SOLAR-POWERED ATMOSPHERIC WATER HARVESTING SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system that produces liquid water from atmospheric moisture integrated with an air solar collector. The system produces liquid water through a moisture retention and release cycle, thanks to at least one absorber plate and at least one desiccant material.

Description

1 TARIFF SOLAR-POWERED ATMOSPHERIC WATER HARVESTING SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The invention involves a liquid 5 from atmospheric moisture integrated into an air solar collector. It relates to a solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system that produces water. The system includes It retains moisture thanks to at least one absorber plate and at least one desiccant material. It produces liquid water through a release cycle. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE 10 In today's world, global warming, rapid population growth, war, and natural disasters are the main challenges. Disasters cause insufficient water resources, and as a result, the world's population... Approximately half of the population suffers from a lack of access to clean water sources. Water scarcity and water... Diseases and deaths caused by pollution of water sources are increasing day by day. is increasing. 15 Ensuring safe access to drinking water for all is a global problem. and continues to be so, and the United Nations Global Development Priorities Within this framework, Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 formally aims to achieve these goals by 2030. Reliable access to drinking water is recognized as an international development priority. It is being done. An off-grid device can be designed for water production and supply, and 20 If scalable, decentralized water access to underserved communities can be rapid. will be provided in some way. When examining systems that produce clean water around the world, it is observed that wastewater and seawater are used... Although projects aimed at purification are widespread, these technologies are high-cost. Being dependent on the grid or having high power consumption, large hydropower plants 25 Its use for this purpose, not being very suitable for small-scale individual applications, every inability to produce water on the ground, requiring constant maintenance, harmful to the environment It has disadvantages such as producing waste and consuming fossil fuels. In addition, every day Approximately 23 x 10⁶ m³ of water is produced through various desalination methods. This production... The vast majority use fossil fuels, with only 0.02% using 30 Renewable energy sources are being used. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It increases. For the reasons mentioned above, there is a growing interest in devices that produce water from the atmosphere. Interest is growing in Atmospheric Water Harvesting (ASH) systems. 2 Water Generator (AWG) or Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH), These are systems in which water vapor in the air is condensed using physical methods. Water production from the atmosphere is generally carried out using active and passive condensation methods. This is done using electrical energy. When commercially available products on the market are examined, it is seen that they use electrical energy. Active 5 that produces water from the atmosphere using vapor compression refrigeration cycles (heat pumps, etc.) Condensing systems are becoming more common. These devices convert the ambient air... by directly impacting the evaporator surface, it cools the water to well below the dew point. lowers the temperature (e.g., by 4°C) and produces high-capacity water by directly condensing the moisture in the air. They are able to produce electricity, but these devices do not have a high electrical power output due to their active condensing system. Their consumption makes the system dependent on the grid. 10 Passive ASH systems remove moisture from the air using regenerative desiccant materials. relatively more moist, which holds and stores moisture and then regenerates. where air is condensed by natural cooling or cooling with ambient air These are devices. The water production capacity of these systems is based on active condensation. It is lower than other systems, but recently the efficiency of these systems has been increased to 15. Efforts to increase [energy] are attracting attention. Furthermore, solar-powered and These desiccant-based systems are off-grid and powered entirely by solar energy. Their ability to work offers a significant advantage, because those who need clean water the most... Places that hear this are generally regions with intense solar energy, and water from the atmosphere All the energy required for its production comes from solar thermal and power systems. This is provided. Thus, solar atmospheric water harvesting devices (G-ASH) utilize solar power. By using its energy to produce water from moisture in the air, it contributes to solving the water scarcity problem. It provides. THE PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION 25 The invention integrates a slim-case air solar collector with atmospheric conditions. It relates to atmospheric water harvesting systems that produce liquid water from humidity. These can be applied to roofs and land. This system, positioned at an angle relative to the sun, produces liquid water. Additionally... with air filters added to the system, suitable for areas prone to sandstorms, dusty, humid and dry regions. It also works under adverse external environmental conditions. This system is suitable for 30 countries that need irrigation. systems and