Water production device

Abstract

To provide a water generator which can be miniaturized and can suppress power consumption.SOLUTION: The water generator 1 includes an adsorption / desorption unit container 13 that houses the adsorption / desorption unit 11, a compressed air supply section 15 that supplies compressed air to the adsorption / desorption unit container 13, a degassing section 17 that recovers gas in the adsorption / desorption unit container 13, and a water recovery section 19 that recovers water from the gas in the adsorption / desorption unit container 13 recovered by the degassing section 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] WATER GENERATING DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a water generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-152183 describes a drinking water production device. This device obtains drinking water by condensing moisture in air heated by a heater using a heat exchanger. By using this device, moisture in the air can be converted into drinking water. However, this device cannot obtain sufficient drinking water unless it is a large device. In addition, this device consumes a lot of power to obtain drinking water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-152183 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of this specification is to provide a water generating device that can be made compact and consumes less power.

[0005] The above problem can be solved by obtaining moisture from the atmosphere by pressurizing or depressurizing using an adsorption / desorption unit that can adsorb and desorb moisture using pressure.

[0006] The first invention relates to a water generating apparatus 1. This water generating apparatus 1 is used to generate water from moisture in the air. To this end, this water generating apparatus 1 has an adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 that houses an adsorption / desorption unit 11, a compressed air supply section 15, a degassing section 17, and a water recovery section 19.

[0007] The adsorption / desorption unit 11 is an element that can adsorb and desorb moisture by pressure. The adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 is an element for housing the adsorption / desorption unit 11. The compressed air supply unit 15 is an element for supplying compressed air to the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. The degassing unit 17 is an element for recovering gas inside the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. The water recovery unit 19 is an element for recovering water from the gas inside the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 that has been recovered by the degassing unit 17.

[0008] This water generating apparatus 1 preferably comprises one or more of a first regulating valve 21, a second regulating valve 23, a third regulating valve 24, and a control unit 25. The first regulating valve 21 is a valve that connects the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 and the compressed air supply part 15. The second adjusting valve 23 is a valve that connects the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 and the degassing section 17. The third adjustment valve 24 is connected to the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 and is a valve for discharging pressurized gas inside the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. The control unit 25 is an element for controlling one or more of the compressed air supply unit 15, the first regulating valve 21, the second regulating valve 23, the third regulating valve 24, the degassing unit 17, and the water recovery unit 19.

[0009] It is preferable that the water generating apparatus 1 further comprises a temperature adjusting section 31 for adjusting the temperature of the adsorption / desorption unit 11 .

[0010] It is preferable that the water generating apparatus 1 further comprises a vibration applying section 33 for applying vibration to the adsorption / desorption unit 11. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention provides a water generating device that can be made smaller and consume less power by using a pressure swing mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the water generating apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a chart showing an example of the water production process. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the water generating apparatus in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and also includes appropriate modifications of the embodiments below within the scope obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a water generating apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the water generating apparatus 1 includes an adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 housing an adsorption / desorption unit 11, a compressed air supply unit 15, a degassing unit 17, and a water recovery unit 19. As shown in FIG. 1, the water generating apparatus 1 may further include one or more of a first regulating valve 21, a second regulating valve 23, a third regulating valve 24, a control unit 25, a temperature adjusting unit 31, and a vibration applying unit 33. The water generating apparatus of the present invention is preferably one that can be driven with low power consumption. The water generating apparatus of the present invention preferably uses a granular moisture absorbent instead of a conventional desiccant rotor, and preferably generates atmospheric water by pressurizing and depressurizing the atmosphere to adsorb and desorb the moisture onto the adsorbent.

[0015] water generator 1 The water generating apparatus is a device for converting atmospheric moisture into liquid water. This apparatus may be used to obtain drinking water, or may be used to obtain water for industrial or agricultural use. The water generating apparatus 1 may have a control unit 25, which will be described later, and may perform each step of water generation using a computer or a processor that stores a program.

