A heat pump-based water extraction system and its method of use.

Abstract

Described herein are water harvesting systems and methods of making and using such systems for capturing water from ambient air using designs that reduce the overall energy costs of the system and improve water harvesting cycle efficiency. The systems and methods use sorbent materials, such as metal-organic frameworks, to adsorb water from the air. The systems and methods desorb this water in the form of water vapor, which is condensed into liquid water and collected. The liquid water is suitable for use as drinking water.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Cross-reference of related applications) Each of these International Patent Cooperation Treaty patent applications is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 726,996, filed on 22 April 2022, claiming the interests of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 180,590, filed on 27 April 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) This disclosure relates, in general, to water extraction, and more specifically, to a water harvester for extracting water from ambient air, a method for manufacturing a water harvester, and a method for using a water harvester. [Background technology]

[0003] (background) Conventionally, the process of extracting water from air using an adsorbent comprises a water extraction cycle consisting of three energy-intensive stages: adsorption of water vapor from the air onto the adsorbent, desorption of water vapor from the adsorbent, and condensation of the desorbed water vapor into liquid water. For example, during the adsorption stage, high-humidity ambient air may be blown across a desorbed (activated) adsorbent bed. Water molecules can diffuse through the porous interior of the adsorbent bed and become adsorbed by the adsorbent. The adsorption stage is completed when the adsorbent bed is completely saturated with water. Following the adsorption stage, the desorption stage can be initiated by directly or indirectly heating the adsorbent bed to release water vapor. The desorption stage is completed when the water in the adsorbent bed becomes unsaturated. During the condensation stage, the water vapor generated during the desorption stage may be directed to a condensation chamber, where it is cooled and condensed into liquid water. Through repeated cycles of adsorption, desorption, and condensation, adsorbent-based water extraction can provide a method for producing water from air.

[0004] Generally, there are two heating methods for releasing water from a saturated adsorbent bed: firstly, direct heating, which involves direct heat transfer from a heat source to the adsorbent bed support structure, the adsorbent bed, or the surface of the adsorbent; and secondly, indirect heating, which involves heating the air surrounding the adsorbent bed support structure, the adsorbent bed, or the adsorbent. Both direct and indirect heating can be achieved using resistance heating. Desorption typically requires significant energy, including a latent heat portion related to the desorption energy required to convert water associated with the adsorbent into water vapor, and a sensible heat energy portion related to heating one or more of the adsorbent bed support structure, the adsorbent bed, or the adsorbent. Potentially, the energy expended in desorption can be recovered during the condensation phase and then reintroduced into the system for desorption. Generally, resistance heating does not offer the recovery of energy expended in desorption.

[0005] What is desired in the art is a commercially viable water extraction system for extracting water from ambient air that reduces energy costs during the water extraction cycle and / or improves efficiency in water production compared to conventional water extraction systems. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (Disclosure of the invention) Provided herein is a heat pump-based water extraction system that can reduce the overall energy costs in a water extraction cycle and / or improve the efficiency of water production during a water extraction cycle.

[0007] A broad object of embodiments of the present invention may be to provide an atmospheric water sampling system comprising one or more of a heat pump system, an adsorption unit, a desorption chamber, a transfer mechanism, and a condensation chamber. In certain embodiments, the heat pump system may comprise one or more of a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger having a high-temperature side (typically a “condenser”) and a low-temperature side (typically an “evaporator”). In certain embodiments, the adsorption unit comprises at least one adsorbent module, the at least one adsorbent module containing one or more adsorbents, and the adsorption unit may be physically separated from the heat pump system, although this is not necessarily required. In some embodiments, the desorption chamber may be connected to or located in close proximity to the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger and may be configured to operate at the mean desorption temperature. In certain embodiments, the transfer mechanism may be configured to (i) transfer an adsorbent module at least partially saturated with water from the adsorption unit into the desorption chamber, and (ii) transfer an adsorbent module at least partially desorbed in the desorption chamber back to the adsorption unit. In certain embodiments, the condensation chamber may enclose or be positioned in close proximity to the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger and may be configured to operate at the mean condensation temperature. In the particular modifications described above, the water sampling system may operate at the mean desorption temperature and mean condensation temperature with respect to the system and may be configured to (i) achieve the lowest energy per liter of water produced using one or more adsorbents, or (ii) maintain the desorption temperature sufficiently high to sustain a target desorption rate, or a combination thereof.

[0008] Another broad object of the present invention may be a method for extracting water from ambient air, comprising using any one or a combination of the atmospheric water extraction systems described herein. In particular embodiments, the method comprises: a) drawing ambient air into at least one adsorbent module which may be positioned within an adsorption unit, the at least one adsorbent module adsorbing water from the ambient air; b) transferring at least one adsorbent module to a desorption chamber, which may be achieved using a transfer mechanism to move the adsorbent module from the adsorption unit to a desorption chamber once the at least one adsorbent module is at least partially saturated or saturated to a target level of water and / or adsorption rate; and c) at least one adsorbent module which may be positioned within the desorption chamber. The method includes: d) blowing air or an air / water mixture across the high-temperature side of the heat pump through one adsorbent module to facilitate water desorption; e) optionally repeating steps c) and d) until the adsorbed water in at least one adsorbent module in the desorption chamber is depleted; and f) transferring at least one adsorbent module from the desorption chamber after desorption, which may be coordinated using a transfer mechanism to move the adsorbent module from the desorption chamber to an adsorption unit. In the specific modifications described above, the method is carried out at the average desorption temperature or average condensation temperature or a combination thereof with respect to the water sampling system, and can (i) achieve the lowest energy per liter of water produced using one or more adsorbents, or (ii) maintain the desorption temperature sufficiently high to sustain the target desorption rate, and a combination thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] This application can be best understood by referring to the following description, which is considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures contained herein.

