Sustainable water desalination system

Abstract

One water desalination method of the present disclosure comprises collecting seawater within a seawater chamber; heating the seawater chamber using a parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber; agitating the seawater within the seawater chamber via rotation of an agitator element that is caused by wind or wave forces applied to blades of a turbine positioned above the seawater chamber; transporting hydrated air from the seawater chamber to a condensation chamber; collecting the hydrated air within the condensation chamber; directing wind towards the collected hydrated air; condensing the hydrated air to form distilled water using the directed wind; and / or storing the distilled water into a storage container.

Description

SUSTAINABLE WATER DESALINATION SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional application entitled, “Sustainable Water Desalination System,” having application number 63 / 661 ,265, filed June 18, 2024, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The conventional method for desalination of seawater involves reverse osmosis, which requires significant energy input to pressurize seawater through a semipermeable membrane. This process is notoriously energy-intensive and difficult to sustain with renewable energy sources as it requires conversion of renewable energy into electricity, followed by a conversion back into kinetic or heat energy.SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure include sustainable water desalination systems and related methods. One such system comprises an evaporation unit having a seawater chamber, a turbine disposed above the seawater chamber, an impeller housing disposed above the turbine, and a solar parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber; a condensation unit; and / or a connector conduit coupled between the evaporation unit and the condensation unit, wherein: a shaft of the turbine operates a centripetal impeller located in the impeller housing and an agitator element located in the seawater chamber, and / or the solar parabolic mirror is focused on the seawater chamber.

[0004] In one or more aspects for such systems, the impeller housing is translucent; orientation of the parabolic mirror is adjustable by a system of a plurality of gas spring elements that are attached to the parabolic mirror; the plurality of gas spring elements comprise nitrogen gas spring elements; the condensation unit comprises an octagonal prism-shaped housing having a metal frame that acts as a wind concentrator; a top of the octagonal prism-shaped housing contains a shade element that blocks or reduces direct sunlight on a condensation chamber that is at a center of the condensation unit; an interior of the condensation unit features metallic fins that are in contact with outside wind and internal hydrated air; and / or the condensation unit comprises a storage container for collecting distilled water.

[0005] In one or more aspects, such systems may further comprise one or more hydrated air channel conduits for transporting hydrated air from the seawater chamber to the impeller housing.

[0006] The present disclosure can also be viewed as a system comprising: a storage container; a condensation chamber inside the storage container; a seawater chamber positioned inside the condensation chamber, wherein the seawater chamber is opened at a top of the seawater chamber; an agitator mechanism disposed inside the seawater chamber; a turbine disposed above the seawater chamber and the condensation chamber and coupled to the agitator mechanism; and / or a solar parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber and the condensation chamber; wherein: the condensation chamber has an inlet for receiving brine water that is directed to the top of the seawater chamber; and / or the condensation chamber has an outlet for directing desalinated water captured inside the condensation chamber to the storage container.

[0007] In one or more aspects for such systems, the condensation chamber has a flushing conduit valve that is fluidic communication with the seawater chamber. In one or more aspects, the system may further comprise an Archimedes screw pump that is configured to direct the brine water to the seawater chamber via the inlet and a water conduit.

[0008] The present disclosure can also be viewed as a water desalination method comprising collecting seawater within a seawater chamber; heating the seawater chamber using a parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber; agitating the seawater within the seawater chamber via rotation of an agitator element that is caused by wind or wave forces applied to blades of a turbine positioned above the seawater chamber; transporting hydrated air from the seawater chamber to a condensation chamber; collecting the hydrated air within the condensation chamber; directing wind towards the collected hydrated air; condensing the hydrated air to form distilled water using the directed wind; and / or storing the distilled water into a storage container.

[0009] In one or more aspects for such methods, the seawater chamber and the condensation chamber are coupled via a connector conduit or the seawater chamber is disposed within the condensation chamber.

