Atmospheric water generator

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid system (10) for recovering atmospheric water, characterized in that it comprises: - a circuit (20) for condensing atmospheric water by cooling, comprising at least one cold member (22), said member being capable of cooling humid air upon contact in order to extract water therefrom by condensation, - a wet desiccation circuit (30) comprising at least one absorption stage (32) configured to capture water in a brine (50) from humid air and at least one regeneration stage configured to extract the water captured in the brine (50) by evaporation of the water contained in the brine (50) and then by condensation thereof.

Description

[0001] ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATOR

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The invention relates to the field of fresh water generation, and more particularly drinking water. More specifically, the invention relates to the field of atmospheric water generation, i.e. the field of generating water extracted from ambient air.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The generation of atmospheric water, that is, water extracted from the moisture in the ambient air, has been practiced many times throughout human history.

[0006] In particular, devices are known which extract water vapour from the air by condensation. In particular, dew traps or fog traps are known, which are generally nets on which water vapour condensation takes place when the temperature drops sufficiently to reach the dew point.

[0007] More recently, atmospheric water generators have been developed that produce fresh water by extracting moisture from the air using the principle of cooling condensation. In such systems, ambient air is brought into contact with a cold element to lower its temperature below its dew point. In this way, the moisture condenses on the cold element and can be recovered.

[0008] We are particularly familiar with cooling condensation generators. Some of these generators circulate a refrigerant in a closed circuit. The circuit includes an evaporator, which is generally in the form of a coil. The air is brought into contact with the evaporator and reaches its dew point upon contact with it while cooling. Moisture from the air is deposited by condensation on the coil, then recovered by gravity in a tank. Such systems, although efficient, pose problems, particularly problems of adaptation to atmospheric conditions. Indeed, when the ambient air is not very humid, when the relative humidity is less than 30% for example, the generator's efficiency drops and the system produces little water. Similarly, such a system is only slightly efficient when the air temperature is cool.

[0009] Such water-cooled condensation solutions, while promising to meet human water needs, are mainly advantageous for rather humid regions as refrigeration systems are subject to cooling temperatures expected to drop to a range of 10°C - 15°C to overcome frost formation.

[0010] Atmospheric water generators using the principle of desiccation are also known. Generating atmospheric water by desiccation involves capturing moisture in a body and then extracting the moisture in a second step of the process. There are solid desiccation processes that use an adsorption phenomenon by capturing moisture in a solid before releasing it.

[0011] Processes are also known in which the moisture-absorbing material is a fluid. These processes are called wet desiccation processes. In these processes, water from the ambient air is captured in a fluid, which is generally a very highly concentrated salt solution. The solution is then heated to evaporate the moisture into the air. The moisture is then captured by condensation. Such a system, although effective at capturing water, has a lower efficiency than a condensation system. In addition, it is not the most suitable system for different types of atmospheric conditions.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of existing atmospheric water generation systems.

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a hybrid atmospheric water recovery system which comprises:

[0015] • A circuit for condensing atmospheric water by cooling comprising at least one cold member, said member being capable of cooling humid air in contact with it in order to extract water therefrom by condensation,

[0016] • A wet drying circuit comprising at least one absorption stage configured to capture water in a brine from humid air and at least one regeneration stage configured to extract the water captured in the brine by evaporation of the water included in the brine and then by condensation thereof.

[0017] The system further comprises an ambient air inlet, a first quantity of humid air being conveyed from the air inlet to the cold member of the condensation circuit to extract a first quantity of water therefrom and generate a second quantity of treated air, the second quantity of treated air being conveyed to the humid desiccation circuit to extract a second quantity of water and a third quantity of treated air therefrom.

[0018] The invention therefore makes it possible to carry out a first extraction of humidity from the ambient air by a cooling process to produce water. Then, a second extraction of the remaining humidity in the air is carried out by wet drying.

[0019] The system according to the invention therefore allows for good efficiency in a wide variety of atmospheric conditions. Indeed, the first condensation of the air at the cold element reduces the humidity of the air before passing into the humid drying circuit. Similarly, when the ambient air has low humidity, the system takes advantage of the efficiency of the humid drying circuit to generate atmospheric water.

[0020] It is recognized that vapor compression condensing systems generally demonstrate superior energy efficiency in the presence of high humidity, but their performance decreases significantly when the air temperature drops below 10 °C, particularly in cases of low relative humidity. These systems tend to have higher energy consumption compared to absorption systems.

[0021] In contrast, absorption systems stand out for their exceptional performance when used at lower temperatures or in the presence of low humidity. Although initial costs may be higher due to the complexity of the system, they offer significant advantages.

[0022] The hybrid system according to the invention offers an advantageous solution by combining the strengths of both technologies and overcoming the disadvantages specific to each. It achieves this by extracting the vapor (ambient humidity) using a vapor compression condensation system, offering optimal energy efficiency, and by removing the residual vapor using wet desiccant technology, which is particularly effective in favorable humidity ranges. This approach allows for higher efficiency thanks to the quantity of condensed water and the quality of the fresh air at the outlet of the vapor compression condensation system. In addition, the joint use, in series, of these two technologies allows adaptation to varied weather conditions, whether humid or arid.

