Air separation unit for water isolation and / or dehumidification of air

Abstract

Systems and methods for separating an ambient air stream into a dry air stream and a humid air stream are described. An electric field is used to partition the ambient air stream from low humidity to high humidity. The low humidity portion of the gradient is separated has a dry air stream and the high humidity portion is separated as the humid air stream. Systems and methods for collecting water from an ambient air stream are also described, wherein humidified air is cooled to condense water therefrom. In both embodiments, operating parameters, such as electric field strength, the speed of the ambient air stream, and / or the cooling temperature, etc., may be controlled based on the humidity of the ambient air and / or the dry or humid air streams.

Description

Air Separation Unit for Water Isolation and / or Dehumidification of AirFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application relates to the isolation of water from air, and specifically to an air separation unit (ASU) configured to use an electric field to separate ambient air into humid air and dry air and / or the condense water from the air.INTRODUCTION

[0002] Extracting water directly from the atmosphere has emerged as a promising solution to address the pressing need for potable water. Millions around the world still lack reliable access to clean water sources, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disease. In many regions, marginalized communities, particularly those in rural or remote areas, bear the brunt of water scarcity’, enduring arduous journeys to access inadequate water supplies. With atmospheric water generation systems, communities can achieve greater water autonomy, reducing their dependence on centralized water infrastructure vulnerable to disruptions and contamination.

[0003] While atmospheric water generation (AWG) technologies offer promise for addressing water scarcity’ in urban and residential contexts, they also hold significant potential for remote locations, outdoor activities, marine vessels, and other mobile settings. The versatility and portability of AWG systems make them well-suited for providing clean water in environments where access to traditional water sources is limited or impractical. In remote or off-grid areas where access to centralized water infrastructure is limited, AWG systems may offer a decentralized solution for meeting water needs. Whether in rural villages, wilderness areas, or arid regions, AWG technologies can provide a reliable source of potable water without reliance on groundwater wells or surface water sources. For outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, and adventurers, AWG systems could offer a convenient and sustainable alternative to carrying bulky water supplies or relying on natural water sources that may be contaminated or inaccessible. Water scarcity is a common challenge aboard marine vessels, where freshwater supplies are limited, and desalination systems may be energy -intensive or cost-prohibitive. AWG systems integrated into boats, yachts, and maritime vessels offer a sustainable solution for producing freshwater from ambient humidity’, reducing reliance on onboard water tanks orshore-based resupply. In disaster-prone regions or humanitarian crises, access to clean water is often compromised due to infrastructure damage, contamination, or displacement of populations. Portable AWG systems could play a crucial role in emergency response efforts, providing rapid access to safe drinking water in disaster-affected areas where traditional water sources may be unavailable or unsafe. Water condensation / (AWG) technologies may find applicability in industrial markets that require ultra-pure water, such as in hydrogen fuel cells, cooling, and the like.

[0004] Despite the promise of atmospheric water generation (AWG) technologies, several drawbacks impede their widespread adoption and effectiveness. Many existing AWG systems require significant energy inputs to operate efficiently. High energy consumption not only increases operational costs but also limits the scalability and sustainability of AWG systems, particularly in off-grid or resource-constrained settings where reliable electricity supply is lacking. Thus, there is a need to improve the efficiency and output of AWG systems without compromising affordability and energy consumption.SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed herein is a system for collecting water from an ambient air stream, comprising: an air separation unit (ASU) comprising: an input port configured to receive the ambient air stream; a first one or more electrodes; a second one or more electrodes; a voltage supply; a wet air output port; and a dry air output port; and control circuitry configured to cause the voltage supply to provide a voltage difference between the first and second one or more electrodes, thereby creating an electric field between the first and second one or more electrodes, such that the ambient air stream passes through the electric field; wherein the electric field is configured to establish a humidity gradient in the ambient air stream; wherein ASU is configured to use the humidity gradient to separate the ambient air stream into a wet air stream and a dry air stream, wherein the wet air stream is more humid than the first dry air stream; and wherein the ASU is configured to provide the wet air stream to the wet air output port and the dry air stream to the dry air output port. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a first humidity sensor at the input port configured to measure humidity values for the ambient air stream and a second humidity sensor configured to measure humidity values for the wet air stream. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to use the humidity values for the ambient air stream and the humidity values for the wet air stream to adjust at least one operating parameter of the ASU. According to some embodiments, the at least one operating parameter comprises a value of the voltage difference providedbetween the first and second one or more electrodes. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a fan at the input port configured to draw the ambient air stream into the ASU and wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises the fan’s speed. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises an adjustable vent at the dry air output port configured to adjustably control the output port’s size. According to some embodiments, each of the first and second one or more electrodes comprise metal plates. According to some embodiments, each of the first and second one or more electrodes comprise arrays of electrodes. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises plurality of tubes configured so that the ambient air stream flows through the tubes, wherein the first one or more electrodes are configured on an outside surface of each of the tubes and wherein the second one or more electrodes are configured as wires running through the interior of each of the tubes. According to some embodiments, the system further comprises a condensation unit configured to receive the wet air stream from the ASU and condense water from the wet air stream to provide water and a second dry air stream. According to some embodiments, condensing water from the wet air stream comprises cooling the wet air stream within condensation unit. According to some embodiments, the condensation unit comprises one or more cooling elements. According to some embodiments, the one or more cooling elements comprise one or more Peltier devices. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to control a temperature of the condensing unit based on the humidity values for the ambient air stream and the humidity values for the wet air stream. According to some embodiments, the condensation unit comprises a plurality of cooling tubes configured so that the wet air stream flows through each of the cooling tubes.

[0006] Also disclosed herein is a method of collecting water from an ambient air stream, comprising: applying an electrostatic field to the ambient air stream to form a humidity gradient within the ambient air stream; using the humidity gradient to separate the ambient air stream into a wet air stream and a first dry air stream, wherein the wet air stream is more humid than the first dry air stream; isolating the wet air stream from the first dry air stream; and condensing water from the wet air stream to provide water and a second dry air stream. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises measuring a humidity value for the ambient air stream and a humidity value for the wet air stream. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting electrostatic field based on the humidity values. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field comprises selecting an electrostatic field value from among a plurality of electrostatic field values. According to some embodiments, the electrostatic field is produced between a first one or more electrodesof a first polarity and a second one or more electrodes of a second polarity', and wherein adjusting the electrostatic field comprises adjusting a voltage difference applied between the first and second one or more electrodes. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting a speed of the ambient air stream based on the humidity7values. According to some embodiments, condensing water from the wet air stream comprises cooling the wet air stream in a condenser. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting a temperature within the condenser based on the humidity values.

