispherical multi-stage still, the problems of low efficiency and large heat loss from the side walls of multi-stage stills under sunlight exposure from different directions are solved, achieving all-round solar energy absorption and efficient freshwater production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NAT ENERGY GRP LEDONG POWER GENERATION CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing multistage stills are inefficient under sunlight exposure from different directions, and suffer from significant heat loss from the side walls, resulting in reduced utilization of latent heat of steam and limiting their commercial application.
It adopts a hemispherical multi-level structure, including an acrylic hemisphere, a multi-level aluminum hemisphere and a heat sink. Through nested design, light absorption layer, evaporation layer, condensation layer and air gap layer, it achieves all-round solar energy absorption and reduces sidewall heat loss.
It improves evaporation efficiency and water production rate, increases evaporation area, reduces heat loss, enhances system energy efficiency, and achieves efficient freshwater production.
Smart Images
Figure CN224212439U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of distiller technology, specifically to a multi-stage distiller. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, interfacial evaporation technology driven by solar thermal energy has attracted widespread attention from scholars. By synthesizing new photothermal conversion materials and constructing efficient thermal management strategies, the solar evaporation efficiency of interfacial stills can reach over 80%. In traditional solar interfacial evaporation systems, the steam generated by the still condenses and is collected on the surface of the top glass cover. This condensation design causes all the latent heat of the steam to be lost into the environment and cannot be recovered. Based on this, some scholars have proposed multi-stage distillation devices. The multi-stage distillation structure uses the latent heat released by steam condensation to enhance the evaporation process, allowing the latent heat energy released by the steam to be recovered and utilized. For example, Chiavazzo et al. first proposed using the vaporization enthalpy cycle method to prepare a passive evaporation device with a thermal efficiency exceeding 100%. This evaporator achieved an evaporation rate of up to 3 kg m³ under one solar irradiance. -2 h -1 (Chiavazzo, et al., 2018). Xu et al. fabricated a prototype evaporator with ten stages of salt accumulation-free operation using low-cost materials and achieved a record-breaking 385% solar-to-steam conversion efficiency and 5.78 kg m³ / s under intense solar irradiation. -2 h -1 (Xu, 2020) further reduced heat loss, resulting in a significant increase in the freshwater production of the unit.
[0003] However, since multi-stage devices only utilize the top surface for light and cannot absorb sunlight from multiple directions, the actual water production efficiency differs from the theoretical efficiency, limiting its commercial application. Furthermore, current multi-stage systems exhibit marginal effects; as the number of stages increases, the latent heat of vapor decreases with each stage, leading to a reduction in device utilization. In terms of heat transfer, heat loss from the sidewalls is a significant factor affecting device efficiency. Therefore, this application proposes a hemispherical multi-stage evaporator that allows for omnidirectional light reception and reduces sidewall heat loss. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of the aforementioned technologies by proposing a multi-stage distillation apparatus, thereby resolving the problems described above.
[0005] This utility model provides a multi-stage distillation apparatus, including:
[0006] The distillation section includes an acrylic hemisphere, a multi-stage aluminum hemisphere, and a heat sink arranged from top to bottom;
[0007] The connecting part includes a frame and a conduit, the conduit is connected to the frame, and the distillation part is inserted into the middle of the frame through a radiator;
[0008] The water supply unit includes a water-guiding cloth and an inlet tank. The frame is set on the inlet tank. One end of the water-guiding cloth passes through the frame and is connected to both sides of the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere. The other end of the water-guiding cloth is located inside the inlet tank.
[0009] Preferably, the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere includes an outer aluminum hemisphere and multiple inner aluminum hemispheres, with the outer aluminum hemisphere fitted over the multiple inner aluminum hemispheres. A radiator is connected to the lower end of the multiple inner aluminum hemispheres. The frame is provided with a support bayonet, a water collection tank, a flow guide, and a water supply port. The acrylic hemisphere and the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere are inserted into the support bayonet, and a water-guiding cloth passes through the water supply port and connects to the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere. It also includes a water storage tank for collecting water flowing from the conduit.
