Atmospheric Water Sampling System

Abstract

An atmospheric water harvester generally useful in harvesting water from ambient air, and specifically a water harvester and method of making the water harvester configured to reduce the sensible heat penalty associated with heating a volume of air in a desorption mode of an atmospheric water harvesting system and cooling the volume of air in a condensation mode thereof, and a method of using the water harvester to harvest water with a reduced sensible heat penalty contribution to the total energy cost per liter of water collected.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This International Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 951,956, filed September 23, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] I.Technical field An atmospheric water collector generally useful in harvesting water from the surrounding ambient air, and specifically a water collector and method of making a water collector configured to reduce the sensible heat penalty associated with heating a volume of air in the desorption mode of an atmospheric water harvesting system and cooling the volume of air in its condensation mode, and a method of using a water collector to collect water with a reduced sensible heat energy penalty contribution to the total energy cost per liter of water collected. [Background technology]

[0003] II. Background Conventionally, the process of harvesting water from the surrounding ambient air using a water capture material involves three energy-intensive modes: a water harvesting cycle involving adsorption of water from the surrounding ambient air onto the water capture material, desorption of water vapor from the water capture material, and condensation of the desorbed water vapor into liquid water. The water adsorption mode can be initiated by flowing ambient air across the desorbed water capture material. Water molecules in the ambient air can become adsorbed by the water capture material. The water adsorption mode can be completed when the water capture material becomes partially or fully saturated with water. Following the adsorption mode, a water desorption mode can be initiated by directly or indirectly heating the partially or fully saturated water capture material and releasing water vapor. The desorption mode can be completed when the water capture material becomes partially or fully desaturated with water. The condensation mode can be initiated by cooling the water vapor released by the water capture material. The condensation mode can be completed by partial or complete condensation of water from the cooled water vapor. Through repeated cycles of adsorption, desorption, and condensation, water can be harvested from the ambient atmosphere.

[0004] A water capture cycle can involve heating a volume of air in a first chamber containing or thermally coupled to the water capture material in a desorption mode, and subsequent cooling of the same volume of air in a second chamber in a condensation mode. The same volume of air can be recirculated between the first and second chambers in successive water capture cycles. The reheating and recooling of the air requires a significant portion of sensible heat energy associated with sensible cooling of the air stream "from desorption to condensation" and heating of the air stream "from condensation to desorption."

[0005] In a water harvesting system or water harvesting cycle so implemented that is configured to reduce or offset the penalty inherited from sensible cooling of the "desorption to condensation" airflow and / or heating of the "condensation to desorption" airflow, there will be a substantial advantage in reducing the total energy cost per liter of water produced during one or more water harvesting cycles, as opposed to conventional water harvesting systems. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] III. Disclosure of the Invention Provided herein is a water harvesting system that can reduce the overall energy costs in a water harvesting cycle and / or improve the efficiency of water production during the water harvesting cycle.

[0007] A broad object of embodiments of the present invention can be to provide an atmospheric water collector comprising: a first chamber containing or coupled to a water capture material, the water capture material adsorbing water from the surrounding ambient air in an adsorption mode of the water collector and desorbing water vapor in a desorption mode of the water collector; and a heating source thermally coupled to the water capture material contained within the first chamber, the heating source operable to heat the water capture material to desorb water vapor during the desorption mode of the water collector. a second chamber, wherein water vapor carried in the air stream is recirculated between the first and second chambers during a desorption mode of the water harvester; a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, the cooling source operable to cool the water vapor carried in the air stream recirculated between the first and second chambers during a condensation mode of the water harvester; and one or more of an air stream heat exchanger through which the air stream passes to transfer heat between the air stream from the first chamber and the air stream from the second chamber.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the airflow heat exchanger can be arranged in a fixed spatial configuration or can be reconfigured to transfer heat between the airflow from said first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber during a water harvesting cycle at a heat transfer rate that reduces, substantially reduces, or cancels the sensible heat penalty and / or avoids condensation of water vapor prior to entering the second chamber. Certain embodiments may include a controller including a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable memory containing executable computer code for analyzing one or more signals from one or more sensors, the one or more signals varying based on changes in one or more of airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow rate of the airflow passing through the airflow heat exchanger, and the controller may operate to control one or more of the heat source, the cooling source, the configuration of the airflow heat exchanger, and the airflow rate through the airflow heat exchanger based on the analysis of the signals from the one or more sensors to reduce or offset the sensible heat penalty associated with cooling the airflow in the system or "from desorption to condensation" and / or heating the airflow "from condensation to desorption" and reduce the total energy cost per liter of water produced during one or more water harvesting cycles.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the heating source can comprise a first heat exchanger through which a heated fluid is circulated, the first heat exchanger can be configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid to a water capture material contained within or thermally coupled to the first chamber, and / or the cooling source can comprise a second heat exchanger through which a cooled fluid is circulated, the second heat exchanger can be configured to transfer heat from a water vapor-carrying air stream contained within the second chamber. In certain embodiments, the heating source can comprise a condenser of a heat pump, and / or the cooling source can comprise an evaporator of a heat pump.

[0010] Another broad object of the invention can be a method of making a water harvester, the method comprising: containing a water capture material in or thermally coupling it to a first chamber, the water capture material adsorbing water from the surrounding ambient atmosphere in an adsorption mode of the water harvester, and the water capture material desorbing water vapor in a desorption mode of the water harvester; thermally coupling a heat source to the water capture material contained within or thermally coupled to the first chamber, the heat source operable to heat the water capture material to desorb water vapor during the desorption mode of the water harvester; and fluidly coupling a second chamber to the first chamber and providing an air gap therebetween between the first and second chambers. The method includes one or more of: providing a flow path through which the air flow can be recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber, the air flow being capable of carrying water vapor from the first chamber to the second chamber in a desorption mode of the water harvester; thermally coupling a cooling source to the second chamber, the cooling source being operable to cool the water vapor carried in the air flow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during a condensation mode of the water harvester; and fluidly coupling an air flow heat exchanger to the first chamber and the second chamber, the air flow passing through the air flow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber.