[0010] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0012] FIGS. 1 A-1 E show an exemplary desalination system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 2A-2B show magnitude of vortex wind forces in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 3A-3B show digital photographs of an exemplary initial prototype implementation of one non-limiting embodiment of a desalination system the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 4A-4C show an exemplary desalination system in accordance with various alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure presents new and improved systems and related methods for harnessing wind, wave, and solar energy to desalinate seawater producing pressurized, distilled water. Conventional systems and methods for desalination involves reverse osmosis and requires the conversion of renewable energy into electricity, followed by a conversion back into kinetic or heat energy. In contrast, systems and methods of the present disclosure generate hydrated air from seawater, condense the hydrated air, and store the resulting water, all without needing electrical power.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1A, an exemplary desalination system 100 is shown, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary desalination system 100 includes an evaporation unit 110 and a condensation unit 120, where a connector conduit (e.g., tubing, tube, pipe, etc.) 130 is coupled between the respective units. As shown in FIGS. 1 B and 1C, the evaporation unit 110 includes a seawater chamber 112, a turbine 114 disposed above the seawater chamber 112, an impeller housing 116 disposed above the turbine 1 14, and a solar parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber. Accordingly, a shaft 115 of the turbine 114 operates a centripetal impeller 117 (having one or more wind / wave impeller elements) located in the impeller housing 116 and agitator element 113 located in the seawater chamber 112.

[0018] In operation, seawater is introduced into the seawater chamber 112, such as by pouring seawater into the chamber 112 using an input port or opening, or by sucking seawater into the port via a vacuum or siphoning action, etc., where the port / opening is sealed after introduction of the seawater into the chamber 112. The seawater chamber 112 includes the agitator element 113 (e.g., having blades or fins) such that, in operation, the agitator element moves and causes the seawater in the chamber 112 to splash around in an agitated manner, resulting in an increase in surface area of the seawater due to foaming and kinetic energy being added to the seawater, thereby causing the temperature of the seawater to rise which encourages rapid evaporation of the seawater. The agitator element 113 rotates via the wind / wave turbine 114 component that is coupled to the agitator via the shaft 115, where the turbine 114 has blades that are caused to spin or rotate due to wind or wave forces and turn the shaft 115. Accordingly, movement of the agitator 1 13 in the seawater creates centripetal whirling action in the water. In various embodiments, the forces encounteredby the turbine blades may be water waves when the turbine 114 of the evaporation unit 110 is positioned in seawater and is subject to surrounding waves. Additionally, in various embodiments, the forces encountered by the turbine blades may be wind forces when the turbine 114 of the evaporation unit is positioned above or outside of seawater.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the impeller housing 116 is translucent (e.g., via glass or plastic material) to maximize solar energy going into the system. Otherwise, the impeller housing’s function is to lower the pressure inside of the evaporation chamber which increases the evaporation rate. It also transfers the hydrated air into the condensation unit 120.

[0020] In various embodiments, a vortex of wind, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, that is introduced to the turbine blades causes vortex-forces to be applied against the blades of the turbine 114, thereby causing the shaft 115 and agitator & impeller element(s) 113, 117 to rotate.

[0021] In addition to the energy introduced into the seawater by the agitator element 113, the solar parabolic mirror 118 positioned below the bottom of the seawater chamber 112 directs and introduces heat energy to the agitated seawater, which aids in evaporation of the seawater and formation of hydrated air. In various embodiments, the parabolic mirror 118 may be enclosed by a clear protective structure, such as a glass or plastic material.

[0022] In various embodiments, the parabolic mirror 118 is connected to the seawater chamber 112, via a universal joint. Orientation of the parabolic mirror can be adjusted by a system of a plurality of gas spring elements 119 (e.g., 4 nitrogen gas spring elements) that are attached to the parabolic mirror via hinge elements. These hinges are configured to serve to amplify the motion imparted by the gas springs, thereby enabling a precise manipulation of the parabolic mirror. For example, duringoperation, as the sun traverses the sky, the gas spring elements 119 undergo thermal expansion and contraction due to variations in temperature. In various embodiments, the increase in temperature causes nitrogen within the gas springs 119 to expand, leading to a controlled movement of the parabolic mirror 118 and leading to optimal alignment of the parabolic mirror 118 throughout the day, enhancing its ability to concentrate solar energy onto the seawater, thus maximizing the efficiency of the heating process.