[0007] Also disclosed herein is a system for removing water from an ambient air stream, the system comprising: an atmospheric water generator (AWG) comprising: an input port configured to receive the ambient air stream; a voltage supply; a plurality of air flow channels configured to receive ambient air from the ambient air stream, each air flow channel comprising: an air flow path, a first one or more electrodes, a second one or more electrodes, control circuitry configured to cause the voltage supply to provide a voltage difference between the first and second one or more electrodes of each of the channels, thereby creating an electric field within the air flow path; and a plurality of cooling elements configured to condense water from the air in each of the channels to provide water and dry air. According to some embodiments, the electric field is configured to establish a humidity' gradient in the air flow path. According to some embodiments, the AWG comprises a dry' air output port configured to provide the dry air from the AWG. According to some embodiments, the AWG comprises a first humidity sensor at the input port configured to measure humidity values for the ambient air stream and a second humidity sensor configured to measure humidity values for the dry air. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry' is configured to use the humidity values for the ambient air stream and the humidity' values for the dry' air to adjust at least one operating parameter of the AWG. According to some embodiments, the at least one operating parameter comprises a value of the voltage difference provided between the first and second one or more electrodes. According to some embodiments, the AWG comprises a fan at the input port configured to draw the ambient air stream into the AWG and wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises the fan’s speed. According to some embodiments, each of the first and second one or more electrodes comprise arrays of electrodes. According to some embodiments, each of the first and second one or more electrodes comprise metal plates. According to some embodiments, each of the first one or more electrodes are configured on an outside surface of each of the air flow channels and wherein each of the second one or more electrodes are configured as wires running through the interior of each of the air flow channels. According to some embodiments, the cooling elements comprise Peltier devices. According to someembodiments, the control circuitry is configured to control the cooling elements based on the humidity values for the ambient air stream and the humidity values for the dry air. According to some embodiments, for each air flow channel, the first electrode and the second electrode are configured on opposite sides of the air flow channel. According to some embodiments, the cooling elements are disposed on the first electrodes and the second electrodes. According to some embodiments, a water outlet is configured to provide the condensed water from the AWG.

[0008] Also disclosed herein is a method of removing water from an ambient air stream, comprising: separating the ambient air stream into a plurality of flow paths; applying an electrostatic field to each of the flow paths to form a humidity gradient within each of the flow paths; and cooling each of the flow paths to condense water from each of the flow paths and to provide dry air from each of the flow paths.

[0009] Also disclosed herein is a system for collecting water from air, the system comprising: a casing comprising: an air input port, an air output port, and a collection container, a voltage supply, a plurality of electrically chargeable elements electrically connected to the voltage supply and configured to emit an electrostatic field, at least one cooling element, at least one humidity sensor, at least one temperature sensor, and control circuitry configured to: receive measurement data from the at least one humidity sensor and the at least one temperature sensor, and adjust the electrostatic field to a selected value from among a gradient of electric field values and adjust the at least one cooling element based on the measurement data to promote condensation. According to some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more grounding components configured to direct the electrostatic fields of each of the electrically chargeable elements. According to some embodiments, the one or more grounding components comprise a grounding rod. According to some embodiments, the one or more grounding components comprise a plurality of grounding plates, each configured proximate to one of the electrically chargeable elements. According to some embodiments, the one or more grounding components are configured such that the electric fields are configured to induce flow of water toward the grounding components. According to some embodiments, the system further comprises a fan at the air input port configured to facilitate air movement into the casing. According to some embodiments, the cooling elements are fans or thermoelectric coolers. According to some embodiments, the at least one temperature sensor and at least one humidity sensor are configured to sense the temperature and humidity, respectively, of air entering the air input port. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field and the at least one cooling element based on the measurement data comprises calculating adew point temperature of the air entering the input port. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field and the at least one cooling element based on the measurement data comprises adjusting the at least one cooling element to provide a temperature that is below the calculated dew point temperature. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field and the at least one cooling element based on the measurement data comprises adjusting the electrostatic field to change the dew point temperature inside the casing. According to some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more pressure sensors configured to measure pressure within the casing. According to some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more fans, wherein the control circuitry is configured to adjust the one or more fans based on the measured pressure within the casing.

[0010] Also disclosed herein is a method for collecting water from air, the method comprising: determining the air’s temperature and humidity, providing an electrostatic field to the air, based on the air’s temperature and / or humidity: adjusting the electrostatic field to a selected value from among a gradient of electric field values, and cooling the air to promote condensation of water, and collecting the condensed water. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises determining a dew point based on the air’s humidity. According to some embodiments, cooling the air to promote condensation of water comprises cooling the air to a temperature that is below the determined dew point. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field increases the air's humidity. According to some embodiments, the method comprises providing a water collection apparatus comprising a casing having an air input port, an air output port, and an interior. According to some embodiments, determining the air’s temperature and humidity comprises determining the temperature and humidity of air entering the air input port. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises calculating a dew point of air entering the air input port. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field to a selected value from among a gradient of electric field values increases humidity' of air in the interior of the casing. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field to a selected value from among a gradient of electric field values changes the dew point in the interior of the casing. According to some embodiments, cooling the air comprises cooling the air in the interior of the casing to a temperature that is below the dew point in the interior of the casing.

[0011] Also disclosed herein is a method for collecting water from air using a water generator, wherein the water generator comprises: at least one fan configured to move air through the water generator, at least one cooling element, and a plurality of electrically chargeable elements configured to emit an electrostatic field within the water generator, wherein the electrostaticfield is adjustable within a gradient of electrostatic field values, wherein the method comprises: selecting an electrostatic field having a value from among the gradient of electrostatic field values and applying the selected electrostatic field within the water generator, determining the air’s temperature and humidity, based on the air’s temperature and / or humidity: adjusting one or more of the fan and / or the cooling element, and cooling the air to promote condensation of water, and collecting the condensed water. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises determining a dew point based on the air’s humidity and / or temperature. According to some embodiments, cooling the air to promote condensation of water comprises cooling the air to a temperature that is below the determined dew point. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting the electrostatic field based on the air’s humidity and / or temperature. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field, fan, and cooling element. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises optimizing the electrostatic field, fan, and cooling element to maximize generation of water. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field increases humidity of air within the water generator. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field increases the dew point of air within the water generator. According to some embodiments, adjusting the fan increases the dew point of air within the water generator.

