Atmospheric water harvesting system

Abstract

Generally, atmospheric water harvesters are useful for harvesting water from ambient air. Specifically, the invention relates to a water harvester configured to reduce the sensible heat penalty associated with heating the air volume in the desorption mode of an atmospheric water harvesting system and cooling the air volume in the condensation mode, a method for manufacturing the water harvester, and a method for collecting water in which the contribution of the sensible heat penalty to the total energy cost per liter of water collected using said water harvester is reduced.

Description

Technology Field

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

[0002] Generally, atmospheric water harvesters are useful for harvesting water from the surrounding atmosphere. Specifically, a water harvester configured to reduce the sensible heat penalty associated with heating the air volume in the desorption mode and cooling the air volume in the condensation mode of an atmospheric water harvesting system, a method for manufacturing the water harvester, and a method for collecting water in which the contribution of the sensible heat energy penalty to the total energy cost per liter of water collected using the water harvester is reduced are provided. Background Technology

[0003] Conventionally, a process for harvesting water from ambient air using a water capture material includes a water harvesting cycle comprising three energy-intensive modes: adsorption of water from ambient air onto the water capture material, desorption of water vapor from the water capture material, and condensation of the desorbed water vapor into liquid water. The water adsorption mode can be initiated by flowing ambient air across the desorbed water capture material. Water molecules from the ambient air can be adsorbed onto the water capture material. The water adsorption mode can be terminated when the water capture material is partially or completely saturated with water. Following the adsorption mode, the water desorption mode can be initiated by directly or indirectly heating the partially or completely saturated water capture material to release water vapor. The desorption mode can be terminated when the water capture material is partially or completely saturated with water. The condensation mode can be initiated by cooling the water vapor released from the water capture material. The condensation mode can be terminated when water is partially or completely condensed from the cooled water vapor. Water can be harvested from ambient air through a repetitive cycle of adsorption, desorption, and condensation.

[0004] A water harvesting cycle may include heating a volume of air in a first chamber containing water-collecting material or thermally coupled in a desorption mode, and cooling an equal volume of air in a second chamber in a condensation mode. In a continuous water harvesting cycle, an equal volume of air may be recirculated between the first and second chambers. The reheating and recooling of the air requires a significant portion of energy associated with the efficient cooling of the "desorption-condensation" airflow and the heating of the "condensation-desorption" airflow.

[0005] A water harvesting system or implemented water harvesting cycle configured to reduce or offset penalties arising from the wise cooling of the "desorption-condensation" airflow and / or the heating of the "condensation-desorption" airflow may have a significant advantage in reducing the total energy cost per liter of water produced during one or more water harvesting cycles compared to conventional water harvesting systems.

[0006] The present invention provides a water harvesting system capable of reducing overall energy costs in the water harvesting cycle and / or improving the efficiency of water production during the water harvesting cycle.

[0007] An extensive objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an atmospheric water harvester comprising one or more of the following: a first chamber comprising or coupled with a water-collecting material, wherein the water-collecting material adsorbs water from the surrounding atmosphere in the adsorption mode of the water harvester and the water-collecting material desorbs water vapor in the desorption mode of the water harvester; a heating source thermally coupled to the water-collecting material, wherein the heating source is operable to heat the water-collecting material to desorb the water vapor during the desorption mode of the water harvester; a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber, wherein the water vapor is carried by an airflow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode of the water harvester; a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, wherein the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried by the airflow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water harvester; and an airflow heat exchanger through which the airflow passes to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the airflow heat exchanger may be arranged in a fixed spatial configuration to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber at a heat transfer rate that reduces, substantially reduces, or cancels the sensible heat penalty, or prevents the condensation of water vapor before entering the second chamber, or may be reconfigured during a water harvesting cycle. Certain embodiments may include a controller comprising a processor communically coupled to a non-transient computer-readable memory containing executable computer code to analyze one or more signals from one or more sensors, wherein one or more signals change according to a change in one or more of the airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and the airflow rate of the airflow passing through the airflow heat exchanger, and

[0009] The controller may operate to control one or more of the following based on the analysis of signals from one or more sensors: by controlling the heating source, the cooling source, the configuration of the airflow heat exchanger, and the airflow rate through the airflow heat exchanger, thereby reducing or canceling the sensible heat penalty in the system, or by reducing the total energy expenditure per liter of water generated during one or more water harvesting cycles associated with the cooling of the "desorption-condensation" airflow and / or the heating of the "condensation-desorption" airflow.

[0010] In a specific embodiment, the heat source comprises a first heat exchanger through which a heated fluid circulates, and the first heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid to the water collection material contained in or coupled to the first chamber, and / or the cooling source comprises a second heat exchanger through which a cooled fluid circulates, and the second heat exchanger cools the airflow carrying the water vapor in the second chamber. In a specific embodiment, the heat source may comprise a condenser of a heat pump and / or the cooling source may comprise an evaporator of a heat pump.

[0011] Another broad objective of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a water harvester, comprising the steps of: containing or combining a water collecting material within or in the first chamber, wherein the water collecting material adsorbs water from ambient air in the water adsorption mode of the water harvester and desorbs water vapor in the water desorption mode of the water harvester; thermally combining a heat source to the water collecting material contained in or combined with the first chamber, wherein the heat source is operable to heat the water collecting material to desorb the water vapor during the desorption mode of the water harvester; fluidly combining a second chamber to the first chamber, wherein the water vapor carried in the airflow is recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or condensation mode of the water harvester; and thermally combining a cooling source to the second chamber, wherein the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried in the airflow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water harvester. and fluidly coupling an air flow heat exchanger to the first chamber and the second chamber—the air flow passes through the air flow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber—; comprising

[0012] Another broad objective of the present invention is to provide a method for using a water harvester, comprising the steps of: directing ambient air toward a water harvesting material—wherein the water harvesting material adsorbs water from the ambient air in the water adsorption mode of the water harvester, and wherein the water harvesting material desorbs water vapor from the water harvesting material in the water desorption mode of the water harvester—; operating a heat source thermally coupled to the water harvesting material in the first chamber—wherein the heat source is operable to heat the water harvesting material to desorb water vapor from the water harvesting material during the desorption mode of the water harvester—; and recirculating an airflow carrying water vapor between a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber and the first chamber during the desorption mode of the water harvester; and operating a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber—wherein the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried within the airflow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water harvester—; and includes the step of passing the airflow through an airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber. In a specific embodiment, the method includes the step of configuring or reconfiguring the airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat at a heat transfer rate between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber, such that the heat transfer rate can avoid condensation of water vapor before entering the second chamber and / or reduce or cancel the sensible heat penalty of the system or water harvester associated with cooling of the "desorption-condensation" airflow and / or heating of the "condensation-desorption" airflow, thereby substantially reducing the total energy consumption per liter of water generated during one or more water harvesting cycles.