[0023] The hybrid system according to the invention also has the advantage of having reduced compactness, in particular with exchange surfaces in the absorption stage of the wet drying circuit reduced compared to those necessary for wet drying technology used alone.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the absorption stage of the wet desiccation circuit comprises a first enclosure comprising an air inlet through which the second quantity of treated air is conveyed, at least one nozzle configured to spray the brine onto a structured packing surface, a bottom in which the brine is collected to be conveyed to the regeneration stage and an air outlet through which the third quantity of treated air is conveyed.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the structured packing surface comprises a specific surface area of ​​between 100 m 2 / m 3 and 300 m 2 / m3 , preferably 200 m 2 / m 3 .

[0026] According to one embodiment, the structured filling surface comprises one of the following materials:

[0027] - Fiberglass;

[0028] - A metallic material;

[0029] - A polymer material; and / or

[0030] - A ceramic material.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the regeneration stage comprises a first enclosure configured to form a partial vacuum, the evaporation of the water included in the brine taking place in said partial vacuum enclosure.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a vacuum pump connected to the partial vacuum enclosure, said pump being configured to form the partial vacuum of said enclosure. According to one embodiment, the system comprises a closed circuit for condensation of atmospheric water by cooling comprising an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and a refrigerant circulating in the condensation circuit, the evaporator being capable of cooling the cold member and / or forming the cold member.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the wet drying circuit generates a third quantity of dry air, said third quantity of dry air being conveyed towards the condenser of the condensation circuit to cool said condenser before being discharged.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the cold member comprises a thermoelectric cooling system, preferably a Peltier module.

[0035] The invention also relates to a method for generating atmospheric water which comprises the steps of:

[0036] - Routing of a first quantity of air in contact with a cold component of a condensation circuit;

[0037] - Condensation of a first quantity of water by cooling the first quantity of water in contact with the cold organ;

[0038] - Routing a second quantity of air resulting from the condensation of the first quantity of water from the first quantity of air to a wet drying circuit;

[0039] - Absorption of a second quantity of water by a brine from the wet drying circuit in an absorption stage of said wet drying circuit;

[0040] - Routing the brine having captured the second quantity of water into a regeneration stage of the wet drying circuit; and

[0041] - Extracting the second quantity of water from the brine in the regeneration stage, said extraction producing the second quantity of water and a third quantity of treated air.

[0042] Brief description of the figures

[0043] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate: Fig. 1: a block diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Fig. 2: a schematic diagram of a wet drying circuit according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0045] Fig. 3: a schematic diagram of the regeneration stage of the wet drying circuit according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Description of the invention

[0047] Figure 1 represents a schematic diagram of a hybrid system 10 for generating atmospheric water according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0048] The system according to the invention comprises an ambient air inlet 40. The ambient air inlet is configured to allow a first quantity of ambient air to enter the system. Ambient air means air outside the system which can be captured by the ambient air inlet 40. The ambient air has a relative humidity which can vary according to the environmental conditions. Advantageously, the ambient air can be filtered when it enters the system 10 via the air inlet. Advantageously, the first quantity of air is filtered downstream of the air inlet 40 in the system 10. According to one embodiment, the air inlet 40 comprises an air filter 42. The air filter is configured to filter the first quantity of air as it enters the system 10. According to one embodiment, the air filter is arranged downstream of the air inlet 40 and is configured to filter the first quantity of air.

[0049] The system 10 comprises a circuit 20 for condensing atmospheric water by cooling. The circuit 20 for condensing atmospheric water by cooling is connected to the ambient air inlet 40. The first quantity of ambient air is conveyed to the circuit 20 for condensing atmospheric water by cooling. The circuit 22 for condensing atmospheric water by cooling comprises a cold member 22. By cold member 22 is meant a room which is cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature of the ambient air. The cold member is configured to cool the first quantity of ambient air which is conveyed thereto. The first quantity of ambient air is cooled to a temperature which is preferably lower than its dew point. Thus, the first quantity of air is cooled sufficiently so that moisture included in said first quantity of air is deposited by condensation on the cold member 22.As a result, a first quantity of water is extracted by condensation from the first quantity of air. Advantageously, the first quantity of water is collected in a tray or container located below the cold element. The first quantity of water flows into the tray or container under the effect of gravity to be collected. By extracting the first quantity of water by condensation, a second quantity of air is produced. The second quantity of air has a lower humidity than the first quantity of air.

[0050] The system 10 comprises a wet drying circuit 30. The wet drying circuit 30 is connected to an air outlet of the condensation circuit 20. The second quantity of air is conveyed through the air outlet of the condensation circuit 20 to the wet drying circuit 30.

[0051] The wet drying circuit 30 comprises an absorption stage 32. The absorption stage is configured to capture water in a brine 50. The absorption stage 32 comprises an air inlet through which the second quantity of air is conveyed. Brine is understood to mean a highly concentrated salt solution. Several types of salts can be used in the brine 50 according to the invention. We will return later to the types of salts used. The brine 50 is a solution that is capable of absorbing water included in air. The second quantity of air is brought into contact with the brine 50 in the absorption stage 32. The brine 50 therefore absorbs moisture included in the second quantity of air. The wet desiccant circuit also includes a regeneration stage 36. The regeneration stage 36 is configured to extract water that has been captured in the brine 50.In other words, the brine 50, once loaded with water, is conveyed into the regeneration stage 36 in which the water is extracted from the brine 50 by evaporation thereof. Advantageously, once the moisture has evaporated from the brine 50, it is recovered by condensation. The regeneration stage 36 preferably comprises an evaporation means. The evaporation means may comprise a means for heating the brine 50. A second quantity of water is extracted from the brine 50 by evaporation thereof.