[0012] Also disclosed herein is a water generator comprising: at least one fan configured to move air through the water generator, at least one cooling element, a plurality of electrically chargeable elements configured to emit an electrostatic field within the water generator, wherein the electrostatic field is adjustable within a gradient of electrostatic field values, and control circuitry configured to adjust one or more of the fan and / or the cooling element based on the air's temperature and / or humidity'. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to determine a dew point based on the air’s humidity and / or temperature. According to some embodiments, cooling the air to promote condensation of water comprises cooling the air to a temperature that is below the determined dew point. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to adjust the electrostatic field based on the air's humidity and / or temperature. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to adjust the electrostatic field, fan, and cooling element. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to optimize the electrostatic field, fan, and cooling element to maximize generation of water. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field increases humidity of air within the water generator. According to some embodiments, adjusting the electrostatic field increases the dew point of air within the watergenerator. According to some embodiments, adjusting the fan increases the dew point of air within the water generator.

[0013] Also disclosed herein is a system for separating dry air from an ambient air stream, the system comprising: an air separation unit (ASU) comprising: an input port configured to receive the ambient air stream; a first one or more electrodes; a second one or more electrodes; a voltage supply; control circuitry configured to cause the voltage supply to provide a voltage difference between the first and second one or more electrodes, thereby creating an electric field between the first and second one or more electrodes, such that the ambient air stream passes through the electric field; wherein the electric field is configured to establish a humidity gradient in the ambient air stream, wherein air in a first portion of the humidity gradient comprises a lower water concentration than air in a second portion of the humidity gradient; a dry air output port configured to receive air from the first portion of the humidity gradient and exhaust the first portion from the ASU as a dry air stream; and a humid air output port configured to receive air from the second portion of the humidity gradient and exhaust the second portion from the ASU as a humid air stream. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises plurality of tubes configured so that the ambient air stream flows through the tubes, wherein the first one or more electrodes are configured on a surface of each of the tubes and the second one or more electrodes are configured as wires running through the interior of each of the tubes. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a dry air channel configured to carry air from the first portion of the humidity gradient to the dry air output port and a humid air channel configured to cany' air from the second portion of the humidity gradient to the humid air output port. According to some embodiments, the dry air channel and the humid air channel are separated by a barrier. According to some embodiments, the dry air channel comprises a first tube and the humid air channel comprises a second tube. According to some embodiments, the first and second tubes are arranged concentrically with respect to each other. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises an electrification zone configured upstream of the barrier, the first one or more electrodes are configured within the electrification zone, and at least a portion of the second one or more electrodes is configured within the electrification zone. According to some embodiments, the electric field is created within the electrification zone. According to some embodiments, the first one or more electrodes comprise an array of electrodes. According to some embodiments, the first one or more electrodes comprise a metal plate. According to some embodiments, the second one or more electrodes comprises a wire running through the electrification zone and through at least one of the first and second tubes. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry isconfigured to adjust the voltage difference to a voltage value sufficient to cause corona discharge between the first and second one or more electrodes. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a first humidity sensor at the input port configured to measure humidity values for the ambient air stream. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a second humidity sensor at the dry air output port configured to measure humidity values for the dry air stream. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a third humidity sensor at the humid air output port configured to measure humidity values for the humid air stream. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to use the humidity' values of any of the first, second, and / or third humidity sensors to adjust at least one operating parameter of the ASU. According to some embodiments, the at least one operating parameter comprises a value of the voltage difference. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a fan at the input port configured to draw the ambient air stream into the ASU and wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises the fan’s speed. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises one or more cooling elements. According to some embodiments, the one or more cooling elements comprise Peltier devices.

[0014] Also disclosed herein are methods of separating an ambient air stream into a dry air stream and a humid air stream, the method comprising: providing the ambient air stream to an ASU according to any of above examples of embodiments of an ASU; receiving the dry' air stream from the dry air output port; and receiving the humid air stream from the humid air output port. Also disclosed herein is a method of separating an ambient air stream into a dry air stream and a humid air stream, the method comprising: applying an electrostatic field across the ambient air stream to form a humidity' gradient within the ambient air stream, wherein air in a first portion of the humidity gradient comprises a lower water concentration than air in a second portion of the humidity gradient; isolating air in the first portion of the humidity gradient into a first channel and air in the second portion of the humidity' gradient into a second channel; and providing the air in the first channel to a dry' air output port as the dry air stream and the air in the second channel to a humid air output port as the humid air stream. According to some embodiments, applying the electrostatic field across the ambient air stream comprises applying a voltage difference across a first one or more electrodes and a second one or more electrodes. According to some embodiments, the voltage difference is sufficient to cause corona discharge between the first and second one or more electrodes. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises measuring humidity values for one or more of the ambient air stream, the dry air stream, and / or the humid air stream. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting the electrostatic field based on the oneor more humidity values. According to some embodiments, the first one or more electrodes comprise an array of electrodes. According to some embodiments, the first one or more electrodes comprise a metal plate. According to some embodiments, the second one or more electrodes comprises a wire. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises cooling the ambient air stream.