[0013] In a specific embodiment, the method further comprises the step of operating a controller, wherein the controller comprises a processor communicationly coupled to a non-transient computer-readable memory containing computer code under the control of the processor to analyze the signal changing based on one or more of the air flow temperature, the air flow humidity, and the air flow velocity of the air flow passing through the air flow heat exchanger, thereby preventing the condensation of water vapor before entering the second chamber and reducing or canceling the sensible heat penalty of the system or reducing or canceling the sensible heat penalty associated with the cooling of the "desorption-condensation" airflow and / or the heating of the "condensation-desorption" airflow, thereby reducing the total energy consumption per liter of water produced during one or more water harvesting cycles.

[0014] In a specific embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: operating a heat pump configured to provide a condenser as a heat source to transfer heat from the heated fluid to a water collecting material contained in or thermally coupled thereto in the first chamber; and / or operating a heat pump configured to provide an evaporator as a cooling source to transfer heat from the air flow carrying the water vapor contained in the second chamber.

[0015] Of course, additional objects of the present invention are disclosed throughout the specification, drawings, photographs and other parts of the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block flowchart of a specific embodiment of a water harvesting system and a water harvester. Figure 2 is a block flow diagram of a specific embodiment of an air flow heat exchanger. Figure 3 is a block flow diagram of another specific embodiment of an airflow heat exchanger. Figure 4 is a block flow diagram of another specific embodiment of an air flow heat exchanger. Figure 5 is a block flow diagram of another specific embodiment of an airflow heat exchanger. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a water harvesting system (1) (hereinafter also referred to as the “system”) are illustrated, including specific embodiments of a water harvester (2), a method of manufacturing the water harvester (2), and a method of using the water harvester (2). However, it should be recognized that the water harvesting system (1), the water harvester (2), and the method of manufacturing and using the water harvester (2) provided herein are not intended to limit the breadth or scope of the invention, but are intended to provide examples so that those skilled in the art can fully manufacture and use the invention within its full breadth and scope.

[0018] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, an embodiment of the water harvester (2) may include a first chamber (3) fluidly coupled to a second chamber (4) and defining a flow path (5) through which an air flow (6) can be recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The first chamber (1) may include a water collecting material (7), possess one or more water collecting modules (8) containing the water collecting material (7), or accommodate one or more water collecting modules (8) containing the water collecting material (7) delivered by a mechanical delivery mechanism (9), or fluidly coupled (or separated from) one or more water collecting modules (8) as part of a flow path (5) through which an air flow (6) can be recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), or fluidly coupled. In a specific embodiment, a plurality of water collection modules (8) may be included in series or in parallel in the first chamber (3) or fluidly coupled. The term “air flow” broadly includes a mixture of gases recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) and / or condensation mode (CM) of the water collector (2).

[0019] The water capture material (7) comprises a composition capable of adsorbing water (10) from the ambient atmosphere (11) in the adsorption mode (AM) of the water harvester (2) and desorbing water vapor (12) in the desorption mode (DM) of the water harvester (2). Any suitable water capture material (7) may be used in the embodiments of the water harvesting system (1), the water harvester (2), and the method of manufacturing and using the water harvester (2) described herein. In certain embodiments, the water capture material (7) may comprise one or more metal-organic frameworks ("MOF"), but is not required to do so. See examples: [H. Furukawa et al., Water Adsorption in Porous Metal-Organic frameworks and Related Materials , J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 11, 4369-4381. MOFs can be characterized by high water absorption rates and stepwise characteristics regarding water absorption rates relative to relative humidity ("RH"). In some variations, suitable water-capturing materials (7) containing MOFs may have these isothermal phases, which can be adapted to various climates. See example: [International Patent Publication No. WO2020112899, Multivariate and Other Metal-Organic frameworks, and Uses Thereof]. The isothermal phase is typically a weak function of temperature due to hydrogen bonding between the MOF and water molecules. The isothermal phase can enable water capture and release by the MOF over a very narrow range of relative humidity ("RH").

[0020] In certain embodiments, different variations or combinations of MOFs comprising one or more of the following may be utilized: MOF-303: Al(OH)(HPDC), where HPDC is 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate; CAU-10: Al(OH)(IPA), where IPA is isophthalate; MOF-801: Zr6O4(OH)4(fumarate)6; MOF-841: Zr6O4(OH)4(MTB)6(HCOO)4(H2O)2; aluminum fumarate: Al(OH)(fumarate); MIL-160: Al(OH)(FDA), where FDA is 2,5-furandicarboxylate; MIL-53: Al(OH)(TPA), where TPA is terephthalate; or aluminum phosphate: AlPO4-LTA. In certain variations, the MOF may have a pore size in the range of about 0.5 nm to about 1 nm or in the range of about 0.7 nm to about 0.9 nm. In certain variations, the MOF may have a hydrophilic pore structure. In certain variations, the MOF may have a hydrophilic pore structure containing acid and / or amine functional groups. In certain variations, the MOF has a one-dimensional channel that allows for reversible water adsorption. In some embodiments, the MOF may be mixed with a binder to improve adhesion properties to a substrate or support. Other suitable water-capturing material(s) (7) may include, as exemplary examples, certain molecular sieves (e.g., SAPO-34, a microporous zeolite, CAS No. 1318-02-1) and certain zeolites having properties as described above. Any combination of the MOFs described herein, or other MOFs, or other compositions capable of water adsorption and water desorption may be used alone or in combination.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, the water collection material (7) may be placed on one or more structural elements (13) located inside the water collection module (8) or inside the first chamber (3). The structural elements (13) may be configured to increase the surface area of ​​the water collection material (7) exposed to the ambient atmosphere (11) to enhance the adsorption of water (10) from air (11) during the adsorption mode (AM) of the water harvester (2), or to enhance heat transfer to the water collection material (7) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water harvester (2). In a specific embodiment, the structural elements (13) may include plates or fins (14) that can be independently coated on one or both sides of the water collection material (7). In some variations, the plates or fins (14) may be arranged in spatial relationships, and in a specific embodiment, they may be arranged substantially parallel to each other with a gap (15) existing between adjacent plates or fins (14). In certain embodiments, the spacing (15) between adjacent plates may be adjusted in proportion to the length of each plate to achieve airflow to maximize water adsorption by the water-collecting material (7) during the adsorption mode (AM) or desorption mode (DM). In some variations, the spacing (15) between adjacent plates or fins (14) may be about a percent (1%) to about 5% of the length of the plates or fins (14). In certain embodiments, the plates or fins (14) may be coated with a layer of water-collecting material (7) having a thickness between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, or between about 50 microns and about 500 microns, or between about 10 microns and about 50 microns. In certain embodiments, layers of water-collecting material (7) with these thickness ranges may allow for faster adsorption and / or desorption compared to thicker layers of water-collecting material (7). In another embodiment, the plate or pin (14) may be coated with a layer of water-collecting material (7) having a thickness of about 0.1 centimeters ("cm") to about 1 cm.