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an exemplary heat pump-based water extraction system.

[0011] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary heat pump-based water extraction system including a rotating carousel configured to continuously move a fully saturated MOF module into the desorption chamber of the desorption / condensation unit for desorption.

[0012] [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 depicts another exemplary heat pump-based water extraction system including a multi-axis robotic arm configured to switch the MOF module between the adsorption rack and the desorption chamber.

[0013] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary schematic diagram regarding the thermal coupling between the "condenser" high-temperature side heat exchanger and the MOF module within the desorption chamber.

[0014] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary schematic diagram regarding water vapor condensation and liquid water collection.

[0015] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 depicts a part of an exemplary heat pump-based water extraction system where values of the temperature, humidity, and velocity of the circulating air are measured.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] (MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION) The following description provides illustrative examples of a heat pump-based water extraction system (1), a method for constructing a heat pump-based water extraction system (also referred to as the "System"), and a method for using a heat pump-based water extraction system. However, it should be recognized that the examples of the heat pump-based water extraction system (1) provided in the description are not intended to limit the scope or scope of the description, but rather to provide sufficient examples for those skilled in the art to construct and use the full scope and scope of the invention.

[0017] Referring primarily to Figures 1-5, what is provided is an adsorbent-based water extraction system (1) comprising a heat pump (2) for effectively recovering condensation energy and using it for desorption. In some aspects, what is provided is a method of using any of the adsorbent-based water extraction systems (1) described herein. In some embodiments, the system (1) comprises an adsorption unit (3), such as an adsorption rack, holding one or more adsorbent modules (4) containing at least one adsorbent material (5). Air (6) can flow across one or more adsorbent modules (4), leading to the adsorption of water (7) from the surrounding air (6) by the adsorbent material (5) therein. The system (1) comprises a transfer mechanism (8), which in certain embodiments may be a carousel (8a) (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2A) or a robotic arm (8b) (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2B). Once one or more of the adsorbent modules (4) reach a target level and / or target adsorption rate, the transfer mechanism (8) can move one or more adsorbent modules (4) containing adsorbed water from the adsorption unit (3) to the desorption chamber (9) of the system (1). In some embodiments, the desorption chamber (9) includes a recirculation fan (10) that blows air or an air / water mixture (11) across the high-temperature side (12) of the heat pump (2) through one or more adsorbent modules (4) to facilitate desorption. Once the target water concentration is achieved in the desorption chamber (9), in certain embodiments, the system (1) can turn on a desorption-condenser recirculation fan (13) located in the desorption chamber (9) to transfer high-temperature steam (14) from the desorption chamber (9) to the low-temperature side (15) of the heat pump (2) which is contained in or positioned in close proximity to the condensation chamber (16). In some variations, the optimal average desorption temperature and / or average condensation temperature for system (1) can be configured to achieve the lowest energy per liter of water (7) produced using the adsorbent material (5), and the desorption temperature can be kept sufficiently high to sustain the target desorption rate.In response to the depletion of adsorbent modules (4), the transfer mechanism (8) can remove one or more adsorbent modules (4) from the desorption chamber (9) and install one or more adsorbent modules (4) to return to the adsorption unit (3). Embodiments of the adsorbent-based water sampling system (1) can achieve increased water adsorption as well as continuous desorption and condensation at high temperatures.

[0018] In certain embodiments, as depicted in Figure 2A, the exemplary system (1) utilizes a carousel (8a) for rotating one or more adsorbent modules (4). While one or more adsorbent modules (4) are being detached, the remaining adsorbent modules (4) may be in an adsorption phase exposed to high-humidity ambient air (6). In certain embodiments, as depicted in Figure 2B, a robotic arm (8b) is used to transfer one or more adsorbent modules (4) from the adsorption rack (17) to the detachment chamber (9). Referring again to Figure 1, in certain embodiments, the heat pump (2) includes a heat exchanger (18) having a high-temperature side (12) and a low-temperature side (15). In some variations, the heat pump (2) may include a compressor (19), an expansion valve (20), a main “condenser” or high-temperature side heat exchanger (21), a secondary high-temperature side heat exchanger (22), an “evaporator” or low-temperature side heat exchanger (23), and other control components designed to operate at high temperatures. For example, in certain embodiments, the “condenser” or high-temperature side (21) of the heat exchanger may be set to operate at temperatures in the range of about 90°C to about 160°C, and the “evaporator” or low-temperature side heat exchanger (23) may be set to operate at temperatures in the range of about 40°C to about 95°C.

[0019] Referring again to Figure 1, the high-temperature side (21) of the “condenser” or heat exchanger in the desorption chamber (9) and the “evaporator” or low-temperature side heat exchanger (23) in the condensing chamber (16) are coupled to heat sinks (24a, 24b), respectively, and can provide substantially constant or constant temperature operation as the adsorbent module (4) moves in and out of the desorption chamber (9). The heat sinks (24a, 24b) in both the desorption chamber (9) and the condensing chamber (16) may be metal blocks or any other material with high thermal mass. This may also be liquid water (7) in the condensing chamber (16).

[0020] The performance of the heat pump (2) in system (1) can generally be modeled by the following equation.

number

[0021] In one embodiment, the system (1) and the method of using the system (1) can be designed to ensure effective thermal coupling between the high-temperature side heat exchanger (21) and the adsorbent module (4) to be desorbed. The high-temperature steam (14) generated during desorption can be directed to a condensation chamber (16) containing an "evaporator" or low-temperature side heat exchanger (23) where the steam can be condensed into water (6). The liquid water (6) can then be collected in a water tank (25). The remaining saturated, relatively low-temperature steam (7b) can be recirculated back into the desorption chamber (9) to avoid excessive water loss in the environment.