[0010] Preferably, the outer surface of the outer aluminum hemisphere is coated with a black nano-resin coating to form a light-absorbing layer. The inner surfaces of the outer and inner aluminum hemispheres are coated with foamed aerogel to form an evaporation layer. The outer surfaces of the multiple inner aluminum hemispheres serve as condensation layers. Air gap layers are provided between the acrylic hemisphere and the light-absorbing layer, and between the evaporation layer and the condensation layer.
[0011] Preferably, the water collection trough is a recessed part in the frame, the guide port is a recessed part in the water collection trough, and the guide port is connected to the water collection trough; the conduit is connected to the end of the water collection trough. The water supply port is the hollow part on the support bayonet; the water guiding cloth is non-woven fabric, which passes through the water supply port and is connected to the bottom of the evaporation layer.
[0012] Compared with existing technologies, it has the following beneficial effects:
[0013] This invention utilizes a nested arrangement of multiple aluminum hemispheres with gradually decreasing diameters to form a multi-stage distillation structure, achieving efficient evaporation and condensation of seawater to obtain fresh water. This technical solution allows for omnidirectional light intake, ensuring full absorption of solar energy under varying sunlight angles. Simultaneously, the spherical structure increases the evaporation area, improving evaporation efficiency. Furthermore, the nested design of the aluminum hemispheres effectively reduces heat loss from the sidewalls, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the system. Through this optimized multi-stage evaporation and condensation process, the water production rate is significantly increased. Attached Figure Description
[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only preferred embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0015] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a multi-stage distillation apparatus according to the present invention;
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the distillation section of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting part of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water supply unit of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the evaporation layer of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated frame of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the distillation section and the connecting section of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the water supply part and the connecting part of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the nonwoven fabric passing through the water supply port of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the radiator and water supply part of this utility model.
[0025] In the diagram, 1-distillation section; 11-acrylic hemisphere; 12-multi-stage aluminum hemisphere; 121-outer aluminum hemisphere; 122-inner aluminum hemisphere; 13-radiator; 14-evaporation layer; 15-condensation layer; 16-light absorption layer;
[0026] 2-Connecting part; 21-Frame; 211-Support bayonet; 212-Water collection tank; 213-Flow guide port; 214-Water supply port; 22-Conduit pipe;
[0027] 3-Water supply unit; 31-Water diversion cloth; 32-Liquid inlet tank;
[0028] 4-Air gap layer; 5-Water storage tank. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To better understand the structure, functional features, and advantages of this utility model, the preferred embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0030] Example:
[0031] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, this utility model provides a multi-stage distillation apparatus, including:
[0032] The distillation section 1 includes an acrylic hemisphere 11, a multi-stage aluminum hemisphere 12, and a radiator 13 arranged from top to bottom; the acrylic hemisphere 11 is located on the outermost layer of the distillation section 1; the distillation section 1 is used to absorb sunlight and convert it into heat energy to drive the evaporation and condensation of seawater;
[0033] The connecting part 2 includes a frame 21 and a conduit 22. The frame 21 is an integral structure, and the conduit 22 is connected to the frame 21. The distillation part 1 is detachably inserted into the middle of the frame 21 through the radiator 13. The connecting part 2 is used to connect the distillation part 1 and the water supply part 3 and to collect condensate.
[0034] The water supply unit 3 includes a water-guiding cloth 31 and an inlet tank 32. The frame 21 is mounted on the inlet tank 32. One end of the water-guiding cloth 31 passes through the frame 21 and is connected to both sides of the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere 12. The other end of the water-guiding cloth 31 is located inside the inlet tank 32. The water supply unit 3 is used to supply seawater to the distillation unit 1.
[0035] As another embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the multi-level aluminum hemisphere 12 consists of multiple aluminum hemispheres with decreasing radii, with larger hemispheres nested within smaller ones to form a multi-level structure. This allows for full absorption of solar energy under varying solar illumination angles, while simultaneously increasing the evaporation area and improving evaporation efficiency. Furthermore, the decreasing radius design creates a compact nested structure, reducing heat loss from the sidewalls and concentrating heat to improve material utilization.