[0022] Thickness in this range may allow for the generation of a greater amount of water vapor (12) during the desorption mode (DM) compared to thinner layers. In certain embodiments, each layer of the water-collecting material (7) on the plate or fin (14) may be porous. In some variations, the calculated porosity (the volume of pores in the water-collecting material divided by the total volume of the water-collecting material × 100) may be at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, or at least about 80%; or about 40% to about 90%, about 50% to about 90%, about 40% to about 80%, about 50% to about 80%, or about 60% to about 80%. In other embodiments, the layer of the water-collecting material (7) may be substantially non-porous. In a specific embodiment, the thickness of the layer of water-collecting material (7) may be thicker than the thickness of the plate for the fin (14). In a specific embodiment, only one side of the fin (14) plate may be coated with water-collecting material (7), and the thickness of the water-collecting material may be applied relative to the thickness of the fin (14) plate, adjusted to reduce or minimize the amount of energy used per unit of water released from the water-collecting material (7) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water harvester (2). Similarly, in a specific embodiment, both sides of the plate or pin (14) may be coated with a water-collecting material (7), and the ratio of the thickness of the first layer (e.g., first side layer) of the water-collecting material (7) to the thickness of the plate or pin (14) and the thickness of the second layer (e.g., second side layer) of the water-collecting material (7) to the thickness of the first layer (e.g., first side layer) of the water-collecting material (7) to the thickness of the second layer (e.g., second side layer) of the water-collecting material (7) to the thickness of the first side layer (e.g., second side layer) of the water-collecting material (7) may be adjusted to reduce or minimize the amount of energy used per unit of water released from the water-collecting material (7) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water harvester (2).The plate or pin (14) may be made of any suitable material, including any suitable metal or plastic. As an exemplary example, the plate may include one or more of aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, and tungsten. In some variations, the plate includes solid metal. In other variations, each plate or pin (14) may have a cellular design defining small channels or folds. In other variations, each plate or pin (14) may further include topographic features that enhance water adsorption. Exemplary examples of topographic features include one or more of granules, perforations, arc holes, bumps, ridges or grooves, or any combination thereof. In yet another variation, the plate or pin may form a mesh.

[0023] Referring again to FIG. 1, in the adsorption mode (AM) of the water harvester (2), the water collecting material (7) absorbs water (10) from the surrounding atmosphere (11). In some embodiments, the structural element (13) may be designed and positioned so that water (10) diffuses from the surrounding atmosphere (11) to the water collecting material (7) during the adsorption mode (AM). In certain embodiments, an air circulator (16) may operate to generate an air flow (6) at a predetermined speed through the water collecting material (7) to assist in the adsorption of water (10) by the water collecting material (7). As an exemplary example, the water collecting material (7) may be coated on an adjacent structural element (13), and the surrounding atmosphere (11) may pass through the gap (15) between the structural elements (13) during the adsorption phase. The adsorption mode (AM) of the water harvester (2) may be terminated when the water collecting material (7) reaches a target level of water saturation and / or a target adsorption rate.

[0024] Now, with reference primarily to FIG. 1, a heating source (17) may be thermally coupled to a water collecting material (7). The water collecting material (7) thermally coupled to the heating source (17) may be contained in a first chamber (3), contained in one or more water collecting modules (8) maintained in the first chamber (3), contained in one or more water collecting modules (8) transferred to the first chamber (3) by a transfer mechanism (9), or contained within one or more water collecting modules (8) fluidly coupled as part of a flow path (5) in which an air flow (6) can be recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The heating source (17) may operate to heat the water collecting material (7) to desorb water vapor (12) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water harvester (2). A heating method for releasing steam (12) from a water collecting material (7) may include, first, direct heating, which directly transfers heat from a heating source (17) to the surface of the first chamber surface (3), the structural element (13) supporting the water collecting material (7), or the water collecting material (7), or a combination thereof; and second, indirect heating, which heats the internal space of the first chamber surrounding the structural element (13) supporting the water collecting material (7) or the water collecting material (7). The heating source (17) may include any mechanism, object, area, material, composition, byproduct, waste energy, or energy and a combination thereof that can be used to sufficiently heat the water collecting material (7) to release steam (12). Typically, the heating source (17) operates at a temperature in the range of about 80°C (about 176°F) to about 160°C (about 320°F). A specific temperature within the temperature range may vary depending on the water collection material (7) or combination of water collection materials (7) utilized in the water harvesting system (1) or water harvester (2). However, this is not intended to exclude embodiments utilizing a temperature outside the range to release water vapor (12) from the water collection material (7).

[0025] In certain embodiments, direct heating may include a conductive element (19) that is resistively heated by flowing electricity to facilitate the desorption of water vapor (12) from a water-collecting material (7) coated on the conductive element (19), at least one structural element (13) which is a conductive element (19). In some embodiments, the power applied to the conductive element (19) may be adjusted to achieve a predetermined desorption time, as the rate of water desorption is related to the power applied.

[0026] In a specific embodiment, indirect heating may include using resistance heating in which a resistively heated conductive element (19) transfers heat to the air (18) surrounding the water-collecting material (7) to release water vapor (12). In a specific embodiment, indirect heating may include directing waste heat generated by a machine or other processing that is close to or separated from the first chamber (3) to the first chamber (2).