[0016] A computer has an input unit, an output unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, and a memory unit, and each element is connected by a bus or the like to enable the exchange of information. For example, the memory unit may store a program or various information. When predetermined information is input from the input unit, the control unit reads the program stored in the memory unit. The control unit then reads the information stored in the memory unit as appropriate and transmits it to the calculation unit. The control unit also transmits the input information to the calculation unit as appropriate. The calculation unit performs calculation processing using the various received information and stores it in the memory unit. The control unit reads the calculation results stored in the memory unit and outputs them from the output unit. In this way, various processes and steps are executed. Each unit or means executes these various processes. A computer may have a processor, and the processor may realize various functions and steps. A computer may be standalone. A computer may have some of its functions distributed between a server and a terminal. In this case, it is preferable that the server and the terminal can exchange information via a network such as the Internet or an intranet. The computer may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computer to perform various processes or function as various elements. The computer may be provided with various training data to construct a learning model and perform various calculations through machine learning. In this case, the computer may perform various analyses using a learning model created through machine learning and deep learning in AI (artificial intelligence). This improves the accuracy of machine learning.

[0017] Adsorption / Desorption Unit 11 The adsorption / desorption unit 11 is an element capable of adsorbing and releasing moisture. The adsorption / desorption unit 11 may include, for example, an adsorbent. Examples of the adsorption / desorption unit 11 include a bag containing multiple adsorbents or a container containing multiple adsorbents. Examples of adsorbents include calcium chloride, lithium chloride, silica gel, activated carbon, zeolite (e.g., molecular sieve), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), porous coordination polymers (PCPs), superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The adsorbent may have a pellet-like, cylindrical, conical, spherical, or tetrapod-like shape. In addition, the solid adsorbent may have a high porosity. For example, the porosity may be 10% or more and 90% or less, or 20% or more and 80% or less. It is preferable to use a granular moisture absorbent.

[0018] Adsorption / detachment unit housing 13 The adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 is an element for housing the adsorption / desorption unit 11. The adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 is preferably a highly insulating housing that forms a sealed system such as a chamber. In addition to the adsorption / desorption unit 11, a temperature adjustment unit 31 and a vibration applying unit 33 may also be installed inside the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. The water generating apparatus 1 may have multiple adsorption / desorption unit housings 13.

[0019] Compressed air supply unit 15 The compressed air supply unit 15 is a component for supplying compressed air to the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. The compressed air supply unit 15 may include, for example, a compressed air generator and an air duct. The air duct may be connected to the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 so that air can be sent into the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. A first adjustment valve 21, which will be described later, may be located midway along the air duct. Examples of the compressed air generator include a compressor, a centrifugal fan, and a blower. The compressed air generator may include both a compressor and a blower. In this case, the blower may be configured to blow the compressed air generated by the compressor. The control unit 25 may control the operation of the compressed air supply unit 15 (or the compressed air generator). It is recommended that 50 to 350 liters of air be supplied to generate 1 liter of air. The air pressure may be greater than or equal to 1 atmosphere and less than or equal to 2 atmospheres.

[0020] Degassing section 17 The degassing section 17 is an element for collecting gas inside the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. For example, the degassing section 17 may be a degassing container (chamber) connected to the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 via piping. The degassing container (chamber) is then connected to a gas exhaust device such as a vacuum pump. With this configuration, the degassing section 17 can create negative pressure inside the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 and collect gas inside the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. The degassing container may be put into a vacuum state by the gas exhaust device when air is not supplied from the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. Gas exhaust devices such as vacuum pumps are well known.

[0021] Water Recovery Section 19 The water recovery section 19 is an element for recovering water from the gas in the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 recovered by the degassing section 17. The water recovery section 19 may be installed, for example, inside the degassing section 17. It is sufficient that the water recovery section 19 condenses the highly humid gas present in the water recovery section 19 and recovers liquid water. An example of the water recovery section 19 may be an evaporator. The water recovery section 19 preferably has a temperature adjustment mechanism. For example, the control section 25 controls the temperature adjustment mechanism to lower the temperature of a portion of the water recovery section 19. This reduces the amount of saturated water vapor in the gas around the area where the temperature has been lowered, causing condensation. In this way, the water recovery section recovers the condensed water. Condensation may be promoted by heating the inside of the degassing section 17.

[0022] Another example of the water recovery unit 19 is a radiator or condenser present within the water recovery unit 19. The condenser may be any of a coil type, a plate fin type, a fin tube type, a corrugated fin type, and a split fin type. The radiator or condenser may be cooled by air cooling with a fan, or by water cooling with a refrigerant or liquid using a heat pump or the like.

