An apparatus for desalination of water and a method to operate the same

The apparatus for desalination addresses the energy and environmental issues of existing methods by using a solar-powered system with a conductive metal tank and cooling unit to efficiently produce fresh water from seawater.

WO2025056964A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-03-20JAIN YUUVRAAJ
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/IB2023/061098
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-09-12
Filing Date
2023-11-03
Publication Date
2025-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing desalination methods are energy-intensive, costly, and environmentally harmful, with high energy consumption and low efficiency, as well as the potential to harm marine life due to pollution.

Method used

An apparatus for desalination using a tank assembly with a conductive metal inner portion, a converging lens to concentrate sunlight for evaporation, a storage tank for vapor collection, a cooling unit for cooling the desalinated water, and a renewable energy source, such as solar panels, to power the system.

Benefits of technology

The apparatus achieves energy-efficient desalination with low operational costs, is eco-friendly, and does not harm marine life, providing a cost-effective and efficient method for producing fresh water from seawater.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An apparatus (100) for desalinating water is provided The apparatus includes a tank assembly (102), a processing subsystem (142), and at least one renewable energy source (150). The tank assembly includes one or more inlet ports (104) allowing the water to enter the tank assembly, a water level indication unit (112) senses water level inside the tank assembly and a microcontroller (116) enable the opening or closing of the lid structure, a converging lens (118) concentrates sunlight on a conductive metal for absorbing heat and causing evaporation, a storage tank (122) receives the water vapour, a cooling unit (126) cools the desalinated water, a buoyancy ring (140) keeps the tank assembly afloat. The processing subsystem includes a control module (148) works using Internet of Things to pump back the desalinated water to a container. The at least one renewable energy source generates power for functioning of the tank assembly.
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Description

[0001] AN APPARATUS FOR DESALINATION OF WATER AND A METHOD TO OPERATE THE SAME

[0002] EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

[0003] This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202341061411, filed on September 12, 2023, and titled “AN APPARATUS FOR DESALINATION OF WATER AND A METHOD TO OPERATE THE SAME”

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to the field of water treatment and more particularly to an apparatus for desalination of water and a method to operate the same.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Water is an essential element of survival for all living being. Water not only hydrates the living being but also provides essential nutrients for survival and good health. However, with the continuous deterioration of the environment and the depletion of freshwater resources, the lack of freshwater resources has largely affected the sustainable development of human society. About 70% of the earth's area is ocean. The sea water is not consumable by human and other land animals due to high percentage of salt in it. To make the sea water consumable a desalination method is operated. The desalination is an artificial process by which saline water (generally sea water) is converted to fresh water. Seawater desalination may increase the total amount of fresh water and make better use of water resources. Desalination of water eliminates salt from the water and also eliminates potentially hazardous minerals and compounds.

[0008] Currently, there are several methods for seawater desalination, such as traditional freezing, distillation, reverse osmosis, and adsorption. However, these methods require high energy consumption and provide low efficiency. Also, the existing methods require large and complex equipment and hence incurs a high cost for implementation. Further, the existing methods are susceptible to producing a large amount of pollutants and hence may harm marine life. Furthermore, the existing methods are not ecofriendly.

[0009] Hence, there is a need for an apparatus for desalination of water and a method to operate the same that addresses the aforementioned issues.

[0010] OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An objective of the present invention is to provide an energy efficient apparatus for desalination of water.

[0012] Another, an objective of the present invention is to provide an eco-friendly method for desalination of water.

