Air-to-water generation system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air-to-water generation system. The system comprises: a water extraction unit for drawing-in air and extracting water therefrom; a storage unit for storing water extracted from air by the water extraction unit; and a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit comprises a dispensing outlet controllable to dispense water responsive to input received via a user control interface. The dispensing unit also comprises a water treatment unit. The water treatment unit comprises: an inlet in fluid communication with the storage unit; an outlet in fluid communication with the dispensing outlet; a hollow closed body defining a water treatment chamber therein, the water treatment chamber in fluid communication with the inlet at an upstream end thereof and with the outlet at a downstream end thereof, wherein the water treatment chamber comprises a spiral conduit that provides a water flow path between the upstream end of the water treatment chamber and the downstream end of the water treatment chamber, wherein at least a first surface of the hollow closed body comprises a material through which UV radiation can be transmitted; and a pathogen treatment device comprising a UV source, the pathogen treatment device arranged to irradiate water in the spiral conduit with UV radiation through the first surface. The system further comprises a controller operative to control operation of the pathogen treatment device and the dispensing outlet, wherein the controller is operative to activate the pathogen treatment device responsive to a determination by the controller that the dispensing outlet is activated to dispense water from the outlet.

Description

[0001] Air-to-water generation system

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an air-to-water generation system. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an air-to-water generation system, comprising a dispensing unit operative to treat water to be dispensed, and to a dispensing unit that forms part of an air-to-water generation system.

[0004] Background

[0005] The provision of water, particularly clean water, is essential in virtually every aspect of life. In regions of adequate rainfall and in developed regions which have access to piped water this is normally not a problem. However, many regions of the world have inadequate rainfall and are often great distances from water sources. In addition, the much-reported changes in global climate have further reduced rainfall in many regions, often in regions which already had inadequate rainfall.

[0006] The United Nations has predicted that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will face absolute water scarcity and two thirds of the world's population could be living under water-stressed conditions. It has also been estimated that 663 million people, roughly one in 10 of the world's population, lack access to safe drinking water.

[0007] Water from ground sources (e.g. reservoirs, aquifers, wells, etc.) comprise one source of potentially potable water for a population. However, the above issues have an impact on these limited sources of water.

[0008] Whilst water from ground sources is commonly bottled for distribution and sale to consumers, the bottles typically employed for containing the water are plastic bottles. There are currently concerns around the overuse of plastic in everyday life.

[0009] One way of supplying clean water in areas of water scarcity is by means of an air-to- water generator, sometimes known as an atmospheric water generator. Such generators can be used anywhere where the air has high humidity and a temperature consistently above 25° C. The water-containing air is passed over refrigerated coils, thereby condensing the water which can then be collected for later use.

[0010] Air-to-water generators often contain storage tanks for storing water that has been extracted from air. It is known that standing water can provide an environment in which potentially harmful microorganisms and / or pathogens (e.g., biofilm and / or bacteria) can grow. To address this, known systems provide ultraviolet (UV) systems to treat water stored in such storage tanks. Irradiation of the water stored in the water tank with UV radiation from the UV system can treat the potentially harmful microorganisms and / or pathogens and reduce their numbers to safe levels (i.e., rendering the water potable).

[0011] In addition to the storage tanks as a potential point in which potentially harmful microorganisms and / or pathogens can grow, such air-to-water generators also comprise dispensing points. These dispensing points often comprise a nozzle, through which water is dispensed. The nozzle may be another point where water might be standing for periods of time. To address this, known air-to-water generators incorporate a second UV system to treat water that is contained in the dispensing nozzle. In one known arrangement, the dispensing nozzle comprises a water chamber that has walls that are transparent to UV radiation. The water chamber comprises a tube with a helical geometry. The coils of the helical tube are located around an elongate UV source that is operative to emit UV radiation through the walls of the helical tube, which allows UV irradiation of water contained in the helical tube. However, in known dispensing point UV treatment systems of this type the UV source is always in an active state, i.e., it is continuously irradiating water contained in the dispensing nozzle when the air- to-water generator is operative. If dispensing operations are infrequent, then water in the dispensing nozzle may stand for extended periods of time. Constant irradiation of this standing water may result in an increase in temperature in the water held in the dispensing nozzle. This may mean that when the next dispensing operation occurs, an initial amount of water dispensed from the air-to-water generator will be warmer than water that follows. This may be undesirable.

