Device for capturing atmospheric water

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for capturing atmospheric water consisting of a prismatic structure (10) with a polygonal plan and vertical rods (20), comprising atmospheric water-capturing elements (33) and a container (100) for collecting said water arranged in a lower base of the device (1). The device is characterised in that it comprises at least one frame (30) in the form of a tray secured at its perimeter to the vertical rods (20) of the prismatic structure (10). Each frame (30) comprises a plurality of rows (32) that comprise the water-capturing elements (33) in the form of wires that project towards the container (100) for collecting water.

Description

[0001]

[0002] ATMOSPHERIC WATER COLLECTION DEVICE

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates to the collection of atmospheric water for the supply of water to applications of any kind, in the forestry, agricultural, livestock, human consumption, etc. fields, proposing a device that allows collecting water contained in the air and from meteorological phenomena such as rain, fog and others, under advantageous conditions of safety and efficiency.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The use of atmospheric water for consumption purposes in places where water supply is scarce has been known since ancient times, using techniques based on natural resources and techniques based on the use of artificial devices.

[0007] The artificial devices developed for this function of capturing atmospheric water were initially vertical flat structures, formed by a frame provided inside with transverse and / or longitudinal wires, thus determining a screen in which the humidity of the air or meteorological phenomena is deposited on the wires, until forming drops of a size that cannot be supported on the wires and fall, collecting said drops that fall, in a container arranged for this purpose in the lower part.

[0008] These flat structures have a disadvantage in terms of resistance to the winds that affect them, making them practically inapplicable in places where the prevailing winds are moderate or strong, since they cause a lot of damage to the structures and the cost of their maintenance is excessively high.

[0009] Faced with this problem, solutions have been developed for vertical prismatic structures, generally with a rectangular floor plan, such as Patent ES2577680B1, formed by a base on which a water collection container is placed, with vertical bars joined at the corners of said base, which are in turn joined together at the top, with vertical meshes arranged on the walls of the structure and internally between cables at the top and bottom, on which the water from the humidity in the air condenses, falling into the collection container placed at the base. In addition, the structure disclosed in said patent has diagonal braces between said vertical bars to provide greater structural strength.

[0010] These prismatic structures provide an acceptable solution to the problem of wind resistance of flat structures, but their structure and positioning cause high stresses, which are resolved by reinforcing the structure, which in turn requires more material and weight.

[0011] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In order to achieve this objective and solve the technical problems discussed so far, in addition to providing additional advantages that may be derived later, the present invention provides an atmospheric water collection device formed by a polygonal prismatic structure with vertical bars comprising water collection elements and a water collection container arranged in a lower base of the device. The device comprises at least one tray-like frame, secured along its perimeter to the vertical bars of the prismatic structure. Each frame comprises a plurality of rows that, in turn, comprise the water collection elements. Said water collection elements are in the form of wires that project toward the water collection container.

[0013] Preferably, said rows of water collection elements will be arranged in an aligned and parallel manner in the corresponding frame.

[0014] By using one or more frames positioned as a tray, i.e., in a direction not parallel to the vertical bars that support the structure, support is provided for the water collection elements, while also achieving greater structural stability for the entire set of bars. In this way, a lightweight, robust structure is achieved that allows for greater air circulation, which is advantageous for the collection of atmospheric water. This also allows for a good distribution of the water collection elements, increasing the surface area in contact with the air and, therefore, the overall collection capacity of the device. As air passes through the wired collection elements, the ambient water droplets condense and fall onto the base of the device.

[0015] Preferably, the frames are placed parallel and equidistant from each other.

[0016] Placing the frames parallel and equidistant from each other achieves structural coherence, which reinforces the structure. This also facilitates the manufacture of the device, allowing for large batches of identical air intake elements and optimizing their dimensions to maximize the device's volume, thus achieving a larger contact surface with the air circulating through it. Preferably, the vertical bars will have prefabricated recesses to facilitate the installation of these frames.

[0017] Preferably, the frames form an oblique angle with the vertical bars.

[0018] With a configuration in which the frames attached to the vertical bars form an oblique angle with said bars, the air circulating through the structure is allowed to come into contact with the collection elements in a staggered manner. A more staggered contact between an air flow passing through the structure and the water collection elements allows for a more homogeneous interaction of said flow with each water collection element throughout its journey through the device. This is because, taking into account the speed and direction of said air flow, a section perpendicular to the direction can be considered, such that a portion of said flow section interacts for the first time with a first row of water collection elements, which only represents a portion of the total section, allowing the rest of said flow to pass without interacting with it.This remainder of the flow continues until it encounters a second row of water collection elements, also interacting with the water collection elements for the first time, and so on until the entire airflow section has interacted at least once with a row of water collection elements. This type of interaction is more homogeneous throughout the entire volume of the device. Regardless of where a water collection element is located, it will receive air that has largely not previously interacted with another collection element, so its saturation and velocity will be very similar throughout the entire set of water collection elements. This also means that at said contact, the humidity level in said airflow is maximum, which in turn promotes maximum exchange when interacting with the collection element, since the air has not been previously filtered.For this reason, water uptake in this type of interaction is also maximized.