[0013] Yet, an objective of the present invention is to provide a low-cost implementation of the apparatus.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus for desalinating water is provided. The apparatus includes a tank assembly, a processing subsystem, and at least one renewable energy source. The tank assembly is configured with an inner portion fabricated with a conductive metal. The tank assembly is configured to store water for desalination. The tank assembly includes one or more inlet ports, a water level indication unit, a converging lens, a storage tank, a cooling unit, and a buoyancy ring. The one or more inlet ports is configured to allow the water to enter into the tank assembly. The one or more inlet port includes a grill structure, a lid structure. The grill structure is configured to prevent impurities and marine life to enter into the tank assembly. The lid structure is positioned inside the one or more inlet ports and at a predetermined distance from the grill structure, operated by a motor. Further, the lid structure is configured to control the water flow into the tank assembly based on the water level inside the tank assembly. The water level indication unit is operatively coupled with the tank assembly. The water level indication unit indicates the water level inside the tank assembly. The water level indication unit includes at least one water level sensor and a microcontroller. At least one water level sensor is configured to sense the water level inside the tank assembly. The microcontroller is operatively coupled with the at least one water level sensor. The microcontroller is configured to generate an input to actuate the motor, by comparing the input from the at least water level sensor and a pre-set threshold value. The generated input enables the opening or closing the lid structure. The converging lens is affixed on a top surface of the tank assembly. The converging lens is configured to concentrate sunlight on the conductive metal of the tank assembly (102), the conductive metal thereby absorbs heat of the sunlight and releases the heat to the water causing evaporation of water. The storage tank is operatively coupled with an external wall of the tank assembly, wherein the storage tank is configured to receive the water vapour through an opening connected to the external wall of the tank assembly. The storage tank includes a water level sensor configured to sense the level of the desalinated water inside the tank assembly. The cooling unit is operatively coupled with the tank assembly and mounted around the storage tank wherein the cooling unit is configured to cool the desalinated water to produce a cooled desalinated water. The cooling unit includes a conduit is operatively coupled with the one or more outlet port and the storage tank. The conduit includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is configured to transfer the desalinated water from the tank assembly (102) to the storage tank. The second channel is operatively coupled with the first channel. The second channel includes a receiving port configured to circulate a coolant via a second pump to remove the heat from the desalinated water. The second channel also includes an output port configured to discharge the coolant after heat exchange. The buoyancy ring is arranged along an outer surface of the tank assembly to keep the tank assembly afloat. The processing subsystem is hosted on a server and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a control module. The control module is operatively coupled with the storage tank. The control module is configured to communicate with a first pump by means of Internet of Things (loT) devices. The control module is configured to control water level by pumping back the desalinated water to a container by using the first pump. The at least one renewable energy source is mounted on the tank assembly. The at least one renewable energy source is configured to generate power for functioning of the tank assembly.

[0016] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for operating the apparatus for desalinating water is provided. The method includes allowing, by one or more inlet ports of the tank assembly, the water to enter the tank assembly. The method also includes preventing, by a grill structure of one or more inlet ports of the tank assembly, impurities and marine life entities to enter into the tank assembly. Further, the method includes controlling, by a lid structure of one or more inlet ports of the tank assembly, the water flow into the tank assembly based on the water level inside the tank assembly. Furthermore, the method includes sensing, by a water level indication unit of the tank assembly, the water level inside the tank assembly. Furthermore, the method includes sensing, by a water level indication unit of the tank assembly, the water level inside the tank assembly. Furthermore, the method includes generating, by a microcontroller of the tank assembly, an input to actuate the motor, by comparing the input from the at least water level sensor and a pre-set threshold value, wherein the generated input enables the opening or closing the lid structure. Furthermore, the method includes concentrating, by a converging lens of the tank assembly, the sunlight on the conductive metal of the tank assembly (102), the conductive metal thereby absorbs heat of the sunlight and releases the heat to the water causing evaporation of wate. Furthermore, the method includes storing, by a storage tank of the tank assembly, the water vapour through an opening connected to the external wall of the tank assembly. Furthermore, the method includes sensing, by a water level sensor of the storage tank of the tank assembly, the level of the desalinated water inside the tank assembly. Furthermore, the method includes transferring, by a first channel of a conduit of the cooling unit of the tank assembly, the desalinated water from the tank assembly to the storage tank. Furthermore, the method includes circulating, by a receiving port of the second channel of the conduit of the cooling unit of the tank assembly, a coolant via a second pump to remove the heat from the desalinated water and cooling the desalinated water. Furthermore, the method includes discharging, by an output port of the second channel of the conduit of the cooling unit of the tank assembly. Furthermore, the method includes arranging, a buoyancy ring along an outer surface of the tank assembly to keep the tank assembly afloat. Furthermore, the method includes controlling, by a control module of the processing subsystem, the water level by pumping back the desalinated water to a container by using the first pump. Furthermore, the method includes generating, by at least one renewable energy source, power for functioning of the tank assembly.