[0012] Assembly of known dispensing point UV treatment systems of this type may also be difficult, e.g., arrangement of the helical tube relative to the elongate UV source. Additionally, manufacture of the helical tube may be difficult.

[0013] The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind.

[0014] Summary

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air-to-water generation system. The system comprises: a water extraction unit for drawing-in air and extracting water therefrom; a storage unit for storing water extracted from air by the water extraction unit; and a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit comprises a dispensing outlet controllable to dispense water responsive to input received via a user control interface. The dispensing unit also comprises a water treatment unit. The water treatment unit comprises: an inlet in fluid communication with the storage unit; an outlet in fluid communication with the dispensing outlet; a hollow closed body defining a water treatment chamber therein, the water treatment chamber in fluid communication with the inlet at an upstream end thereof and with the outlet at a downstream end thereof, wherein the water treatment chamber comprises a spiral conduit that provides a water flow path between the upstream end of the water treatment chamber and the downstream end of the water treatment chamber, wherein at least a first surface of the hollow closed body comprises a material through which UV radiation can be transmitted; and a pathogen treatment device comprising a UV source, the pathogen treatment device arranged to irradiate water in the spiral conduit with UV radiation through the first surface. The system further comprises a controller operative to control operation of the pathogen treatment device and the dispensing outlet, wherein the controller is operative to activate the pathogen treatment device responsive to a determination by the controller that the dispensing outlet is activated to dispense water from the outlet.

[0016] Optionally, the UV source may comprise an array comprising a plurality of UV light emitting diodes, each arranged to treat water in a section of the water flow path associated therewith. Further optionally, the plurality of UV light emitting diodes may operate to emit light in the UVC wavelength range.

[0017] Optionally, the system may further comprise a user control interface for receiving user input. Further optionally, the user control interface may comprise an electronic element. Yet further optionally, the electronic element may comprise a button, a display a touch-screen display, and / or a motion sensing element.

[0018] Optionally, the user interface may be operative to communicate a user input instruction to the controller. Further optionally, the controller, responsive to a received user input instruction, may be operative to control operation of a dispensing valve to dispense water from the dispensing outlet. Yet further optionally, the dispensing valve may operate to cause water to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet in response to a signal received from the controller, the signal output by the controller to the dispensing valve responsive to input received at the controller via the user control interface.

[0019] Optionally, the pathogen treatment device may be activatable under control of the controller responsive to a control signal received at the controller from the user control interface.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispensing unit for an air-to-water generation system. The dispensing unit comprises: a dispensing outlet controllable to dispense water responsive to input received via a user control interface; and a water treatment unit. The water treatment unit comprises: an inlet in fluid communication with a storage unit; an outlet in fluid communication with the dispensing outlet; a hollow closed body defining a water treatment chamber therein, the water treatment chamber in fluid communication with the inlet at an upstream end thereof and with the outlet at a downstream end thereof, wherein the water treatment chamber comprises a spiral conduit that provides a water flow path between the upstream end of the water treatment chamber and the downstream end of the water treatment chamber, wherein at least a first surface of the hollow closed body comprises a material through which UV radiation can be transmitted; and a pathogen treatment device comprising a UV source, the pathogen treatment device arranged to irradiate water in the spiral conduit with UV radiation through the first surface; wherein the pathogen treatment device is activated, by a controller, responsive to a determination, by the controller, that the dispensing outlet is activated to dispense water from the outlet.

[0021] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] One or more embodiments of the present invention are described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an air-to-water (ATW) generation system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective cut-away side view of a dispensing unit of the ATW generation system;

[0025] Fig. 3 illustrates a cut-away plan view of the dispensing unit of Fig. 2, viewed in the direction indicated by the line A-A of Fig. 2;

[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the dispensing unit of Figs. 2 and 3;

[0027] Fig. 5 illustrates a illustrates a perspective cut-away side view of the dispensing unit of the ATW generation system according to an optional arrangement;

[0028] Fig. 6 illustrates a cut-away plan view of the dispensing unit of Fig. 5, viewed in the direction indicated by the line B-B of Fig. 5.

[0029] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] Fig. 1 illustrates an air-to-water (ATW) generation system 10 according to one or more embodiments. The ATW generation system 10 comprises an air-to-water (ATW) generator 12 and a water treatment and dispensing unit 14.