[0011] Another broad object of the invention can be a method of harvesting water from ambient air, the method comprising: directing ambient air to a water capture material, the water capture material adsorbing water from the ambient air in an adsorption mode of a water harvester; and operating a heating source thermally coupled to the water capture material contained within or fluidly coupled to a first chamber, the heating source operable to heat the water capture material to desorb water vapor from the water capture material during a desorption mode of the water harvester. The method includes one or more of: recirculating an air flow carrying water vapor between a first chamber and a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber; operating a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, the cooling source operating to cool the water vapor carried in the air flow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during a condensing mode of the water collector; and passing the air flow through an air flow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber. In certain embodiments, the method includes configuring or reconfiguring an airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber at a heat transfer rate that avoids condensation of water vapor before entering the second chamber and / or reduces or offsets the sensible heat penalty within the system or water harvester associated with cooling the airflow "from desorption to condensation" and / or heating "from condensation to desorption," and can substantially reduce the total energy cost per liter of water produced during one or more water harvesting cycles.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the method can include operating a controller including a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable memory containing executable computer code for analyzing one or more signals from one or more sensors, the signals varying based on changes in one or more of airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow rate of the airflow passing through the airflow heat exchanger, and controlling one or more of the heat source, the cooling source, the configuration of the airflow heat exchanger, and the at least one air circulator to avoid condensation of water vapor before entering the second chamber and / or reduce or offset the sensible heat penalty associated with cooling the airflow "from desorption to condensation" and / or heating the airflow "from condensation to desorption" within the system, thereby reducing the total energy cost per liter of water produced during one or more water harvesting cycles.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the method can include operating a heat pump configured to provide a condenser as a heating source for transferring heat from a heated fluid to a water capture material contained within or thermally coupled to a first chamber, and / or operating a heat pump configured to provide an evaporator as a cooling source for transferring heat from the water vapor-carrying air stream contained within the second chamber.

[0014] Of course, further objects of the present invention are disclosed elsewhere in this specification, in the drawings, photographs, and throughout the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a water harvesting system and water harvester.

[0016] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block flow diagram of a particular embodiment of an air flow heat exchanger.

[0017] [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a block flow diagram of another specific embodiment of an air flow heat exchanger.

[0018] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block flow diagram of another specific embodiment of an air flow heat exchanger.

[0019] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block flow diagram of another specific embodiment of an air flow heat exchanger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] V. Modes for Making Inventions The following description sets forth illustrative examples of water collection system (1) (also referred to as "system"), including specific embodiments of water collector (2), methods of making water collector (2), and methods of using water collector (2). It should be recognized, however, that the examples of water collection system (1), water collector (2), and methods of making and using water collector (2) provided by this description are not intended to limit the scope or scope of the description, but instead to provide examples sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the full scope and spirit of the invention.

[0021] 1-5, embodiments of the water harvester (2) can include a first chamber (3) fluidly coupled to a second chamber (4) defining a flow path (5) within which an airflow (6) can be recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The first chamber (1) can contain a water capture material (7), hold one or more water capture modules (8) containing the water capture material (7), receive one or more water capture modules (8) containing water capture material (7) transferred by a mechanical transfer mechanism (9), or become fluidly coupled to (or decoupled from) one or more water capture modules (8) as part of the flow path (5) within which the airflow (6) can be recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). In certain embodiments, multiple water capture modules (8) can be contained within the first chamber (3) or fluidly coupled to it in series or parallel. The term "airflow" broadly encompasses the mixture of gases recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) and / or condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2).

[0022] The water capture material (7) comprises a composition capable of adsorbing water (10) from the surrounding ambient atmosphere (11) in the adsorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2) and desorbing water vapor (12) in the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). Any suitable water capture material (7) can be used in the embodiments of the water harvesting system (1), water collector (2), and method of making and using the water collector (2) described herein. In certain embodiments, the water capture material (7) can, but need not, comprise one or more metal-organic frameworks ("MOFs"). See, for example, H. Furukawa et al., "Water Adsorption in Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks and Related Materials," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 11, 4369-4381. MOFs can be characterized by high water uptake and a graded relationship between water uptake and relative humidity ("RH"). In some variations, suitable water-capturing materials (7) including MOFs can have such isotherm steps that can be tailored to various climates. See, for example, International Patent Publication No. WO2020112899 ("Multivariate and Other Metal-Organic Frameworks, and Uses Thereof"). The isotherm steps are typically insensitive to temperature due to hydrogen bonding between the MOF and water molecules. The stepwise isotherm can enable water capture and release by the MOF over a very narrow range of relative humidity ("RH").