[0017] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for desalination of water in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exploded view of one or more inlet ports along with a grill structure and a lid structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a conduit of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a flowchart representing communication of a water level sensor with a plurality of motors of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer or a server for the apparatus for desalination of water in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6a is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for operating the apparatus for desalination of water in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 6b illustrates continued steps involved in a method for operating the apparatus for desalination of water in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0031] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for desalinating water is provided. The apparatus includes a tank assembly, a processing subsystem, and at least one renewable energy source. The tank assembly is configured with an inner portion fabricated with a conductive metal. The tank assembly is also configured to store water for desalination. The tank assembly includes one or more inlet ports, a water level indication unit, a converging lens, a storage tank, a cooling unit, and a buoyancy ring. The one or more inlet ports is configured to allow the water to enter into the tank assembly. The one or more inlet port includes a grill structure, a lid structure. The grill structure is configured to prevent impurities and marine life to enter into the tank assembly. The lid structure is positioned inside the one or more inlet ports and at a predetermined distance from the grill structure, operated by a motor. Further, the lid structure is configured to control the water flow into the tank assembly based on the water level inside the tank assembly. The water level indication unit is operatively coupled with the tank assembly. The water level indication unit indicates the water level inside the tank assembly. The water level indication unit includes at least one water level sensor and a microcontroller. At least one water level sensor is configured to sense the water level inside the tank assembly. The microcontroller is operatively coupled with the at least one water level sensor. The microcontroller is configured to generate an input to actuate the motor, by comparing the input from the at least water level sensor and a pre-set threshold value. The generated input enables the opening or closing the lid structure. The converging lens is affixed on a top surface of the tank assembly. The converging lens is configured to concentrate sunlight on the conductive metal of the tank assembly, the conductive metal thereby absorbs heat of the sunlight and releases the heat to the water causing evaporation of water. The storage tank is operatively coupled with an external wall of the tank assembly, wherein the storage tank is configured to receive the water vapour through an opening connected to the external wall of the tank assembly. The storage tank includes a water level sensor configured to sense the level of the desalinated water inside the tank assembly. The cooling unit is operatively coupled with the tank assembly and mounted around the storage tank wherein the cooling unit is configured to cool the desalinated water to produce a cooled desalinated water. The cooling unit includes a conduit is operatively coupled with the one or more outlet port and the storage tank. The conduit includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is configured to transfer the desalinated water from the tank assembly (102) to the storage tank. The second channel is operatively coupled with the first channel. The second channel includes a receiving port configured to circulate a coolant via a second pump to remove the heat from the desalinated water. The second channel also includes an output port configured to discharge the coolant after heat exchange. The buoyancy ring is arranged along an outer surface of the tank assembly to keep the tank assembly afloat. The processing subsystem is hosted on a server and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a control module. The control module is operatively coupled with the storage tank. The control module is configured to communicate with a first pump by means of Internet of Things (loT). The desalinated water is pumped back to a container by using the first pump. The at least one renewable energy source is mounted on the tank assembly. The at least one renewable energy source is configured to generate power for functioning of the tank assembly.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation an apparatus (100) for desalinating water in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure. The apparatus (100) includes a tank assembly (102), a processing subsystem (142), and at least one renewable energy source (150). The tank assembly (102) is configured with an inner portion fabricated with a conductive metal, wherein the tank assembly (102) is configured to store water for desalination. The tank assembly (102) includes one or more inlet ports (104) configured to allow the water to enter into the tank assembly (102). In one embodiment, the tank assembly is adapted to float on a water body that contains dissolved salts. Examples of the water body include, but is not limited to, ocean, water of inland seas and municipal wastewaters. Specifically, the water body is an ocean. The one or more inlet port (104) includes a grill structure (106) (shown in FIG. 2) and a lid structure (108) (shown in FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the tank assembly (102) is remotely operated. In one embodiment, the tank assembly (102) includes an inner portion fabricated with a conductive metal to maintain heat. In another embodiment, the tank assembly (102) includes an outer portion fabricated with an insulating material to prevent heat dissipation from the tank assembly (102). Yet, in one embodiment, the tank assembly (102) includes a collecting ring (not shown in FIG. 1) arranged along the inner portion of the tank assembly (102). The collecting ring is configured to collect condensed desalinated water which slides from the inner top surface of the tank assembly (102) and transfers the collected desalinated water to the storage tank (122).