[0031] ATW generator 12 comprises a water extraction unit 13, which, in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, comprises a cooling condensation type generator. ATW generator 12 operates in a manner where moist air is drawn into a conduit 16 of the ATW generator 12 via an inlet 18 to the conduit 16. Air is discharged from the conduit 16 through an outlet 20 at an opposite end of the conduit 16 to the inlet 18. An air flow induction system is configured to induce a flow of air into and through the conduit 16. Air flow induction system comprises fan

[0032] 21, which operates to draw air into the conduit 16 via inlet 18, and to expel air from the conduit 16 via outlet 20.

[0033] The ATW generator 12 further comprises an evaporator 22, a condenser 24, a compressor 26 and a throttle device 28. Together, these elements operate to perform a refrigeration cycle in which compressor 26 circulates a refrigerant through condenser 24, throttle device 28 and evaporator 22. The condenser 24 connects with the evaporator 22 via the throttle device 28. When the refrigerant leaves the condenser 24 and enters the throttle device 28, pressure of the refrigerant drops due to the constriction in the refrigerant flow-path presented by the throttle device 28. This causes the temperature of the refrigerant fluid to decrease. The relatively cold refrigerant fluid that exits the throttle device 28 is then routed to evaporator 22.

[0034] Warm, moist air drawn into the conduit 16 by the fan 21 first passes over the evaporator

[0035] 22, which absorbs energy from the air, reducing the temperature of the air and resulting in condensation of water from the air. This water extracted from the air is collected in a water storage unit 29 (discussed further below).

[0036] In the ATW generation system 10 illustrated in Fig. 1, the ATW generator 12 also comprises (optional) air filter 27, which is located in conduit 16 upstream of evaporator 22. The air filter 27 serves to remove, or reduce, particulate matter in an air stream reaching the evaporator, and may be further configured to remove, or reduce air-borne pathogens in the air stream and / or treat air-borne pathogens in the air stream.

[0037] After exiting the evaporator 22, refrigerant fluid within the refrigeration cycle is compressed by the compressor 26 and is pumped to the condenser 24, at which point the cycle begins again.

[0038] In the ATW generation system 10 illustrated in Fig. 1, the water storage unit 29 forms part of water treatment and dispensing unit 14. The water treatment and dispensing unit 14 illustrated in Fig. 1 further comprises: a first (optional) pathogen treatment device 30 operative to treat water stored in the water storage unit 29; a dispensing unit 32 controllable to both treat and dispense water; a pump 34 for inducing flow of water from the water storage unit 29 to the dispensing unit 32; a user control interface 36; a second pathogen treatment device 38, which forms part of the dispensing unit 32, operative to treat water in the dispensing unit 32; and a controller 40 operative to control operation of at least the first pathogen treatment device 30 and the second pathogen treatment device 38. An optional water filtration system 42 may also form part of the water treatment and dispensing unit 14.

[0039] Water collected in the water storage unit 29 can be pumped via pump 34 and water filtration system 42 to dispensing unit 32. Water can be dispensed from the dispensing unit 32 through a dispensing outlet of the dispensing unit. Control of dispensing of water from the dispensing unit is by way of operating a valve 46.

[0040] Water collected in water storage unit 29 from the ATW generator 12 can be rendered potable (i.e. safe-to-drink) by a treatment process implemented by the water treatment and dispensing unit 14. Initially, first pathogen treatment device 30 is operated to treat water stored in the water storage unit 29. In one or more embodiments, the first pathogen treatment device 30 comprises an ultra-violet (UV) radiation source configured to irradiate water stored in the water storage unit 29 with UV light. UV light rays emitted by the first pathogen treatment device 30 can kill pathogens (e.g. protozoa, bacteria, etc.) in water within the water storage unit 29.

[0041] The water treatment process continues at the water filtration system 42, which can be configured to remove, or reduce particulate matter in the water stream. Following passage through the water filtration system 42, the water undergoes further treatment in dispensing unit 32. The second pathogen treatment device 38 is operated to treat water in the dispensing unit 32.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the second pathogen treatment device 38 comprises an ultra-violet (UV) radiation source configured to irradiate water in the dispensing unit 32 with UV light. UV light rays emitted by the second pathogen treatment device 38 can kill any remaining pathogens in water in the dispensing unit in proximity to the point of dispensing. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of a water conduit 48 in the dispensing unit 32 is transparent to permit the irradiation of water within the water conduit with UV light rays emitted by second pathogen treatment device 38.