[0019] More preferably, the frames are fixed to the structure in an adjustable manner.

[0020] By being able to orient the frames fixed to the structure, it is easier to position the water collection elements perpendicular to the direction of the air flow, thus promoting the staggering of the water collection elements that the air flow encounters.

[0021] Preferably, the frames comprise at least one intermediate transverse rib, to reinforce the fastening of the plurality of rows to the prismatic structure, depending on the size of the collector.

[0022] An intermediate cross rib in the frames reinforces the structural integrity of the frames and, therefore, of the entire structure. It also provides an additional connection and support point for the water harvesting elements attached to the frames. Having more connection points is advantageous for achieving greater strength for the wired water harvesting elements.

[0023] Preferably, in the operative position, the device is oriented such that the plurality of rows are perpendicular to a direction of an air flow passing through the device.

[0024] In the operating position, where the rows are perpendicular to the direction of flow through the device, the contact of the water collection elements with the airflow is maximized and the staggering of said contact is optimized, thus achieving greater device efficiency.

[0025] Preferably, the wire elements are rigid.

[0026] The rigidity of the wire elements prevents them from moving due to wind or gravity itself. This allows these elements to be directed in a specific direction, which can increase the aggregate surface area of ​​contact with the air passing through the device. Furthermore, the fact that they do not move with the wind prevents tangling or overlapping between adjacent wires of the water harvesting elements, which also ensures that this surface area of ​​contact with the air is maintained and not diminished.

[0027] Preferably, the wired water collection elements are projected perpendicular to their respective frame.

[0028] Having a direction perpendicular to the frames promotes maximum separation between the wires of different collection elements, thus optimizing their distribution within the volume of the device, managing to fit the maximum possible number of wires while leaving maximum space for air to pass through.

[0029] More preferably, the wire elements have their free end pointing towards the bottom base of the device.

[0030] This configuration facilitates the precipitation of water accumulated on the surface of these elements onto the base that collects the captured water. This allows the water to slide more quickly and more easily downward toward the end of the wire, which, with a downward vertical component, helps guide the precipitation of said water onto the base. Furthermore, faster precipitation helps free up the contact surface between the wire elements and the air, which promotes greater condensation capacity of the device and, consequently, its water collection capacity.

[0031] Preferably, the device comprises a mesh on the outside of the prismatic structure fixed to the outlet of the device of an air flow passing through said device.

[0032] A mesh secured to the outside of the prismatic structure prevents droplets falling or accumulating on the wire elements, or even splashing from the base, from being blown out of the device's confines by the wind and not being collected on the base. This mesh collects these water droplets on the mesh so they strike it in the direction of the airflow, and guides them toward the base.

[0033] More preferably, in the operating position, the vertical mesh is positioned perpendicular to the airflow at the end of the airflow path through the device. By placing it at the end of the airflow path and perpendicular to it, the mesh prevents air from being trapped before it passes through the device and the water collection elements, thus facilitating its circulation to a greater extent, while also achieving a greater effect of preventing droplet escape due to the effect of air.

[0034] More preferably, the mesh is formed by a network of holes that allow air to pass through, which promotes good circulation of said air and, therefore, greater capture of saturated water in the form of mist, while droplets carried by the same air flow that could fall outside the water collection container can be captured.

[0035] Preferably, the device comprises a bottom drain located below the water collection container.

[0036] With a bottom drain beneath the water collection container, the water collected by the device can be easily redirected and directed into closed storage tanks, preventing water from escaping through evaporation.

[0037] Preferably, the wired water collection elements are made of a material with thermal conductivity greater than 50W / mK.

[0038] Using a material with a thermal conductivity greater than 50W / mK, such as steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, etc., promotes a high level of heat exchange between the water-collecting elements and the humid air, such that this high level of heat exchange facilitates the condensation of saturated water in the humid air, helping to capture a greater amount of water.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an atmospheric water collection device according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of the device.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a front elevation view of the device. Figure 4 shows a detailed view of a frame of the device.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the device comprising an outer vertical mesh.

[0044] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The present invention relates to an atmospheric water collection device. Figure 1 shows an atmospheric water collection device (1) with a prismatic structure (10) with a quadrilateral base comprising frames (30) in the form of trays joined at their perimeter by four vertical bars (20) that delimit four lateral faces of said structure (10). Said bars (20) support the frames (30) and also a water collection container (100) located in the lower part of the structure (10). The frames (30) comprise an intermediate rib (31), which serves to give greater structural resistance to said frames (30) and to support a plurality of rows (32), which comprise wired water collection elements (33).Both the water collection container (100) and the frames (30) are joined to the arms (20) preferably by welding, although, obviously, they can be joined by other means, such as, for example, screws or guides that allow a movement or rotation of said frames (30) with respect to the structure (10).

[0046] The water collection container (100) is in a horizontal position, forming a right angle with the vertical bars (20). The frames (30) form an oblique angle with said vertical bars (20). It should be noted that in Figure 1, only two frames (30) are shown at different heights of the vertical bars (20). This is due to being able to give better visibility and clarity to the structure (10), but it is obvious that, despite not being completely drawn, more frames (30) are represented located parallel and equidistant from each other.