[0027] In a specific embodiment, the heating source (17) may include a first heat exchanger (20) through which the heated fluid (21) circulates. The first heat exchanger (20) may be configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid (21) to a water collection material (7). In a specific variation, the first heat exchanger (3) may transfer heat from the heated fluid (21) to one or more of the structure of the first chamber (3), the structure of one or more water collection modules (8) maintained or accommodated by the first chamber (3), and structural elements (13) supporting the water collection material (7), or directly to the water collection material (7) coating the heating source (17).

[0028] In a specific embodiment, the heat source (17) may include a condenser (22) of a heat pump (23). The heat pump (23) may include a compressor (24), an expansion valve (25), a condenser (22) (or a high-temperature heat exchanger), and an evaporator (26) (or a low-temperature heat exchanger). The compressor (24) may operate to compress a refrigerant to produce a heated fluid (21) that can be circulated to the condenser (22). The expansion valve (25) may be configured to receive the heated fluid (21) from the condenser (22). The expansion valve (25) may operate to cause the heated fluid (21) to expand to produce a cooled fluid (27). The cooled fluid may be circulated to the evaporator (26). In a specific embodiment, the condenser (22) (or the hot side of the heat exchanger) may be set to operate at a temperature in the range of about 90°C (about 194°F) to about 160°C (about 320°F), and the evaporator (26) or the cold side heat exchanger may be set to operate at a temperature in the range of about 30°C (about 86°F) to about 95°C (about 203°F). The condenser (22) may be associated with the first chamber (3) to transfer heat to a water collection material (7) that is contained in, fluidly coupled to, or thermally coupled to the first chamber (3), either directly or indirectly to the first chamber (3). As an illustrated example, the condenser (22) may be positioned to transfer heat in the desorption mode (DM) of the water harvester (2) to sufficiently raise the temperature of the water collection material (7) to release water vapor (12) from the water collection material (7).

[0029] Now, with primary reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a water harvesting system (first) or water harvester (2) may include a second chamber (4) fluidically coupled to a first chamber (3). Water vapor (12) released from a water collection material (7) may be carried by an air flow (6) that is recirculated in a flow path (5) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water harvester (2). In particular, when a target water vapor concentration is reached in the first chamber (3), an air circulator (16) may operate to recirculate the air flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the desorption mode (DM) of the water harvester (2). Recirculation of the air flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) may initiate the condensation mode (CM) of the water harvester (2).

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 1, a cooling source (27) may be thermally coupled to the second chamber (4). The cooling source (27) may operate to cool water vapor (12) carried by the fluid flow (6) recirculating between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) during the condensation mode (CM) of the water harvester (2). The cooling source (27) may sufficiently cool the water vapor (12) within or passing through the second chamber (4) so ​​that at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the air flow (6) condenses into liquid water (28). In a specific embodiment, the cooling source (27) may be positioned to cool the structure of the second chamber (4) to a temperature lower than the dew point of the fluid flow (6) within the second chamber (4) so ​​that at least a portion of the water vapor (12) carried by the fluid flow (6) condenses into liquid water (28). The second chamber (4) may be configured to increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface of the second chamber (4) to increase the condensation of water vapor (12) within the fluid flow (6) within the second chamber (4). In another embodiment, a cooling source (27) may be placed inside the second chamber (4), and the fluid flow (6) carrying water vapor (12) may pass over the cooling source (27) to cause at least some condensation of water vapor (12) within the second chamber (4). In a specific embodiment, the cooling source (27) may include waste cold generated by a machine or other processing separated from the water harvester (2) that is near the second chamber (4) or directed toward the second chamber (4). In an exemplary example, the waste cold may include regasifying liquid natural gas from a frozen state. In another embodiment, the cooling source (27) may include a second heat exchanger (29) through which the cooled fluid (30) circulates. A second heat exchanger (29) may be placed in close proximity to the second chamber (4) to cool the airflow (6) carrying water vapor (12) passing through the second chamber (4) or contained within the second chamber (4).The airflow (6) can be cooled below the dew point so that at least some of the water vapor (12) condenses into liquid water (28).

[0031] In a specific embodiment, the cooling source (27) may be the evaporator (26) of the heat pump (23). The evaporator (26) or the cold heat exchanger may be set to operate at a temperature in the range of about 30°C (about 86°F) to about 95°C (about 203°F). The evaporator (26) may be associated with the second chamber (4) to transfer heat directly or indirectly from an air flow (6) that carries water vapor (12) contained in or passing through the second chamber (4). As an illustrated example, the evaporator (26) may be positioned to transfer heat from one or more of the structure of the second chamber (4), the structural element (13) within the second chamber (4), and the air flow (6) within the second chamber (4), or may be positioned to cause a temperature drop of the fluid flow (6) sufficient to cause condensation of at least some of the water vapor (12) carried by the fluid flow (6) in the condensation mode (CM) of the water hopper (2).

[0032] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 5, an embodiment of the water harvester (2) may include an air flow heat exchanger (31). For the purposes of the invention, the term air flow heat exchanger (31) means any device adapted or configured to transfer heat between a first air flow portion (6') and a second air flow portion (6'') to bring a portion of the air flow (6) of different temperatures into thermal contact. As illustrated examples, the air flow heat exchanger (31) includes an air-to-air heat exchanger, a parallel heat exchanger, a counter-flow heat exchanger, a cross-flow heat exchanger, and combinations thereof. In a specific embodiment, the water harvester (2) may include a heat contact portion passing through an air flow heat exchanger (31) in a parallel or opposite flow direction to transfer heat between a first fluid flow portion (6') through which the recirculated air flow (6) passes from the first chamber (3) to the second chamber (4) and a physically separated second fluid flow portion (6'') through which the second chamber (4) passes to the first chamber (3). In a specific embodiment, during the desorption mode (DM) of the water harvester (2), hot humid air generated in the first chamber (3) and passing through the first chamber (3) may be directed to one or more inlets of the air flow heat exchanger (31). At the same time, during the condensation mode (CM) of the water harvester (2), cold dry air passing through the second chamber (4) may be directed to one or more inlets of the air flow heat exchanger (31) to transfer heat from the hot humid fluid to the cold dry air, thereby pre-cooling the hot humid air and preheating the cold dry air.