[0043] Treated water can be dispensed from a dispensing outlet 50 of the dispensing unit 32 by controlling valve 46. Valve 46 is controlled by input received via user control interface 36. In one arrangement, user control interface 36 may comprise a mechanical control element (e.g. a tap) to operate the valve 46. In another arrangement, user control interface 36 may comprise an electronic control element. In a further arrangement, user control interface 36 may comprise a combination of both mechanical and electronic control elements.

[0044] The user control interface 36 may also be configured to allow a user to input instructions to control operation of the water treatment and dispensing unit 14. Such instructions input by the user control interface 36 are conveyed to controller 40, which operates, responsive to the input instructions to control one or more elements of the water treatment and dispensing unit 14. In one example, the dispensing unit 32 operates to dispense water in response to a signal received from the controller 40, the signal output by the controller 40 to the dispensing unit 14 responsive to input received at the controller 40 via the user control interface 36.

[0045] Figs. 2, 3 and 4 show the dispensing unit 32 in more detail.

[0046] The dispensing unit 32 comprises: a hollow cylindrical housing 52, which is configured to house control circuitry 54, and the second pathogen treatment device 38; a rear plate 56, for closing an open rear end of the cylindrical housing 52; and a front plate 58, for closing an open front end of the cylindrical housing 52.

[0047] Together, the cylindrical housing 52, rear plate 56 and front plate 58 enclose a space in which is located the water conduit 48. The water conduit 48 comprises two parts: (i) a water carrying body 48a, which comprises a planar element 480 from which extends a curved wall element 482 in a spiral configuration from the circumference of the planar element toward the centre of the planar element; and (ii) a closure plate 48b, a first surface of which is located against an end surface of the curved wall element 482 that is remote from the planar element 480 of the water carrying body 48a. The first surface of the closure plate 48b is fixedly coupled to the end surface of the curved wall element 482. In a particular arrangement, closure plate 48b may be formed of glass and water carrying body 48a may be formed of a plastic material, or stainless steel, or coated aluminium. A seal may be achieved between the end surface of the curved wall element 482 and the first surface of the closure plate 48b by way of a silicone seal. This may prevent leakage between adjacent passages of the spiral conduit.

[0048] Together, the closure plate 48b and the water carrying body 48a define a space therebetween that serves as a water treatment chamber. Spaces between adjacent parts of the curved wall element 482 form a spiral conduit that provides a water flow path between an upstream end of the water treatment chamber and a downstream end of the water treatment chamber.

[0049] Water can enter the water treatment chamber via inlet conduit 60, which enters the dispensing unit 32 via an aperture in the rear plate 56. The inlet conduit 60 passes through the closure plate 48b via an aperture in the closure plate 48b. The inlet conduit 60 is in fluid communication with an inlet aperture 62 of the water carrying body 48a. The inlet aperture 62 is configured to introduce water to the innermost section of the spiral conduit. From this point, the water can travel around the water flow path from the innermost section of the spiral conduit in an outwards direction toward the outermost section of the spiral conduit. Upon reaching the outermost section of the spiral conduit, the water will encounter dispensing valve (not shown in Figs. 2, 3 or 4), which can be controlled to dispense water from dispensing outlet 50. The direction of water flow around / through the spiral conduit is illustrated in Fig. 3 and is denoted by arrows that show a clockwise circulation path from the centre (i.e., inlet aperture 62) outwards toward dispensing outlet 50.

[0050] The closure plate 48b comprises a material that is transparent to UV radiation, i.e., it allows UV radiation from a UV source to pass through.

[0051] A first cylindrical space is formed between a second surface of closure plate 48b, rear plate 56 and a portion of the walls of the hollow cylindrical housing 52. The second pathogen treatment device 38 is located in this space and is configured to direct UV radiation emitted therefrom toward the closure plate 48b. Since the closure plate 48b is formed of a material that allows transmission of UV radiation therethrough, UV emissions falling on the closure plate 48b can pass through the closure plate 48b to irradiate water in the spiral conduit of the water conduit 48.

[0052] A second cylindrical space is formed between a front facing surface of planar element 480 (of water carrying body 48a), front plate 58 and a portion of the walls of the hollow cylindrical housing 52. The control circuitry 54 is located in this space. The control circuitry 54 is controlled by controller 40, and is operative to control the dispensing unit 32.