[0034] The tank assembly (102) also includes water level indication unit (112) operatively coupled with the tank assembly (102). The water level indication unit (112) indicates the water level inside the tank assembly (102). The water level indication unit (112) includes at least one water level sensor (114) and a microcontroller (116). The at least one water level sensor (114) is configured to sense the water level inside the tank assembly (102).

[0035] The microcontroller (116) is operatively coupled with the at least one water level sensor (114). The microcontroller (116) is configured to generate an input to actuate the motor (110), by comparing the input from the at least water level sensor (114) and a pre-set threshold value. The generated input enables the opening or closing the lid structure (108). In one embodiment, the microcontroller (116) is configured to notify the second pump for actuating after the storage tank (122) is full. The tank assembly (102) further includes a converging lens (118) affixed on a top surface of the tank assembly (102). The converging lens (118) is configured to concentrate sunlight (solar energy) on the conductive metal of the tank assembly (102), the conductive metal thereby absorbs heat of the sunlight and releases the heat to the water causing evaporation of water. Consequently, the temperature within the tank assembly (102) is increased which leads to evaporation of the water thereby forming water vapour on an inner top surface (120) of the tank assembly (102). The water vapour then moves to the storage tank (122).

[0036] Furthermore, the tank assembly (102) includes the storage tank (122) operatively coupled with an external wall of the tank assembly (102). The storage tank (122) is adapted to receive the water vapour through an opening (152) connected to the external wall of the tank assembly (102). The storage tank (122) includes a water level sensor (124) configured to sense the level of the desalinated water inside the tank assembly (102).

[0037] Furthermore, the tank assembly (102) includes a cooling unit (126) operatively coupled with the tank assembly (102) and mounted around the storage tank (122). The cooling unit (126) is configured to cool the desalinated water.

[0038] The buoyancy ring (140) is arranged along an outer surface of the tank assembly (102) to keep the tank assembly (102) afloat on the water body.

[0039] The processing subsystem (142) is hosted on a server (144) and configured to execute on a network (146) to control bidirectional communications with a control module (148). In one embodiment, the server (144) may include a cloud server. In another embodiment, the cloud server may include a local server. The processing subsystem (142) is configured to execute on a network (146) to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the network may include a wired network such as a local area network (LAN). In another embodiment, the network may include a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), infra-red communication (RFID), or the like. The control module (148) is operatively coupled with the storage tank (122). The control module (148) is configured to communicate with a second pump by means of an Internet of Things (loT) device (154). The control module (148) is also configured to control water level in the tank assembly (102) by pumping back the desalinated water to a container by using the first pump. In one embodiment, the container is positioned on a land or a ship. In one embodiment, the desalinated water collected in the container is further used for various purposes such as drinking, utility, and the like.

[0040] The at least one renewable energy source (150) is mounted on the tank assembly (102), wherein the at least one renewable energy source (150) is configured to generate power for functioning of the tank assembly (102). In one embodiment, the renewable energy source (150) is a solar panel, wherein the solar panels are automated to change the direction according to the position of the sun.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exploded view of one or more inlet ports (104) along with a grill structure (106) and a lid structure (108) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The grill structure (106) is configured to prevent impurities and marine life to enter the tank assembly (102). The lid structure (108) is positioned inside the one or more inlet ports (104) and at a pre -determined distance from the grill structure (106). Further, the lid structure (108) is operated by a plurality of motors (110). The lid structure (108) is configured to control the water flow into the tank assembly (102) based on the water level inside the tank assembly (102).