[0023] In certain embodiments, different variations or combinations of MOFs can be utilized, including one or more of MOF-303, i.e., Al(OH)(HPDC), where HPDC is 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid; CAU-10, i.e., Al(OH)(IPA), where IPA is isophthalic acid; MOF-801, i.e., ZrO(OH)(fumaric acid); MOF-841, i.e., ZrO(OH)(MTB)(HCOO)(HO), aluminum fumarate, i.e., Al(OH)(fumaric acid); MIL-160, i.e., Al(OH)(FDA), where FDA is 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid; MIL-53, i.e., Al(OH)(TPA), where TPA is terephthalic acid; or aluminum phosphate, i.e., AlPO-LTA. In certain variations, the MOFs can have pore sizes ranging from about 0.5 nm to about 1 nm or from about 0.7 nm to about 0.9 nm. In some variations, the MOFs can have hydrophilic pore structures. In some variations, the MOFs can have hydrophilic pore structures with acid and / or amine functional groups. In some variations, the MOFs have one-dimensional channels that allow for reversible water adsorption. In some embodiments, the MOFs can be mixed with binders to improve their properties for adhesion to substrates or supports. Other suitable water-trapping materials (7) can include, by way of illustrative example, certain molecular sieves (for example, the microporous zeolite SAPO-34 (CAS No. 1318-02-1)) and certain zeolites having the properties described above. Any combination of the MOFs described herein, other MOFs, or other compositions capable of water adsorption and desorption can also be used, alone or in combination.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the water capture material (7) can be disposed on one or more structural elements (13) located inside the water capture module (8) or inside the first chamber (3). The structural elements (13) can be configured to increase the surface area of ​​the water capture material (7) exposed to the ambient atmosphere (11) to improve water (10) adsorption from the air (11) during the adsorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2) or to improve heat transfer to the water capture material (7) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). In certain embodiments, the structural elements (13) can include plates or fins (14) that can be independently coated on one or both sides with the water capture material (7). In some variations, the plates or fins (14) can be arranged in a spatial relationship, and in certain embodiments, can be arranged substantially parallel to one another, with gaps (15) present between adjacent plates or fins (14). In certain embodiments, the gap (15) between adjacent plates relative to the length of each plate can be adjusted to achieve airflow that maximizes water adsorption by the water capture material (7) during adsorption mode (AM) or desorption mode (DM). In some variations, the gap (15) between adjacent plates or fins (14) can be about one percent (1%) to about 5% of the length of the plate or fin (14). In certain embodiments, the plates or fins (14) can each be coated with a layer of water capture material (7) having a thickness of about 10 microns to about 500 microns, or about 50 microns to 500 microns, or about 10 microns to about 50 microns. In certain embodiments, a layer of water capture material (7) within these thickness ranges can enable faster adsorption and / or desorption compared to a thicker layer of water capture material (7). In other embodiments, the plates or fins (14) can each be coated with a layer of water capture material (7) having a thickness of about 0.1 centimeter ("cm") to about 1 cm. A thickness within this range can allow for the production of greater amounts of water vapor (12) during the desorption mode (DM) compared to thinner layers.In some embodiments, each layer of water-capturing material (7) on the plate or fin (14) can have a porosity. In some variations, the calculated porosity (volume of pores in the water-capturing material divided by the total volume of the water-capturing material × 100) can be at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, or at least about 80%, or between about 40% and about 90%, between about 50% and about 90%, between about 40% and about 80%, between about 50% and about 80%, or between about 60% and about 80%. In other embodiments, the layer of water-capturing material (7) can be substantially non-porous. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the layer of water-capturing material (7) can exceed the thickness of the plate for the fin (14). In some embodiments, only one side of the plates of the fins (14) may be coated with the water capture material (7), with the thickness of the water capture material relative to the thickness of the plates of the fins (14) adapted to reduce or minimize the amount of energy used per unit amount of water released from the water capture material (7) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). Similarly, in some embodiments, both sides of the plates or fins (14) can be coated with the water capture material (7), with the ratio of the thickness of the first layer (e.g., first side layer) of the water capture material (7) to the thickness of the plates or fins (14) to the thickness of the second layer (e.g., second side layer) of the water capture material (7) adapted to reduce or minimize the amount of energy used per unit amount of water released from the water capture material (7) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). The plates or fins (14) may be made from any suitable material, including any suitable metal or plastic. As illustrative examples, the plates can comprise one or more of aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, and tungsten. In some variations, the plates comprise solid metal. In other variations, each plate or fin (14) can have a cellular design that defines small channels or corrugations. In other variations, each plate or fin (14) can further include structural features that enhance water adsorption.Illustrative examples of structural features include one or more of grains, perforations, arc holes, ridges, peaks, or grooves, or any combination thereof. In another variation, the plates or fins may include a mesh.

[0025] Referring again primarily to FIG. 1 , in the adsorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2), the water capture material (7) absorbs water (10) from the surrounding ambient atmosphere (11). In some embodiments, the structural elements (13) can be designed and arranged to allow diffusion of water (10) from the surrounding ambient atmosphere (11) into the water capture material (7) during the adsorption mode (AM). In certain embodiments, an air circulation device (16) can operate to generate airflow (6) at a determined velocity through the water capture material (7) to assist the water capture material (7) in adsorbing the water (10). As an illustrative example, the water capture material (7) can be coated on adjacent structural elements (13), and the ambient atmosphere (11) can pass through the gaps (15) between the structural elements (13) during the adsorption phase. The adsorption mode (AM) of the water collector (2) can be completed when the water capture material (7) reaches a target level of water saturation and / or a target rate of adsorption.

[0026] 1 , a heat source (17) can be thermally coupled to the water capture material (7). The water capture material (7) thermally coupled to the heat source (17) can be contained within the first chamber (1), contained within one or more water capture modules (8) held within the first chamber (3), contained within one or more water capture modules transferred to the first chamber (3) by a transfer mechanism (9), or contained within one or more water capture modules (8) fluidly coupled as part of a flow path (5) through which the airflow (6) may recirculate between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The heat source (17) can operate to heat the water capture material (7) to desorb water vapor (12) during a desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). There are two heating methods for releasing water vapor (12) from the water capture material (7): first, direct heating, which involves heat transfer from a heat source (17) directly to the surface of the first chamber surface (3), the structural element (13) supporting the water capture material (7), or the water capture material (7), or a combination thereof; and second, indirect heating, which involves heating the space inside the first chamber (3) surrounding the structural element (13) supporting the water capture material (7) or the water capture material (7). The heat source (17) can comprise any mechanism, object, area, material, composition, by-product, waste energy, or energy, and combinations thereof, that can be used to heat the water capture material (7) sufficiently to release water vapor (12). Typically, the heat source (3) operates at a temperature ranging from about 80°C (about 176°F) to about 160°C (about 320°F). The specific temperatures within that temperature range may depend on the water capture material (7) or combination of water capture materials (7) utilized within the water collection system (1) or water collector (2), however, this is not intended to exclude embodiments that utilize temperatures outside the range for releasing water vapor (12) from the water capture material (7).