[0052] The hybrid system 10 for generating atmospheric water according to the invention has many advantages over the systems of the prior art. Firstly, the hybrid system 10 is a system that is very adaptable to the different atmospheric conditions in which it operates. Indeed, the presence of the condensation circuit 20 upstream of the wet drying circuit 30 makes it possible to recover a maximum of atmospheric water with more humid air at the inlet of the system 10, and finally to recover a large part of the remaining humidity in the second quantity of air in the wet drying circuit 30. In this way, the condensation circuit 20 and the wet drying circuit 30 are both used in air humidity ranges for which they have interesting efficiencies.

[0053] Condensation circuit

[0054] The condensation circuit 20 comprises, as seen above, a cold member 22 which is configured to cool the first quantity of air.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the cold member 22 is a cold source making it possible to cool the first quantity of air to allow condensation of humidity included therein.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the condensation circuit 20 comprises a closed circuit in which a refrigerant circulates. According to one embodiment, the condensation circuit comprises an evaporator. According to this embodiment, the evaporator acts as a cold member 22 in the cooling circuit. Alternatively, the evaporator can be brought into contact with the cold member 22 which it cools. Advantageously, the refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator, which causes a lowering of the temperature of the cold member 22. According to one embodiment, the evaporator comprises at least one coil-shaped tube in which the evaporation of the refrigerant takes place. According to one embodiment, the evaporator comprises a multi-pass of coil-shaped tubes in which the evaporation of the refrigerant takes place. The coil serves in this case as a cold member 22.The coil shape has the advantage of increasing the contact surface between the first quantity of air and said coil and therefore increasing the heat transfer between these two elements to better cool the first quantity of air.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the cold member 22 comprises at least one fin, preferably several depending on the length of the tubes and the number of lines that said coil comprises. The fins make it possible to cool the air efficiently. The increase in the surface area of ​​the cold member 22 by the fins therefore allows an increase in the surface area on which the atmospheric water droplets condense and therefore facilitates the recovery of atmospheric water. - The characteristics of said fins such as the thickness, the pitch, the length, are optimized so as to reduce the pressure drop and facilitate the recovery of the condensed water.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the condensation circuit 20 is a closed circuit comprising the refrigerant. The condensation circuit preferably comprises a compressor. The compressor advantageously allows the circulation of the refrigerant in the closed circuit. The compressor is advantageously placed after the evaporator relative to a direction of circulation of the refrigerant in the closed circuit. The closed circuit also comprises a condenser. The condenser is advantageously placed after the compressor in the direction of circulation of the refrigerant. The condenser allows the refrigerant to be condensed so that it can be evaporated again in the evaporator, allowing the cold element to be cooled. The compressor also allows the fluid to be pressurized for condensation in the condenser. Advantageously, the condensation circuit 20 comprises an electronic expansion valve.The electronic expansion valve allows the pressure drop of the refrigerant at the outlet of the condenser and the control of the flow of the refrigerant through the evaporator. In this way, the electronic expansion valve ensures a refrigerant flow in a wide capacity range adjusted to the external load.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the expansion valve of the condensation circuit 20 may be a capillary type expansion valve, thermostatic with internal or external equalization.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the condensation circuit 20 comprises a dehydrator. The dehydrator allows the purification and dehumidification of the refrigerant fluid in order to ensure good performance of the system.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the condensation circuit 20 comprises a liquid sight glass. The liquid sight glass allows the passage of the refrigerant fluid and its state to be monitored, in particular whether it is dry or saturated.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the condensation circuit 20 comprises a liquid surge bottle. The liquid surge bottle allows the elimination of liquid droplets at the outlet of the evaporator. This arrangement protects the compressor and increases its service life.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the condensation circuit comprises an oil separator. The oil separator allows the separation of the oil from the refrigerant fluid.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the cooling of the cold element is carried out by a cooling technique using thermoelectricity. According to one embodiment, the cold member 22 is cooled by a Peltier module. A Peltier module is a module implementing the Peltier effect. According to one embodiment, the Peltier module has two faces, a hot face and a cold face. According to one embodiment, the cold face is brought into contact with the cold member 22. In this way, the cold face of the Peltier module cools the cold member 22 by contact. This arrangement allows the cooling of the cold member 22 and therefore the cooling of the first quantity of air. According to one embodiment, the cold face of the Peltier module is the cold element 22. According to one embodiment, the cold face of the Peltier module has shapes making it possible to increase the contact surface between said cold face and the first quantity of air.This arrangement increases the cooling of the first quantity of air. This arrangement also facilitates the condensation of the moisture contained in the first quantity of air on the cold face of the Peltier module. According to one embodiment, the cold face of the module comprises at least one tab extending over a length of the cold face. The tab increases the contact surface between the first quantity of air and the cold face. According to one embodiment, the cold face comprises a plurality of tabs. The plurality of tabs increases the contact surface between the first quantity of air and the cold face of the Peltier module. In this way, heat transfer is facilitated between the cold face and the first quantity of air. This solution also provides a larger contact surface to accelerate the condensation process of the moisture in the first quantity of air.