[0022] In some variations, the system (1) may further include a computer (26) coupled to one or more ambient air temperature sensors (27) and / or ambient air humidity sensors (28) located outside the detachable chamber (9) and condensing chamber (16), which are adapted or configured to measure the ambient air temperature and / or ambient air humidity of the environment surrounding the system (1). The computer (26) may be individually coupled to one or more temperature sensors (29a, 29b) and / or one or more humidity sensors (30a, 30b) and / or one or more airflow sensors (31a, 31b) which may be individually located inside the detachable chamber (9) and / or condensing chamber (16) to measure the individual detachable chamber temperature and / or humidity and / or condensing chamber temperature and / or humidity. Temperature and / or humidity measurements based on readings from the detachable chamber and condensing chamber sensors (29a, 29b, 30a, 30b), as well as ambient temperature and / or humidity measurements based on readings from the ambient temperature and humidity sensors (27, 28), can be used to adjust the operating parameters of the system (1) under the control of a computer (26) implementing a water sampling algorithm (31), for example, to modify the performance of the system (1) in terms of energy use, water generation, and heat pump operation.

[0023] Any suitable adsorbent material (5) can be used in embodiments of the systems (1) and methods described herein. In certain embodiments, the adsorbent material (5) may include one or more metal-organic frameworks ("MOFs"). Generally, MOFs provide unique properties desirable for extracting water (7) from air (6). 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 may be characterized by high water absorption and step-like properties with respect to water absorption with respect to relative humidity ("RH"). In some modifications, the suitable adsorbent material (5), including MOFs, has such isothermic steps that can be tuned to various climates. See, for example, WO2020112899. The isotherm step is typically a weak function of temperature resulting from hydrogen bonding between the inside of MOF pores and water molecules. The step isotherm allows for water capture and release by MOFs over a very narrow range of relative humidity (approximately 3–5% RH).

[0024] In some variations, the MOF is Al(OH)(HPDC) with HPDC being 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate, CAU-10 is Al(OH)(IPA) with IPA being isophthalic acid, MOF-801 is Zr6O4(OH)4(fumaric acid)6, MOF-841 is Zr6O4(OH)4(MTB)6(HCOO)4(H2O)2, aluminum fumarate, i.e., Al(OH)(fumaric acid), MIL-160 is Al(OH)(FDA) with FDA being 2,5-fransilocarboxylate, MIL-53 is Al(OH)(TPA) with TPA being terephthalic acid, or aluminum phosphate, i.e., AlPO4-LTA. In some modifications, the MOF has pore sizes in the range of about 0.5 nm to about 1 nm or about 0.7 nm to about 0.9 nm. In some modifications, the MOF has a hydrophilic pore structure. In some modifications, the MOF has a hydrophilic pore structure consisting of acid and / or amine functional groups. In some modifications, the MOF has one-dimensional channels that enable reversible water adsorption. Any combination of the MOFs described herein, or other MOFs, or water-adsorbing / desorbing adsorbents may also be used. In some embodiments, the MOF can be mixed with a binder to improve its properties for adhesion to a substrate or support.

[0025] In other modifications, other adsorbents (5) having the high water absorption capacity and isothermal step described above may be used in the systems and methods described herein. Other suitable adsorbents (5) may include, for example, certain molecular sieves (one example being the microporous zeolite SAPO-34 (CAS number 1318-02-1)) and certain zeolites having the properties described above.

[0026] In the adsorbent material (5) (including the MOF described above), the water desorption rate and the value of the saturation vapor pressure in the air increase exponentially with temperature. On the other hand, the specific desorption energy decreases with temperature. All three of these factors are advantageous for the design of the desorption process at high temperatures. However, higher desorption temperatures are subject to higher sensible heat penalties from the adsorbent material (5), the water (7) inside the adsorbent material (5), the support structure, the recirculating air (7), and the water vapor. The condensation temperature needs to be below the dew point of the desorbed high-temperature water vapor (14). Although more water (7) can be condensed in a single pass through the low-temperature side heat exchanger (23) with a lower condensation temperature, the COP value of the heat pump decreases with the increase of T h -T c increase and the decrease of T c As a result, the desorption and condensation temperatures for the water extraction system (1) can be adjusted to achieve the minimum energy per liter of water produced using a given adsorbent material (5).

[0027] Referring again mainly to Figure 2A, another embodiment of the system (1) is depicted in which a rotating carousel (8a) continuously moves a fully saturated MOF-containing adsorbent module (4) into the desorption chamber (9) for desorption. Once the MOF adsorbent module (4) moves into the desorption chamber (9), it is heated and releases water (7) as high-temperature water vapor (14). At the same time, other MOF adsorbent modules (4) can be exposed to the high-humidity air (6) blown across them and initiate adsorption. Upon completion of desorption, a motor (32) with position control rotates the carousel (8a), moves the desorbed adsorbent module or MOF adsorbent module (4) out of the desorption chamber (9), and allows the saturated MOF adsorbent module (4) to enter the desorption chamber (9).

[0028] Referring to Figure 2B, another embodiment of system (1) is depicted in which a multi-axis robotic arm (8b) (or other automation mechanism) handles the switching of MOF adsorbent modules (4) between the adsorption rack (17) and the desorption chamber (9). As soon as the MOF adsorbent module (4) is sufficiently desorbed in the desorption chamber (9), it can be removed by the robotic arm (8b) and placed back into the adsorption rack (17). A new, fully adsorbed MOF adsorbent module (4) can be loaded by the robotic arm (8b) and placed back into the desorption chamber (9). A computer and water sampling algorithm (31) can be used to track the desorption and adsorption status of each module.