[0036] Specifically, the multi-level aluminum hemisphere 12 includes an outer aluminum hemisphere 121 and multiple inner aluminum hemispheres 122. The outer aluminum hemisphere 121 is sleeved on the multiple inner aluminum hemispheres 122, and the heat sink 13 is connected to the lower end of the multiple inner aluminum hemispheres 122.
[0037] See Figure 10 The radiator 13 is installed on the last inner aluminum hemisphere 122 and passes through the connecting part 2 to contact the water supply part 3.
[0038] See Figure 6 The frame 21 is provided with a support bayonet 211, a water collection tank 212, a flow guide 213 and a water supply port 214. The acrylic hemisphere 11 and the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere 12 are inserted into the support bayonet 211, and the water guide cloth 31 passes through the water supply port 214 and is connected to the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere 12.
[0039] See Figure 1 and Figure 7 The present invention also includes a water storage tank 5 for collecting condensate flowing out of the conduit 22.
[0040] As another embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 9As shown, the outer surface of the outer aluminum hemisphere 121 is coated with a black nano-resin coating to form a light absorption layer 16, which exhibits a high absorption rate in the solar spectrum to better absorb sunlight.
[0041] See Figure 5 The outer aluminum hemisphere 121 and the inner aluminum hemisphere 122 are coated with foamed aerogel to form an evaporation layer 14 for absorbing and evaporating seawater. Specifically, the foamed aerogel can be easily molded into a hemispherical shape and exhibits an interconnected macroporous structure, which facilitates efficient water transport and prevents salt crystallization. The macropores provide pathways for steam generation and transport, while the evaporation enthalpy reduction effect further improves the performance of the device. In addition, the presence of chitosan in the foamed aerogel imparts antibacterial properties, expanding the applicability of the device to environments contaminated with bacteria.
[0042] Referring to Figure 5 The outer surface of the plurality of inner layer aluminum hemispheres 122 is a condensation layer 15 for condensing water vapor. Figure 5 Two One of the nested half-circles is an inner aluminum hemisphere 122, and the other is a half-circle of the evaporated layer 14 formed of aerogel.
[0043] See Figure 2 An air gap layer 4 is provided between the acrylic hemisphere 11 and the light absorption layer, and between the evaporation layer 14 and the condensation layer 15. The air gap between the acrylic hemisphere 11 and the air gap can effectively suppress heat conduction, convection and radiation, thereby reducing heat loss.
[0044] Furthermore, the radiator 13 is a circular aluminum heat dissipation block, installed on the inner aluminum hemisphere 122 of the last stage, and connected to the water supply section 3, which can transfer heat to the surrounding environment and maintain a high steam pressure gradient at each stage.
[0045] As another embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 6 As shown, the support bayonet 211 is a protruding part in the frame 21, used to secure the acrylic hemisphere 11 and the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere 12. The water collection tank 212 is a recessed part in the frame 21, used to collect condensate. The guide port 213 is a recessed part in the water collection tank 212, connected to the water collection tank 212, used to guide the condensate collected in the water collection tank 212 to the conduit 22. The conduit 22 is connected to the end of the water collection tank 212 to guide the collected condensate to the water storage tank 5.
[0046] See Figure 6 The water supply port 214 is a perforated part on the support bayonet 211 to facilitate the connection of the water-guiding cloth 31 of the water supply section 3 to the evaporation layer 14; the water-guiding cloth 31 is a non-woven fabric, which passes through the water supply port 214 and is connected to the bottom of the evaporation layer 14. It transmits seawater to the evaporation layer 14 through the capillary effect, supports the continuous evaporation process, and continuously supplies water to the evaporation layer 14; the liquid inlet tank 32 is used to store condensate.