[0033] Now, with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5, particularly the embodiments, the airflow heat exchanger (31) may have a fixed spatial structural configuration. In these embodiments, one or more of the structural material of the airflow heat exchanger (31), the temperature of the airflow (6) passing from the first chamber (3), the temperature of the airflow (6) passing from the second chamber (4), and the airflow velocity through the airflow heat exchanger (31) may be pre-selected or adjusted so that condensation carried by water vapor (12) before the recirculated airflow (6) enters the second chamber (4) may be reduced or substantially prevented or prevented. By adjusting these various parameters instead of changing the shape of the counterflow heat exchanger (31), a mechanically less complex embodiment of the water harvester (2) may be provided. As illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 2 through 5, numerous variations of the internal and external structural shape of the airflow heat exchanger (31) may be suitable for use with the specific embodiment of the present invention. An illustrated example of an air flow heat exchanger (31) suitable for use with a specific embodiment of the present invention can be obtained from Xiamen Air Technology Co., Ltd., No. 80, Siming Industrial Park, Meixi Road, Tong'an District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China.

[0034] Now, with reference primarily to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 3, particularly to the embodiment, the air flow heat exchanger (31) may have a structure that can be reconfigured before or during the operation of the water harvester (2) so as to adjust the heat transfer between the air flow (6) of the first chamber (3) and the air flow (6) of the second chamber (4). This allows the heat transfer rate to be adjusted to accommodate changes in operating parameters of the water harvester (2), including one or more of the temperature of the air flow (6) passing from the first chamber (3), the temperature of the air flow (6) passing from the second chamber (4), and the air flow rate through the air flow heat exchanger (31).

[0035] In particular, this modification allows for a wider range of operating parameters in the water harvester (2) that simultaneously reduces, substantially prevents, or prevents the condensation of water vapor (12) carried by the recirculating air flow (6) before entering the second chamber (4). In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the air flow heat exchanger (31) includes a damper (32) that can be adjusted to change the open area (32) of one flow path (5) passing through the air flow heat exchanger (31), thereby allowing the air flow rate from the first chamber (3) and / or the air flow rate from the second chamber (4) to be adjusted accordingly.

[0036] In some variations, the water harvesting system (1) or water harvester (2) may further include a controller (33) coupled to one or more ambient air temperature sensors (34) and / or one or more ambient air humidity sensors (35) located outside the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), which may be adapted or configured to generate a signal that changes according to changes in the ambient air temperature and / or ambient air humidity of the environment surrounding one or more components of the water harvesting system (first) or water harvester (second). The controller (33) may be coupled to one or more temperature sensors (36) and / or one or more humidity sensors (37) and / or one or more air flow sensors (38) that may be individually located inside the first chamber (3) and / or the second chamber (4), respectively, and may be adjusted or configured to generate a signal that changes according to changes in the first chamber temperature and / or humidity and / or the second chamber temperature and / or humidity. The controller (33) may include a processor (39) that is communicationally coupled to a non-transient computer-readable memory (40) containing a water harvesting algorithm (41) (also called the “algorithm”) under the control of the processor (39) to analyze signals from each sensor to measure one or more of each sensor (34, 35, 36, 37, 38) under the control of the processor (39): measuring one or more of the ambient air temperature (AT), ambient air humidity (AH), first chamber temperature (FCT) and / or first chamber humidity (FCH), second chamber temperature (SCT) and / or second chamber humidity (SCH), fluid flow (6, 6’, 6’’) passing through the air flow heat exchanger (31), and a combination thereof, air flow temperature (AFT), air flow humidity (AFH), and air flow velocity (AFR).

[0037] Measurements of the first chamber temperature (FCT) and / or first chamber humidity (FCH) and / or second chamber temperature (SCT) and / or second chamber humidity (SCH) and ambient air temperature (AT) and / or ambient air humidity (AH) may be used to adjust the operation parameters of the water harvester (2) under the control of a controller (33) implementing a water harvesting algorithm (41) for one or more of the following: the operation of an air circulator (16) to control the air flow rate (AFR) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) for one or more of the period allocated to the adsorption mode (AM) in which the ambient air (11) flows over the water-collecting material (7), the temperature of the first chamber (3) (FCT) during the desorption mode (DM) and the period allocated to the desorption mode (DM), the temperature of the second chamber (4) (SCT) during the condensation mode (CM) and the period allocated to the condensation mode (CM), and the time allocated to the condensation mode (CM), and the air flow heat The method includes the reconfiguration of the air flow heat exchanger (31) to increase or decrease the area of ​​the flow path (5) through the exchanger (31) in one direction or in both directions, and, in particular in the embodiment, the control of the operation of the heat pump (23), and the operation of the air circulator (16) to regulate the air flow rate between the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2).

[0038] Now, with reference mainly to Examples 1 through 4 and Table 1, an embodiment of a water harvester (2) including an air flow heat exchanger (31) can substantially reduce the amount of energy used to produce liquid water (28) of a unit that can be directed to a collection tank (42) by the water harvesting system (1) or the water harvester (2).

[0039] Including an air flow heat exchanger (31) can substantially reduce or mitigate the significant energy penalty of the recirculating fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The reduction or mitigation of the significant energy penalty can reduce the amount of energy used by the water harvesting system (1) to reheat and recool the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4), and as a result, the energy used by the water harvesting system (1) or the water harvester (2) to produce the unit's liquid water (28) can be reduced.

[0040] An unexpected result also occurs in which the sensible heat penalty due to the recooling and reheating of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) is offset. In this case, a very significant unexpected advantage arises in that the temperature difference between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) can be significantly reduced, which can greatly increase the overall energy efficiency of the water harvesting system (1) or water harvester (2).

[0041] Example 1 .

[0042] CAU-10 with an isothermal phase of 20% RH at 25°C (approx. 77°F) was used as the water collection material (7). The water collection material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of approximately 85°C (approx. 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of approximately 30°C (approx. 86°F). No air flow heat exchanger (31) was used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity of the first chamber (3) was approximately 90 g of water per cubic meter of air (90 g H2O / m³). 3 The absolute humidity of the second chamber was approximately 30g of water per cubic meter of air (30 g H2O / m³). 3The amount of air flow (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) was approximately 0.016 cubic meters of air (0.016 m²) to adsorb 1 gram of water (10) from the water collecting material (7) in the first chamber (3) and condense more than 0.95 grams of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4). 3 The amount of recirculated air was 0.016 m³ of recirculated air, which was used to adsorb 1 g of water (10) from the water collection material (7) in the first chamber (3) and to condense >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4), was found to be about 20% of the total energy used to produce >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4). The total energy cost was about 0.35 kilowatts (about 0.35 kWh / L) per liter of water. The sensible heat penalty due to the cooling and heating of the recirculated air flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) was about 0.07 kWh / L.

[0043] Example 2 .