[0029] Referring primarily to Figure 3, the schematic diagram illustrates the thermal coupling between the “condenser” high-temperature heat exchanger (21) and the MOF adsorbent module (4) within the desorption chamber (9). The desorption chamber (9) is thermally isolated from the environment using an insulating wall (32). When the sufficiently adsorbed MOF adsorbent module (4) is placed inside the desorption chamber (9), the recirculation fan (10) blows air (6) across the high-temperature heat exchanger (21) to raise its temperature. This air (6), heated by being blown across the high-temperature heat exchanger (21), can then be blown across the MOF adsorbent module (4) to raise its temperature and release the adsorbed water (7). A portion of the high-temperature steam (14) released from the MOF adsorbent module (4) can then be circulated by a recirculation fan (10) to return to the high-temperature side main heat exchanger (21) in order to continue raising the temperature of at least one MOF adsorbent material (5) to a desired operating desorption temperature. A portion of the high-temperature steam (14) from the MOF adsorbent module (4) can be directed to a condensation chamber (16) for condensation. Depending on the steam conditions (RH and temperature values) at the outlet of the MOF adsorbent module (4), the recirculation and desorption rates can be adjusted using a variable-speed recirculation fan (10) airflow using a predetermined algorithm (31). The goal is to achieve a constant energy load on the heat exchanger and maintain a high water content in the steam for a more efficient condensation yield. The thermal coupling between the high-temperature side heat exchanger (21) and the MOF adsorbent module (4) can also be improved by physical contact between the heat exchanger and the MOF adsorbent module (4).

[0030] Figures 2A, 2B, and 3 illustrate specific embodiments of the MOF adsorbent module (4) in system (1), but it should be understood that other suitable adsorbent modules (4) may also be used in other modifications of system (1) described herein.

[0031] Here, refer to Figure 4, which primarily depicts an illustrative schematic diagram relating to steam (14) condensation and liquid water (7) collection. In such embodiments, the condensation chamber (16) can be enclosed within a thermally insulated wall (32) (or other form of condensation chamber insulation). Hot steam (14) can be piped from the desorption chamber (9) and passed through the “evaporator” low-temperature side heat exchanger (23) to allow the hot steam (14) to cool and reach the dew point, thereby enabling water (7) to condense. Exhaust carries the cooler air / water mixture (11) back into the desorption chamber (9). A heat sink (24b) can be thermally coupled to the low-temperature side heat exchanger (23) to maintain a desired operating temperature for water condensation. Liquid water (7) can drip from the fins of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (23) and be collected in a lower water collection tank (25). A desorption-condenser recirculation fan (13) can be used to control and recirculate high-temperature steam (14) and the cooler air / water mixture (11) to be exhausted between the desorption chamber (9) and the condensation chamber (16).

[0032] Herein, we refer to Figure 5, which depicts components of an illustrative embodiment of a particular embodiment of system (1), in which values ​​of circulating air temperature, humidity, and velocity can be measured, primarily as described above. The temperatures of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (21) and the low-temperature side heat exchanger (23) can also be measured. Based on these measurements, the computer (26) can assess the energy load for each heat exchanger (21, 22, 23) by running a water sampling algorithm (31). In some modifications, the computer (26) in system (1) may be programmed to adjust the airflow rate by changing the fan speed of the recirculation fans (10, 13) to maintain a nearly constant energy load for each heat exchanger (21, 22, or 23) contained within system (1) and to achieve a desired temperature for the desorption and condensation processes.

[0033] Compressor power input

number

number

number

number

[0034] The compressor work input is constant, based on the compressor design and operating conditions. In some modifications, the system is configured to regenerate most of the condensation heat recovered for desorption, as follows:

number

[0035] Therefore, the energy load of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (21) is equal to that of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (23). Some of the power input can be dissipated into the environment by the secondary high-temperature side heat exchanger (22).

[0036] The configuration of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (21) can be modeled by considering the energy "gain" resulting from the inflow and outflow airflow, which should be equal to the energy dissipated by the high-temperature side heat exchanger.

number

number

number

number

[0037] The energy equilibrium for the secondary high-temperature heat exchanger (22) can be expressed as follows:

number

[0038] Both the sensible and latent heat portions of the energy load in the low-temperature heat exchanger must be taken into consideration for the condensation process.

number

number

number

number

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[0039] In some variations, system (1) adjusts the desorption-condensation-recirculation fan (13) speed to maintain a constant energy load on the low-temperature side heat exchanger (23) as the temperature and humidity values ​​of the incoming and outgoing air / water vapor mixture change.

[0040] Referring again, primarily to Figure 5, a method using a particular embodiment of the present invention involves drawing ambient air (6) into at least one adsorbent module (4) located within an adsorption unit (3), the at least one adsorbent module (4) adsorbing water (7) from the ambient air (6), and once the at least one adsorbent module (4) is saturated with a target level of water (7) and / or adsorption rate, a transfer mechanism (8, 8a, 8b) is used to move the at least one adsorbent module (4) into the adsorption unit (3). This method may include transferring the air / water mixture (11) from the adsorbent module (4) to the desorption chamber (9), moving the air / water mixture (11) across the high-temperature side (12) of the heat pump (2) through at least one adsorbent module (4) located in the desorption chamber (9) to promote water desorption, optionally repeating this method until the adsorbed water in at least one adsorbent module (4) in the desorption chamber (9) is depleted, and using a transfer mechanism to transfer at least one adsorbent module in the desorption chamber after desorption to an adsorption unit.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the method may further include (i) performing the method at the average desorption temperature and average condensation temperature of the system in order to (i) achieve the lowest energy per liter of water produced using one or more adsorbents, and (ii) maintain the desorption temperature sufficiently high to sustain the target desorption rate.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the method may further include one or more of the following: transferring high-temperature steam (14) from a desorption chamber (9) to the low-temperature side (15) of a heat pump (2); condensing water from the high-temperature steam; and collecting the water condensed from the high-temperature steam.