[0065] The condensation circuit may include any type of air dehumidification system. In one example, it includes an air conditioning or refrigeration system. For example, the condensation circuit 20 may include a vapor compression system, an air cooler, and / or a thermo-refrigerant.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the direction of the air flow is controlled at the outlet of the evaporator and / or the cold member 22. According to one embodiment, a counter-current is formed at the outlet of the cold member to advantageously pass the air into contact with the wet drying circuit 30. This arrangement makes it possible to reinforce the cooling of the second quantity of air with said system and therefore to collect a greater quantity of water by drying. According to one embodiment, a cross-current around the drying circuit can advantageously pass the air into contact with said drying circuit depending on the size of the atmospheric water generation system 10. According to one embodiment, a co-current is formed at the outlet of the cold member to pass the air into contact with the wet drying circuit 30 depending on the size of the atmospheric water generation system 10.

[0067] Wet drying circuit

[0068] The wet desiccation circuit 30 of the atmospheric water generation system 10 comprises, as stated previously, an absorption stage 32. The absorption stage 32 is the stage in which the absorption of the moisture from the second quantity of air into the brine 50 takes place.

[0069] The absorption stage comprises at least one air inlet for the second quantity of air. In this way, the second quantity of air is conveyed after being treated by the condensation circuit 20 into the absorption stage 32. The absorption stage 32 is configured to capture water included in the second quantity of air in the brine 50.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the absorption stage 32 comprises at least a first enclosure 33. The first enclosure comprises an internal volume into which the second quantity of air is conveyed. The second quantity of air is brought into contact with the brine in the first enclosure 33. In this way, the moisture present in the second quantity of air can be absorbed by the brine 50.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the first enclosure comprises at least one nozzle 34. By nozzle 34 is meant a system which is configured to spray the brine 50 into the first enclosure 33. The spraying of the brine 50 is particularly advantageous, because it makes it possible, by sending the brine 50 in the form of droplets or jets, to increase the interaction surface between the brine 50 and the second quantity of air. In this way, the transfer of the moisture included in the second quantity of air to the brine 50 is accelerated. This arrangement makes it possible to increase the absorption efficiency of the water in the brine 50. In addition, the brine 50 sprayed at the outlet of the nozzle 34 is that which comprises the least water. In this way, the most concentrated brine is brought into contact with the second quantity of air. As a result, the transfer of moisture from the second quantity of air to the brine 50 is facilitated.According to one embodiment, the first enclosure 33 comprises at least two nozzles 34. According to one embodiment, the first enclosure comprises three, four, five or even six nozzles. According to one embodiment, the first enclosure comprises at least twenty nozzles. According to one embodiment, the first enclosure comprises at least forty nozzles, or even fifty nozzles.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the nozzle(s) 34 are configured to spray a high-density fluid. Finally, since the brines 50 are high-concentration solutions, they are often of high density. Advantageously, the nozzle(s) 34 spray the brine 50 at a low speed. The low speed of the brine spraying advantageously makes it possible to increase the time during which the brine droplets are suspended in the first enclosure. It therefore makes it possible to maximize the interface surface between the droplets and the second quantity of air during the spraying and therefore to increase the efficiency of the absorption of moisture in the brine 50.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the absorption stage 32 comprises a receiving surface onto which the brine is sprayed by the nozzle(s) 34. The receiving surface allows the brine 50 to flow under the effect of gravity into the first enclosure 33. This arrangement makes it possible to increase the time taken by the brine 50 to reach a bottom of the first enclosure 33. In this way, the interface surface between the second quantity of air and the brine 50 is increased. Thus, the absorption of moisture by the brine 50 is increased.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the receiving surface of the absorption stage 32 comprises a structured packing surface or a structured packing 35. By structured packing surface or structured packing, is meant a three-dimensional structure which comprises a very large surface area between said three-dimensional structure and the medium in which said structure is immersed. The structured packing aims to maximize the contact surface area between a liquid phase flowing along the structured packing and a gaseous phase in which the structured packing is immersed. Thus, the structured packing of the first enclosure 33 allows an acceleration of the absorption of the humidity of the second quantity of air by the brine 50. According to one embodiment, the nozzle(s) 34 spray the brine 50 onto the structured packing 35.In this way, the brine flows under the effect of spraying and gravity along the structured packing 35, which makes it possible to increase the interface surface area between the brine 50 and the second quantity of air. According to one embodiment, the structured packing has a specific surface area of ​​between 100 m. 2 / m 3 and 300 m 2 / m 3. By specific surface area, we mean a ratio between the interface surface area between the structured packing and a medium in which it is immersed and the total volume occupied by said structured packing. These specific surface area values ​​are effective values ​​for maximizing the interface surface area between the brine 50 and the second quantity of air. In the same way, such surfaces are not large enough to prevent good flow of the brine. These surface area values ​​are therefore particularly indicated in the context of the invention. According to one embodiment, the structured packing has a specific surface area adapted to the capacity of the condensation system 20.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the structured packing comprises a metallic material. According to one embodiment, the structured packing comprises a steel or aluminum alloy. According to one embodiment, the structured packing comprises an assembly of corrugated plates mounted back to back. This type of assembly is simple and practical to produce and to mount in the first enclosure and makes it possible to maximize the interface surface.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the structured packing comprises fiberglass. According to one embodiment, the structured packing comprises a polymer material. According to one embodiment, the structured packing comprises a polymer column filled with small objects. According to this embodiment, the small objects are assembled in a polymer column and allow for a large interface surface while ensuring good fluid flow. According to one embodiment, the structured packing is made of a ceramic material.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first enclosure 33 comprises a bottom configured to collect the brine 50 loaded with moisture. Advantageously, the brine 50 is collected in the bottom of the first enclosure 33 after having absorbed the water from the second quantity of air.