[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a conduit (128) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The conduit (128) is operatively coupled to the opening (152) at the tank assembly (102) and the storage tank (122). The conduit (128) includes a first channel (130) and a second channel (132). The first channel (130) configured to transfer the desalinated water from the tank assembly (102) to the storage tank (122). The second channel (132) is operatively coupled with the first channel (130). The second channel (132) includes a receiving port (134) is configured to circulate a coolant (138) via a first pump to remove the heat from the desalinated water. The second channel (132) also includes an output port (136) configured to discharge the coolant (138) after heat exchange. In one embodiment, the coolant (138) is water.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a flowchart representing communication of a water level sensor with a plurality of motors of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the at least one water level sensor (114) sends the sensed data of water level in the tank assembly to the microcontroller (116). The microcontroller (116) compares the data values with the pre-defined threshold values. The microcontroller (116) then sends instructions to the plurality of motors (110) to decide the opening or closing of the one or more water inlet ports.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer or a server (200) for the apparatus for desalination of water in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server (200) includes a processor(s) (202), and memory (206) operatively coupled to the bus (204).

[0045] The processor(s) (202), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The bus (204) as used herein refers to be internal memory channel or computer network that is used to connect computer components and transfer data between them. The bus (204) includes a serial bus or a parallel bus, wherein the serial bus transmits data in a bit-serial format and the parallel bus transmits data across multiple wires. The bus (204) as used herein, may include but is not limited to, a system bus, an internal bus, an external bus, an expansion bus, a frontside bus, a backside bus, and the like.

[0047] The memory (206) includes a plurality of subsystems and a plurality of modules stored in the form of an executable program which instructs the processor (202) to perform the method steps illustrated in FIG. 1. The memory (206) is substantially similar to the apparatus of FIG.l. The memory (206) has the following submodule: a control unit (148). The control module (148) operatively coupled with the storage tank (122). The control module (148) is configured to communicate with a second pump by means of an Internet of Things (loT) device (154). The control module (148) is configured to control water level by pumping back the desalinated water to a container by using the first pump.

[0048] Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read-only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. The executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (202).

[0049] FIG. 6a is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (300) for operating the apparatus for desalination of water in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6b illustrates continued steps involved in a method (300) for operating the apparatus for desalination of water The method (300) includes allowing, by one or more inlet ports of the tank assembly, the water to enter into the tank assembly in step (302).

[0050] The method also includes fabricating an inner portion with a conductive metal to maintain heat. The method also includes fabricating, an outer portion of the tank assembly with an insulating material to prevent heat dissipation from the tank assembly. The method also includes remotely operating, the tank assembly.

[0051] The method (300) also includes preventing, by a grill structure of one or more inlet ports of the tank assembly, impurities and marine life entities to enter into the tank assembly in step (304). Further, the method (300) includes controlling, by a lid structure of one or more inlet ports of the tank assembly, the water flow into the tank assembly based on the water level inside the tank assembly in step (306).

[0052] Furthermore, the method (300) includes sensing, by a water level indication unit of the tank assembly, the water level inside the tank assembly in step (308).

[0053] Furthermore, the method (300) includes indicating, by a water level indication unit of the tank assembly, the water level inside the tank assembly in step (310).

[0054] Furthermore, the method (300) includes generating, by a microcontroller of the tank assembly, an input to actuate the motor, by comparing the input from the at least water level sensor and a pre-set threshold value, wherein the generated input enables the opening or closing the lid structure in step (312). The method also includes notifying the second pump for actuating after the storage tank is full.

[0055] Furthermore, the method (300) includes concentrating, by a converging lens of the tank assembly, the sunlight on the conductive metal of the tank assembly (102), the conductive metal thereby absorbs heat of the sunlight and releases the heat to the water causing evaporation of water in step (314).