structures where access to water plays a vital role, such as hospitals and military facilities It is easily integrated. LIST OF FIGURES 3 Figure 1. General side view of the system. Figure 2. General isometric view of the system. Figure 3. Overall isometric exploded view of the system. Figure 4. Moisture retention section of a solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system. Figure 5. Moisture retention section 5 of the solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system. exploded look Figure 6. Rear view of the air-cooled condenser section. Figure 7. Front view of the air-cooled condenser section. Figure 8. Exploded view of the air-cooled condenser section. The corresponding numbers in the figures are: 1. Collector box 2. Photovoltaic cells 3. Air-cooled condenser section 4. Body 15 5. Air flow pipe 6. Air outlet 7. Coolant air outlet 8. Coolant air inlet 9. Heat Exchanger 20 10. Humid and hot air ingress from the solar panel. 11. Water collection tank 12. Dehumidified air outlet 13. Ambient air intake fan 14. Ambient air outlet vent 25 15. Moisture air intake vent 17. Air intake fan 18. Glass layer 19. Absorber plate 20. Desiccant material 30 21. Insulation 22. Edge insulation 23. Collector frame 24. Air intake vents 4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system described in this invention generally consists of: from the collector casing (1), air-cooled condenser section (3) and air flow pipes (5) consists of. All these parts are positioned on a body (4). 5 The collector housing (1) is the connector that surrounds the solar collector and protects it from external factors. It is a structure made of at least one of the following materials: aluminum, wood, steel, plastic, and their derivatives. It has arrived. Collector housing (1); photovoltaic (solar) cells (2), air intake fan (17), glass layer (18), absorber plate (19), desiccant material (20), insulation (21), edge insulation 10 (22) includes the collector frame (23) and air intake holes (24). Air-cooled condenser section (3); air dehumidified from heat exchanger (9) outlet (6), coolant air outlet from heat exchanger (7), coolant air inlet to heat exchanger (9) (8), moist and hot air inlet from heat exchanger (9) and collector casing (1) It includes (10) sections. 15 The collector casing (1) provides thermal insulation and protection between the external environment and the inside of the collector. It is performing its function. The aluminum collector casing (1) used in our system is made of metal. Manufactured using the extrusion method, it is specifically designed for air solar collectors. The air gap between the glass layer (18) and the absorber plate (19) has been defined. It is located there, and in this way heat loss is prevented and an insulation wall is formed. 20 Air intake holes (24) are provided on the collector housing (1). It is located. The collector casing (1) varies depending on the angle of incidence of the sun. It can be placed at different angles depending on the sun. The collector casing (1) has different angles depending on the sun. The angles at which they are placed have no effect on the system's operation. Collector 25 so that the case (1) can be brought to better working conditions integrated with the whole system. It can be positioned at angles between 0° and 90° to the horizontal. It is solar-powered. Atmospheric water harvesting systems are designed according to the location and seasons where they will be placed on Earth. Because the angle of incidence of the sun's rays changes, it is also mounted on a movable assembly set. It can be placed. The glass layer (18) protects the collector casing (1) from the external environment. Sun 30 Transparent material was used to allow the highest possible level of radiation transmission. Glass Layer (18) as normal glass, tempered glass, transparent polycarbonate, plastic derivative transparent At least one of the materials is used. In our system, glass layer (18) is used. The use of tempered glass increases solar radiation transmittance and strength. It provides the glass layer (18) during the day when the system is working in different scenarios. In the condensation of moisture released from the desiccant material (20) in the cycle is used. Within the scope of our invention, the placement of the glass layer (18) is the final system. After completing the process of obtaining concentrated liquid water, which is the objective, the water seeps to the bottom. It was designed to provide gravitational flow (Figure 5). 5 Insulation material (21) in solar energy-assisted atmospheric water harvesting system To improve performance and obtain high levels of hot air, the system's exterior Its function is to minimize heat transfer to the environment. For this purpose, our system has a heat exchanger. Polyurethane foam was used to provide insulation. Polyurethane foam insulation. The odor of the material is low with increasing temperature compared to its counterparts (21). factors such as its level and high resistance to moisture However, rock wool and glass wool are among the products with low thermal conductivity coefficients. A few of them can be used as insulation material (21). Absorber plate (19), solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting subject to the invention. In the system, the solar rays coming from the sun are absorbed and heated, and this heat is transferred to collector 15 It is the component that transfers heat to the air inside. As the temperature of the absorber plate (19) increases The temperature of the medium inside the collector increases by heat transfer. Absorber plate (19) Made of aluminum material and black to