[0043] (Examples) The subject matter disclosed herein will be better understood by referring to the following examples, which are provided not as limitations but as illustrative embodiments of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] (Example 1) (Desorption and condensation temperatures) The example describes the desorption and condensation temperatures used in a water sampling system (1). The model used an iterative procedure. First, the model set the initial desorption and condensation temperatures of system (1). Based on the isotherm step of the adsorbent, the absolute humidity in the desorption chamber was known at a given desorption temperature. The condensation yield can be calculated for a given condensation temperature, given that the relative humidity and temperature of the water vapor in the desorption chamber are known. The efficiency of the heat pump (2) can be calculated using equation 2, assuming f=0.6, and consequently, the working input is calculated using equation 1. In addition to desorption and condensation energy, the model further considered the sensible heat values ​​required to heat the adsorbent, the water inside the adsorbent, the air, and the steam. The model also considered the temperature of the recycled water vapor (11) and the specified total water sampling yield of the system. Thus, the system energy consumption per liter of water (7) sampled was approximated as a function of the desorption and condensation temperatures using a given MOF adsorbent material (5). The operating conditions can be obtained by varying two variables (desorption and condensation temperatures). See Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0045] Table 1 shows the desorption and condensation temperatures for three types of MOF adsorbent materials (5). A water harvester containing a dry type MOF with an isotherm step of 20% relative humidity (RH) at 25°C can operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 136°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 90°C. A medium MOF with an isotherm step of 40% RH requires desorption and condensation temperatures of approximately 117°C and approximately 91°C, respectively, while a high humidity MOF with an isotherm step of 60% RH requires desorption and condensation temperatures of approximately 107°C and approximately 92°C, respectively.

[0046] Table 1 shows that the use of a high-temperature heat pump (2) may be required to achieve the minimum energy consumption per liter of harvester water (7), assuming that the high-temperature heat pump operates at approximately 90°C to 160°C with respect to the high-temperature side heat exchanger (21) and at approximately 40°C to 95°C with respect to the low-temperature side heat exchanger (23).

[0047] As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in various ways. The present invention includes a number of various embodiments of a water sampling system (1) and methods for constructing and using such a water sampling system, including a best mode.

[0048] Accordingly, any specific embodiments or elements of the Invention disclosed in the description or shown in any accompanying figures or tables are not intended to be limiting, but rather to be illustrative examples of equivalents encompassed with respect to the numerous and diverse embodiments or any particular element of the Invention that are generally covered by the Invention. In addition, a specific description of a single embodiment or element of the Invention may not explicitly describe all possible embodiments or elements, and many alternatives are implicitly disclosed in the description and figures.

[0049] It should be understood that each element of the apparatus or each step of the method may be described by apparatus terminology or method terminology. Such terms may be substituted, where desired, to explicitly express the implicitly broad scope enjoyed by the invention. It should be understood that, in one embodiment, all steps of the method may be disclosed as an action, means for performing that action, or an element that causes that action. Similarly, each element of the apparatus may be disclosed as a physical element or an action facilitated by that physical element. In one embodiment, the disclosure of “water harvester” should be understood to encompass the disclosure of the act of “water extraction,” whether or not it is explicitly discussed, and conversely, if a disclosure of the act of “water extraction” exists, such disclosure should be understood to encompass the disclosure of “water harvester” and even “means for water extraction.” Such alternative terms for each element or step should be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

[0050] Furthermore, with respect to each term used, it should be understood that, insofar as its use in this application does not contradict such interpretation, the definitions in general dictionaries should be understood to be as being included in the descriptions of each term as found in Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition (each definition incorporated herein by reference).

[0051] All numerical values ​​in this specification, whether expressly indicated or not, are assumed to be modified by the term “about.” For the purposes of the present invention, a range may be expressed as “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes one particular value to another particular value. An enumeration of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numerical values ​​that are contained within that range. The numerical range from 1 to 5 includes, for example, the numerical values ​​1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. It should be further understood that each endpoint of a range is significant both in relation to and independently of the other endpoints. When a value is expressed as an approximation by the use of the antecedent “about,” it should be understood that a particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numerical values ​​that a person skilled in the art would consider to be equivalent to, or having the same function or result as, the numerical values ​​listed. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means, broadly but not entirely, the same form, style, or degree, and that a particular element will have a range of configurations that a person skilled in the art would consider to have the same function or result. When a particular element is represented as an approximation by the use of the antecedent “substantially,” it should be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

[0052] Furthermore, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of those entities, unless otherwise specified. Accordingly, the terms "a" or "an," "one or more," and "at least one" can be used synonymously herein.

[0053] Furthermore, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "combined" or its derivatives may mean, depending on the embodiment, to be indirectly combined, combined, directly combined, connected, directly connected, or integrated.

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

[0055] Accordingly, it should be understood that the applicant requests at least i) each of the water harvesters disclosed and described herein, ii) related methods disclosed and described herein, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implied modifications of each of these devices and methods, iv) alternative embodiments thereof performing each of the functions shown, disclosed or described herein, v) alternative designs and methods thereof performing each of the functions shown, such that it is implied that they perform what is disclosed and described herein, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as a separate and independent invention, vii) applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed herein, viiii) resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatus substantially as described herein and described with reference to any of the accompanying examples, and x) various combinations and arrangements of each of the aforementioned elements disclosed herein.

