Constant pressure water generator

Abstract

The present invention concerns a water generator and in particular a constant pressure atmospheric water generator.

Description

[0001] Title: “CONSTANT PRESSURE WATER GENERATOR”

[0002] The present invention concerns a water generator and in particular a constant pressure atmospheric water generator.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] As is well known, because of various factors (including the growth of population, urbanization and industrialization), global water consumption has increased exponentially in recent years. It is also known that the distribution of water reserves globally is quite uneven, with significant shortages in certain areas of the globe.

[0005] In this context, it is also necessary to highlight the growing water scarcity found worldwide.

[0006] To counter the growing demand for water resources, several atmospheric water generators (‘24IFG“) have been developed.

[0007] These devices rely on the vapour compression refrigeration cycle (also known as “VCR‘) to extract water from the air by cooling and dehumidifying.

[0008] As known, a vapour compression refrigeration system consists of components such as: a condenser, a capillary tube, an evaporator and a compressor. In fact, a VCR cycle comprises four steps: evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion. In the evaporation step, the refrigerant liquid inside the evaporator (usually a serpentine evaporator) absorbs heat from an air source that needs to be cooled, thus passing to the vapour state.

[0009] Subsequently, said vapour enters the compressor, where it is compressed (and where the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant increase considerably).

[0010] Subsequently, the superheated refrigerant flows through a heat exchanger (called a condenser), where the heat is driven away by a dedicated heat sink, such as atmospheric air. The refrigerant thus begins to condense in the condenser passing to a liquid state. In the last part of the condenser, the condensed refrigerant is subcooled.

[0011] When the refrigerant liquid flows through the capillary tube (which controls the flow or the amount of refrigerant inside the evaporator), its pressure decreases. Usually, the capillary tube consists of a copper pipe of reduced diameter that is used to expand the sub-cooled liquid exiting the condenser up to the evaporation pressure.

[0012] The currently existing AWG devices show their best performance under hot and humid weather conditions. However, the water generation capacity of the current devices decreases dramatically in the arid regions or under cold weather conditions. This is because of the poor performance of the vapour compression refrigeration units characterizing the current AWG devices. In fact, the current AWG devices are only able to work at a minimum external temperature of at least 15 °C and with at least 20% RH of relative humidity.

[0013] In this context, it is highlighted that most of the countries characterized by a certain scarcity of water resources are located in areas where also high temperature changes are recorded throughout the day. In addition, these areas are also characterized by rather dry climates, with reduced humidity values.

[0014] Consequently, the performance provided by the currently known AWG devices is not satisfactory in these areas, given that for a certain period of the day (longer or shorter depending on the geographical area) their efficiency is reduced (if not entirely compromised).

[0015] The reason for this poor efficiency lies in the relatively low humidity value and in the dew point temperature that is recorded in such areas.

[0016] The term “dew point” means a particular thermodynamic state at which a liquid- vapour bi-phase multicomponent mixture becomes saturated with vapour. In other words, above the dew point (i.e. at higher temperature and / or at lower pressure) only the vapour is present, while below the dew point (i.e. at lower temperature and / or at higher pressure) a biphasic system is present in which a liquid is in equilibrium with its vapour. Consequently, the currently known AWG devices are able to operate efficiently only in the presence of hot and humid incoming air (which can possibly be obtained by pre-treating the atmospheric air in order to increase the temperature and humidity thereof).

[0017] It is therefore felt in the sector the need to overcome the disadvantages and the limits that characterize the state of the art.