[0047] Referring to Figure 4 The figure shows the evaporation layer 14 on the inner surface of the inner layer aluminum hemisphere 122, which is applied to the inner surface of the inner layer aluminum hemisphere 122 The inner surface of the hemisphere 122 is formed of half-circular aerogel, which is connected to the nonwoven fabric at both ends as the evaporated layer 14.
[0048] The working principle of this invention is as follows: The light absorption layer in the distillation section 1 converts solar energy into heat energy. Then, the heat energy is transferred to the evaporation layer 14. Seawater in the inlet tank 32 is attracted into the evaporation layer 14 of the foamed gel through the capillary effect of the non-woven fabric, absorbs heat to generate steam, and condenses on the outer surface of the next inner aluminum hemisphere 122, releasing heat energy. The condensed freshwater from each stage flows into the water collection tank 212 and flows out through the guide port 213 and the conduit 22 to the water storage tank 5 for collection. The released heat energy drives the evaporation of the next stage, realizing multi-stage utilization of the latent heat of vaporization. Among them, the ultra-low thermal conductivity of the acrylic hemisphere 11 and the air gap reduces heat loss by inhibiting conduction, convection and radiation; the condensation layer 15 of the last stage is connected to a radiator 13, which is conducive to transferring heat energy to the surrounding environment and maintaining a high vapor pressure gradient at each stage.
[0049] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and does not constitute any limitation on this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solution of this utility model, or modify it into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this utility model. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technology of this utility model without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this utility model shall fall within the protection scope of this technical solution.
Claims
1. A multi-stage distillation apparatus, characterized in that, include: The distillation section (1) includes an acrylic hemisphere (11), a multi-stage aluminum hemisphere (12), and a radiator (13) arranged from top to bottom; The connecting part (2) includes a frame (21) and a conduit (22), the conduit (22) being connected to the frame (21), and the distillation part (1) being inserted into the middle of the frame (21) through the radiator (13); The water supply unit (3) includes a water-guiding cloth (31) and an inlet tank (32). The frame (21) is located on the inlet tank (32). One end of the water-guiding cloth (31) passes through the frame (21) and is connected to both sides of the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere (12). The other end of the water-guiding cloth (31) is located inside the inlet tank (32).
2. The multi-stage still according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-level aluminum hemisphere (12) includes an outer aluminum hemisphere (121) and multiple inner aluminum hemispheres (122). The outer aluminum hemisphere (121) is sleeved on the multiple inner aluminum hemispheres (122), and the heat sink (13) is connected to the lower end of the multiple inner aluminum hemispheres (122).
3. The multi-stage distillation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frame (21) is provided with a support bayonet (211), a water collection tank (212), a flow guide (213) and a water supply port (214). The acrylic hemisphere (11) and the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere (12) are inserted into the support bayonet (211). The water-guiding cloth (31) passes through the water supply port (214) and is connected to the multi-stage aluminum hemisphere (12).
4. The multi-stage distillation apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer surface of the outer aluminum hemisphere (121) is coated with a black nano-resin coating to form a light-absorbing layer (16).
5. The multi-stage distillation apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner surfaces of the outer aluminum hemisphere (121) and the inner aluminum hemisphere (122) are coated with foamed aerogel to form an evaporation layer (14).
6. The multi-stage distillation apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer surface of the multiple inner aluminum hemispheres (122) is a condensation layer (15).
7. The multi-stage distillation apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, An air gap layer (4) is provided between the acrylic hemisphere (11) and the light absorption layer, and between the evaporation layer (14) and the condensation layer (15).
8. The multi-stage distillation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water storage tank (5) for collecting water flowing out from the conduit (22).
9. The multi-stage distillation apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water collection trough (212) is the groove portion in the frame (21), the guide port (213) is the recessed portion in the water collection trough (212), and the guide port (213) is connected to the water collection trough (212); the conduit (22) is connected to the end of the water collection trough (212).
10. The multi-stage distillation apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The water supply port (214) is the hollow part on the support bayonet (211); the water-guiding cloth (31) is a non-woven fabric, which passes through the water supply port (214) and is connected to the bottom of the evaporation layer (14).