[0015] Also disclosed herein is an air water generation (AWG) system for collecting water from an ambient air stream, the system comprising: an air separation unit (ASU) comprising: an input port configured to receive the ambient air stream; a first one or more electrodes; a second one or more electrodes; a voltage supply; control circuitry configured to cause the voltage supply to provide a voltage difference between the first and second one or more electrodes, thereby creating an electric field between the first and second one or more electrodes, such that the ambient air stream passes through the electric field; wherein the electric field is configured to establish a humidity' gradient in the ambient air stream, wherein air in a first portion of the humidity gradient comprises a lower water concentration than air in a second portion of the humidity gradient; a dry air output port configured to receive air from the first portion of the humidity gradient and exhaust the first portion from the ASU as a dry air stream; and a humid air output port configured to receive air from the second portion of the humidity' gradient and exhaust the second portion from the ASU as a humid air stream, and a condenser. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises plurality of tubes configured so that the ambient air stream flows through the tubes, wherein the first one or more electrodes are configured on a surface of each of the tubes and the second one or more electrodes are configured as wires running through the interior of each of the tubes. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a dry air channel configured to cany' air from the first portion of the humidity gradient to the dry air output port and a humid air channel configured to carry air from the second portion of the humidity gradient to the humid air output port. According to some embodiments, the dry air channel and the humid air channel are separated by a barrier. According to some embodiments, the dry air channel comprises a first tube and the humid air channel comprises a second tube. According to some embodiments, the first and second tubes are arranged concentrically with respect to each other. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises an electrification zone configured upstream of the barrier, the first one or more electrodes are configured within the electrification zone, and at least a portion of the second one or more electrodes is configured within the electrification zone. According to some embodiments, the electric field is created within the electrification zone. According to some embodiments, the first one or more electrodes comprise an array of electrodes. According tosome embodiments, the first one or more electrodes comprise a metal plate. According to some embodiments, the second one or more electrodes comprises a wire running through the electrification zone and through at least one of the first and second tubes. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to adjust the voltage difference to a voltage value sufficient to cause corona discharge between the first and second one or more electrodes. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a first humidity sensor at the input port configured to measure humidity values for the ambient air stream. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a second humidity sensor at the dry air output port configured to measure humidity values for the dry air stream. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a third humidity sensor at the humid air output port configured to measure humidity values for the humid air stream. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to use the humidity values of any of the first, second, and / or third humidity sensors to adjust at least one operating parameter of the ASU. According to some embodiments, the at least one operating parameter comprises a value of the voltage difference. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises a fan at the input port configured to draw the ambient air stream into the ASU and wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises the fan’s speed. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises one or more cooling elements. According to some embodiments, the one or more cooling elements comprise Peltier devices. According to some embodiments, the ASU and the condenser are separate units. According to some embodiments, the condenser is configured to receive the humid air stream and condense water therefrom. According to some embodiments, the condenser is integrated into the ASU. According to some embodiments, the ASU comprises one or more cooling elements configured to condense water from the humid air stream. According to some embodiments, the one or more cooling elements comprise Peltier devices. According to some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to adjust the one or more cooling elements based on the ambient air’s humidity'.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a system for isolating water from air.

[0017] Figure 2 shows a control and power system for an air separation unit (ASU).

[0018] Figure 3 shows and embodiment of an ASU.

[0019] Figures 4A and 4B show aspects of another embodiment of an ASU.

[0020] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of an ASU connected to a condenser.

[0021] Figure 6 shows another configuration of an ASU with a condenser.

[0022] Figures 7A and 7B show embodiments of an atmospheric water generator (AWG) combining electric field generation and condensation.

[0023] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a multi-channel AWG.

[0024] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of an ASU.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a system 100 for recovering water from ambient air. The system 100 may be used, for example, to extract usable water from ambient air. The system includes an air separation unit (ASU) 102. The ASU is configured to separate an ambient air stream 104 into a first dry air stream 106 and a humid air stream 108. It should be noted that the terms “dry” and “humid,” as used herein, are relative terms. In other words, the dry air stream contains less water vapor than the humid air stream, without any further quantification unless otherwise specified. In the illustrated embodiment, the humid air stream 108 is provided to a condensation unit 110 that is configured to separate the humid air into an isolated water stream 112 and a second dry air stream 114. Various embodiments of an ASU 102 and a condensation unit 110 are discussed in more detail below.

[0026] Figure 2 is a system diagram of an embodiment of a control and power system 200 for an ASU 102 and / or a condensation unit 110. The control / power system comprises a microcontroller / microprocessor (referred to herein as MCU) 202 that is configured to carry out the operations described herein regarding the ASU and / or condensation unit. The MCU 202 can generally be any microprocessor / microcontroller known in the art. Examples include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the like. The MCU may be configured with ADC / DAC capabilities and processing capabilities for interfacing with one or more sensors, as described herein.

[0027] The control and power system 200 may also comprise memory 204, which may generally be any ty pe of memory' known in the art. According to some embodiments, the memory 204 comprises non-volatile memory comprising instructions, which, when executed by the MCU 202, configures the control and power system 200 to perform the algorithms and methods described below.

[0028] The control and power system 200 may also comprise one or more sensors 206. As explained in more detail below, the sensors may comprise temperature sensors, humidity sensors, air-flow sensors, and the like. It is within the ability of a person of skill in the art to select particular sensors, based on the description that follows.

[0029] The control and power system 200 may also comprise one or more power supplies. The illustrated embodiment comprises a high voltage power supply 208 and a low voltage power supply 210. As will be explained further below, the high voltage power supply 208 may be configured to provide power to electrodes within the ASU that are used to establish an electric field within the ASU. According to some embodiments, the high voltage power supplymay be capable of producing about 3 kV to about 6 kV, for example. The illustrated embodiment of the control and power system 200 may also comprise a low voltage power supply (i.e., a main power supply) 210. The main power supply 210 may be configured to provide power for the high voltage power supply, as well as other aspects of the ASU and / or the condensation unit, such as the electronic components, fan, sensors, cooling devices, etc. According to some embodiments, the main power supply may be 24 V or 48 V, for example. According to some embodiments, the control and power system 200 may comprise a battery or battery pack 212. According to some embodiments, the battery pack may serve as a substitute for main power supply 210. According to some embodiments, the battery pack may be configured to deliver 350 - 400 W of power, for example. According to some embodiments, the battery pack may operate for 24 hours or more on a single charge.

[0030] The control and power system 200 may also comprise a user interface (UI) 214, which may be configured to allow a user to control aspects of the operation of the system and may also be configured to provide information to the user regarding the state and / or operation of the system. As shown in the illustration, the various components of the control and power system 200 may communicate with each other via one or more busses 216. It should be noted that other embodiments of a control and power system 200 may also comprise other components that are not shown or discussed here. Likewise, various embodiments may comprise less components and / or various of the illustrated components may be combined into single components. For example, the high and low voltage power supplies may be implemented as a single component with appropriate voltage control circuitry. Likewise, the memory and MCU may be embodied as a single chip. Other examples will be apparent to a person of skill in the art.

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of an ASU 300. In the illustrated embodiment, a fan 302 is configured to draw ambient air into the ASU. The ASU comprises electrodes 304A and 304B (each having opposite polarities), which are configured to establish an electric field across the flow-path of the air as it moves through the ASU. The electrodes 304A and 304B may each comprise single electrodes or a plurality of electrodes in series, an electrode array, etc. Generally, any type and configuration of electrodes may be used so long as the electrodesare configured to establish the electric field. The inventors have recognized that that the electric field may establish a humidity gradient across the flow-path of air through the ASU, as shown in the illustration. In other words, more humid air (higher water concentration) may selectively partition near an electrode (or plurality of electrodes) of one polarity and less humid air (lower water concentration) may selectively partition near the electrode (or plurality of electrodes) of the opposite polarity. Accordingly, embodiments of the ASU may be configured to provide a high humidity flow path (i.e., channel) 306 and a low humidity flow path / channel 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the high humidity channel and the low humidity channel are separated by a barrier 307. In the illustrated embodiment, the low humidity (i.e., dry) air exits the ASU as a dry air stream 310 via a dry air exhaust port and the humid air exits the ASU via a humid air exhaust port. According to some embodiments, the high humid air may be provided to a condenser to isolate water from the humid air. Alternatively (or additionally), the dry air stream may be provided to a further desiccation stage to further dehumidify the air. As used herein, the terms “upstream” and "downstream" may be used to refer to respective positions of various components with reference to the flow of air through the device. For example, air flows through the ASU 300 from the fan 302 at the input port of the ASU to the output exhaust ports. Thus, the input port is upstream of the exhaust ports.