[0018] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An object of the present invention is a device (D) for the generation of atmospheric water comprising:

[0020] • a container (I);

[0021] • a first element (TI) adapted to measure the pressure and the temperature of the environment outside said container (I);

[0022] • an air compressor (CA) adapted to regulate the volume of incoming air inside the container (I);

[0023] • a condensing unit (CU) adapted to perform a vapour compression refrigeration cycle to generate water from the humidity present in the air contained in said container (I) and comprising at least a compressor (CR), a condenser (CO) and an evaporator (S) adapted to allow the passage of refrigerant liquid, wherein said compressor (CR) and said condenser (CO) are positioned outside said container (I) and said evaporator (S) is housed inside said container (I); • a second element (B) adapted to measure the pressure (P) present inside the container (I);

[0024] • a third element (V) adapted to expel the air contained in said container (I) in order to keep a constant pressure value (P) inside said container (I);

[0025] • a discharge unit (DU) adapted to discharge from said container (I) the water generated by said condensing unit (CU).

[0026] A further object of the present invention is a method for generating water through said device (D) comprising the following steps: a) introducing a certain volume of air inside the container (I) through the air compressor (CA) in order to establish a certain pressure value (P) inside said container (I); b) producing water starting from said air volume through said condensing unit (CU), wherein said step takes place by keeping the pressure value (P) inside the container (I) constant through said valve (V); c) discharging the water produced during step b) through the discharge unit (DU).

[0027] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation in section of the device (D) according to the present invention.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Thanks to the characteristics of the device (D) according to the present invention it is possible to improve the efficiency of the currently known AWG devices, also by operating at an external air temperature lower than 15 °C (said device being able to operate at temperatures up to 10.85 °C).

[0031] Currently, a state-of-the-art AWG device at a temperature of 25 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 50% is able to absorb 50,000 m3of air, producing 1,000 L of water. The dimensions of a device with this production capacity are 280 cm x 190 cm x 170 cm (LxHxD) and have an average consumption of 20.3 Kw / h.

[0032] With the device (D) according to the present invention, instead, it is possible, with the same atmospheric conditions, device dimensions and used energy, to introduce into the container (I) up to 250,000 m3of air, producing up to 5,000 L of water.

[0033] In other words, thanks to the device (D) according to the present invention it is possible to increase the efficiency of the currently known AWG devices and, at the same time, operate at lower temperatures. Said latter advantage also becomes relevant for the geographical areas characterized by significant temperature changes during the course of the day: in fact, thanks to the device (D) according to the present invention, the production of water in these areas remains almost constant at temperatures above 10.85 °C. In particular, at a temperature of 10.85 °C and with a relative humidity (RH) value between 45 and 50%, the device (D) has an average production capacity of 3,000 litres per day with an average energy consumption of 19 Kw / h.

[0034] In addition, the device (D) according to the present invention is able to operate efficiently already with relative humidity (RH) values equal to or higher than 18- 20%, thus obtaining optimal results under conditions in which most of the currently known AWG devices are not able to operate.

[0035] This is thanks to the fact that the air contained within the container (I) can be kept at constant pressure and temperature.

[0036] Furthermore, the air expelled from the container (I) by means of said third element (V) mainly consists of cold air. This therefore allows a specific environment to be cooled, thus acting as an air conditioner.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, said first element (TI) is a thermohygrometer (i.e. an instrument composed of a thermometer and a hygrometer suitable for detecting the relative and absolute humidity of the air, and the environmental temperature) and / or said second element (B) is a barometer.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, said condenser (CO) and said evaporator (S) are connected by a capillary tube.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, said third element (V) comprises a valve that allows the escape of the air present inside the container.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, said third element (V) is connected with said second element (B) in such a way as to autonomously regulate the volume of air to be expelled on the basis of the pressure measured inside the container (I) (in such a way that it is constant).

[0041] In other words, said third element (V) can be manually operated by an operator and / or automatically based on the values of the pressure measured by said second element (B).

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, said air compressor (CA) is connected with said first element (TI) so as to autonomously regulate the volume of air to be inserted inside the container (I) on the basis of the environmental conditions recorded by said first element (TI) (i.e. temperature and humidity).