better absorb solar radiation. It is painted in color. In addition, copper is used as the absorber plate (19) material in the system. Composite material and steel can also be used. The absorber plate (19), desiccant 20 to reduce the time it takes for the material to reach the moisture release temperature (20) It is preferable to design it to have the most suitable heat capacity. In this context, the absorber plate (19) can be a flat solid, as well as a triangular, quadrilateral or hexagonal shape. at least one of the variable honeycomb forms (containing at least three edges) or It could be a combination. Thanks to the pores found in the aforementioned honeycomb structures, 25 This allows air to pass through these pores. Thus, fluid air... Turbulence has been introduced, which positively contributes to heat transfer in the collector. An increase in efficiency has been achieved. The air entering the collector casing (1) passes through the absorber plate (19) exits the system by passing around or through it at least once. The system can operate with high efficiency if there is at least one air passage. 30 In addition, in these types of systems, the surface area needs to be maximized to ensure optimal heat transfer. It must be as large as possible. The absorber plate (19) must be porous or having at least one of the following shapes: non-porous, hexagonal, square, wavy trapezoidal, and finned structure and the surface area is maximized. Therefore, the surface area 6 The increase has positively contributed to heat transfer and improved system performance. The absorber plate (19) is provided with desiccant material (20) and glass within the system. It is located between the protective layer. However, the desiccant of the absorber plate (19) Positioning it so that it comes into contact with the material (20) also works the system. It is not an obstacle. The poreless thickness of the absorber plate (19) is porous in the form of pore 5 Its dimensions and height are at least 1 mm. Desiccant material (20), in solar energy-assisted atmospheric water harvesting system, the trapping of moisture present in the atmosphere and then the release of the trapped moisture It is the component that provides. The desiccant material (20) must be in at least one collector casing (1). 10 can be placed on the top side of the absorber plate (19) or on the bottom side. can be placed. Desiccant material (20) as content of adsorbent and absorbent These materials may include examples such as silica gel, molecular sieve, zeolite, and calcium chloride. bentonite, lithium salts, various types of activated carbon, hygroscopic fluids, and polymers, glycerin, cellulosic fibers, or at least one of the following materials with a metal-organic framework: It is available. However, this list does not limit the scope of this invention. 15 Because many other desiccant materials will also function. Desiccant material (20) porous or non-porous, hexagonal, square, wavy trapezoidal and fin-like structure-like shape It has at least one of these features, and the surface area is maximized. For this reason... The increase in surface area has positively contributed to moisture retention, and the system Performance has improved. Ambient air has at least one air 20 during the night cycle. After being drawn in through the suction holes (24), at least one desiccant material (20) desiccant is the process of removing moisture from the air by passing it through or over its surface. The material (20) is captured by the ambient air. During the day cycle, the ambient air, After being drawn in through the air intake holes (24), it is passed through the absorber plate (19) It is heated. As the heated air passes over or through the surface of the desiccant material (20) 25 It allows the moisture held by the desiccant material (20) to be released. The released moisture The air carrying the air is directed by the air intake fan (17), air-cooled It is sent to the condenser section (3). In another case, during the night cycle Without the need for the air intake fan (17) to operate, the desiccant material (20) moisture As it starts to hold, the temperature of the desiccant material (20) starts to increase. 30 Due to the temperature difference between the desiccant material (20) and the environment, pressure A difference occurs. Air circulates naturally through the fan located at the bottom of the collector casing (1). By entering through its hole, it passes over or through the desiccant material (20), It exits through the air intake holes (24) located on the top of the collector casing (1). 7 Meanwhile, the desiccant material (20) traps the moisture in the air. In both cases Humidified air exits the collector casing (1) via air flow pipes (5). and enters the condenser unit (3) through the humid air inlet hole (15). As a moisture source in a solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system. Ambient air is used. At least one air intake fan (17) is used in the system outside 5 To draw the ambient air into the collector casing (1) through the air intake holes (24), to circulate the air inside and through or over the desiccant material (20) It is responsible for passing through and sending the air to the air-cooled condenser section (3). The suction fan (17) is placed off-center at the rear of the collector casing (1). It is located. However, the collector housing of the air intake fan (17) is 10 (1) to be placed behind the center or anywhere other than the center Its positioning does not interfere with the system's operation. Our system uses renewable electricity that it generates itself or electricity from the grid. It can also operate with its own energy. Placed / laminated under the glass layer (18) Photovoltaic cells (2) are used to provide electrical power to the air intake fan (17). 