[0032] The efficiency or extent to which the ASU can separate ambient air into humid air and dry air may depend on a number of factors, such as the humidity of the ambient air, the quantity of air moving through the ASU, the strength of the electric field, the speed at which the air moves through the ASU, an the like. These factors may be interdependent. For example, if the humidity of ambient air is high, then a lower electric field strength may be needed to provide a given efficiency of separation, whereas drier air may require a higher electric field strength. Likewise, a higher electric field strength may be needed if the quantity of air moving through the ASU is greater.

[0033] The control and power system 200 of the ASU 300 may be configured to optimize the operation of the ASU in light of the interdependent factors mentioned above. In the illustrated embodiment, the control and power system 200 communicates with various components of the ASU via a network or bus 311. The illustrated embodiment of the ASU is configured with a first sensor 312 positioned to measure the humidity of the incoming ambient air, a second sensor 314 positioned to measure the humidity of the high humidity air stream, and a third sensor 316 positioned to measure the humidity of the dry air stream. The ASU may also be configured with other sensors, which are not shown in the illustration, such as air flow sensors, temperature sensors, and the like.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the efficiency of the air separation may be determined, for example, by comparing the humidity measured at the first sensor 312 to the humidity measured at the second sensor 314. Based on such efficiency determinations, the control logic of the control and power system may adjust operation parameters. For example, the control logic may increase or decrease the voltage applied to the electrodes to adjust the electric field. Likewise, the control logic may adjust the speed of the fan 302 to adjust the throughput / residence time of air within the ASU. According to some embodiments, the control logic may be optimized for maximum the separation of dry and humid air, for example, to maximize water production within a downstream condensation unit. According to other embodiments, the control logic may be configured to optimize power usage, for example, to prolong battery life.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the ASU may be configured with one or more adjustable vents, which may be used to adjust air flow through the ASU. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable vent 318 is configured to adjust the air flow of dry air from the dryair exhaust port. The adjustable vent may be manually adjustable or automatically adjustable using an actuator, which may be controlled by the control logic of the control and power system.

[0036] A person of skill in the art will understand that if the strength of the electric field across the electrodes 304A and 304B exceeds a certain magnitude, then the air between the electrodes may break down and corona discharge (arcing) may occur. In some embodiments, corona discharge may be harmless, or indeed may be desired, as described in more detail below. In other embodiments, corona discharge may be undesired, for example, because such corona discharge may produce ozone, which may be undesirable. Thus, according to some embodiments, the system may be configured to establish an electric field that is slightly below the strength required to cause corona discharge. According to some embodiments, the control and power system be configured to detect corona discharge, for example by detecting current in the path, and responding by setting the high voltage power supply to a value slightly below the breakdown voltage of the air under the ambient conditions. Other embodiments may be configured to promote corona discharge.

[0037] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate aspects of another embodiment of an ASU 400. Most aspects of the control and power system are not shown in Figure 4A, for clarity7, and the high voltage power supply is schematically illustrated as a battery 402. The ASU 400 comprises a fan 302 configured to draw air into an intake manifold 404 and to provide air flow through the ASU. The air flow path comprises a tube bank 406. The tube bank 406 is shown in isolationin Figure 4B. The tube bank 406 may comprise one or more tubes 408. The illustrated tubes are cylindrical, but the tubes may generally be any shape, such as square, rectangular, etc. The tubes may be made of either a conductive material or a non-conductive material. In the illustrated embodiment the tubes are made of a non-conductive material, such as a polymeric material, e.g., poly vinyl chloride (PVC). If the tubes are made of a non-conductive material, then an electrode material may be coated on the outside tubes to form exterior electrodes 410. The electrode material may be metallic, a conductive paste, carbon black, etc. Interior electrodes 412 of opposite polarity may comprise wires configured within the tubes. Outside and inside electrode contacts, 414 and 416 are provided for connecting the power supply 402 to the outside and inside electrodes, respectively. Thus, electric fields may be established between the exterior and interior electrodes, as shown in Figure 4A.

[0038] As discussed above, the electric field may be used to increase the humidity of air flowing through the ASU. For example, the electric field may establish a humidity gradient within each of the tubes 408. In the illustrated example, in each of the tubes the electric field causes drier air to partition toward the periphery of the tube and the more humid air to partition toward the center of the tube. Thus, as the air flowing through the ASU exits the tube bank 406 into an exhaust manifold 418, the air at the periphery of the exhaust manifold is somewhat drier than the air in the center. In the illustrated embodiment, an adjustable vent 420 may be configured to allow some of the air to escape via a dry air exhaust port. The more humid air may continue through the end of the ASU.

[0039] As explained above, the control and power system (not shown) of the ASU 400 may be configured to adjust the operation of the ASU to optimize its performance. For example, the illustrated embodiment of the ASU 400 features a first sensor 422 within the intake manifold and second sensor 424 in the exhaust manifold. As described above, the humidity measured at those two sensors can be used to determine the efficiency and / or effectiveness of the ASU and the control logic of the control and power system may adjust the operating parameters based on the readings.

[0040] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of an ASU 300 (as described above with respect to Figure 3) connected to condenser 500. Many of the details described above relating to the ASU 300 are omitted in Figure 5 for clarity. The condenser 500 is configured to condense water from the high humidity path of the ASU. In the illustrated embodiment, the low humidity air exits the ASU before entering the condenser 500. Separating the low humidity air from the high humidity air allows for more efficient water condensation.

[0041] The illustrated embodiment of the condenser 500 comprises a bank of cooling tubes 502 within a condenser housing 504. The interior of the condenser housing is cooled by a cooling one or more cooling elements 506. The cooling element 506 may generally be any type of cooling element and may be powered by the system’s control and power system 200 (Figs. 2 & 3). For example, it may be a thermoelectric device, such as a Peltier device. Water condenses from the humid air as the air travels through the tubes 502. The water condenses at the bottom of the condenser housing 504 and may be withdrawn via a water outlet 508. The air may leave the condenser housing 504 via a port 510. The condenser housing may contain one or more sensors (not shown). For example, the condenser housing may contain one or more temperature sensors, humidity sensors, air flow sensors, water level sensors, or the like. The sensors may communicate with the control and power system (also not shown), whereby control logic may adjust operating parameters (e.g., temperature) of the condenser 500.