[0044] CAU-10 with an isothermal phase of 20% RH at 25°C (approx. 77°F) was used as the water collection material (7). The water collection material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of approximately 85°C (approx. 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of approximately 50°C (approx. 122°F). No air flow heat exchanger (31) was used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity of the first chamber (3) was approximately 80 grams of water per cubic meter of air (80 g H2O / m³). 3 The absolute humidity of the second chamber was approximately 80g of water per cubic meter of air (approximately 80g H2O / m³). 3The amount of recirculated air flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to adsorb 1 gram of water (10) from the water collecting material (7) of the first chamber (3) and condense 0.95 grams or more of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) was about 0.108 cubic meters (0.108 m). 3 It was air. The sensible penalty contribution resulting from heating and cooling 0.108 m³ of recirculated air to adsorb 1 g of water (10) from the water collection material (7) in the first chamber (3) and to condense >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) was found to be about 50% of the total energy used to produce >0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4). The total energy cost was about 0.50 kWh / L kilowatt-hours (about 0.50 kWh / L) per liter of water. The sensible heat penalty resulting from cooling and heating of the air flow (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) was about 0.25 kWh / L.

[0045] Example 3.

[0046] CAU-10 with an isothermal phase of 20% RH at 25°C (approx. 77°F) was used as the water collection material (7). The water collection material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of approximately 85°C (approx. 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of approximately 30°C (approx. 86°F). An air flow heat exchanger (31) was used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity of the first chamber (3) was approximately 90g of water per cubic meter of air (90g H2O / m³). 3 The absolute humidity of the second chamber was approximately 30 grams of water per cubic meter of air (approx. 80 g H2O / m³ of air). 3...was. The airflow (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) adsorbs 1 gram of water (10) from the water collecting material (7) of the first chamber (3) and condenses 0.95 grams or more of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) using 1 cubic meter (0.016 m²) of air. 3 The amount of air was about 0.016 grams (>0.95 g) per unit of air. The wise penalty contribution for heating and cooling 0.108 m³ of recirculated air to adsorb 1 g of water (10) from the water collection material (7) in the first chamber (3) and to condense more than 0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) is reduced to nearly zero or close to zero compared to the total amount of energy used to produce more than 0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4). The total energy cost was about 0.28 kWh / L kilowatt-hours (about 0.28 kWh / L) per liter of water.

[0047] Example 4 .

[0048] CAU-10 with an isothermal phase of 20% RH at 25°C (approx. 77°F) was used as the water collection material (7). The water collection material (7) was desorbed in the first chamber (3) at a desorption temperature of approximately 85°C (approx. 185°F). The second chamber (4) was maintained at a condensation temperature of approximately 30°C (approx. 86°F). An air flow heat exchanger (31) was used in the flow path (5) of the fluid flow (6) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4). The absolute humidity of the first chamber (3) was approximately 90g of water per cubic meter of air (90g H2O / m³). 3 The absolute humidity of the second chamber was approximately 30 grams of water per cubic meter of air (approx. 80 g H2O / m³ of air). 3...was. The amount of air flow (6) recirculated between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) to adsorb 1 gram of water (10) from the water collecting material (7) of the first chamber (3) and to condense more than 0.95 grams of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) was about 0.108 m³ of air (0.108 m³ air). The reasonable penalty contribution for heating and cooling the 0.108 m³ of air recirculated to adsorb 1 g of water (10) from the water collecting material (7) of the first chamber (3) and to condense more than 0.95 g of liquid water (28) in the second chamber (4) was nearly 0 or close to zero. The total energy cost was about 0.25 kWh / L kilowatt-hours (about 0.25 kWh / L) per liter of water.

[0049] Table 1 - Result Summary example Countercurrent heat exchanger Condensation temperature (°C) Required amount of recirculated air (m 3 ) Reasonable penalty contribution (%) Total energy cost (kWh / L) 1 no 30 0.016 ~ 20 <0.35 2 no 50 0.108 > 50 >0.5 3 yes 30 0.016 ~ 0 <0.28 4 yes 50 0.018 ~ 0 <0.25

[0050] As can be easily seen from the above, the basic concept of the present invention can be implemented in various forms. The present invention includes a water harvesting system (1), a water harvester (2), and a method for manufacturing and using such a water harvesting system (1) and a water harvester (2), including numerous various embodiments and best modes.

[0051] Accordingly, specific embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by description or depicted in the drawings or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting but are examples of equivalents included in relation to a number of various embodiments or any specific elements thereof generally included by the invention. Furthermore, a specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all possible embodiments or elements: many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and drawings.

[0052] It should be understood that each element of the device or each step of the method may be described by device terms or method terms. These terms may be substituted as desired to specify the implicitly broad scope to which the present invention is qualified. As one example, it should be understood that every step of the method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking the action, or an element that causes the action. Similarly, each element of the device may be disclosed as a physical element or an action that the physical element facilitates.

[0053] As an example, the initiation of a "water harvester" should be understood to include the initiation of a "water harvesting" action, regardless of whether it has been explicitly discussed; conversely, if a "water harvesting" action has been effectively initiated, such initiation should be understood to include the initiation of a "water harvester" and even a "means for harvesting water." These alternative terms for each element or step should be understood as being explicitly included in the description.

[0054] Additionally, for each term used, unless its use in this application is consistent with such interpretation, the common dictionary definition is to be understood as being included in the description of each term in Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, 2nd Edition, and each definition is incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] All numeric values ​​in this document are deemed to be modified by the term "approximately," regardless of whether they are explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as "approximately" one specific value or "approximately" another specific value. When such ranges are expressed, other embodiments include one specific value or another specific value. References to a numeric range by endpoint include all numeric values ​​contained within that range. A numeric range from 1 to 5 includes, for example, numeric values ​​1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. It will be further understood that each endpoint of a range is important both in relation to and independently of other endpoints. It will be understood that when a value is expressed as an approximation using the preceding "approximately," a specific value constitutes another embodiment. The term "approximately" generally refers to a range of numeric values ​​that a person skilled in the art would consider to have an equivalent or identical function or result to the cited numeric value. Similarly, the preceding "substantially" means largely, though not entirely, the same form, manner, or degree, and a specific element will have various configurations that a person skilled in the art may consider to have the same function or result. When a specific element is expressed as an approximation using the preceding "substantially" item, it will be understood that the specific element forms another embodiment.