[0023] After evaporation, the hydrated air can be transported from the seawater chamber 112 to the impeller housing 116 above the turbine 114 via one or more hydrated air channel conduits 107 (e.g., vertical tubes, pipes, etc.). In the impeller housing 116, hydrated air is then pushed or directed to the connector conduit 130 that couples to the condensation unit 120 via the rotation of the impeller 117. In certain embodiments, the directed air flows through a one-way valve 132 to the condensation unit 120 which is configured to condense and store distilled water (having all or most of its saline content removed) from the hydrated air.

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1 D and 1 E, in various embodiments, the condensation unit 120 comprises an octagonal prism-shaped housing 122 having a metal frame that acts as a wind concentrator. At the top of the housing is a shade element 123 (e.g., an opaque cover, semi-opaque cover, tinted film cover, etc.) that blocks or reduces direct sunlight on a condensation chamber 124 that is at a center of the condensation unit 120. The octagonal prism shape of the housing 122 acts to direct wind forces towards the condensation unit 120, which helps cool the condensation unit 120. Accordingly, in various embodiments, an interior of the condensation unit 120 features metallic fins 126 (e.g., long, straight, smooth, metal plates) that are in contact with outside wind and the internal hydrated air, which enhances heat dissipation andcondensation of the water within the condensation chamber 124 and delivery of the distilled water to a storage container 128. During operation, distilled water can be collected at the storage container 128 and subsequently transferred to another vessel so that the process can be repeated and additional distilled water can be produced.

[0025] As such, an exemplary desalination system / method of the present disclosure is capable of generating hydrated air, condensing the hydrated air, and storing the condensed water, all without needing electrical power generation, by direct utilization of renewable energy sources, which significantly enhances the energy conversion efficiency of the system / method.

[0026] For further illustration, FIGS. 3A and 3B are digital photographs of an exemplary initial prototype implementation of one non-limiting embodiment of a desalination system the present disclosure.

[0027] In other embodiments, the condensation unit and evaporation unit may be merged into a single-chamber distillation unit 400, as shown in FIG. 4A, housed within a transparent condensation chamber 410. In various embodiments, the condensation chamber 410 has a spherical shape and may comprise a glass or plastic material. At the center of the condensation chamber is a seawater chamber 420 that collects brine or seawater from a water source. In various embodiments, the seawater chamber 420 has a cylindrical shape. An agitator / cleaning mechanism 430 is provided in the seawater chamber 420 that sweeps the interior surfaces of the seawater chamber 420 maintaining optical clarity, thermal performance and preventing salt buildup, while also agitating seawater that is collected inside the seawater chamber 420. Water within the seawater chamber 420 is heated due to solar energy driving rapid evaporation which causes water vapor to condense on inner walls of the condensation chamber 410 outside of the seawater chamber 420 and drip into an outlet drain 440 that leadsto a storage container 460 (FIG. 4B) (that may surround the condensation chamber) yielding to collection of clean distilled desalinated water. A flushing conduit valve 450 is provided to the seawater chamber 420 that allows for contents of the seawater chamber 420 to be removed from the distillation unit 400 to prevent salt and dirt buildup and / or allows water to be pumped into to the seawater chamber 420 to help in removal of the salt / dirt buildup. The single-chamber distillation unit 400 may feature supporting structures 470 to support and hold the unit suspended above a ground surface.