[0078] The absorption stage 32 comprises a means for recovering the brine 50 once it has been charged with water. Advantageously, the recovery means comprises an orifice placed at the bottom of the first enclosure 33 and a tube. This arrangement allows recovery of the brine 50 charged with water and its evacuation from the first enclosure 33.

[0079] The wet drying circuit 30 then comprises the regeneration stage 36. The regeneration stage 36 is shown in FIG. 3. The regeneration stage 36 is configured to extract the moisture that the brine 50 has absorbed in the absorption stage 32. The regeneration stage comprises a second enclosure 37. The second enclosure is fluidically connected to the brine recovery means 50 located in the first enclosure 33. This fluidic connection makes it possible to transfer the brine 50 loaded with water into the second enclosure 37 of the regeneration stage 36. The second enclosure 37 advantageously comprises a heating means 38. The heating means 38 is configured to heat the brine 50 loaded with water. Heating the brine 50 makes it possible to evaporate the moisture that it has captured in the absorption stage 32. The heating means may advantageously be a heat exchanger.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the second enclosure 37 comprises two compartments. The first compartment is a heating compartment 39a. The heating compartment 39a comprises the brine heating means 50. The heating compartment 39a advantageously comprises a tank in which the brine loaded with water is recovered.

[0081] The condensation compartment comprises a condensation device. The condensation device advantageously comprises a cold element allowing the condensation of the water which has been extracted from the brine 50 by evaporation in the heating compartment 39a. In this way, the brine 50 loaded with moisture is heated in the heating compartment 39a to form humid air in the second enclosure 37. The humid air of the second enclosure 37 is then cooled at the cold element of the condensation compartment 39b. Thus, the moisture condenses at the cold element and is recovered in a bottom of the condensation compartment 39b to form the second quantity of water. Advantageously, the brine 50 from which the moisture has been extracted is recovered. This brine 50, which is again very little concentrated in water, is then rerouted to the absorption stage 32, advantageously to be reinjected into the first enclosure 33.As a result, the brine 50 is regenerated and can therefore be reused to absorb moisture. According to one embodiment, the wet drying circuit comprises at least one pump. The pump can be placed between the first enclosure 33 and the second enclosure 37 on a brine fluid connection 50 between the two enclosures. Advantageously, the pump is located on the fluid connection transporting the brine 50 loaded with moisture from the first enclosure 33 to the second enclosure 37. According to one embodiment, the pump is located on the fluid connection returning the brine 50 which has been discharged with water in the regeneration stage 36 to the absorption stage 32. This arrangement is particularly advantageous, because it makes it possible to provide the brine 50 with sufficient pressure allowing it to be sprayed by the nozzle(s) 34. According to one embodiment, the wet drying circuit comprises at least two pumps.According to one embodiment, the wet drying circuit comprises a pump placed between the first enclosure 33 and the second enclosure 37 on the brine fluid connection 50 between the two enclosures and a pump located on the fluid connection returning the brine 50 which has been discharged as water in the regeneration stage 36 to the absorption stage 32.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the second enclosure 37 comprises a low-pressure atmosphere. By low-pressure atmosphere is meant an atmosphere in which the pressure is lower than the ambient atmospheric pressure. This drop in pressure notably makes it possible to greatly facilitate the evaporation of the water included in the heating compartment 39a of the second enclosure 37. In this way, the heating temperature of the brine can be significantly reduced while maintaining evaporation of the water included in the brine 50. This arrangement therefore allows significant energy savings during the process of generating atmospheric water. According to one embodiment, the second enclosure 37 is connected to a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump makes it possible to reduce the pressure inside the second enclosure 37.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the heating of the brine 50 in the heating compartment and the condensation of the moisture in the condensation compartment 39b is carried out by means of two heat exchangers. According to one embodiment, the heat exchange is carried out by a refrigerating machine. According to one embodiment, the refrigerating machine comprises a closed circuit containing a refrigerant, and at least one compressor, one condenser, one expansion valve and one evaporator. Advantageously, the condenser is placed in the heating compartment 39a. In this way, the condenser heats the brine 50 loaded with water to extract the moisture therefrom. Advantageously, the evaporator is placed in the condensation compartment 39b and cools the air in which the moisture of the brine 50 has evaporated so that it condenses and is recovered. According to one embodiment, the heating of the brine can be carried out using heating resistors.According to one embodiment, the brine is heated by a renewable or non-renewable thermal energy source. According to one embodiment, the heating is done by a heat recovery source. According to one embodiment, the distillation process is carried out through the heating compartment. According to one embodiment, the upper surface of the heating compartment can be inclined so as to promote the recovery of moisture in the condensation compartment tray.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the brine 50 is a highly concentrated solution of calcium chloride CaCh. Calcium chloride has many advantages for use as brine 50. For example, in its liquid form, a calcium chloride solution is not toxic. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because even if, as we will see later, the second quantity of water is purified before it leaves the system 10, brine residues may sometimes remain in it at its exit from the system 10. It is therefore advantageous, particularly for applications of the system for the purpose of producing drinking water, that the brine is not toxic. Next, a calcium chloride solution has a partial vapor pressure that is lower than the saturated vapor pressure of water at the same temperature.This feature allows good transfer of the vapor included in the second quantity of air to the brine 50 in the absorption stage 32 of the wet desiccation circuit 30. According to one embodiment, the chloride solution has a mass concentration of between 35% and 45% by mass of calcium chloride. With such a mass concentration, the brine 50 is sufficiently concentrated so that the partial vapor pressure is lower than the saturated vapor pressure of water at the same temperature and therefore allows good absorption of the water from the second quantity of air in the brine 50. Alternatively, the brine 50 may comprise a highly concentrated solution of lithium chloride LiCl or a highly concentrated solution of lithium bromide LiBr. According to one embodiment, any other non-toxic solution with similar characteristics may be used. According to one embodiment, a toxic solution may be used.This arrangement is possible in particular when the condensed water is not intended for human consumption, for example if this water is intended for use for irrigation, or for household purposes.