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, said air compressor (CA) comprises suction fans.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, said air compressor (CA) comprises a filtration element adapted to eliminate particulate material from the air entering the container (I). More preferably, said particulate material is coarse particular material (i.e. particulate material having particles with aerodynamic diameter greater than 2.5 pm).

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, said compressor (CR) and / or said condenser (CO) are positioned on the upper portion of said container (I). In a preferred embodiment, said evaporator (S) has a serpentine structure to increase the exchange surface with the air inside the container (I).

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, said container (I) comprises elements and / or means adapted to control and regulate the temperature of the air contained therein, such as for example a thermostat.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, said refrigerant liquid is propylene glycol. A propanediol-based liquid, a solvent of natural origin capable of replacing glycols of petroleum origin, can also be used as a replacement for propylene glycol.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, said discharge unit (DU) comprises a tap so as to allow the escape of the water accumulated inside the container (I). Said tap can be operated manually by an operator and / or automatically based on the amount of water present inside the container (I).

[0049] In particular, once a quantity of water equal to about 40% of the internal volume of the container has been generated, the air compressor (CA) suspends the air intake and said discharge unit (DU) allows the escape of the water generated by the container (I).

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, said container (I) is made of stainless steel (a specific alloy without nickel or lead, generically indicated with formula 316L, in order to avoid contaminations or risks for any allergies).

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, said container (I) is hermetically sealed.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, said container (I) has a lower portion with a shape such as to allow a better accumulation of the produced water (for example with conical shape).

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, said container (I) has a dimension of 40 cm x 25 cm x 50 cm, therefore equal to a volume of 0.05 cubic metres (LxHxD). In particular, this dimension has advantages in logistical terms, allowing an easy movement of the device (D) in the various areas (even the most difficult ones to access) depending on the needs. The device (D) with said container has a total dimension of 280 cm x 190 cm x 170 cm (LxHxD).

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, said device (D) further comprises a filtration and purification unit (FPU) in turn comprising elements and / or means suitable for filtration and purification of the generated water.

[0055] The term “filtration” means any element and / or medium and / or method aimed at the removal of suspended solid particles. This term also refers to any element, medium and / or microfiltration, ultrafiltration and / or nanofiltration method, alone or in combination with each other, for the removal of suspended particles such as for example nanoparticles, eukaryotic cells, DNA and RNA fragments, bacteria, viruses, pyrogens, endotoxins and proteins.

[0056] The term “purification” means any element, medium and / or method aimed at the removal of pollutants, chemical contaminants, biological contaminants and / or impurities in solution, alone or in combination with each other, including by way of example distillation, reverse osmosis, activated carbon absorption, use of ultraviolet radiations, deionization, chemical disinfection and clariflocculation.

[0057] This filtration and purification unit (FPU), which can be located upstream or downstream of the discharge unit (preferably downstream), permits to make the water produced by said device (D) safe for human consumption.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, said device (D) further comprises a mineralization unit adapted to add mineral salts to the generated water (including for example sodium and / or magnesium).

[0059] In a particular embodiment, the water undergoes a first purification cycle in a first purification section in which it is subjected to the action of germicidal ultraviolet radiations, reverse osmosis and filtration with activated carbon. Through a suitable pumping system, the water is then transferred to a second purification section where it is subjected to filtration with a graphene filter. Subsequently, through the addition of minerals (such as, for example, sodium and / or magnesium) the desired organoleptic qualities are attributed to the water.

[0060] The water is then further treated with germicidal ultraviolet radiations, thus making the produced water safe for human consumption.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure value (P) inside the container (I) during said step b) is comprised between 1.5 and 5 bar, more preferably equal to 2.5 bar (1 bar = 100,000 Pa, therefore 2.5 bar = 250,000 Pa).

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature inside said container (I) during said step b) is comprised between 1 and 3 °C, more preferably equal to 2 °C.

[0063] Even more preferably, the pressure value (P) and the temperature value inside said container (I) during said step b) are equal to 2.5 bar and 2 °C, respectively.