[0027] In certain embodiments, direct heating can include at least one structural element (13) that is a conductive element (19) that is resistively heated by flowing electricity therethrough to promote desorption of water vapor (12) from a water capture material (7) coated on the conductive element (19). In some embodiments, the power applied to the conductive element (19) can be adjusted to achieve a predetermined desorption time, since the rate of water desorption is proportional to the power applied.

[0028] In certain embodiments, indirect heating can include using resistive heating, where a resistively heated conductive element (19) transfers heat to air (18) surrounding the water capture material (7) to release water vapor (12).

[0029] In certain embodiments, indirect heating may include directing waste heat produced by a machine or other process discretely from the water collector (2) into proximity with or within the first chamber (3).

[0030] In certain embodiments, the heating source (17) can include a first heat exchanger (20) through which a heated fluid (21) circulates. The first heat exchanger (20) can be configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid (21) to the water capture material (7). In some variations, the first heat exchanger (3) can transfer heat from the heated fluid (21) to one or more of the structure of the first chamber (3), the structure of one or more water capture modules (8) held or received by the first chamber (3), the structural element (13) supporting the water capture material (7), or directed to the water capture material (7) coating the heating source (17).

[0031] In certain embodiments, the heat source (17) may include a condenser (22) of a heat pump (23). The heat pump (23) may include a compressor (24), an expansion valve (25), a condenser (22) (or hot-side heat exchanger), and an evaporator (26) (or cold-side heat exchanger). The compressor (24) may operate to compress a refrigerant and produce a heated fluid (21) that may be circulated to the condenser (22). The expansion valve (25) may be configured to receive the heated fluid (21) from the condenser (22). The expansion valve (25) may operate to allow expansion of the heated fluid (21) to produce a cooled fluid (27). The cooled fluid may be circulated to the evaporator (26). In certain embodiments, the condenser (22) (or the hot side of the heat exchanger) can be configured to operate at a temperature within a range of about 90°C (about 194°F) to about 160°C (about 320°F), and the evaporator (26) or cold-side heat exchanger can be configured to operate at a temperature within a range of about 30°C (about 86°F) to about 95°C (about 203°F). The condenser (22) can be associated with the first chamber (3) to transfer heat, whether directly or indirectly, to a water capture material (7) contained within, fluidly coupled to, or thermally coupled to the first chamber (3). As an illustrative example, the condenser (22) can be positioned to transfer heat to sufficiently raise the temperature of the water capture material (7) to release water vapor (12) from the water capture material (7) in the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2).

[0032] Referring now primarily to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the water collection system (1) or water collector (2) can include a second chamber (4) fluidly coupled to the first chamber (3). Water vapor (12) released from the water capture material (7) can be carried in an air flow (6) recirculated within a flow path (5) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). In certain variations, in response to reaching a target water vapor concentration in the first chamber (3), an air circulation device (16) can operate to recirculate the air flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water collector (2). The recirculation of the air flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) can initiate the condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2).

[0033] Referring again primarily to FIG. 1 , a cooling source (27) can be thermally coupled to the second chamber (4). The cooling source (27) can operate to cool water vapor (12) carried in the fluid stream (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the condensing mode (CM) of the water collector (2). The cooling source (27) can sufficiently cool the water vapor (12) in or passing through the second chamber (4) to cause condensation of at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the air stream (6) into liquid water (28). In certain embodiments, the cooling source (27) can be configured to cool the structure of the second chamber (4) to a temperature below the dew point of the fluid stream (6) in the second chamber (4) to cause condensation of at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the fluid stream (6) into liquid water (28). The second chamber (4) can be configured to increase the surface area of ​​its interior surface to increase condensation of water vapor (12) in the fluid stream (6) within the second chamber (4). In other embodiments, a cooling source (27) can be disposed inside the second chamber (4), and the fluid stream (6) carrying water vapor (12) can pass over the cooling source (27) to cause at least a portion of the water vapor (12) to condense within the second chamber (4). In certain embodiments, the cooling source (27) can include waste refrigeration discretely produced by a machine or other process from a water collector (2) directed adjacent to or within the second chamber (4). As an illustrative example, the waste refrigeration can include regasification of liquid natural gas from a frozen state. In other embodiments, the cooling source (27) can include a second heat exchanger (29) through which a cooled fluid (30) is circulated. A second heat exchanger (29) can be positioned proximate to the second chamber (4) for cooling the water vapor (12)-carrying air stream (6) contained within or passing through the second chamber (4). The air stream (6) can be cooled to a temperature below the dew point to cause condensation of at least a portion of the water vapor (12) into liquid water (28).

[0034] In certain embodiments, the cooling source (27) can be the evaporator (26) of the heat pump (23). The evaporator (26) or cold-side heat exchanger can be configured to operate at a temperature within a range of about 30°C (about 86°F) to about 95°C (about 203°F). The evaporator (26) can be associated with the second chamber (4) to transfer heat, whether directly or indirectly, from a water vapor (12)-carrying air stream (6) contained within or passing through the second chamber (4). As illustrative examples, the evaporator (26) can be positioned to transfer heat from one or more of the structures of the second chamber (4), from structural elements (13) within the second chamber (4), from the air flow (6) within the second chamber (4), or otherwise to cause a reduction in the temperature of the fluid flow (6) sufficient to cause condensation of at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the fluid flow (6) in a condensing mode (CM) of the water collector (2).