[0042] It should be noted that the embodiment of the condenser 500 shown in Figure 5 is only one example of a type of condenser that may be used with ASUs, as described herein. Generally, the ASU may be used with any type of condenser or condensers. For example, the condensation system may be air cooled, water cooled, or the like. According to other embodiments, the condenser may comprise a refrigeration system, e.g., ahigh vacuum (HVAC) system. Figure 6 is provided to illustrate another configuration of an ASU 300 and a condenser 500, specifically, a vertical configuration.

[0043] In the embodiments described above, an electric field is used to separate ambient air into a humid air stream and a dry air stream. The humid air stream is then provided to a condenser to condense water from the humid air stream. Other embodiments described herein involve using the electric field to increase the humidity of the air and to condense water from the air in a single chamber or unit of the apparatus. In other words, the air need not be first separated into a humid air stream and a dry air stream. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate embodiments of AWGs 700A and 700B, respectively. In each of the embodiments, the AWG may comprise a chamber or channel 702. Ambient air is drawn into the chamber, for example, by a fan 302. Electrodes 304A and 304B are configured to establish an electric field within the chamber / channel. The electrodes 304A and 304B may each comprise single electrodes or a plurality of electrodes, as described above. As described above, the electric field may increase the humidity of the air within the chamber / channel. For example, more humid air may selectively partition near one of the electrodes (e.g., 304A) and drier air may selectively partition near the other electrode (e.g.. 304B).

[0044] The illustrated AWGs 700A and 700B also comprise cooling elements 704A and 704B. The cooling elements may comprise Peltier devices, for example. In the embodiment of the AWG 700 A, the cooling elements are configured on the outside surfaces of the chamber / channel 702. In the embodiment 700B, the cooling elements are configured on the inside surfaces of the chamber / channel 702 between the electrodes and the surfaces of the chamber / channel. In that embodiment, the cooling elements may be separated by an intervening layer (not shown) that is thermally conductive but that is preferably electrically insulating. Examples of such layers may comprise thermally conductive silicone, thermally conductive epoxy, resins with thermally conductive ceramic fillers, and the like, for example. The cooling elements are configured to cool the air, thereby condensing the water from the humidified air. The condensed water may be collected from the AWG as illustrated. Likewise, the dried air may exit the AWG via a port 706. As in the above embodiments, the dry air exhaust port may be adjustable (not shown) to control air flow through the AWG to increase / decrease residence time or volume of air in the AWG.

[0045] As described above, the AWG may be configured with one or more sensors 312 configured to sense properties of the incoming ambient air and one or more sensors 314 configured to sense properties of the air after it has passed the electric field and / or the cooling elements. The AWG may comprise a network or bus 311 and a control and power system 200, which may also be as described above. The sensors and control system may be configured to determine the water extraction efficiency and / or the water extraction rate, for example. According to some embodiments, the sensors and control system may measure the absolute humidity of the incoming air stream and that of the dry7air outlet stream to determine a percentage difference in the water content of the two streams. According to some embodiments, the volume of water produced may be measured. According to some embodiments, mass air flow, temperatures of various parts of the system, and other parameters may be measured. The control system may be configured to control the fan speed, the mass flow7of air through the system, the residence time of air in the system, the temperature, and / or the voltage to the electrodes (i.e., the electric field) to optimize the operation of the system. Various optimization criteria may be selected, including maximizing water production, maximizing dehumidification, and / or balancing any of those parameters against energy7usage.

[0046] The embodiments 700A and 700B of the AWG may be considered “single channel” AWG, in that the air flows through a single channel. As used herein, the term channel may be any flow path. For example, the channel / flow path may be cylindrical, square, rectangular, or the like. Embodiments of the disclosed AWGs may comprise multiple (i.e., twoor more) channels. Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a “multi-channel’' AWG 800, which comprises a bank 806 of flow channels 802, each of which provide a flow path for the ambient air. The AWG comprises a control and power system, as described above, but it is omitted in the drawing for clarity. Instead, the high-power voltage supply is schematically illustrated as a battery 801. A fan 302 is configured to draw ambient air into an intake manifold 804 and into the flow channel bank 806. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the channels 802 is configured with exterior electrodes 810 affixed to the outside surface 808 of the channel. As described above, these exterior electrodes may be coated upon the outside surface, or otherwise attached to the outside surface. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the channels further comprises interior electrodes 812, which may comprise wires within the channels. Outside and inside electrode contacts, 814 and 816. respectively, are provided for connecting the power supply 802 to the outside and inside electrodes. Thus, electric fields may be established between the exterior and interior electrodes, thereby increasing humidity' of the air within the channels. Each of the channels 802 further comprise cooling elements 811. In the illustrated embodiments, the cooling elements 811 are configured upon the surfaces of the exterior electrodes 810. The cooling elements are configured to condense water vapor within the channels. Dry air and condensed water from the channels may be provided to a condensation manifold 818, whereby dry air can escape the system and condensed water may be provided from the system, for example, via a water outlet 819. As described with respect to the embodiments above, the AWG 800 may be configured with sensors, including 822 and 824, which (in combination with the control and power system) may be configured to measure conditions within the AWG and adjust operating parameters (e.g., electric field, temperature, fan speed, mass flow rate, residence time, etc.), as described above.

[0047] It will be appreciated that various different configurations of multi-channel AWGs may be implemented. For example, the channels of the AWG 800 illustrated in Figure 8 share many features of the multi-channel ASU 400 illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. For example, each of the channels are configured with interior electrodes (typically a wire) and exterior electrodes. Other embodiments may use electrode configurations and cooling element configurations similar to the AWGs 700A and 700B (Figs. 7A and 7B, respectively). In other words, the AWG may simply comprise a bank of channels, each of which is configured like the channels of the AWGs 700A and 700B. In such embodiments, the electrodes (of opposite polarities) are disposed on either side of the air flow channels. Likewise, the cooling elements may be disposed on either side of the air flow channels.