[0085] Additional circuits

[0086] According to one embodiment, the air that is treated to generate atmospheric water follows a circuit within the system 10. First, the first quantity of air is conveyed to the cold member of the condensation circuit 20. The second quantity of air produced after condensation of the first quantity of water is then conveyed from the condensation circuit 20 to the absorption stage 32 of the wet desiccation circuit 30. A third quantity of dry air is then extracted from the absorption stage 32 to the outside of the system 10. According to one embodiment, the third quantity of dry air is brought into contact with the condenser of the condensation circuit 20. This arrangement is particularly advantageous, because the third quantity of air is relatively cool at the outlet of the wet desiccation circuit 30. Thus, the third quantity of air, before being released into the ambient atmosphere, cools the condenser of the condensation circuit 20.Cooling the condenser of the condensation circuit 20 advantageously makes it possible to increase the energy efficiency of said condensation circuit 20 by facilitating the condensation of the refrigerant fluid in the condenser.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the condensation circuit 20 comprises at least one air circulation means. Advantageously, this air circulation means allows the first quantity of air to be conveyed to the cold member of the condensation circuit 20. The air circulation means also allows the second quantity of air to be conveyed from the condensation circuit 20 to the absorption stage 32 of the wet drying circuit 30. This air circulation means also allows a third quantity of air to be extracted from the absorption stage 32 to the outside of the system 10. According to one embodiment, the air circulation means conveys the third quantity of air from the wet drying circuit 20 to the condenser of the condensation circuit 20, then to an air outlet of the system 10.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the air circulation means comprises at least one fan. The fan is advantageously placed at the outlet of the system 10 after the wet drying circuit. The fan makes it possible to install a depression in the air path which makes it possible to suck it through the condensation circuit 20 and the wet drying circuit 30, then towards the air outlet of the system 10. Advantageously, the fan is placed after the condenser of the condensation circuit 20, relative to the direction of circulation of the air in the system 10. According to one embodiment, the fan is placed upstream of the cold member 22 of the condensation circuit 20 in the direction of circulation of the air in the system 10. According to one embodiment, the fan is placed between the cold member 22 and the air inlet of the wet drying circuit 30.According to one embodiment, the system comprises at least two fans responsible for facilitating the circulation of air in the system 10. The two fans can for example be placed at the inlet and outlet of the air circulation of the system 10.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the system 10 comprises a circuit for purifying the first quantity of water and the second quantity of water. The quantity purification circuit advantageously makes it possible to purify the water generated by the system 10 in order to make it suitable for consumption. The water purification circuit 60 is fluidically connected to the first enclosure 33, and more particularly to the bottom of the first enclosure 33, in order to recover the first quantity of water. According to one embodiment, the water purification circuit 60 of the water 80 is fluidically connected to the second enclosure 37. According to one embodiment, the water purification circuit 60 is more particularly fluidically connected to the bottom of the condensation compartment 39b, in order to recover the second quantity of water.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises a pump. The pump allows the first and second quantities of water to be conveyed into the purification circuit 60. According to one embodiment, the purification circuit comprises at least one valve. The valve allows the circuit to be closed to prevent the circulation of water therein. In the same way, the valve, when open, allows water to flow into the purification circuit. According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises a non-return valve at the inlet of said purification circuit 60. The non-return valve advantageously prevents fluid from rising towards the condensation circuit 20 and / or the wet desiccation circuit 30.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the purification circuit comprises at least one filter 62. The filter 62 allows filtration of particles from the water generated by the system 10 to make it fit for consumption. According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises at least one second filter 62 located downstream of the first filter relative to the direction of circulation of the water. Such filters 62 allow disinfection of the water from viruses and bacteria. According to one embodiment, the purification system 60 comprises a third filter 62. The third filter 62 is advantageously located downstream of the second filter relative to the direction of circulation of the water in the purification circuit 60. This third filter 62 allows the water to be purified from organic or inorganic matter, such matter being able to be harmful above a certain threshold. According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises at least one microfiltration unit.According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises at least one ultrafiltration unit. According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises at least one membrane filtration unit. According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises a particle filter. According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises a UV filter. According to an example as described in FIG. 1, the purification circuit 60 comprises, relative to the direction of circulation of the water therein, first a particle filter, then a UV filter, and finally a mineralizing filter downstream. According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises at least one water storage tank 64 and / or a tap. According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises at least one water circulation pump 70.According to one embodiment, the purification circuit comprises at least one means for disinfecting the water placed throughout the circuit and / or in the water collector by means of a UV filter or an ozone unit.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the purification circuit comprises at least one level sensor Nv. According to one embodiment, the first quantity of water is stored in a reservoir. The reservoir comprises at least one level sensor Nv. According to one embodiment, the second quantity of water is stored in a reservoir. The reservoir for the second quantity of water comprises at least one level sensor Nv. The level sensor 66 makes it possible to actuate at least one of the pumps 70 making it possible to circulate the first quantity of water and the second quantity of water in the filtration circuit. For example, the pump can be activated when a predefined filling level has been reached and measured by the level sensor.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the purification circuit 60 comprises at least one water mineralization unit. The mineralization unit advantageously makes it possible to include minerals in the generated atmospheric water. This arrangement is particularly advantageous, because it makes it possible to make the generated atmospheric water suitable for human consumption by including minerals therein.