[0035] Referring now primarily to Figures 1-5, embodiments of the water collector (2) can include an airflow heat exchanger (31). For purposes of the present invention, the term "airflow heat exchanger (31)" means any device adapted or configured to bring portions of an airflow (6) at different temperatures into thermal contact and transfer heat between a first airflow portion (6') and a second airflow portion (6"). As illustrative examples, the term "airflow heat exchanger (31)" encompasses air-to-air heat exchangers, parallel heat exchangers, counterflow heat exchangers, crossflow heat exchangers, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the water harvester (2) can include an air flow heat exchanger (31) through which the recirculated air flow (6) passes a portion of the fluid flow (6) in a parallel or countercurrent direction in thermal contact to transfer heat between a first fluid flow portion (6') passing from the first chamber (3) to the second chamber (4) and a physically separated second fluid flow portion (6") passing from the second chamber (4) to the first chamber (3). In certain embodiments, hot, humid air generated in and passing from the first chamber (3) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water harvester (2) can be directed into one or more inlets of the air flow heat exchanger (31). At the same time, the cold dry air passing from the second chamber (4) during the condensing mode (CM) of the water collector (2) can be directed into one or more inlets of the air flow heat exchanger (31) to transfer heat from the hot moist fluid to the cold dry air, correspondingly pre-cooling the hot moist air and pre-heating the cold dry air.

[0036] Referring now primarily to Figures 1-5, in certain embodiments, the airflow heat exchanger (31) can have a fixed spatial structural configuration. In these embodiments, one or more of the airflow heat exchanger's (31) construction material, the temperature of the airflow (6) passing from the first chamber (3), the temperature of the airflow (6) passing from the second chamber (4), and the airflow rate through the airflow heat exchanger (31) can be preselected or coordinated to reduce, substantially prevent, or prevent condensation of water vapor (12) carried by the recirculated airflow (6) prior to entry into the second chamber (4). Coordination of these various parameters, rather than modifying the geometry of the counterflow heat exchanger (31), can result in mechanically less complex embodiments of the water harvester (2). As shown in the illustrative examples of Figures 2-5, numerous variations in the internal and external structural geometry of the airflow heat exchanger (31) can be suitable for use with certain embodiments of the present invention. Illustrative examples of air flow heat exchangers (31) suitable for use with certain embodiments of the present invention can be obtained from Xiamen Air Technology Co., Ltd. (No. 80, Siming Industrial Park, Mei Xi Road, Tong'an District, Xiamen 361100, Fujian, China).

[0037] 1 and 3, in certain embodiments, the airflow heat exchanger (31) can have a structure that can be reconfigured prior to or during operation of the water collector (2) to adjust the transfer of heat between the airflow (6) from the first chamber (3) and the airflow (6) from the second chamber (4). This allows for adjustment of the heat transfer rate to accommodate changes in the operating parameters of the water collector (2), including one or more of the temperature of the airflow (6) passing from the first chamber (3), the temperature of the airflow (6) passing from the second chamber (4), and the airflow rate through the airflow heat exchanger (31). In certain variations, this allows for a wider range of operating parameters within the water collector (2), which concurrently reduces, substantially prevents, or prevents condensation of water vapor (12) carried by the recirculated airflow (6) prior to entry into the second chamber (4). In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5, the air flow heat exchanger (31) can include a damper (32) that can be adjusted to modify the open area (32) of one flow path (5) through the air flow heat exchanger (31) and correspondingly adjust the air flow rate from the first chamber (3) and / or the air flow rate from the second chamber (4).

[0038] In some variations, the water collection system (1) or water collector (2) may further include a controller (33) coupled to one or more ambient air temperature sensors (34) and / or one or more ambient air humidity sensors (35) located outside the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) and adapted or configured to generate signals that vary with changes in the ambient air temperature and / or humidity of the environment surrounding one or more components of the water collection system (1) or the water collector (2). The controller (33) may be coupled to one or more temperature sensors (36) and / or one or more humidity sensors (37) and / or one or more airflow sensors (38) located inside the first chamber (3) and / or the second chamber (4), respectively, and adapted or configured to generate signals that vary with changes in the first chamber temperature and / or humidity, and / or the second chamber temperature and / or humidity, respectively. The controller (33) may include a processor (39) communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable memory (40) containing a water sampling algorithm (41) (also referred to as an "algorithm") under the control of the processor (39) for analyzing signals from each sensor (34, 35, 36, 37, 38) to measure one or more of an ambient air temperature (AT), an ambient air humidity (AH), a first chamber temperature (FCT) and / or a first chamber humidity (FCH), a second chamber temperature (SCT) and / or a second chamber humidity (SCH), an airflow temperature (AFT), an airflow humidity (AFH), and an airflow rate (AFR) of the fluid stream (6, 6', 6'') passing through the airflow heat exchanger (31), and combinations thereof.

[0039] The first chamber temperature (FCT) and / or first chamber humidity (FCH) measurements, and / or the second chamber temperature (SCT) and / or the second chamber humidity (SCH), and the ambient air temperature (AT) and / or ambient air humidity (AH) measurements are used to determine the temperature (FCT) in the first chamber (3) during the desorption mode (DM) and the temperature (SCT) in the second chamber (4) during the condensation mode (CM) during a time period allocated to the adsorption mode (AM) during which the ambient air (11) flows across the water capture material (7). and the time period allocated to the condensing mode (CM), adjusting the air flow rate (AFR) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), reconfiguring the air flow heat exchanger (31) to increase or decrease the area of ​​the flow path (5) through the air flow heat exchanger (31) in one or both directions, and, in certain embodiments, can be used under control of a controller (33) implementing a water harvesting algorithm (41) to adjust the operating parameters of the water harvester (2) with respect to one or more of the operation of the air circulation device (16) to control the operation of the heat pump (23).

[0040] Referring now primarily to Examples 1-4 and Table 1, embodiments of water harvester (2) including airflow heat exchanger (31) can substantially reduce the amount of energy used by water harvesting system (1) or water harvester (2) to produce a unit of liquid water (28) that can be directed to water collection tank (42).

[0041] The inclusion of the air flow heat exchanger (31) can substantially reduce or mitigate the sensible heat energy penalty of the fluid stream (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The reduction or mitigation of the sensible heat energy penalty can reduce the amount of energy used by the water harvesting system (1) to reheat or recool the fluid stream (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), resulting in a reduction in the energy used by the water harvesting system (1) or water harvester (2) to produce a unit of liquid water (28).