15 Positioning photovoltaic cells (2) under the glass layer (18), photovoltaic Photovoltaic cells (2) protect the cells from the adverse effects of the external environment. The glass layer (18) can be placed under the system, on the top, on the sides, It can also be installed independently of the system. To supply electricity to the air intake fan (17) for at least one photovoltaic cell, wind turbine and other energy sources 20 available. In a solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system, the outside air... There must be air vents opening to the outside environment to take air into the collector casing (1). It is necessary. Within our system, air intake holes (24) are located in the collector casing (1) The holes are positioned on the side and bottom edges, but no hole is drilled on the top edge. This is 25 The reason is that in facade applications, rainwater negatively affects the collector dynamics. It is to protect against external factors that may affect it. Also, air intake holes (24) Thanks to at least one air filter that can be added, the air is purified from dust. is being sent. In a solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system, at least one 30 Thanks to the positioned air intake holes (24), the air intake is multiple and the outlet is single. It is carried out through the channel. The air is positioned on three sides of the collector casing (1). The dimensions, number and location of the suction holes (24) of the system It has no negative effect on its operation. The air intake holes (24) of the collector casing 8 (1) Positioning it on all four sides does not have a negative effect on the operation of the system. The system can operate with at least one air intake hole (24). In addition, the system can air when the suction hole (24) is at least 1 mm in diameter and opens on at least one side is able to work. The air entering the collector housing (1) is directed by the air intake fan (17) to 5 It is sent to the air-cooled condensing unit (3). Air-cooled The condenser unit (3) acts as a heat exchanger. Under ambient conditions The (cold) outside air, in the heat exchanger (9) at least one It enters through the air inlet (8). This inlet (8) connects to the air path coming from the collector casing (1). It is closed. Inside the air-cooled condenser section (3), the outside air is 10 It exits without mixing with the air coming from the collector (7). This coolant outside environment the inlet (8) and outlet (7) of the air to the heat exchanger (9) by means of a hood or duct This does not prevent the system from working. System air coming from the collector box (1) at least one humid and hot heat exchanger (9) whose inlet is closed to the outside environment Air enters through the air inlet (10). Outside air condenses the system air. 15 by transferring heat through the heat exchanger (9) located inside unit (3) It cools. The two fluids mentioned transfer heat due to the closed channel surfaces. The system coming from the collector box (1) does not mix with each other in the changer (9). Because the air temperature dropped below the dew point temperature, the air carried by the system air... The moisture condenses and turns into liquid water in the air condenser section (3). The air from which the moisture is removed, 20 The air is returned to the atmosphere from the air outlet (6). Air-cooled condenser section (3) It can be single flow, cross flow or counter flow. Air cooled The condenser section (3) must be single, cross or counter flow for the system to work. It does not create an obstacle. The released moisture collects water in the form of liquid water. It is collected in the reservoir (11). The air condensation section (3) contains 25 liquid water. to allow water to flow more easily into the water collection tank by utilizing gravity It is positioned between angles of 0° and 60°. The air condenser unit (3) is positioned at an angle, vertically. Alternatively, placing it parallel to the ground does not hinder the system's operation. In summary, the system has a night and day cycle for a full twenty-four-hour day. It consists of two cycles, including the first cycle. The system starts working at 30 at night. It starts from the cycle. There is at least one air intake located on the sides of the collector. Air is drawn in through the suction holes (24). There is at least one in the collector. The desiccant material (20) used passes over or through it. The material (20) retains the moisture in the air passing over or through it. Air 9 The suction fan (17) discharges the incoming air through the collector. Desiccant The material (20) retains moisture throughout the night. During the day cycle, however After ambient air is drawn in through at least one air intake hole (24), at least The heated air is heated by one absorber plate (19). The heated air is heated by at least one desiccant as the material (20) passes over or through the surface of the desiccant material (20) 5 It allows the moisture it has absorbed to be released. The air carrying the released moisture has at least one Air-cooled condenser, driven by several air intake fans (17). It is sent to unit (3). In the air-cooled condenser section (3), the temperature When the system air falls below the dew point temperature, it releases its moisture. The condensed moisture, In liquid water form, the refrigerated condenser section (3) is inclined on the shell (4) 10 Because of its placement, water collects in the reservoir (11) due to the effect of gravity. It is collected. 20 30