[0028] To power the agitator / cleaning mechanism 430, a vertical-axis wind turbine 435 is coupled to a paddle of the agitator / cleaning mechanism 430 via a vertical shaft 437 above the seawater chamber, as shown in FIG. 4B, where wind forces can turn the wind turbine 435 causing the agitator / cleaning mechanism 430 to rotate or sweep within the seawater chamber 420. In addition to the energy introduced into the seawater by the agitator / cleaner mechanism 430, reflective surfaces 480, 485 are positioned around the condensation chamber 410 and the seawater chamber 420 to direct and introduce heat energy to the agitated seawater, which aids in evaporation of the seawater and formation of hydrated air. In various embodiments, a parabolic mirror 485 may be positioned below and around a side of the condensation chamber 410 within the storage container 460, as shown in FIG. 4B. Additional reflective surfaces 480 may be positioned on a top of the storage container 460 above the condensation chamber 410, as also shown in FIG. 4B. In various embodiments, the reflective surfaces 480 may be powered (e.g., solar powered) to adjust their positioning based on solar tracking. Additionally, in some embodiments, the distillation unit 400 may be positioned on a turntable platform 490 that can be moved either manually or by suitable power to be in proper positioning for optimal solar and / or wind power generation capabilities.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4B, brine water may be introduced into the seawater chamber 420 via a water conduit 495 (e.g., tubing, tube, pipe, etc.) that is coupled to a brine water source. In various embodiments, brine water is drawn into the water conduit 495 using wind energy, such as a wind-powered Archimedes screw that works by turning a screw-shaped surface inside a water conduit. For example, FIG. 4C demonstrates one embodiment where an Archimedes screw 510 is wrapped with a water tubing around its length such that when the end of the Archimedes screw 510 is inserted at one end 512 into a brine water source, such as the ocean, the brine water will be scooped up into the water tubing and travel up to the other end 514 due to turning of the screw 510 by wind activated blades 520 where the water is directed into the water conduit 495 leading to the seawater chamber 420, thereby replenishing the distillation unit 400 with new brine water. For wind energy, the wind activated blades 520 may be coupled to an octagonal prism-shaped housing having a metal frame that acts as a wind concentrator 530, as similarly described herein for other embodiments.

[0030] Accordingly, this type of passive, renewable-powered system provides a scalable and sustainable solution forfreshwater production. While ideal for off-grid and remote applications, it can also serve as a low-cost alternative to conventional desalination methods by eliminating the need for external energy inputs. Its modular design allows for rapid deployment in emergency situations or disaster zones and can be shipped and operated on barges or temporary setups to provide immediate access to clean water wherever its needed.

[0031] In a recent test using a 12-inch diameter spherical prototype, the system heated brine to 80°C and achieved a distillation rate of approximately 30 ml_ per hour using only concentrated sunlight. This test utilized tap water darkened with a tea bag and a central black target to increase absorption. Reflective surfaces were manuallyadjusted, and the wind-powered and automated features were not yet included in this trial. Based on these results, it is estimated that a 100-foot diameter version of the system could yield up to 30,000 liters of distilled water per hour under ideal conditions.

[0032] In summary, embodiments of the present disclosure include sustainable water desalination systems and related methods. One such system comprises an evaporation unit having a seawater chamber, a turbine disposed above the seawater chamber, an impeller housing disposed above the turbine, and a solar parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber; a condensation unit; and / or a connector conduit coupled between the evaporation unit and the condensation unit, wherein: a shaft of the turbine operates a centripetal impeller located in the impeller housing and an agitator element located in the seawater chamber, and / or the solar parabolic mirror is focused on the seawater chamber.

[0033] In one or more aspects for such systems, the impeller housing is translucent; orientation of the parabolic mirror is adjustable by a system of a plurality of gas spring elements that are attached to the parabolic mirror; the plurality of gas spring elements comprise nitrogen gas spring elements; the condensation unit comprises an octagonal prism-shaped housing having a metal frame that acts as a wind concentrator; a top of the octagonal prism-shaped housing contains a shade element that blocks or reduces direct sunlight on a condensation chamber that is at a center of the condensation unit; an interior of the condensation unit features metallic fins that are in contact with outside wind and internal hydrated air; and / or the condensation unit comprises a storage container for collecting distilled desalinated water.

[0034] In one or more aspects, such systems may further comprise one or more hydrated air channel conduits for transporting hydrated air from the seawater chamber to the impeller housing.

