Passive system for simultaneous water and energy harvesting from ambient air and temperature difference

Abstract

System for the passive generation of water and electrical energy, characterized in that it comprises: - an inclined condensation surface which cools below the ambient temperature by nighttime radiation and condenses humidity from the ambient air, - a heat storage unit arranged below it which absorbs heat during the day by solar radiation, - a solid-state-based energy conversion module which is arranged between the heat storage unit and the ambient air and which uses the temperature gradient to generate electricity, in particular a thermoelectric generator module (TEG), - and a collection device for collecting the condensed water.

Description

[0001] Technical field: The invention relates to a compact, self-sufficient system for the passive extraction of water from the air and for generating electricity by utilizing natural temperature differences between day and night.

[0002] State of the art: Systems are currently known that either condense water from atmospheric humidity or use thermal energy to generate electricity. However, a combination of both functions in a completely passive, modular system is not known.

[0003] Object of the invention: The aim is to provide a simple, maintenance-free system that generates both water and electrical energy without an external energy source - especially for remote or dry regions.

[0004] Solution: The system consists of the following components: 1. Condensation surface: An inclined, heat-radiating surface (e.g., made of metal or glass) that cools down below ambient temperature at night through radiation and condenses humidity. 2. Heat storage: An underlying thermal storage medium (e.g., black stone or water tank) that absorbs and stores heat during the day through solar radiation. 3. Thermoelectric generator (TEG): Positioned between heat storage and ambient air, it uses the nighttime temperature gradient to generate electricity. 4. Water collection channel: A channel attached to the side collects the condensed water and directs it into a container.

[0005] The system operates completely passively, without moving parts or external power supply. It has a modular design and can be manufactured in various sizes.

[0006] Advantages of the invention: • Combination of two self-sufficient supply functions (water + electricity) • No moving parts, low maintenance • Compact and portable • Ideal for off-grid applications, disaster relief, development aid 1 Condensation surface 2 heat storage units 3 Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) 4. Containment device

Claims

[1] System for the passive generation of water and electrical energy, characterized by , that it comprises - an inclined condensation surface which cools below the ambient temperature by nighttime radiation and condenses humidity from the ambient air, - a heat storage unit arranged below it which absorbs heat during the day by solar radiation, - a solid-state-based energy conversion module which is arranged between the heat storage unit and the ambient air and which uses the temperature gradient to generate electricity, in particular a thermoelectric generator module (TEG), - and a collection device for collecting the condensed water. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by, that the heat storage unit is designed as an interchangeable module and can consist of different thermal storage materials, in particular stone, water or phase-change materials, whereby the system is modular and individual components can be replaced or adapted independently of each other.

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