[0094] Sensors and system control

[0095] Preferably, the atmospheric water generation system comprises a set of sensors whose purpose is to monitor and control the function of the different elements thereof.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the atmospheric water generation system comprises a regulation system. The regulation system preferably comprises at least one computer and a memory. The computer is configured to receive information from sensors of the system and / or external information, for example user instruction type information. The computer is configured to send at least one piece of control and / or monitoring information to the various elements of the atmospheric water generation system 10.

[0097] The control system advantageously makes it possible to optimize the energy performance of the condensation circuit 20. To do this, the control system controls one or more operational parameters of the condensation circuit. For example, the control system controls the temperature of the cold member 22 of the circuit. Thus, it controls the cooling power of the condensation circuit 20. According to one example, the opening and / or closing of a valve of the expansion valve are controlled by the computer to control the temperature of the cold member 22. According to one example, the temperature of the cold member is controlled by taking into account external information. According to one example, the condensation circuit comprises at least one temperature sensor T. The temperature sensor can be placed to directly measure the temperature of the cold member.According to one example, a temperature sensor may be placed at the first air inlet of the system 10 to measure the temperature of the ambient air, and thus adapt the temperature of the cold member accordingly. According to one example, a humidity sensor Ht is placed in the air inlet of the system 10. These sensors make it possible to adapt the temperature of the cold member to optimize the condensation of the water, as well as to reduce the energy consumption of the system. According to one embodiment, the system 10 comprises a temperature sensor T and / or a pressure sensor P between the cold member 22 and the humid desiccation circuit 30. This arrangement makes it possible to measure the temperature and / or the pressure of the second quantity of air. This information makes it possible, for example, to adapt the ventilation power supplied to the fan.According to one embodiment, a humidity sensor Ht is placed between the cold member 22 of the condensation circuit 20 and the humid desiccation circuit 30. This arrangement makes it possible to measure the humidity of the second quantity of air. Such an arrangement makes it possible to measure the efficiency of the generation of water by condensation. According to one example, the temperature of the cold member 22 is adapted according to the efficiency of the condensation. This arrangement is particularly advantageous when a humidity sensor Ht is also placed at the first air inlet. In this way, the behavior of the condensation circuit 20 can be controlled if the humidity of the air at the outlet is not in accordance with that expected. According to one embodiment, the measurement of the temperature T and the humidity Ht and / or the pressure P is done by the same sensor.

[0098] According to one embodiment, at least one air flow sensor Db is placed on the air path in the system 10. The flow sensor Db can be placed for example at the inlet of the system 10. This sensor makes it possible to provide an indication to the computer to control the ventilation power and therefore increase or decrease the air flow so that its value corresponds to an optimal operating point of the system 10. According to one embodiment, a flow sensor is placed on the air path between the cold member 22 and the humid drying circuit 30. This sensor makes it possible to measure the flow rate of the second quantity of air and to adapt the ventilation if the flow rate value shifts from the optimal value. According to one embodiment, a flow sensor Db is placed at the air outlet of the humid drying circuit 30. This sensor makes it possible to measure the flow rate of the third quantity of air and to adapt the ventilation if the flow rate value shifts from the optimal value.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the drying circuit 20 is equipped with at least one temperature sensor T. The temperature sensor T is advantageously placed between the absorption stage 32 and the regeneration stage 36, on the fluid path of the brine 50. According to one embodiment, the drying circuit 20 is equipped with at least one brine density sensor Dt. The brine density sensor Dt of the brine 50 is advantageously placed between the absorption stage 32 and the regeneration stage 36, on the fluid path of the brine 50. Such sensors make it possible to measure the characteristics of the brine 50 at the outlet of the absorption stage 32, such as the water concentration of said brine 50, in order to adapt the operation of the regeneration stage 36, and to optimize its efficiency.According to one embodiment, the drying circuit 20 is equipped with at least one temperature sensor T placed between the regeneration stage 36 and the absorption stage 32, on the fluid path of the brine 50, path leading it from the regeneration stage to the absorption stage. According to one embodiment, the drying circuit 20 is equipped with at least one density sensor Dt of the brine 50 placed between the regeneration stage 36 and the absorption stage 32, on the fluid path of the brine 50, path leading it from the regeneration stage to the absorption stage. These sensors advantageously make it possible to measure the efficiency of the brine regeneration step 50. Thus, the temperature and pressure in the heating compartment 39a of the regeneration stage 36 can be corrected to optimize the regeneration according to the measured parameters.According to one embodiment, the flow rate of the brine, which is controlled by one or more pumps located on the fluid path of the brine 50, is adapted according to these measurements to optimize both the absorption by the brine and the regeneration thereof.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the atmospheric water generation system 10 is configured to adapt its operating mode according to the information provided by the different sensors. According to one example, the system 10 is configured to operate in a mode in which the condensation 20 and liquid desiccation 30 circuits are active and each extract atmospheric water. According to one example, the system 10 is configurable in a mode where only the condensation circuit is active. In this mode, the air is preferably not sent into the liquid desiccation circuit. Under these conditions, the system has an interesting efficiency with only the condensation circuit active. This mode can advantageously be activated automatically by the computer according to the information from the system sensors, and more particularly according to temperature and humidity information measured by the humidity Ht and temperature T sensors at the system input.