[0056] Furthermore, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more entities unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms "a" or "an," "one or more," and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0057] Additionally, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "combined" or its derivatives may mean indirectly combined, combined, directly connected, connected, directly connected, or integrated according to the embodiments.

[0058] Additionally, for the purposes of the present invention, when referring to two or more components, the term “integrated” means that the components may be (i) integrated to provide an integral configuration, a monolithic configuration, or an integrated whole, or (ii) formed as an integral structure, a monolithic structure, or an integrated whole. In other words, the components may be formed integrally. That is, they may be connected together to form a single complete piece or unit, or formed to function together as a single complete piece or unit but not easily disassembled.

[0059] Accordingly, the applicant(s) should be understood to assert at least the following: i) each pressure sensor disclosed and described herein; ii) related methods disclosed and described; iii) similar, equivalent, and implied variations of each of these devices and methods; iv) corresponding alternative embodiments performing each function shown, disclosed, or described; v) corresponding alternative designs and methods performing each function impliedly indicated to perform the disclosed and described functions; vi) each function, component, and step indicated as an individual and independent invention; vii) applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed; viii) resulting products produced by such systems or components; ix) the methods and devices described above with substantial reference to any of the attached examples; x) various combinations and permutations of each of the prior elements disclosed.

[0060] The background section of this patent application provides, where applicable, a description of the field of effort to which the present invention relates. This section may also incorporate or include specific U.S. patents, patent applications, publications, or paraphrases of the subject matter of the claimed invention that are useful for relevant information, problems, or concerns regarding the technical state to which the present invention is the subject. U.S. patents, patent applications, publications, statements, or other information cited or included herein are not to be construed, interpreted, or acknowledged as prior art in relation to the present invention.

[0061] The claims set forth in this specification 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 to support any part or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant also expressly reserves the right to move any or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from description to claims or vice versa as needed to define the problem for which protection is required by this application or any subsequent application or any continuation, divisional or partial continuation application, or to obtain any benefit of fee reduction in accordance with or to comply with the patent laws, rules or regulations of any country or treaty, and such incorporated content by reference is retained for the entire duration of this application, including subsequent continuation, divisional or partial continuation applications or reissuance or extension thereof.

[0062] Elements following open transition phrases such as "comprising" may be claimed with closed transition phrases such as "essentially constituting" or "constituting," regardless of whether they explicitly indicate the descriptive part of the specification.

[0063] Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification are intended to describe the scope and limitations of a limited number of preferred embodiments of the invention, where applicable, and should not be construed as the most extensive embodiment of the invention or a complete list of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive the right to develop additional claims based on the description set forth above as part of a continuous, segmental, or partial continuous or similar application.