[0056] Furthermore, the method (300) includes storing, by a storage tank of the tank assembly, the water vapour through an opening connected to the external wall of the tank assembly in step (316).

[0057] Furthermore, the method (300) includes sensing, by a water level sensor of the storage tank of the tank assembly, the level of the desalinated water inside the tank assembly in step (318).

[0058] Furthermore, the method (300) includes transferring, by a first channel of a conduit of the cooling unit of the tank assembly, the desalinated water from the tank assembly to the storage tank in step (320). Furthermore, the method (300) includes circulating, by a receiving port of the second channel of the conduit of the cooling unit of the tank assembly, a coolant via a second pump to remove the heat from the desalinated water and cooling the desalinated water in step (322).

[0059] Furthermore, the method (300) includes discharging, by an output port of the second channel of the conduit of the cooling unit of the tank assembly, discharge the coolant after heat exchange in step (324).

[0060] Furthermore, the method includes arranging a buoyancy ring along an outer surface of the tank assembly to keep the tank assembly afloat in step (326).

[0061] Furthermore, the method (300) includes controlling, by a control module of the processing subsystem, the water level by pumping back the desalinated water to a container by using the first pump in step (328). The method also includes communicating, by the control module with a second pump by means of Internet of Things (loT).

[0062] Furthermore, the method (300) includes generating, by at least one renewable energy source, power for functioning of the tank assembly in step (330). In one embodiment, the renewable energy source is a solar panel, wherein the solar panels are automated to change the direction according to the position of the sun.

[0063] Furthermore, the method also includes collecting, by a collecting ring arranged along a plurality of internal walls of the tank assembly wherein the collecting ring is configured to collect a condensed desalinated water which slides from the inner top surface of the tank assembly and transfers the collected desalinated water to the storage tank.

[0064] Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable an efficient way of desalination of water with the apparatus for desalination of water. The apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure uses solar panels, hence facilitates low energy consumption with high efficiency. The system disclosed in the present disclosure provides a simple equipment. The apparatus is cost effective. The apparatus as disclosed in the present disclosure is ecofriendly.

[0065] Further, the system disclosed in the present disclosure is cost effective and easy to implement. The apparatus for desalination of water does not harm the water animals. The apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure is remotely operated.

[0066] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0067] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

AIM:

1. An apparatus (100) for desalinating water comprising: characterized in that a tank assembly (102) configured with an inner portion fabricated with a conductive metal, wherein the tank assembly (102) is configured to store water for desalination comprises: one or more inlet ports (104) configured to allow the water to enter into the tank assembly (102), wherein the one or more inlet port (104) comprises: a grill structure (106) configured to prevent impurities and marine life to enter into the tank assembly (102); and a lid structure (108) positioned inside the one or more inlet ports (104) and at a pre-determined distance from the grill structure (106), operated by a motor (110), wherein the lid structure (108) is configured to control the water flow into the tank assembly (102) based on the water level inside the tank assembly (102); a water level indication unit (112) operatively coupled with the tank assembly (102), wherein the water level indication unit (112) indicates the water level inside the tank assembly (102), wherein the water level indication unit (112) comprises: at least one water level sensor (114) configured to sense the water level inside the tank assembly (102); and a microcontroller (116) operatively coupled with the at least one water level sensor (114),wherein the microcontroller (116) is configured to generate an input to actuate the motor (110), by comparing the input from the at least one water level sensor (114) and a pre-set threshold value, and wherein the generated input enables the opening or closing the lid structure (108); a converging lens (118) affixed on a top surface of the tank assembly (102), wherein the converging lens (118) is configured to concentrate sunlight on a conductive metal of the tank assembly (102), the conductive metal thereby absorbs heat of the sunlight and releases the heat to the water causing evaporation of water; a storage tank (122) operatively coupled with an external wall of the tank assembly (102), wherein the storage tank (122) is configured to receive the water vapour through an opening (152) connected to the external wall of the tank assembly (102), wherein the storage tank (122) comprises: a water level sensor (124) configured to sense the level of the desalinated water inside the tank assembly (102); a cooling unit (126) operatively coupled with the tank assembly (102) and mounted around the storage tank (122) wherein the cooling unit (126) is configured to cool the desalinated water to produce a cooled desalinated water, and wherein the cooling unit (126) comprises: a conduit (128) operatively coupled to the opening (152) and the storage tank (122), wherein the conduit (128) comprises: a first channel (130) configured to transfer the desalinated water from the tank assembly (102) to the storage tank (122); anda second channel (132) operatively coupled with the first channel (130) wherein the second channel (132) comprises: a receiving port (134) configured to circulate a coolant (138) via a first pump to remove the heat from the desalinated water; and an output port (136) configured to discharge the coolant (138) after heat exchange; a buoyancy ring (140) arranged along an outer surface of the tank assembly (102) to keep the tank assembly (102) afloat; a processing subsystem (142) hosted on a server (144) and configured to execute on a network (146) to control bidirectional communications among a control module (148) comprising: a control module (148) operatively coupled with the storage tank (122), wherein the control module (148) is configured to communicate with a second pump by means of Internet of Things (154), wherein, the control module (148) is configured to control water level by pumping back the desalinated water to a container by using the first pump; and at least one renewable energy source (150) mounted on the tank assembly (102), wherein the at least one renewable energy source (150) is configured to generate power for functioning of the tank assembly (102).