[0047] Figure 2 clearly shows how the frames (30) form an oblique angle with the vertical bars (20), while the water collection container (100) forms a right angle with said same vertical bars (20). In this figure, a drain (101) located in the central and lower part of the container (100) can also be seen. Through said drain (101), the collected water is conducted towards, for example, tanks. In this figure 2, all the frames (30) of the preferred embodiment appear drawn, which also shows how, effectively, in this preferred embodiment of the device (1), the frames (30) are parallel to each other and equidistant to have a homogeneous air flow and maximize water collection. On the other hand, it can be seen how the wired water collection elements (33) form a right angle with the frames (30) to which they are attached.Furthermore, this inclination makes it easier for the captured water droplets not to escape outside the structure, since they form a type of continuous mesh frontally, as can be seen in Figure 3.

[0048] Figure 3 shows another elevation view that allows to see the intermediate ribs (31) of the frames (30), and the plurality of rows (32) of each frame (30). Said rows are joined to their respective frame (30) at the ends and also joined to the intermediate rib (31). This configuration gives greater robustness and structural resistance to the assembly, while with the wired water collection elements (33) a good circulation of an air flow through the structure (10) is achieved and, in turn, takes advantage of the three-dimensional volume through which said air flow passes and maximizes the contact surface of the elements (33) with said flow, promoting the exchange of heat between said elements and the air, being able to condense the water present in said air to be precipitated on the container (100). In this figure 3 the drain (101) is also seen.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a detail of a frame (30), showing the intermediate rib (31) located in a central manner and separating said frame (30) into two equal parts. Said frame (30) comprises a plurality of rows (32), each joined at its ends to the frame (30) and at the center to said intermediate rib (31). Each of said rows (32) in turn comprises a plurality of wired water collection elements (33). Said elements (33) are rigid and project perpendicularly to the plane formed by the frame (30).

[0050] Preferably, the water collection elements (33) are arranged fixed in rows in the frames (30) with a free pivoting movement. That is, for light or moderate winds the wired elements (33) will be oriented towards the water collection container. For strong winds said elements (33) will be inclined with respect to the perpendicular to the horizontal plane, so that they do not oppose much resistance to the wind, preventing them from affecting the structure of the water collector. Furthermore, this free pivoting configuration allows the wired elements (33) to be oriented for transport to the factory or installation, so that the frames (30) can be stacked taking up less space.

[0051] Figure 5 shows the structure (10) of the device (1) comprising a vertical mesh (102) located externally on one of the faces of the structure (10). Said mesh (102) is placed perpendicular to an air flow (103) that passes through the structure (10) until it reaches the mesh (102). In this way, it is ensured that the water collected in the wired water collection elements (33) does not leave the contour of the structure (10), due to the effect, for example, of said air flow (103) that would drag precipitating or splashed drops, so that said dragged drops are retained in the mesh (102), being able to precipitate little by little until the container (100). In this way, possible losses are avoided, managing to retain them and redirect them to the container, achieving a greater ratio of the quantity of water condensed and collected by the device and that which is finally collected in the container.

[0052] The figures correspond to a non-limiting example of practical implementation, and variations may occur in the formation of the complement as long as its essence is not altered.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Atmospheric water collection device (1) formed by a prismatic structure (10) with a polygonal plan with vertical bars (20), comprising elements for collecting atmospheric water (33), and a container (100) for collecting said water arranged in a lower base of the device (1), characterized in that it comprises at least one frame (30) in the form of a tray fixed by its perimeter to the vertical bars (20) of the prismatic structure (10), each frame (30) comprising a plurality of rows (32) comprising the water collection elements (33) in the form of wires that project towards the water collection container (100). 2.- Device (1), according to the previous claim, where the frames (30) are placed parallel and equidistant from each other along the length of the vertical bars (20). 3.- Device (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frames (30) form an oblique angle with the vertical bars (20). 4.- Device (1), according to the previous claim, where the frames (30) are fixed to the structure (10) in an adjustable manner. 5.- Device (1), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frames (30) comprise at least one intermediate transverse rib (31), to reinforce the fastening of the plurality of rows (32) to the prismatic structure (10). 6.- Device (1), according to any of the preceding claims, which, in operative position, is oriented so that the plurality of rows (32) is perpendicular to a direction of an air flow (103) passing through the device (1). 7.- Device (1), according to any of claims 1 to 5, whose water collection elements (33) in the form of wire are fixed to the tray with freedom of pivoting. 8.- Device (1), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water collection elements (33) are rigid. 9.- Device (1), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elements water catchment (33) are projected in a direction perpendicular to their respective frame (30). 10.- Device (1), according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a mesh (102) on the outside of the prismatic structure (10) fixed to the outlet of the device (1) of an air flow (103) that passes through said device (1).

11. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a lower drain (101) located below the water collection container (100).

12. Device (1), according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water collection elements (33) are made of a material with thermal conductivity greater than 50W / mK.

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