[0048] Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of an ASU 900. The ASU 900 comprises a fan 302 configured to draw ambient air into an intake port 902, whereby the ambient air is fed into an air separation region 904. The illustrated air separation region comprises 904 comprises an electrification or ionization zone 905 and a partitioning zone 907 downstream of the ionization zone. The electrification / ionization zone 905 comprises electrodes configured to generate an electric field, as described in more detail below. The partitioning zone 907 comprises an outer tube 906 and an inner tube 908 configured to provide separate flow paths / channels 914 and 916 whereby dry and humid air is separated, as described further below. An axial electrode 910 runs axial along the lengths of the inner and outer tubes without touching the tubes. In the illustrated embodiment the outer tube 906 is configured as an electrode and a control and power system 200 (described above) is configured such that the axial electrode 910 is configured as an anode and the outer tube 906 is configured as a cathode (or alternatively, ground). For example, a 1000 kV voltage may be applied between the axial electrode and the outer tube, though that voltage may be adjusted and the polarity may be reversed, as described above.

[0049] The voltage applied between the axial electrode 910 and the outer electrode (i.e.. the outer tube 906 in the illustration) establishes an electric field between the two electrodes. Without being bound by theory, the electric field may impact the air (and its associated water vapor) flowing through the ASU in at least two ways. First, the electric field acts to establish a gradient, whereby the polar water molecules align along the direction of the established electric field. Second, corona discharge between the electrodes may ionize the water molecules. The ionized w ater molecules will be attracted to one of the electrodes, depending on the charge of the water molecule and the polarity of the electrodes. For example, a negatively charged water molecule will be attracted to a positively charged axial electrode 910, in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer tube electrode is configured with projections or spikes 912 to promote corona discharge (i.e., arcing).

[0050] The illustrated ASU 900 comprises tw o flow paths or channels — an outer flow' path 914 comprising the annulus between the outer and inner tubes (906 and 908, respectively), and an inner flow path 916 comprising the interior of the inner tube 908. Note that the term “tube” as used herein is not limited to shapes having a round cross section. In other words, the tubes may have cross sections that are square, rectangular, or other shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner and outer tubes arranged concentrically. The separation between these two flow paths provides a separation boundary whereby humid air and dry air may be separated from each other depending on the water molecules’ (or water droplet’s) attraction for one orthe electrodes. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, negatively charged water molecules / droplets will preferably partition within the inner flow path because the axial electrode is positively charged. Air within the outer flow path 914 may exit the ASU via an outer port 918 and air within the inner flow path 916 may exit the ASU via an inner port 920. In the illustrated example, dehumidified air exits the ASU via port 918 and humidified air exits via port 920.

[0051] The ASU’s efficiency of separating humid air from dry air may depend on several factors. One such factor is the ability of the electric field to reorient and ionize the water molecules. This depends on the strength of the electromagnetic field, the topology (shape) of the electrodes, and the separation between the positive and negative electrodes. The strength of the magnetic field is determined, in part, by the voltages between the positive and negative electrodes. In some embodiments, the control and power system may be configured to control the applied voltage intensity to maintain the electric field w ithin an avalanche region, which is an electric field strength wherein collisions betw een accelerated unbound electrons and bound electrons are sufficient to excite bound electrons to an unbound state. In some embodiments, the control system may be configured to maintain the electric field within the avalanche region while minimizing the powder used. Also, the voltages may be maintained to provide repeated discharges to minimize loss of charged species through spontaneous charge recombination. Regarding the electrode topography, the inventors have determined that the electric field gradient is strongest around pointed / spiked electrodes. This promotes creation of an electric discharge between the electrodes, which in turn promotes ionization of the water molecules / droplets.

[0052] Another factor impacting the air separation efficiency is the flow path dimensions. A longer flow path in the region where ionization occurs will result in greater ionization of the water vapor, and consequently, greater electrostatic separation of humid and dry air. Likewise, a greater residence time w ithin the ionization region may provide greater ionization. In some embodiments, more humid air may benefit from higher electric fields, and / or longer residence times. In the illustrated embodiment, the ASU is configured with sensors 930, 932, and 934 at the intake port, the outer exhaust port, and the inner exhaust port, respectively. The sensors may comprise humidity sensors and / or temperature sensors, for example. In some embodiment, the control and power system 200 may be configured to adjust operating parameters of the ASU based on data measured using the sensors. For example, the fan speed may be adjusted based on the humidity of the ambient air (and / or the humidity of the dry’ and / or humid air exiting the ASU). Likewise, the power supply may be adjusted based on readingsfrom the sensor. In some embodiments, the control and power system may be configured with closed loop feedback adjustment algorithms for maintaining and / or adjusting the operating parameters of the ASU. In some embodiments, the sensor readings may also be used to adjust downstream equipment, such as downstream condensation units, for example.

[0053] Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it should be understood that the above discussion is not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for separating dry air from an ambient air stream, the system comprising: an air separation unit (ASU) comprising: an input port configured to receive the ambient air stream; a first one or more electrodes; a second one or more electrodes; a voltage supply; control circuitry' configured to cause the voltage supply to provide a voltage difference between the first and second one or more electrodes, thereby creating an electric field between the first and second one or more electrodes, such that the ambient air stream passes through the electric field; wherein the electric field is configured to establish a humidity gradient in the ambient air stream, wherein air in a first portion of the humidity gradient comprises a lower water concentration than air in a second portion of the humidity gradient; a dry air output port configured to receive air from the first portion of the humidity gradient and exhaust the first portion from the ASU as a dry air stream; and a humid air output port configured to receive air from the second portion of the humidity gradient and exhaust the second portion from the ASU as a humid air stream.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the ASU comprises plurality of tubes configured so that the ambient air stream flows through the tubes, wherein the first one or more electrodes are configured on a surface of each of the tubes and the second one or more electrodes are configured as wires running through the interior of each of the tubes.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the ASU comprises a dry air channel configured to carry air from the first portion of the humidity gradient to the dry air output port and a humid air channel configured to carry air from the second portion of the humidity gradient to the humid air output port.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the dry air channel and the humid air channel are separated by a barrier.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the dry air channel comprises a first tube and the humid air channel comprises a second tube.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first and second tubes are arranged concentrically wi th respect to each other.

7. The system of any of claims 5-6. wherein: the ASU comprises an electrification zone configured upstream of the barrier, the first one or more electrodes are configured within the electrification zone, and at least a portion of the second one or more electrodes is configured within the electrification zone.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the electric field is created within the electrification zone.

9. The system of any of claims 5-8. wherein the first one or more electrodes comprise an array of electrodes.

10. The system of any of claims 5-8, wherein the first one or more electrodes comprise a metal plate.

11. The system of any of claims 7-10, wherein the second one or more electrodes comprises a wire running through the electrification zone and through at least one of the first and second tubes.