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the tank assembly (102) comprises an outer portion fabricated with an insulating material to prevent heat dissipation from the tank assembly (102).

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tank assembly (102) comprises a collecting ring arranged along a plurality of internal walls of the tank assembly (102), wherein the collecting ring is configured to collect a condensed desalinated water which slides from the inner top surface of the tank assembly (102) and transfers the collected desalinated water to the storage tank (122).

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tank assembly (102) is remotely operated.

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (116) is configured to notify the second pump for actuating after the storage tank (122) is full.

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the renewable energy source (150) is a solar panel, wherein the solar panels are automated to change the direction according to the position of the Sun.

7. A method (300) for operating the apparatus for desalinating water comprises: characterized in that allowing, by one or more inlet ports of the tank assembly, the water to enter into the tank assembly; (302) preventing, by a grill structure of one or more inlet ports of the tank assembly, impurities, and marine life entities to enter into the tank assembly; (304) controlling, by a lid structure of one or more inlet ports of the tank assembly, the water flow into the tank assembly based on the water level inside the tank assembly; (306) sensing, by a water level indication unit of the tank assembly, the water level inside the tank assembly; (308)indicating, by a water level indication unit of the tank assembly, the water level inside the tank assembly; (310) generating, by a microcontroller of the tank assembly, an input to actuate the motor, by comparing the input from the at least water level sensor and a pre-set threshold value, wherein the generated input enables the opening or closing the lid structure; (312) concentrating, by a converging lens of the tank assembly, the sunlight on a conductive metal of the tank assembly (102), the conductive metal thereby absorbs heat of the sunlight and releases the heat to the water causing evaporation of water; (314) storing, by a storage tank of the tank assembly, the water vapour through an opening connected to the external wall of the tank assembly; (316) sensing, by a water level sensor of the storage tank of the tank assembly, the level of the desalinated water inside the tank assembly; (318) transferring, by a first channel of a conduit of the cooling unit of the tank assembly, the desalinated water from the tank assembly to the storage tank; (320) circulating, by a receiving port of the second channel of the conduit of the cooling unit of the tank assembly, a coolant via a second pump to remove the heat from the desalinated water and cooling the desalinated water; (322) discharging, by an output port of the second channel of the conduit of the cooling unit of the tank assembly, discharge the coolant after heat exchange; (324)arranging, a buoyancy ring along an outer surface of the tank assembly to keep the tank assembly afloat; (326) controlling, by a control module of the processing subsystem, the water level by pumping back the desalinated water to a container by using the first pump; (328) and generating, by at least one renewable energy source, power for functioning of the tank assembly. (330)

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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