[0042] An unexpected result also occurs when the sensible heat penalties from both re-cooling and re-heating the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) are offset, in that the temperature difference between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) can be substantially reduced, which can result in a very substantial unexpected advantage in that the overall energy efficiency of the water harvesting system (1) or water harvester (2) can be very substantial increased.

[0043] Example 1 CAU-10, with an isothermal step of 20% RH at 25°C (about 77°F), was used as the water capture material (7). The water capture material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of about 85°C (about 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of about 30°C (about 86°F). No air flow heat exchanger (31) was used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity in the first chamber (3) was about 90 grams of water per cubic meter of air (90 gH2O / m 3 The absolute humidity in the second chamber was approximately 30 grams of water per cubic meter of air (30 gH2O / m 3 The amount of air flow (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb 1 gram (1 g) of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense more than 0.95 grams (>0.95 g) of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) was approximately 0.016 cubic meters (0.016 m) of air. 3 of air). Compared to the total amount of energy used to produce >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4), 0.016 m of water was recycled to desorb 1 g of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4). 3The sensible heat penalty contribution from heating and cooling the air was about 20%. The total energy cost was about 0.35 kilowatts per liter of water (about 0.35 kWh / L). The sensible heat penalty due to cooling and heating the air stream (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) was about 0.07 kWh / L.

[0044] Example 2 CAU-10, with an isothermal step of 20% RH at 25°C (about 77°F), was used as the water capture material (7). The water capture material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of about 85°C (about 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of about 50°C (about 122°F). No air flow heat exchanger (31) was used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity in the first chamber (3) was about 80 grams of water per cubic meter of air (80 gH2O / m 3 The absolute humidity in the second chamber was approximately 80 grams of water per cubic meter of air (80 gH2O / m 3 The amount of air flow (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb 1 gram (1 g) of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense more than 0.95 grams (>0.95 g) of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) was approximately 0.108 cubic meters (0.108 m) of air. 3 of air). Compared to the total amount of energy used to produce >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4), 0.108 m of water was recycled to desorb 1 g of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4). 3The sensible heat penalty contribution from heating and cooling the air was about 50%. The total energy cost was about 0.50 kilowatts per liter of water (about 0.50 kWh / L). The sensible heat penalty due to cooling and heating the air stream (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) was about 0.25 kWh / L.

[0045] Example 3 CAU-10, with an isothermal step of 20% RH at 25°C (about 77°F), was used as the water capture material (7). The water capture material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of about 85°C (about 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of about 30°C (about 86°F). An air flow heat exchanger (31) was used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity in the first chamber (3) was about 90 grams of water per cubic meter of air (90 gH2O / m 3 The absolute humidity in the second chamber was approximately 30 grams of water per cubic meter of air (80 gH2O / m 3 The amount of air flow (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb 1 gram (1 g) of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense more than 0.95 grams (>0.95 g) of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) was approximately 0.016 cubic meters (0.016 m) of air. 3 of air). Compared to the total amount of energy used to produce >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4), 0.108 m of water was recycled to desorb 1 g of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4). 3 The sensible heat penalty contribution from heating and cooling the air was reduced to near zero or zero. The total energy cost was approximately 0.28 kilowatts per liter of water (approximately 0.28 kWh / L).

[0046] Example 4 CAU-10, with an isothermal step of 20% RH at 25°C (about 77°F), was used as the water capture material (7). The water capture material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of about 85°C (about 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of about 30°C (about 86°F). An air flow heat exchanger (31) was used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity in the first chamber (3) was about 90 grams of water per cubic meter of air (90 gH2O / m 3 The absolute humidity in the second chamber was approximately 30 grams of water per cubic meter of air (80 gH2O / m 3 The amount of air flow (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to desorb 1 gram (1 g) of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense more than 0.95 grams (>0.95 g) of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) was approximately 0.108 cubic meters (0.108 m) of air. 3 of air). 0.108 m3 of water was recycled to desorb 1 g of water (10) from the water capture material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4). 3 The sensible heat penalty contribution from heating and cooling the air was reduced to near zero or zero. The total energy cost was about 0.25 kilowatts per liter of water (about 0.25 kWh / L). [Table 1]

[0047] As can be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways, and the present invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of water collection systems (1), water collectors (2), and methods for making and using such water collection systems (1) and water collectors (2), including the best modes thereof.

[0048] Thus, the specific embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by this description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are intended to be illustrative, rather than limiting, of the many and various embodiments encompassed by the invention generally or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, a specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe every possible embodiment or element, many alternatives being implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

[0049] It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by apparatus or method terminology. Such terms can be substituted, if desired, to make explicit the implicitly broad scope enjoyed by the present invention. By way of example only, it should be understood that every step of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for performing that action, or an element that causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as either a physical element or the action that the physical element facilitates. By way of example only, a disclosure of a "water harvester" should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the act of "water harvesting," whether or not explicitly discussed, and conversely, if there is a disclosure of the act of "water harvesting," such disclosure should be understood to encompass a disclosure of a "water harvester" and even "means for water harvesting." Such alternative terms for each element or step are intended to be expressly included in this description.

[0050] Additionally, it should be understood that for each term used, unless its usage in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, the common dictionary definition should be understood to be included in the description of each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition (each definition is incorporated herein by reference).

[0051] All numerical values ​​herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about," whether explicitly stated or not. For purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from "about" one particular value to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range. A numerical range from 1 to 5, for example, includes the values ​​1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When values ​​are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it is understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numerical values ​​that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values ​​or to have the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent "substantially" means roughly, but not entirely, in the same form, manner, or degree, and particular elements will have a range of configurations that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider to have the same function or result. When particular elements are expressed as approximations through use of the antecedent "substantially," it will be understood that the particular elements form another embodiment.

[0052] Also, for purposes of the present invention, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity, unless otherwise limited. Thus, the terms "a" or "an," "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

[0053] Additionally, for purposes of the present invention, the term "coupled" or its derivatives can mean "indirectly coupled," "coupled," "directly coupled," "connected," "directly connected," or "integrated with," depending on the embodiment.