[0035] The present disclosure can also be viewed as a system comprising: a storage container; a condensation chamber inside the storage container; a seawater chamber positioned inside the condensation chamber, wherein the seawater chamber is opened at a top of the seawater chamber; an agitator mechanism disposed inside the seawater chamber; a turbine disposed above the seawater chamber and the condensation chamber and coupled to the agitator mechanism; and / or a solar parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber and the condensation chamber; wherein: the condensation chamber has an inlet for receiving brine water that is directed to the top of the seawater chamber; and / or the condensation chamber has an outlet for directing desalinated water captured inside the condensation chamber to the storage container.

[0036] In one or more aspects for such systems, the condensation chamber has a flushing conduit valve that is fluidic communication with the seawater chamber. In one or more aspects, the system may further comprise an Archimedes screw pump that is configured to direct the brine water to the seawater chamber via the inlet and a water conduit.

[0037] The present disclosure can also be viewed as a water desalination method comprising collecting seawater within a seawater chamber; heating the seawater chamber using a parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber; agitating the seawater within the seawater chamber via rotation of an agitator element that is caused by wind or wave forces applied to blades of a turbine positioned above the seawater chamber; transporting hydrated air from the seawater chamber to acondensation chamber; collecting the hydrated air within the condensation chamber; directing wind towards the collected hydrated air; condensing the hydrated air to form distilled water using the directed wind; and / or storing the distilled water into a storage container.

[0038] In one or more aspects for such methods, the seawater chamber and the condensation chamber are coupled via a connector conduit or the seawater chamber is disposed within the condensation chamber.

[0039] It should be emphasized that the disclosed embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:1 . A water desalination system comprising: an evaporation unit having a seawater chamber, a turbine disposed above the seawater chamber, an impeller housing disposed above the turbine, and a solar parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber; a condensation unit; and a connector conduit coupled between the evaporation unit and the condensation unit, wherein: a shaft of the turbine operates a centripetal impeller located in the impeller housing and an agitator element located in the seawater chamber, and the solar parabolic mirror is focused on the seawater chamber.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the impeller housing is translucent.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein orientation of the solar parabolic mirror is adjustable by a system of a plurality of gas spring elements that are attached to the parabolic mirror.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of gas spring elements comprise nitrogen gas spring elements.

5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more hydrated air channel conduits for transporting hydrated air from the seawater chamber to the impeller housing.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the condensation unit comprises an octagonal prism-shaped housing having a metal frame that acts as a wind concentrator.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein a top of the octagonal prism-shaped housing contains a shade element that blocks or reduces direct sunlight on a condensation chamber that is at a center of the condensation unit.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein an interior of the condensation unit features metallic fins that are in contact with outside wind and internal hydrated air.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the condensation unit comprises a storage container for collecting distilled water.

10. A water desalination system comprising: a storage container; a condensation chamber inside the storage container; a seawater chamber positioned inside the condensation chamber, wherein the seawater chamber is opened at a top of the seawater chamber; an agitator mechanism disposed inside the seawater chamber;a turbine disposed above the seawater chamber and the condensation chamber and coupled to the agitator mechanism; and a solar parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber and the condensation chamber; wherein: the condensation chamber has an inlet for receiving brine water that is directed to the top of the seawater chamber; and the condensation chamber has an outlet for directing desalinated water captured inside the condensation chamber to the storage container.11 . The system of claim 10, further comprising an Archimedes screw pump that is configured to direct the brine water to the seawater chamber via the inlet and a water conduit.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the condensation chamber has a flushing conduit valve that is fluidic communication with the seawater chamber.

13. A water desalination method comprising: collecting seawater within a seawater chamber; heating the seawater chamber using a parabolic mirror positioned below the seawater chamber; agitating the seawater within the seawater chamber via rotation of an agitator element that is caused by wind or wave forces applied to blades of a turbine positioned above the seawater chamber;transporting hydrated air from the seawater chamber to a condensation chamber; collecting the hydrated air within the condensation chamber; directing wind towards the collected hydrated air; condensing the hydrated air to form distilled water using the directed wind; and storing the distilled water into a storage container.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the seawater chamber and the condensation chamber are coupled via a connector conduit.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the seawater chamber is disposed within the condensation chamber.Y1

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