[0101] Nomenclature:

[0102] 10: hybrid atmospheric water recovery system

[0103] 20: atmospheric water condensation circuit

[0104] 22: cold organ of the condensation circuit

[0105] 30: wet drying circuit

[0106] 32: absorption stage of the wet drying circuit

[0107] 33: first enclosure

[0108] 34: absorption stage nozzle

[0109] 35: structured filling

[0110] 36: regeneration stage of the wet drying circuit

[0111] 37: second enclosure

[0112] 38a: heating means

[0113] 38b: cooling means

[0114] 39a: heating compartment

[0115] 39b: condensation compartment

[0116] 40: ambient air inlet

[0117] 42: air filter

[0118] 50: brine

[0119] 60: purification circuit

[0120] 62: filter

[0121] 64: water storage tank

[0122] 70: pump

[0123] 80: water

[0124] T: temperature sensor

[0125] P: pressure sensor

[0126] Ht: humidity sensor

[0127] Db: flow sensor

[0128] Dt: density sensor

[0129] Nv: level sensor

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Hybrid atmospheric water recovery system (10) characterized in that it comprises: ■ A condensation circuit (20) of atmospheric water by cooling comprising at least one cold member (22), said member being capable of cooling humid air in contact with it to extract water therefrom by condensation, ■ A wet drying circuit (30) comprising at least one absorption stage (32) configured to capture water in a brine (50) from humid air and at least one regeneration stage (36) configured to extract the water captured in the brine (50) by evaporation of the water included in the brine (50) then by condensation thereof, The system (10) further comprising an ambient air inlet (40), a first quantity of humid air being conveyed from the air inlet (40) to the cold member (22) of the condensation circuit (20) to extract a first quantity of water therefrom and generate a second quantity of treated air, the second quantity of treated air being conveyed to the humid desiccation circuit (30) to extract a second quantity of water and a third quantity of treated air therefrom.

2. System (10) according to the preceding claim in which the absorption stage (32) of the wet drying circuit (30) comprises a first enclosure (33) comprising an air inlet through which the second quantity of treated air is conveyed, at least one nozzle (34) configured to spray the brine (50) onto a structured packing surface (35), a bottom in which the brine (50) is collected to be conveyed to the regeneration stage (36) and an air outlet through which the third quantity of treated air is conveyed.

3. System (10) according to the preceding claim in which the structured packing surface (35) comprises a specific surface area of ​​between 100 m 2 / m 3 and 300 m 2 / m 3 , preferably 200 m 2 / m 3 .

4. System (10) according to any one of claims 2 and 3 wherein the structured packing surface (35) comprises one of the following materials: ■ Fiberglass; ■ A metallic material; ■ A polymeric material; and / or ■ A ceramic material.

5. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the regeneration stage (36) comprises a second enclosure (36) configured to form a partial vacuum, the evaporation of the water included in the brine taking place in said enclosure (33) at partial vacuum.

6. System (10) according to the preceding claim which comprises a vacuum pump connected to the partial vacuum enclosure (36), said pump being configured to form the partial vacuum of said enclosure.

7. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises a closed circuit for condensation of atmospheric water by cooling (20) comprising an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and a refrigerant circulating in the condensation circuit, the evaporator being capable of cooling the cold member (22) and / or forming the cold member (22).

8. System according to the preceding claim in which the wet drying circuit (30) generates a third quantity of dry air, said third quantity of dry air being conveyed towards the condenser of the condensation circuit (20) to cool said condenser before being discharged.

9. System (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the cold member (22) comprises a thermoelectric cooling system, preferably a Peltier module.

10. Method for generating atmospheric water characterized in that it comprises the steps of: ■ Routing of a first quantity of air in contact with a cold member (22) of a condensation circuit (20); ■ Condensation of a first quantity of water by cooling the first quantity of water in contact with the cold member (22); ■ Conveying a second quantity of air resulting from the condensation of the first quantity of water from the first quantity of air to a wet drying circuit (30); ■ Absorption of a second quantity of water by a brine (50) of the wet drying circuit (30) in an absorption stage (32) of said wet drying circuit (30); ■ Conveying the brine having captured the second quantity of water into a regeneration stage (36) of the wet desiccation circuit (30); and ■ Extracting the second quantity of water from the brine (50) in the regeneration stage (36), said extraction producing the second quantity of water and a third quantity of treated air.

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