[0053] With reference to Fig. 3, the second pathogen treatment device 38 comprises a plurality of UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) 380 that are located behind the closure plate 48b. These UV LEDs 380 are oriented to direct UV light emitted therefrom through the closure plate 48b into the spaces between walls of the spiral conduit, i.e. the spaces occupied by water. The UV LEDs 380 may be located so that: a first UV LED 380 is associated with a first section of the water path in the spiral conduit, i.e., to irradiate the first section with UV radiation; a second UV LED 380 is associated with a second section of the water path in the spiral conduit, i.e., to irradiate the second section with UV radiation; a third UV LED 380 is associated with a third section of the water path in the spiral conduit, i.e., to irradiate the third section with UV radiation; and so on. Sections of the water path may be: adjacent, with no space (i.e. regions where no UV radiation is received) between adjacent upstream and / or downstream sections; adjacent, with space between adjacent upstream and / or downstream sections; or overlapping, i.e., so that a section of the water path is irradiated with UV emitted by two or more of the UV LEDs 380.

[0054] When the controller 40 detects that a dispensing operation has been initiated, it signals the control circuitry 54 to: (i) activate the second pathogen treatment device 38, to treat water contained in the spiral conduit of the water conduit 48; and (ii) activate the valve (46 in Fig. 1, but not shown in Figs. 2, 3 or 4), to cause water to flow out from the spiral conduit to be dispensed from dispensing outlet 50.

[0055] This mode of operation allows for water in the dispensing unit 32 to be treated only when a dispensing event is occurring. At times between dispensing events, the second pathogen treatment device 38 is inactive, which means that standing water within the water conduit 48 is not being treated.

[0056] In a particular arrangement, the UV LEDs 380 are operative to emit UV light in the UVC wavelength range.

[0057] A cross-sectional area dimension of the spiral conduit can be designed to suit the required dispenser flow rate. This dimension is influenced by spacing between adjacent sections of wall that form the spiral and by the height of the wall.

[0058] The length and the cross-sectional area dimension of the spiral flow path influences the water volume contained within the water conduit 48 and also the time that the water flowing therethrough spends in the irradiation area covered by the UV LEDs 380. A required water treatment level for a particular water volume and / or water flow rate may be obtained by: (i) providing a suitable number of UV LEDs 380 to achieve the required water treatment level for the particular water volume and / or water flow rate; and / or (ii) providing UV LEDs 380 with a suitable power output to achieve the required water treatment level for the particular water volume and / or water flow rate; and / or (iii) providing UV LEDs 380 that output light at a suitable wavelength to achieve the required water treatment level for the particular water volume and / or water flow rate.

[0059] Figs. 5 and 6 show the dispensing unit 32 according to an optional arrangement. In Figs. 5 and 6, features common to one or more other embodiments of the present invention, as described above, are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0060] The arrangement shown in Figs. 5 and 6 operates in a similar manner to that described above, in relation to Figs. 2 and 3, but is different in that the direction of water flow is reversed. To enable this, the positions of the water inlet and water outlet points are reversed. Therefore, water will enter the dispensing unit 32 via inlet conduit 60, which is at the outer edge in this optional arrangement, and move around the spiral in an anti -clockwise direction toward the centre, to be dispensed via the dispensing outlet 50. In this arrangement, aperture 62 serves as an outlet aperture (whereas previously, in the arrangement illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the aperture 62 served as an inlet aperture). In the above-described one or more embodiments, the water storage unit 29 is described as forming part of water treatment and dispensing unit 14. However, in an optional arrangement, the water storage unit 29 may form part of ATW generator 12, with the water storage unit 29 of ATW generator 12 in fluid communication with water treatment and dispensing unit 14 (e.g. via a conduit to convey water from the ATW generator 12 to the water treatment and dispensing unit 14). In a further optional arrangement, the water storage unit 29 may be separate from both the ATW generator 12 and the water treatment and dispensing unit 14.

[0061] In the above-described one or more embodiments, the water extraction unit 13 comprises a cooling condensation type generator. However, in an optional arrangement, the water extraction unit 13 could comprise dessicants. Such dessicants may comprise "wet" desiccants such as, for example, lithium chloride or lithium bromide, which serve to extract, or “pull” water from the air via hygroscopic processes, and / or solid dessicants, such as, for example, silica gel and zeolite, with pressure condensation.