[0023] First regulating valve 21 The first regulating valve 21 is a valve that connects the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 and the compressed air supply unit 15. When the first regulating valve 21 is in an open state, compressed air can be supplied from the compressed air supply unit 15 to the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. On the other hand, when the first regulating valve 21 is in a closed state, compressed air cannot be supplied from the compressed air supply unit 15 to the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. The first regulating valve 21 is preferably capable of switching between an open state and a closed state in response to a command from the control unit 25. The first regulating valve 21 is preferably capable of adjusting the amount of compressed air supplied in response to a command from the control unit 25. When the water generating apparatus 1 has multiple compressed air supply units 15, the first regulating valve 21 may be configured to switch between the compressed air supply units 15 that supply compressed air. In this case, the first regulating valve 21 may be configured to switch between the compressed air supply units 15 that supply compressed air in response to a command from the control unit 25.

[0024] Second regulating valve 23 The second regulating valve 23 is a valve that connects the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 and the degassing section 17. When the second regulating valve 23 is in an open state, the gas in the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 can be supplied to the water recovery section 19. On the other hand, when the second regulating valve 23 is in a closed state, the gas in the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 cannot be supplied to the water recovery section 19. The second regulating valve 23 is preferably capable of switching between an open state and a closed state in response to a command from the control section 25. The second regulating valve 23 is preferably capable of adjusting the amount of gas supplied in response to a command from the control section 25. When the water generating apparatus 1 has multiple compressed air supply units 15, the second regulating valve 23 may be configured to switch between the compressed air supply units 15 that supply gas to the degassing section 17. In this case, the second regulating valve 23 may be configured to switch between the compressed air supply units 15 that supply gas to the degassing section 17 in response to a command from the control section 25.

[0025] Third regulating valve 24 The third regulating valve 24 is connected to the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 and is a valve for adjusting the amount of exhaust. Air supplied from the compressed air supply unit 15 passes through the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 and is exhausted by the third regulating valve 24. The third regulating valve 24 receives a command from the control unit 25 and adjusts the amount of exhaust to control the pressure inside the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. The third regulating valve 24 may be connected to an exhaust pipe or exhaust unit for exhaust. The control unit 25 normally controls these so that when the second regulating valve 23 is open, the third regulating valve 24 is closed.

[0026] Control unit 25 The control unit 25 is an element for controlling the compressed air supply unit 15, the first regulating valve 21, the second regulating valve 23, the third regulating valve 24, the degassing unit 17, and the water recovery unit 19. The control unit 25 may also control the operation of the temperature adjusting unit 31, the vibration applying unit 33, and various other elements related to the water generating device 1. The control unit 25 may be the computer described above, or may be an element having a processor that reads a program and performs various calculation processes and outputs based on instructions from the program.

[0027] Temperature adjustment section 31 The temperature adjustment unit 31 is an element for adjusting the temperature of the adsorption / desorption unit 11. Examples of the temperature adjustment unit 31 are an electric heater and a (Sterlin) cooler. The temperature adjustment unit 31 adjusts the temperature of the adsorption / desorption unit 11, making it easier for the adsorption / desorption unit 11 to adsorb and release (desorb) moisture. This operation is preferably controlled by the control unit 25. The heating temperature is preferably 35°C to 60°C, and the cooling temperature is preferably 5°C to 20°C.

[0028] Vibration applying unit 33 The vibration imparting unit 33 is an element for imparting vibration to the adsorption / desorption unit 11. The vibration imparting unit 33 may be any element that can vibrate the adsorbent in the adsorption / desorption unit 11 and change its orientation. Examples of the vibration imparting unit 33 include a motor and an actuator. By vibrating the adsorption / desorption unit 11, the adsorption / desorption unit 11 can more easily adsorb and release (desorb) moisture. This operation is preferably controlled by the control unit 25.

[0029] Example of water generating device operation An example of the water production process is shown in Figure 2. In the figure, S stands for step.