[0064] Once the discharge step is finished, the air compressor (CA) can resume introducing air into the container (I), thus starting a new compression cycle.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, said device (D) comprises a computer control unit (CCU) adapted to efficiently control the functionality of the device (D) in terms of water generation speed and / or energy consumption as a function of different parameters such as for example the atmospheric conditions (such as temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric pressure). In particular, said computer control unit (CCU) can control various operating parameters such as for example: entry speed of the air into the container (I) through the air compressor (CA); volume of air entering into the container (I) through the air compressor (CA); water volume present inside the container (I); escape speed of the air present inside said container (I) through said third element (V); and operating hours of the device.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, said device (D) further comprises a module for remote connection that allows the sending / receiving of data through Wi-Fi connection (or equivalent) and / or GSM. In particular, the presence of a module for remote connection based on both the Wi-Fi connection (or equivalent) and on GSM allows the sending / receiving of data if one of the two types of connection is interrupted. Said device (D) may further comprise a computer system integrated with software, preferably said software being based on artificial intelligence and machine learning (e.g. “ChatGPT”) so as to optimize water production and / or energy consumption. The device (D) and the process according to the present invention can be used for example for the supply of water (possibly drinking water) in areas with scarce water resources (think for example of areas affected by emergency situations), hospitals and clinics, construction sites, airports, railway stations, construction sites and schools.

[0067] Obviously, the device (D) and the process according to the present invention can be used in all applications where it is necessary to supply water, such as for example in agriculture and livestock farming. Said device (D) can in fact be used for example for water supply in the fields used in agriculture, where it can also reduce water waste thanks to the drip irrigation systems.

[0068] A person skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and / or replacements of elements described with equivalent elements to the embodiments described above, without thereby departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Device (D) for the generation of atmospheric water comprising:• a container (I);• a first element (TI) adapted to measure the pressure and the temperature of the environment outside said container (I);• an air compressor (CA) adapted to regulate the volume of incoming air inside the container (I);• a condensing unit (CU) adapted to perform a vapour compression refrigeration cycle to generate water from the humidity present in the air contained in said container (I) and comprising at least a compressor (CR), a condenser (CO) and an evaporator (S) adapted to allow the passage of a refrigerant liquid, wherein said compressor (CR) and said condenser (CO) are positioned outside said container (I) and said evaporator (S) is housed inside said container (I);• a second element (B) adapted to measure the pressure (P) present inside the container (I);• a third element (V) adapted to expel the air contained in said container (I) in order to keep a constant pressure value (P) inside said container (I);• a discharge unit (DU) adapted to discharge from said container (I) the water generated by said condensing unit (CU).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said first element (TI) is a thermohygrometer and / or said second element (B) is a barometer.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said refrigerant liquid is propylene glycol.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said evaporator (S) has a serpentine structure adapted to increase the exchange surface with the air inside the container (I).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said device further comprises a filtration and purification unit (FPU) in turn comprising means suitable for filtration and purification of the generated water.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said device (D) further comprises a mineralization unit adapted to add mineral salts to the generated water.

7. Method for generating water through the device (D) according to claims 1 - 6 comprising the following steps: a) introducing a certain volume of air inside the container (I) through the air compressor (CA) in order to establish a certain pressure value (P) inside said container (I); b) producing water starting from said air volume through said condensing unit (CU), wherein said step takes place by keeping the pressure value (P) inside the container (I) constant through said valve (V); c) discharging the water produced during step b) through the discharge unit (DU).

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the pressure value (P) inside the container (I) during said step b) is comprised between 1.5 and 5 bar, more preferably equal to 2.5 bar.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the temperature of the air inside said container (I) during said step b) is comprised between 1 and 3 °C, more preferably equal to 2 °C.

10. Method according to one of claims 7-9, wherein the pressure value (P) inside the container (I) during said step b) is equal to 2.5 bar and the temperature of the air inside said container (I) during said step b) is equal to

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