Claims

Claim 1 A water harvester comprising: a first chamber including or coupled with a water harvesting material, wherein the water harvesting material adsorbs water from the surrounding atmosphere in the adsorption mode of the water harvester and the water harvesting material desorbs water vapor in the desorption mode of the water harvester; a heating source thermally coupled to the water harvesting material, wherein the heating source is operable to heat the water harvesting material to desorb the water vapor during the desorption mode of the water harvester; a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber, wherein the water vapor is carried by an air flow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode of the water harvester; a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, wherein the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried by the air flow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water harvester; and an air flow heat exchanger through which the air flow passes to transfer heat between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 In claim 1, the air flow heat exchanger is a water harvester reconfigurable to control the heat transfer rate between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber. Claim 4 A water harvester according to claim 1, further comprising at least one air circulator operable to recirculate the airflow between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or the condensation mode of the water harvester. Claim 5 A water harvester according to claim 4, further comprising at least one sensor configured to detect the airflow, wherein the one or more sensors generate a signal that changes based on one or more of the airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow velocity. Claim 6 A water harvester according to claim 5, further comprising a controller comprising a processor communicationly coupled with a non-transient computer-readable memory containing computer code under the control of a processor to analyze the signal changing based on a change in one or more of the air flow temperature, the air flow humidity, and the air flow velocity of the air flow passing through the air flow heat exchanger. Claim 7 In claim 6, the water harvester is operable based on the analysis of the signal to control one or more of the heat source, the cooling source, and the at least one air circulator to prevent condensation of the water vapor carried by the airflow before entering the second chamber. Claim 8 A water harvester comprising a water collection material disposed in one or more water collection modules located inside the first chamber, in accordance with claim 1. Claim 9 A water harvester according to claim 1, wherein the water collecting material is placed on a support structure configured to increase the surface area of ​​the water collecting material exposed to the surrounding atmosphere or the airflow. Claim 10 In claim 9, the support structure comprises a water harvester including one or more pins or one or more plates. Claim 11 delete Claim 12 In claim 1, the water capture material is a water harvester comprising a metal-organic framework. Claim 13 A water harvester according to claim 1, wherein the heat source includes a first heat exchanger through which a heated fluid circulates, and the first heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid to the water collecting material included in or coupled to the first chamber. Claim 14 In paragraph 1, the heat source is a water harvester including a condenser of a heat pump. Claim 15 In paragraph 13, the cooling source comprises a second heat exchanger through which a cooled fluid circulates, and the second heat exchanger is a water harvester that cools the airflow carrying the water vapor in the second chamber. Claim 16 In paragraph 14, the cooling source is a water harvester including the evaporator of a heat pump. Claim 17 In paragraph 16, the heat pump comprises one or more of: a compressor configured to generate the heated fluid—the heated fluid circulates to the condenser—; and an expansion valve configured to receive the heated fluid from the condenser—the expansion valve allows the expansion of the heated fluid to generate a cooled fluid and the cooled fluid circulates to the evaporator. Claim 18 In paragraph 17, the heated fluid and the cooled fluid are a water harvester containing a refrigerant. Claim 19 A water harvester according to claim 1, further comprising a water collection tank coupled to the second chamber. Claim 20 A method for manufacturing a water harvester comprising: a step of including or combining a water-collecting material in or with a first chamber, wherein the water-collecting material adsorbs water from ambient air in the water adsorption mode of the water harvester, and the water-collecting material desorbs water vapor in the water desorption mode of the water harvester; a step of thermally combining a heat source to the water-collecting material included in or combined with the first chamber, wherein the heat source is operable to heat the water-collecting material to desorb the water vapor during the desorption mode of the water harvester; a step of fluidically combining a second chamber to the first chamber, wherein the water vapor carried by an airflow is recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or condensation mode of the water harvester; a step of thermally combining a cooling source to the second chamber, wherein the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried by the airflow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water harvester; A method comprising the step of fluidically coupling an air flow heat exchanger to the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the air flow passes through the air flow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber. Claim 21 delete Claim 22 A method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of reconfiguring the air flow heat exchanger to adjust the heat transfer rate between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber. Claim 23 A method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of configuring at least one air circulator to recirculate the airflow between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or condensation mode of the water harvester. Claim 24 A method according to claim 23, further comprising the step of configuring one or more sensors for detecting the airflow, wherein the one or more sensors generate a signal that changes based on one or more of the airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow velocity. Claim 25 A method according to claim 24 further comprising the step of providing a controller comprising a processor communicationly coupled to a non-transient computer-readable memory comprising computer code under the control of a processor to analyze a signal changing based on one or more of the air flow temperature, the air flow humidity, and the air flow velocity of the air flow passing through the air flow heat exchanger. Claim 26 In paragraph 25, the controller is operable based on the analysis of the signal to control one or more of the heat source, the cooling source, and the at least one air circulator to prevent condensation of the water vapor carried by the airflow before entering the second chamber. Claim 27 A method according to claim 20, comprising a water collection material disposed in one or more water collection modules located inside the first chamber. Claim 28 A method according to claim 27, further comprising the step of placing the water-collecting material on a support structure to increase the surface area of ​​the water-collecting material exposed to the surrounding atmosphere of the airflow. Claim 29 A method according to claim 28, further comprising the step of configuring the support structure with one or more pins or one or more plates. Claim 30 delete Claim 31 In paragraph 20, the water-capturing material comprises a metal-organic framework. Claim 32 A method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of configuring the heat source into a first heat exchanger through which a heated fluid circulates, wherein the first heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the heated fluid to the water collecting material contained in or combined with the first chamber. Claim 33 In paragraph 20, the heat source comprises a condenser of a heat pump. Claim 34 A method according to claim 32, further comprising the step of configuring the cooling source into a second heat exchanger through which a cooled fluid circulates, wherein the second heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat that carries the water vapor in the second chamber. Claim 35 In paragraph 20, the method wherein the cooling source comprises the evaporator of a heat pump. Claim 36 A method according to claim 20, wherein the heat source comprises a condenser of a heat pump and the cooling source comprises an evaporator of a heat pump. Claim 37 In paragraph 36, the heat pump comprises one or more of: a compressor configured to generate the heated fluid—the heated fluid circulates to the condenser—; and an expansion valve configured to receive the heated fluid from the condenser—the expansion valve allows the expansion of the heated fluid to generate a cooled fluid and the cooled fluid circulates to the evaporator. Claim 38 In paragraph 37, the method wherein the heated fluid and the cooled fluid comprise a refrigerant. Claim 39 A method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of combining a water collection tank with the second chamber. Claim 40 A method of using a water harvester comprising: a step of directing ambient air toward a water harvesting material, wherein the water harvesting material adsorbs water from the ambient air in the water adsorption mode of the water harvester, and wherein the water harvesting material desorbs water vapor from the water harvesting material in the water desorption mode of the water harvester; a step of operating a heat source thermally coupled to the water harvesting material within a first chamber, wherein the heat source is operable to heat the water harvesting material to desorb the water vapor from the water harvesting material during the desorption mode of the water harvester; and a step of recirculating an airflow carrying the water vapor between a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber and the first chamber during the desorption mode of the water harvester; a step of operating a cooling source thermally coupled to the second chamber, wherein the cooling source is operable to cool the water vapor carried within the airflow recirculated between the first chamber and the second chamber during the condensation mode of the water harvester; A method comprising the step of passing the airflow through an airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber. Claim 41 delete Claim 42 A method according to claim 40, further comprising the step of reconfiguring the air flow heat exchanger to adjust the heat transfer rate between the air flow from the first chamber and the air flow from the second chamber. Claim 43 A method according to claim 40, further comprising the step of configuring at least one air circulator to recirculate the airflow between the first chamber and the second chamber during the desorption mode and / or condensation mode of the water harvester. Claim 44 A method according to claim 43, further comprising the step of operating one or more sensors for detecting the airflow; and the step of generating a changing signal based on the step of detecting one or more of the airflow temperature, airflow humidity, and airflow velocity. Claim 45 A method according to claim 44, further comprising the step of operating a controller, wherein the controller comprises a processor communicationly coupled to a non-transient computer-readable memory containing computer code under the control of a processor to analyze the signal changing based on one or more of the air flow temperature, the air flow humidity, and the air flow velocity of the air flow passing through the air flow heat exchanger. Claim 46 A method according to claim 45 further comprising the step of operating the controller based on the analysis of the signal to control one or more of the heat source, the cooling source, and the at least one air circulator in order to prevent condensation of the water vapor carried in the airflow before it enters the second chamber. Claim 47 A method according to claim 40, further comprising the step of operating a heat pump including a condenser, wherein the condenser acts as a heat source thermally coupled to the water collecting material. Claim 48 A method according to claim 40, further comprising the step of operating a heat pump including an evaporator, wherein the evaporator acts as a cooling source to transfer heat from the air flow carrying the water vapor contained in the second chamber. Claim 49 A method according to claim 40 further comprising the steps of: operating a heat pump configured to provide a condenser as a heat source to transfer heat from the heated fluid to the water collecting material contained in the first chamber; and operating a heat pump configured to provide an evaporator as a cooling source to transfer heat from the air flow carrying the water vapor contained in the second chamber. Claim 50 In paragraph 49, the step of operating the heat pump comprises: operating a compressor configured to produce a heated fluid—the heated fluid circulates to the condenser—; and operating an expansion valve to allow the expansion of the heated fluid to produce a cooled fluid—the cooled fluid circulates to the evaporator—; comprising a method. Claim 51 In paragraph 50, the method wherein the heated fluid and the cooled fluid comprise a refrigerant. Claim 52 A method according to claim 40, further comprising the step of collecting water from the condensation of the water vapor in the second chamber. Claim 53 In paragraph 40, the step of passing the airflow through the airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber is a method for reducing the total energy cost per liter of liquid water produced by the water harvester. Claim 54 In paragraph 40, the step of passing the airflow through the airflow heat exchanger to transfer heat between the airflow from the first chamber and the airflow from the second chamber is a method for reducing the sensible heat penalty contribution to the total energy cost per liter of collected water. Claim 55 In paragraph 53, a method in which the sensible heat penalty contribution to the total energy cost per liter of collected water is reduced to zero.

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