[0056] The Background section of this patent application provides, where applicable, terminology of the field to which the invention relates. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrases of the subject matter of a certain U.S. patent, patent application, publication, or claimed invention that are useful in relating information, issues, or concerns about the technical context in which the invention is derived. No U.S. patent, patent application, publication, terminology, or other information referenced or incorporated herein is intended to be read, interpreted, or deemed to be prior art relating to the invention.

[0057] The claims described herein, where applicable, are incorporated herein by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all or part of the incorporated content of such claims as additional description supporting any or all of any elements or components of the claims or any elements or components thereof, and the applicant may, as needed, move any part or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any elements or components thereof from the description to the claims (or vice versa), and expressly reserves the right to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or any subsequent application or continuation, division or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of any national or treaty patent law, rule or regulation, reduction of fees thereunder, or to comply with them, and such incorporated content by reference shall survive throughout the entire pendency of this application, including any subsequent continuation, division or continuation-in-part application or any reissue or extension thereof. Elements following non-restrictive transitional phrases such as "equipped with" may, in alternative terms, be claimed using restrictive transitional phrases such as "essentially consisting of" or "consisting of," whether or not they are explicitly indicated in the descriptive portion of this specification.

[0058] In addition, the claims described herein are intended, where applicable, to further illustrate the allocation and boundaries of a limited number of preferred embodiments of the Invention and are not to be construed as the most broad embodiments of the Invention or a complete enumeration of claimed embodiments of the Invention. The applicant does not waive any right to develop any further claims based on the above description as part of any continuation, division, or continuation application or similar application.