[0030] Air blowing process (S101) The control unit 25 starts the compressed air generation unit to bring it into a state where it can blow air at a predetermined pressure (for example, 1 atmosphere or more and 2 atmospheres or less) at a predetermined air volume (for example, 50 to 350 liters / minute). As described above, the compressed air supply unit 15 is connected to one or more adsorption / desorption unit housings 13. The adsorption / desorption unit housings 13 and the compressed air supply unit 15 are connected via, for example, one or more first adjustment valves 21. The control unit 25 outputs a command to open the first adjustment valves 21. Upon receiving this command, the first adjustment valves 21 are opened. This brings the compressed air supply unit 15 into a state where it can supply compressed air to the adsorption / desorption unit housings 13. If the control unit 25 continues to start the compressed air generation unit in this state, the compressed air supply unit 15 will continue to supply compressed air to the adsorption / desorption unit housings 13. Alternatively, the control unit 25 may issue a command to the first regulating valve 21 to switch the compressed air supply unit 15 that supplies compressed air.

[0031] Adsorption process (S102) Compressed air is supplied into the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. Then, the adsorption / desorption units 11 in the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 adsorb moisture contained in the compressed air. The control unit 25, for example, adjusts the first adjustment valve 21 to continue supplying compressed air into the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 until a predetermined state is reached. Examples of the predetermined state may be until the amount or weight of moisture that the adsorption / desorption unit 11 can adsorb is reached, until compressed air containing a predetermined amount of water is supplied, or until the adsorption / desorption unit 11 reaches a predetermined air pressure. The control unit 25 may control the third adjustment valve 24 to adjust the amount of air discharged from the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13, thereby adjusting the air pressure of the adsorption / desorption unit 11. After the adsorption / desorption units 11 in a certain adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 reach a predetermined state, the control unit 25 may control the first adjustment valve 21 to stop the supply of compressed air to that adsorption / desorption unit housing 13. Then, the control unit 25 may control the first regulating valve 21 to supply compressed air to the other adsorption / desorption unit housings 13.

[0032] At this time, it is preferable that the control unit 25 drives the vibration applying unit 33 to vibrate the adsorption / desorption unit 11. When the adsorption / desorption unit 11 vibrates, the orientation of the adsorbent in the adsorption / desorption unit 11 changes. As a result, the moisture contained in the compressed air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Similarly, it is preferable that the control unit 25 drives the temperature adjusting unit 31 to adjust the temperature of the adsorption / desorption unit 11. The temperature is preferably between 5°C and 20°C.

[0033] Desorption process (S103) The control unit 25 controls the second adjustment valve 23 to connect a certain adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 to the degassing unit 17. In other words, the pipe connecting a certain adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 to the degassing container is opened so that the air contained in the certain adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 can move to the degassing container. For example, the control unit 25 may drive a vacuum pump to release the moisture adsorbed in the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 and direct it to the water recovery unit 19.

[0034] At this time, it is preferable that the control unit 25 drives the vibration applying unit 33 to vibrate the adsorption / desorption unit 11. When the adsorption / desorption unit 11 vibrates, the orientation of the adsorbent in the adsorption / desorption unit 11 changes. This makes it easier for the moisture adsorbed to the adsorbent to be released. Similarly, it is preferable that the control unit 25 drives the temperature adjusting unit 31 to adjust the temperature of the adsorption / desorption unit 11. The temperature is preferably between 35°C and 60°C.

[0035] The control unit 25 may control the second adjustment valve 23 to drive the vacuum pump (gas discharge device) of the degassing unit 17 during a period when any one of the adsorption / desorption unit housings 13 and the degassing unit 17 is blocked, thereby creating a vacuum state in the water adsorption unit 19 and the degassing unit 17. The control unit 25 may also control the second adjustment valve 23 to drive the water recovery unit 19 to recover water during a period when any one of the adsorption / desorption unit housings 13 and the degassing unit 17 is blocked. The control unit 25 may also control the second adjustment valve 23 and the third adjustment valve 24 so as not to drive the gas discharge device during a period when any one of the adsorption / desorption unit housings 13 and the degassing unit 17 is open.

[0036] When the desorption step is completed for a certain adsorption / desorption unit housing 13, for example, the control unit 25 controls the second adjustment valve 23 to close the connection between that adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 and the water recovery unit 19. Thereafter, the above-described adsorption step (S102) is performed, and thereafter, the desorption step (S103) and the adsorption step (S102) are repeatedly performed. The control unit 25 controls the timing of the adsorption step (S102) and the desorption step (S103) for multiple adsorption / desorption unit housings 13 so as to maximize the production of water.