12. The system of any of claims 1-11, wherein the control circuitry is configured to adjust the voltage difference to a voltage value sufficient to cause corona discharge between the first and second one or more electrodes.

13. The system of any of claims 1-12, wherein the ASU comprises a first humidity sensor at the input port configured to measure humidity’ values for the ambient air stream.

14. The system of any of claims 1-13, wherein the ASU comprises a second humidity sensor at the dry air output port configured to measure humidity' values for the dry air stream15. The system of any of claims 1-14, wherein the ASU comprises a third humiditysensor at the humid air output port configured to measure humidity values for the humid air stream.

16. The system of any of claims 13-15, wherein the control circuitry is configured to use the humidity values of any of the first, second, and / or third humidity sensors to adjust at least one operating parameter of the ASU.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises a value of the voltage difference.

18. The system of claims 16 or 17, wherein the ASU comprises a fan at the input port configured to draw the ambient air stream into the ASU and wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises the fan's speed.

19. The system of any of claims 1-18, wherein the ASU comprises one or more cooling elements.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the one or more cooling elements comprise Peltier devices.

21. A method of separating an ambient air stream into a dry air stream and a humid air stream, the method comprising: providing the ambient air stream to an ASU according to any of claims 1-20; receiving the dry air stream from the dry air output port; and receiving the humid air stream from the humid air output port.

22. A method of separating an ambient air stream into a dry air stream and a humid air stream, the method comprising:applying an electrostatic field across the ambient air stream to form a humidity gradient within the ambient air stream, wherein air in a first portion of the humidity gradient comprises a lower water concentration than air in a second portion of the humidity gradient; isolating air in the first portion of the humidity gradient into a first channel and air in the second portion of the humidity gradient into a second channel; and providing the air in the first channel to a dry air output port as the dry air stream and the air in the second channel to a humid air output port as the humid air stream.

23. The method of claim 22. wherein applying the electrostatic field across the ambient air stream comprises applying a voltage difference across a first one or more electrodes and a second one or more electrodes.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the voltage difference is sufficient to cause corona discharge between the first and second one or more electrodes.

25. The method of any of claims 22-24, further comprising measuring humidity values for one or more of the ambient air stream, the dry air stream, and / or the humid air stream.

26. The method of claims 25, further comprising adjusting the electrostatic field based on the one or more humidity values.

27. The method of any of claims 23-26, wherein the first one or more electrodes comprise an array of electrodes.

28. The method of any of claims 23-26, wherein the first one or more electrodes comprise a metal plate.

29. The method of any of claims 23-28, wherein the second one or more electrodes comprises a wire.

30. The method of any of claims 22-29, further comprising cooling the ambient air stream.

31. An air water generation (AWG) system for collecting water from an ambient air stream, the system comprising: an air separation unit (ASU) comprising: an input port configured to receive the ambient air stream; a first one or more electrodes; a second one or more electrodes; a voltage supply; control circuitry configured to cause the voltage supply to provide a voltage difference between the first and second one or more electrodes, thereby creating an electric field between the first and second one or more electrodes, such that the ambient air stream passes through the electric field; wherein the electric field is configured to establish a humidity gradient in the ambient air stream, wherein air in a first portion of the humidity gradient comprises a lower water concentration than air in a second portion of the humidity7gradient; a dry air output port configured to receive air from the first portion of the humidity gradient and exhaust the first portion from the ASU as a dry air stream; and a humid air output port configured to receive air from the second portion of the humidity gradient and exhaust the second portion from the ASU as a humid air stream, and a condenser.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the ASU comprises plurality of tubes configured so that the ambient air stream flows through the tubes, wherein the first one or more electrodes are configured on a surface of each of the tubes and the second one or more electrodes are configured as wires running through the interior of each of the tubes.

33. The system of claim 31, wherein the ASU comprises a dry air channel configured to carry air from the first portion of the humidity gradient to the dry air output port and a humidair channel configured to carry air from the second portion of the humidity gradient to the humid air output port.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the dry air channel and the humid air channel are separated by a barrier.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the dry air channel comprises a first tube and the humid air channel comprises a second tube.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the first and second tubes are arranged concentrically with respect to each other.

37. The system of any of claims 35-36, wherein: the ASU comprises an electrification zone configured upstream of the barrier, the first one or more electrodes are configured within the electrification zone, and at least a portion of the second one or more electrodes is configured within the electrification zone.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the electric field is created within the electrification zone.

39. The system of any of claims 35-38, wherein the first one or more electrodes comprise an array of electrodes.

40. The system of any of claims 35-38, wherein the first one or more electrodes comprise a metal plate.

41. The system of any of claims 37-40, wherein the second one or more electrodes comprises a wire running through the electrification zone and through at least one of the first and second tubes.

42. The system of any of claims 31-41, wherein the control circuitry' is configured to adjust the voltage difference to a voltage value sufficient to cause corona discharge between the first and second one or more electrodes.

43. The system of any of claims 31-42, wherein the ASU comprises a first humidity sensor at the input port configured to measure humidity values for the ambient air stream.

44. The system of any of claims 31-43, wherein the ASU comprises a second humiditysensor at the dry air output port configured to measure humidity- values for the dry air stream45. The system of any of claims 31-44, wherein the ASU comprises a third humidity sensor at the humid air output port configured to measure humidity- values for the humid air stream.

46. The system of any of claims 43-45, wherein the control circuitry is configured to use the humidity values of any of the first, second, and / or third humidity sensors to adjust at least one operating parameter of the ASU.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the at least one operating parameter compnses a value of the voltage difference.

48. The system of claims 46 or 47. wherein the ASU comprises a fan at the input port configured to draw the ambient air stream into the ASU and wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises the fan’s speed.

49. The system of any of claims 31-48, wherein the ASU comprises one or more cooling elements.

50. The system of claim 49, wherein the one or more cooling elements comprise Peltier devices.

51. The system of any of claims 31-50, wherein the ASU and the condenser are separate units.

52. The system of any of claims 31-51, wherein the condenser is configured to receive the humid air stream and condense water therefrom.

53. The system of claim 31, wherein the condenser is integrated into the ASU.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the ASU comprises one or more cooling elements configured to condense water from the humid air stream.

55. The system of claim 54, wherein the one or more cooling elements comprise Peltier devices.

56. The system of claims 54 or 55, wherein the control circuitry' is configured to adjust the one or more cooling elements based on the ambient air’s humidity'.

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