[0059] (Item 1) An atmospheric water sampling system, A heat pump comprising a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger has a high-temperature side and a low-temperature side. An adsorption unit comprising at least one adsorbent module, wherein the at least one adsorbent module contains one or more adsorbents, and the adsorption unit is physically separated from the heat pump, A detachable chamber connected to or positioned in close proximity to the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger, wherein the detachable chamber is configured to operate at the average detachable temperature, (i) a transfer mechanism configured to transfer an adsorbent module, at least partially saturated with water, from the adsorption unit into the desorption chamber, and (ii) a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the adsorbent module, at least partially desorbed within the desorption chamber, back to the adsorption unit. A condensing chamber, which encloses or is positioned in close proximity to the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger, wherein the condensing chamber is configured to operate at the mean condensation temperature, and Equipped with, An atmospheric water sampling system, wherein the system operates at the above average desorption temperature and the above average condensation temperature and is configured to (i) achieve the lowest energy per liter of water produced using the above one or more adsorbents and (ii) maintain the desorption temperature sufficiently high to sustain the target desorption rate. (Item 2) (i) transferring heat from the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger to the adsorbent module located in the desorption chamber, and (ii) further comprising at least one recirculation fan associated with the desorption chamber to drive desorption and bring about a higher concentration of water vapor in the desorption chamber, the system according to item 1. (Item 3) The system according to either item 1 or 2, further comprising (i) transferring high-temperature steam from the desorption chamber to the condensing chamber, and (ii) at least one desorption-condenser recirculation fan associated with the desorption chamber to recirculate any remaining moisture in the condensing chamber back into the desorption chamber. (Item 4) The above transfer mechanism is a system according to either item 1 or 2, comprising a rotating carousel or a robotic arm. (Item 5) The above heat pump system further comprises a secondary high-temperature side heat exchanger, as described in item 1 or 2. (Item 6) The above heat pump system further comprises one or more control components, as described in either item 1 or 2. (Item 7) The above system further comprises a water collection tank, as described in item 1 or 2. (Item 8) The system according to item 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the adsorbent modules contains at least one metal-organic skeleton. (Item 9) The system according to item 8, wherein the above-mentioned metal-organic framework has an isotherm step of about 20% relative humidity at about 25°C. (Item 10) The above system is the system described in item 9, configured to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 130°C to approximately 140°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C. (Item 11) The system according to item 8, wherein at least one of the above metal-organic skeletons has an isotherm step of about 40% relative humidity at about 25°C. (Item 12) The system described in item 11 is configured to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 115°C to approximately 125°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C. (Item 13) The system according to item 7, wherein at least one of the metal-organic frameworks has an isotherm step of about 60% relative humidity at about 25°C. (Item 14) The system described in item 13 is configured to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 100°C to approximately 110°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C. (Item 15) The system according to either item 1 or 2, further comprising an adsorption chiller connected to or positioned in close proximity to a water collection tank, configured to recover sensible heat from hot water and cool the surrounding air. (Item 16) A method for creating an atmospheric water sampling system, To provide a heat pump including a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger has a high-temperature side and a low-temperature side. This involves arranging a physically separate adsorption unit from the heat pump system, wherein the adsorption unit includes at least one adsorbent module, and the at least one adsorbent module contains one or more adsorbents. The decompression chamber is connected to the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger, or positioned in close proximity to it, and the decompression chamber is configured to operate at the average decompression temperature. (i) The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer an adsorbent module, at least partially saturated with water, from the adsorption unit into the desorption chamber, and (ii) the adsorbent module, at least partially desorbed within the desorption chamber, back to the adsorption unit. The condensation chamber is enclosed within the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger, or positioned in close proximity to it, and the condensation chamber is configured to operate at the mean condensation temperature. Includes, A method comprising the above system, which operates at the above average desorption temperature and the above average condensation temperature relating to the above system, and is configured to (i) achieve the lowest energy per liter of water produced using the above one or more adsorbents, and (ii) maintain the desorption temperature sufficiently high to sustain the target desorption rate. (Item 17) The method according to item 16, further comprising (i) transferring heat from the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger to the adsorbent module located in the desorption chamber, and (ii) configuring at least one recirculation fan associated with the desorption chamber to drive desorption and bring about a higher concentration of water vapor in the desorption chamber. (Item 18) The method according to any one of items 16 or 17, further comprising (i) providing hot steam from the desorption chamber to the condensing chamber, and (ii) recirculating at least one desorption-condenser recirculation fan associated with the desorption chamber so as to return any remaining moisture in the condensing chamber back into the desorption chamber. (Item 19) The method according to either item 16 or 17, further comprising configuring the transfer mechanism as a rotating carousel or a robotic arm. (Item 20) The method according to either item 16 or 17, further comprising providing a secondary high-temperature side heat exchanger within the heat pump described above. (Item 21) The method according to either item 16 or 17, further comprising connecting one or more control components to the heat pump system described above. (Item 22) The method according to any one of item 16 or 17, further comprising coupling a water collection tank to the collection chamber described above. (Item 23) The method according to any one of item 16 or 17, further comprising containing at least one metal-organic skeleton in at least one of the adsorbent modules described above. (Item 24) The method according to item 23, wherein the above-mentioned metal-organic skeleton has an isotherm step of about 20% relative humidity at about 25°C. (Item 25) The method according to item 24, further comprising configuring the system to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 130°C to approximately 140°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C. (Item 26) The method according to item 23, wherein the above-mentioned metal-organic skeleton has an isotherm step of about 40% relative humidity at about 25°C. (Item 27) The method according to item 26, further comprising configuring the system to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 115°C to approximately 125°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C. (Item 28) The method according to item 22, wherein the above-mentioned metal-organic skeleton has an isotherm step of about 60% relative humidity at about 25°C. (Item 29) The method according to item 28, wherein the system is configured to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 100°C to approximately 110°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C. (Item 30) The method according to any one of items 16 or 17, further comprising connecting an adsorption chiller to a water collection tank or positioning the adsorption chiller in close proximity thereto, wherein the adsorption chiller is configured to recover sensible heat from hot water and cool the surrounding air. (Item 31) A method for collecting water from the surrounding air using an atmospheric water sampling system, The method involves drawing ambient air into at least one adsorbent module located within the adsorption unit, wherein the at least one adsorbent module adsorbs water from the ambient air. Once the at least one adsorbent module is saturated with water and / or adsorption to a target level, the transfer mechanism is used to transfer the at least one adsorbent module from the adsorption unit to the desorption chamber. To facilitate water desorption, the air / water mixture is moved across the high-temperature side of the heat pump through the at least one adsorbent module located within the desorption chamber, Once the decompression chamber reaches the target water concentration, it transfers high-temperature steam from the decompression chamber to the low-temperature side of the heat pump. The above method may be repeated as needed until the adsorbed water in at least one adsorbent module within the above-mentioned detachment chamber is depleted. Methods that include... (Item 32) The method according to item 31, further comprising using the transfer mechanism described above to transfer the at least one adsorbent module in the detachment chamber after detachment to the adsorption unit. (Item 33) The method according to item 32, further comprising (i) achieving the lowest energy per liter of water produced using one or more of the above adsorbents, and (ii) carrying out the method at the average desorption temperature and average condensation temperature of the system in order to maintain a sufficiently high desorption temperature to sustain the target desorption rate. (Item 34) The method according to item 33, further comprising moving high-temperature steam across the low-temperature side of the heat pump and condensing water from the high-temperature steam. (Item 35) The method according to item 34, further comprising collecting the water condensed from the high-temperature steam described above. (Item 36) An atmospheric water sampling system, A heat pump having a high-temperature side and a low-temperature side, An adsorption unit comprising at least one adsorbent module containing one or more adsorbents, wherein the adsorption unit is physically separated from the heat pump, A detachable chamber connected to, or positioned in close proximity to, the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger, A condensation chamber, which encloses or is positioned in close proximity to the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger, (i) a transfer mechanism configured to transfer an adsorbent module, at least partially saturated with water, from the adsorption unit into the desorption chamber, and (ii) a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the adsorbent module, at least partially desorbed within the desorption chamber, back to the adsorption unit. An atmospheric water sampling system equipped with the following features. (Item 37) The system according to item 36, wherein the desorption chamber, connected to or positioned in close proximity to the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger, transfers heat from the high-temperature side of the heat pump to the adsorbent module located within the desorption chamber, thereby desorbing water vapor from one or more adsorbents. (Item 38) The system according to item 37, wherein the condensation chamber, which encloses or is positioned in close proximity to the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger, condenses water from the desorbed water vapor from the one or more adsorbents. (Item 39) The above-mentioned detachment chamber is configured to operate at the average detachment temperature, as described in item 37. (Item 40) The condensation chamber described above is configured to operate at the mean condensation temperature, as described in item 39. (Item 41) The above average desorption temperature is maintained at a sufficiently high desorption temperature to sustain the target desorption rate of water vapor from the one or more adsorbents, as described in item 39 or 40 of the system. (Item 42) The system described in item 41, which operates at the above average desorption temperature and the above average condensation temperature, and is configured to (i) achieve the lowest energy per liter of water produced using the above one or more adsorbents. (Item 43) The system described in item 41, which operates at the above average desorption temperature and the above average condensation temperature, and is configured to (i) achieve the lowest energy per liter of water produced using the above one or more adsorbents, and (ii) maintain the desorption temperature sufficiently high to sustain the target desorption rate. (Item 44) The system according to item 38, further comprising at least one recirculation fan associated with the desorption chamber to drive the desorption of water vapor from one or more adsorbents and to bring about a higher concentration of water vapor in the desorption chamber. (Item 45) The system according to item 44, further comprising (i) transferring high-temperature steam from the desorption chamber to the condensing chamber, and (ii) at least one desorption-condenser recirculation fan associated with the desorption chamber to recirculate any remaining moisture in the condensing chamber back into the desorption chamber. (Item 46) The system according to item 36, wherein at least one of the adsorbent modules contains at least one metal-organic skeleton. (Item 47) The system according to item 46, wherein at least one of the metal-organic skeletons has an isotherm step of about 20% relative humidity at about 25°C. (Item 48) The above system is configured to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 130°C to approximately 140°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C, as described in item 47. (Item 49) The system according to item 46, wherein at least one of the metal-organic skeletons has an isotherm step of about 40% relative humidity at about 25°C. (Item 50) The system described in item 49 is configured to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 115°C to approximately 125°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C. (Item 51) The system according to item 46, wherein at least one of the metal-organic skeletons has an isotherm step of about 60% relative humidity at about 25°C. (Item 52) The system described in item 51 is configured to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 100°C to approximately 110°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C. (Item 53) The above transfer mechanism is the system described in item 36, comprising a rotating carousel or a robotic arm. (Item 54) The system described above further comprises a water collection tank positioned adjacent to the condensation chamber, as described in item 36. (Item 55) The system according to item 36, further comprising a computer coupled to one or more ambient air sensors or one or more ambient air humidity sensors located outside the above-mentioned detachable chamber, wherein the computer is configured to measure the ambient air temperature or ambient air humidity of the environment surrounding the system, and combinations thereof. (Item 56) The system as described in item 55, wherein the computer is further coupled to one or more temperature sensors, or one or more humidity sensors, or one or more airflow sensors located inside the detachable chamber, and the computer is configured to measure the air temperature, or air humidity, or airflow, or a combination thereof, inside the detachable chamber. (Item 57) The system as described in item 56, wherein the computer is further coupled to one or more temperature sensors, or one or more humidity sensors, or one or more airflow sensors located inside the condensing chamber, and the computer is configured to measure the air temperature, or air humidity, or airflow, or a combination thereof, inside the condensing chamber. (Item 58) The above computer further, i) One or more measured values ​​of the air temperature and air humidity inside the above-mentioned detachable chamber and the above-mentioned condensing chamber, ii) One or more measured values ​​of the above ambient air temperature and ambient air humidity and The system described in item 57, which includes a water sampling algorithm that can be used to adjust the operating parameters of the above system based on the above.