[0037] Water recovery process (S104) The air in the water recovery unit 19 contains a lot of moisture. When this air comes into contact with elements of the water recovery unit 19, such as the (cooled) radiator or condenser, the moisture in the air condenses and adheres to the surfaces of the radiator or condenser as water droplets. For example, the water droplets adhering to the surfaces of the radiator or condenser can be collected in a drain (water receiver) and sent to the pure water storage unit. In this way, water is recovered from the air in the water recovery unit 19.

[0038] The water obtained in this manner is pure water. Therefore, this water can be given functions depending on the application. For example, when the recovered water is to be used as drinking water, it can be passed through a sterilization unit as appropriate and then through a filter that adds minerals, calcium, vitamins, etc. as needed. On the other hand, when the recovered water is to be used as industrial water, it can be passed through a filter to further remove impurities and then used as industrial water as is. [Example]

[0039] Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the water generating apparatus in the example. A water generating apparatus was manufactured according to Fig. 3. As a result, water could be collected from the atmosphere. An embodiment of the atmospheric water generating apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, reference numeral 13 denotes an adsorption / desorption unit housing containing an adsorbent, and the atmospheric water generating apparatus is heated at room temperature (dry bulb temperature: 25°C) and relative humidity of 60% (absolute humidity: 13.8 g / m) using a blower of a compressed air supply section 15 that supplies air, which is the raw material for generating atmospheric water. 3 ) of air was injected. The amount of air injected at that time was 400m 3 / h. A highly water-absorbent polymer was used as the adsorbent. When injecting air, the static pressure was controlled by adjusting the exhaust air (EA) of the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 in addition to the dynamic pressure. The exhaust air (EA) was kept at a temperature of 30°C and a relative humidity of 15% (absolute humidity: 4.6 g / m 3 ) and 9.3 g / m 3 After a certain amount of air was sent into the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13, the air supply was stopped, the air outlet was closed, and the humidified air was removed from the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 using the vacuum pump of the degassing section 17, and the air was moved to the water collection section 19. The humidified air that had moved from the adsorption / desorption unit housing 13 to the water collection section 19 was heated to 35°C to 60°C (not shown) in the water collection section 19, causing condensation to occur on a cooling plate (not shown) at 10°C to 20°C installed in the water collection section 19, and atmospherically generated water was collected as pure water. [Industrial Applicability]

[0040] The present invention can be used in various industries that require water. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 water generator 11 Adsorption / Desorption Unit 13 Adsorption / Desorption Unit Housing 15 Compressed air supply unit 17 Degassing section 19 Water recovery section 21 First adjusting valve 23 Second regulating valve 24 Third Regulating Valve 25 Control Unit 31 Temperature adjustment section 33 Vibration applying section

Claims

1. A water generating device (1) having an adsorption / desorption unit (11) for generating water from moisture in the air, an adsorption / desorption unit housing (13) housing the adsorption / desorption unit (11); a compressed air supply unit (15) that supplies compressed air to the adsorption / desorption unit housing (13); a degassing section (17) for recovering gas within the adsorption / desorption unit housing (13); and a water recovery section (19) for recovering water from the gas in the adsorption / desorption unit housing (13) recovered by the degassing section (17).

2. 2. A water generating device (1) according to claim 1, a first adjusting valve (21) connecting the adsorption / desorption unit housing (13) and the compressed air supply part (15); a second adjusting valve (23) connecting the adsorption / desorption unit housing (13) and the degassing section (17); The water generating device (1) further comprises a control unit (25) for controlling the compressed air supply unit (15), the first regulating valve (21), the second regulating valve (23), the degassing unit (17), and the water recovery unit (19).

3. 3. The water generating device (1) according to claim 2, The water generating device (1) further comprises a temperature adjusting section (31) for adjusting the temperature of the adsorption / desorption unit (11).

4. 3. The water generating device (1) according to claim 2, The water generating device (1) further comprises a vibration imparting section (33) for imparting vibration to the adsorption / desorption unit (11).

5. 3. The water generating device (1) of claim 2, further comprising a third regulating valve (24) for exhausting the adsorption / desorption unit housing (13).

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