Claims

REQUESTS 1. A system containing a photovoltaic panel (2), absorber plate (19) and desiccant material (20) solar-powered atmospheric to operate connected to the collector casing (1) It is a water harvesting system, and its feature is; 5 air outlet (6), cool air outlet (7), heat exchanger (9) for cold outside air cooling air inlet (8) and collector casing that allow cooling air to be drawn in. (1) includes the sections of the incoming humid and warm air intake (10) and this cold outside environment heat between the humid and hot air coming from the collector casing (1) and the air containing a heat exchanger (9) that enables the transfer of system air temperature to dew point 10 When the temperature drops below a certain level, the moisture that condenses after releasing its moisture becomes liquid water. a water collection reservoir (11) in which water is collected by the effect of gravity air-cooled condenser section (3), air between the collector casing (1) and the air-cooled condenser section (3) air flow pipes that make the flow possible (5), 15 moisture collected by desiccant material (20) inside the collector casing (1) air-cooled hot air carried through air flow pipes (5) air intake fan (17) and a glass that enables the air to be transported to the condensation section (3). by including air intake holes (24) on the layer (18) and collector casing (1). It is characterized by... 20 2. The collector casing mentioned in Claim 1 is (1), and its feature is that it has between its side walls. because it contains an air gap and is made of aluminum material. It is characteristic.

3. The solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system mentioned in Claim 1, Features; collector casing (1), air-cooled condenser section (3) and air 25 with the flow pipes (5) positioned on a shell (4) It is characteristic.

4. The solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system mentioned in Claim 1 is, Its feature is an air gap between the glass layer (18) and the absorber plate (19). It is characterized by its inclusion. 30 5. Solar-assisted atmospheric water harvesting as mentioned in Claims 1, 3 or 4. It is a system whose characteristic is that it uses at least polyurethane foam, rock wool, and glass wool products. It is characterized by containing one of the insulation materials (21). 11 6. The air intake holes (24) mentioned in Claim 1 are characterized by containing a filter. It is characteristic.

7. The air-cooled condenser section mentioned in Claim 2 is (3), and its characteristic is; single It is characterized by having at least one of the following structures: flow-through, cross-flow, and counter-flow.

8. The desiccant material mentioned in Claim 1 is (20), and its characteristic is; porous, 5 at least poreless, hexagonal, square, wavy trapezoidal and finned structure-like shapes It is characterized by having someone.

9. The absorber plate (19) mentioned in Claim 1 is a flat solid and has at least three It is characterized by having at least one honeycomb form that includes an edge. 15 25

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