Claims

1. A system for collecting water from the atmosphere, A heat pump including a heat exchanger having a high-temperature side and a low-temperature side, An adsorption unit comprising at least one adsorbent module containing one or more adsorbents, wherein the adsorption unit is physically separated from the heat pump, A detachable chamber connected to the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger, or positioned in close proximity to the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger, A condensation chamber connected to the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger, or positioned in close proximity to the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger, A transfer mechanism configured to (i) transfer an adsorbent module, at least partially saturated with water, from the adsorption unit into the desorption chamber, and (ii) transfer the adsorbent module, at least partially desorbed within the desorption chamber, back to the adsorption unit. A system equipped with these features.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the desorption chamber, which is connected to the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger or positioned in close proximity to the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger, desorbs water vapor from one or more adsorbents by transferring heat from the high-temperature side of the heat pump to the adsorbent module located in the desorption chamber.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the condensation chamber, which is connected to the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger or positioned in close proximity to the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger, condenses water from the water vapor desorbed from the one or more adsorbents.

4. The system according to claim 3, further comprising at least one recirculation fan associated with the desorption chamber to drive the desorption of water vapor from the one or more adsorbents and to bring about a higher concentration of water vapor in the desorption chamber.

5. The system according to claim 4, further comprising at least one desorption-condenser recirculation fan associated with the desorption chamber for (i) transferring high-temperature steam from the desorption chamber to the condensation chamber, and (ii) recirculating any remaining moisture in the condensation chamber back into the desorption chamber.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the adsorbent modules contains at least one metal-organic skeleton.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one metal-organic skeleton has an isotherm step of about 20% relative humidity at about 25°C.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the system is configured to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 130°C to approximately 140°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C.

9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one metal-organic skeleton has an isotherm step of about 40% relative humidity at about 25°C.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the system is configured to operate at a desorption temperature of approximately 115°C to approximately 125°C and a condensation temperature of approximately 85°C to approximately 95°C.

11. The system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one metal-organic skeleton has an isotherm step of about 60% relative humidity at about 25°C.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the system is configured to operate at a desorption temperature of about 100°C to about 110°C and a condensation temperature of about 85°C to about 95°C.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the transfer mechanism comprises a rotating carousel or a robotic arm.

14. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a water collection tank located adjacent to the condensation chamber.

15. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a computer coupled to one or more ambient air sensors or one or more ambient air humidity sensors located outside the detachable chamber, wherein the computer is configured to measure ambient air temperature or ambient air humidity and combinations thereof in the environment surrounding the system.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the computer is further coupled to one or more temperature sensors, or one or more humidity sensors, or one or more airflow sensors located inside the detachable chamber, and the computer is configured to measure the air temperature, or air humidity, or airflow, or a combination thereof, inside the detachable chamber.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the computer is further coupled to one or more temperature sensors, or one or more humidity sensors, or one or more airflow sensors located inside the condensing chamber, and the computer is configured to measure the air temperature, or air humidity, or airflow, or a combination thereof, inside the condensing chamber.

18. The aforementioned computer, i) One or more measured values ​​of the air temperature and air humidity inside the detachable chamber and the condensing chamber, ii) One or more measured values ​​of the ambient air temperature and the ambient air humidity and The system according to claim 17, further comprising a water sampling algorithm that can be performed to adjust the operating parameters of the system based on the above.

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