[0054] Additionally, for purposes of the present invention, the term "integrated," when referring to two or more components, means that the components (i) can be joined together to provide a unitary, monolithic, or unified whole, or (ii) can be formed as a unitary, monolithic, or unified whole. In other words, the components can be integrally formed and connected together so as to constitute or cooperate as a single, complete part or unit, and cannot be easily disassembled without destroying the integrity of the parts or units.

[0055] Accordingly, applicants should be understood to claim at least i) each water harvesting system or water harvester disclosed and described herein; ii) related methods disclosed and described; iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods; iv) alternative embodiments thereof that perform each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described; v) alternative designs and methods thereof that perform each of the functions shown as implicitly performing those disclosed and described; vi) each feature, component, and step shown as a separate and independent invention; vii) uses enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed; viiii) resulting products produced by such systems or components; ix) methods and apparatus substantially as described herein above and with reference to any of the accompanying examples; and x) various combinations and permutations of each of the foregoing elements disclosed.

[0056] The Background of the Invention section of this patent application provides, where applicable, a statement of the field of business to which the present invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain certain U.S. patents, patent applications, publications, or restatements of the subject matter of the claimed invention that are useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of the art to which the present invention is directed. It is not intended that any U.S. patents, patent applications, publications, statements, or other information cited or incorporated herein be read, construed, or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the present invention.

[0057] The claims set forth herein are hereby incorporated by reference, where applicable, as part of this description of the invention, and Applicant expressly reserves the right to use all or a portion of such incorporated content of such claim as additional description in support of any or all of the claim or any element or component thereof, and Applicant further expressly reserves the right, as appropriate, to move any portion or all of the incorporated content of such claim or any element or component thereof from the description to the claim (or vice versa), and to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, or comply with, any national or treaty patent laws, rules, or regulations, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive the entire pendency of this application, including any subsequent continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or any reissue or extension thereof. Elements following an open-ended transitional phrase, such as "comprising," may alternatively be claimed using a restrictive transitional phrase, such as "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of," whether or not explicitly set forth in the description portion of this specification.

[0058] Additionally, the claims set forth herein, if applicable, are further intended to describe the boundaries and limits of a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the present invention or as a complete recitation of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. Applicant does not waive any right to develop additional claims as part of any continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part application, or similar application, based on the description set forth above.

Claims

1. A water collector comprising: a first chamber containing or coupled to a water capture material, said water capture material adsorbing water from the surrounding ambient air in an adsorption mode of said water harvester, and said water capture material desorbing water vapor in a desorption mode of said water harvester; a heat source thermally coupled to the water capture material, the heat source operable to heat the water capture material to desorb the water vapor during the desorption mode of the water harvester; and a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber, wherein the water vapor carried in the air stream is recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode of the water harvester; a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, the cooling source operable to cool the water vapor carried in the air stream recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensing mode of the water harvester; an airflow heat exchanger through which the airflow passes to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber; A water collector comprising:

2. 2. The water harvester of claim 1, wherein said airflow heat exchanger is configured to transfer said heat between said airflow from said first chamber and said airflow from said second chamber.

3. 3. The water harvester of claim 2, wherein said airflow heat exchanger is reconfigurable to adjust the heat transfer rate between said airflow from said first chamber and said airflow from said second chamber.

4. 10. The water harvester of claim 1, further comprising at least one air circulation device operable to recirculate said air flow between said first chamber and said second chamber during said desorption mode and / or said condensation mode of said water harvester.

5. 5. The water harvester of claim 4, further comprising one or more sensors configured to sense said airflow, said one or more sensors generating a signal that varies based on one or more of airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow rate.

6. 6. The water harvester of claim 5, further comprising a controller including a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer readable memory containing computer code under the control of said processor for analyzing said signal, which varies based on changes in one or more of said airflow temperature, said airflow humidity, and said airflow rate of said airflow passing through said airflow heat exchanger.

7. 7. The water harvester of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable based on analysis of the signal to control one or more of the heat source, the cooling source, and the at least one air circulation device to avoid condensation of the water vapor carried in the air stream before it enters the second chamber.

8. 10. The water harvester of claim 1, wherein the water capture material is disposed in one or more water capture modules located inside the first chamber.

9. 10. The water harvester of claim 1, wherein the water capture material is disposed on a support structure configured to increase the surface area of ​​the water capture material exposed to the ambient atmosphere or the airflow.

10. 10. The water harvester of claim 9, wherein the support structure comprises one or more fins or one or more plates.

11. 10. The water collector of claim 1, wherein the water capture material comprises one or more water capture materials.

12. 13. The water harvester of claim 12, wherein the one or more water capture materials comprise a metal organic framework.

13. 10. The water harvester of claim 1, wherein the heat source comprises a first heat exchanger through which a heated fluid is circulated, the first heat exchanger being configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid to the water capture material contained within or coupled to the first chamber.

14. 10. The water harvester of claim 1, wherein said heat source comprises a condenser of a heat pump.

15. 14. The water harvester of claim 13, wherein the cooling source comprises a second heat exchanger through which a cooled fluid is circulated, the second heat exchanger cooling the air flow carrying the water vapor within the second chamber.

16. 15. The water harvester of claim 14, wherein said cooling source comprises an evaporator of a heat pump.

17. The heat pump comprises: a compressor configured to produce the heated fluid, the heated fluid circulating to the condenser; an expansion valve configured to receive the heated fluid from the condenser, the expansion valve operable to allow expansion of the heated fluid to produce a cooled fluid, the cooled fluid circulating to the evaporator; 17. The water harvester of claim 16, comprising one or more of:

18. 18. The water harvester of claim 17, wherein the heated fluid and the cooled fluid comprise a coolant.

19. 10. The water harvester of claim 1, further comprising a water collection tank coupled to said second chamber.

20. 1. A method of making a water collector, comprising: containing or associating a water capture material within the first chamber, said water capture material adsorbing water from ambient air in a moisture adsorption mode of said water sampler, and said water capture material desorbing water vapor in a water desorption mode of said water sampler; thermally coupling a heat source to the water capture material contained within or coupled to the first chamber, the heat source operable to heat the water capture material to desorb the water vapor during the desorption mode of the water harvester; fluidly coupling a second chamber to the first chamber, wherein the water vapor carried in the air stream is recirculated between the first and second chambers during the desorption mode and / or the condensation mode of the water harvester; a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, the cooling source operable to cool the water vapor carried in the air stream recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensing mode of the water harvester; fluidly coupling an airflow heat exchanger to the first chamber and the second chamber, the airflow passing through the airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber; A method comprising:

21. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising configuring the airflow heat exchanger to transfer the heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising reconfiguring the airflow heat exchanger to adjust a heat transfer rate between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising configuring at least one air circulation device to recirculate the air flow between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or the condensation mode of the water harvester.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising configuring one or more sensors to sense the airflow, the one or more sensors generating a signal that varies based on one or more of airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow rate.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising providing a controller including a processor, the processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer readable memory containing computer code under the control of the processor to analyze the signal, which varies based on one or more of the airflow temperature, the airflow humidity, and the airflow rate of the airflow passing through the airflow heat exchanger.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the controller is operable based on analysis of the signal to control one or more of the heat source, the cooling source, and the at least one airflow recirculation generator to avoid condensation of the water vapor carried in the airflow before it enters the second chamber.

27. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising disposing the water capture material on one or more water capture modules located inside the first chamber.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising placing the water capture material on a support structure to increase the surface area of ​​the water capture material exposed to the ambient atmosphere of the airflow.

29. 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising configuring the support structure as one or more fins or one or more plates.

30. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the water capture material comprises one or more water capture materials.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the one or more water capture materials comprise a metal organic framework.

32. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising configuring the heat source as a first heat exchanger through which a heated fluid is circulated, the first heat exchanger being configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid to the water capture material contained within or coupled to the first chamber.

33. The method of claim 20 , wherein the heat source comprises a condenser of a heat pump.

34. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising configuring the cooling source as a second heat exchanger through which a cooled fluid is circulated, the second heat exchanger being configured to transfer heat from the airflow carrying the water vapor within the second chamber.

35. The method of claim 20 , wherein the cooling source comprises an evaporator of a heat pump.

36. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the heat source comprises a condenser of a heat pump and the cooling source comprises an evaporator of a heat pump.

37. The heat pump comprises: a compressor configured to produce the heated fluid, the heated fluid circulating to the condenser; an expansion valve configured to receive the heated fluid from the condenser, the expansion valve operable to allow expansion of the heated fluid to produce a cooled fluid, the cooled fluid circulating to the evaporator; 37. The method of claim 36, comprising one or more of:

38. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the heated fluid and the cooled fluid comprise a coolant.

39. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising coupling a water collection tank to the second chamber.

40. 1. A method of using a water collector, comprising: directing ambient atmospheric air to a water capture material, the water capture material adsorbing water from the surrounding ambient air in a moisture adsorption mode of the water sampler, and the water capture material desorbing water vapor from the water capture material in a water desorption mode of the water sampler; operating a heating source thermally coupled to the water capture material in the first chamber, the heating source operable to heat the water capture material to desorb the water vapor from the water capture material during the desorption mode of the water harvester; recirculating the water vapor-laden air stream between the first chamber and a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber during the desorption mode of the water harvester; operating a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, the cooling source operable to cool the water vapor carried in the air stream recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during a condensing mode of the water harvester; passing the airflow through an airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber; A method comprising:

41. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising configuring the airflow heat exchanger to transfer the heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber.

42. 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising reconfiguring the airflow heat exchanger to adjust a heat transfer rate between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber.

43. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising operating at least one air circulation device to recirculate the air flow between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or the condensation mode of the water harvester.

44. activating one or more sensors to sense said airflow; generating a signal that varies based on sensing one or more of airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow rate; 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising:

45. 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising operating a controller, the controller comprising a processor, the processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer readable memory containing computer code under control of the processor to analyze the signal, which varies based on one or more of the airflow temperature, the airflow humidity, and the airflow rate of the airflow passing through the airflow heat exchanger.

46. 46. ​​The method of claim 45, further comprising operating the controller based on analysis of the signal to control one or more of the heat source, the cooling source, and the at least one air circulation device to avoid condensation of the water vapor carried in the air stream before it enters the second chamber.

47. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising operating a heat pump including a condenser, the condenser being thermally coupled to the water capture material and acting as the heat source.

48. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising operating a heat pump including an evaporator, the evaporator acting as the cooling source to transfer heat from the airflow carrying the water vapor contained within the second chamber.

49. operating a heat pump configured to provide a condenser as the heat source for transferring heat from the heated fluid to the water capture material contained within the first chamber; operating a heat pump configured to provide an evaporator as the cooling source for transferring heat from the air stream carrying the water vapor contained in the second chamber; 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising:

50. Operating the heat pump comprises: operating a compressor configured to produce a heated fluid, the heated fluid circulating to the condenser; operating an expansion valve to allow expansion of the heated fluid to produce a cooled fluid, the cooled fluid being circulated to the evaporator; 50. The method of claim 49, comprising one or more of:

51. 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the heated fluid and the cooled fluid comprise a coolant.

52. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising collecting water from the condensation of the water vapor in the second chamber.

53. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein passing the airflow through an airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber reduces the total energy cost per liter of liquid water produced by the water harvester.

54. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein passing the airflow through an airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber reduces a sensible heat penalty contribution to the total energy cost per liter of water collected.

55. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the sensible heat penalty contribution to the total energy cost per liter of water collected is reduced to about zero.

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