[0062] In the above-described one or more embodiments, the ATW generation system 10 comprises a single fan in the ATW generator 12. However, in an optional arrangement, the ATW generator 12 may comprise two fans: one downstream of the evaporators 22, but upstream of condenser 24; and the other downstream of condenser 24. In another optional arrangement, the ATW generator 12 may comprise greater than two fans operative to draw air into the conduit via the air inlet and expel air therefrom via the air outlet. The one or more fans may comprise centrifugal and / or axial fans.

[0063] In the above-described one or more embodiments, the ATW generation system 10 is illustrated, in the accompanying figures, with a single air filter 27. However, in an optional arrangement, the air filter 27 may comprises a plurality of air filter units. The plurality of air filter units may be the same in some arrangements, and may be different in other arrangements (e.g. some may be to remove particulate matter and others may be to treat airborne pathogens). In some optional arrangements, at least one air filter may comprise a HEPA filter. In other optional arrangements, at least one air filter may comprise a filter that comprises a pathogen treatment agent (e.g. the filter may be chemically impregnated with an anti-bacterial agent).

[0064] In the above-described one or more embodiments, the water extraction unit 13 of the ATW generation system 10 comprises an evaporator, throttle, condenser and compressor, which operate to perform a refrigeration cycle. However, in an optional arrangement, the ATW generation system 10 may include a thermoelectric cooler (that employs the Peltier effect) to replace one or more of the refrigeration cycle components. Such a thermoelectric cooler may comprise an array that contains a laminar structure in which n-type and p-type semiconductor materials are arranged between metal film layers, which themselves have disposed thereon ceramic layers. The ceramic layer on one side forms a heat-absorption surface to extract heat from the surrounding environment (i.e. to cool air passing thereover), and the ceramic layer on an opposite side of the array forms a heat-emission surface. A thermoelectric cooler may be usefully employed in arrangements where space is limited (e.g. small housings), such that the often bulkier conventional refrigeration cycle components cannot be employed, because of their larger size.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the ATW generator 12 may be located remote from the water treatment and dispensing unit 14. The ATW generator 12 and water treatment and dispensing unit 14 may be in fluid communication by way of a conduit connecting the two. In one or more embodiments, the water storage unit 29 may be in the ATW generator side and in other one or more embodiments, the water storage unit 29 may be in the water treatment and dispensing unit side. In further one or more embodiments, the water storage unit 29 may comprise a split unit, with one portion located in the ATW generator side and another portion located in the water treatment and dispensing unit side.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, an agitator, or stirrer, may be provided in a water storage unit, or in multiple water storage units (in those embodiments having multiple units) to prevent water in the storage units from “standing” for too long.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the ATW generation system 10 may be configured for communicative coupling to a communications network. Parameters and messages relating to the system operation (e.g. water generated, power consumed, cost per litre of water, fault messages, chiller / heater temperatures and control, filter change alert, water storage unit level, ambient temp, relative humidity, etc.) may be conveyed to a remote device via the communications network. This may allow an ATW generation system 10 to be monitored remotely. Optionally, the ATW generation system 10 could also be controlled remotely via the remote device in such an arrangement.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, water-containing elements of the system (e.g. water conduits and / or water storage units) may comprise an anti-pathogen agent. Optionally, the antipathogen agent may be impregnated in material(s) forming the water-containing elements. Further optionally, the anti-pathogen agent may be contained in a surface coating of the watercontaining elements. Such an anti-pathogen agent may inhibit biofilm and / or bacterial growth in the water-containing elements and / or may serve to kill pathogens in the water-containing elements. Any references made herein to orientation (e.g. top, bottom, upper, lower, front, back, and rear) are made for the purposes of describing relative spatial arrangements of the features of the apparatus, and are not intended to be limiting in any sense.

[0069] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0070] In addition, the terms “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is means otherwise.

[0071] In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, embodiments in accordance with the invention are not limited to any of the particular materials disclosed herein. Other materials suitable for performing the function described herein for a particular material may also be utilized in embodiments of the invention.

[0072] The scope of the present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed therein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof irrespective of whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or mitigate against any or all of the problems addressed by the present invention. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features during prosecution of this application or of any such further application derived therefrom. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in specific combinations enumerated in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An air-to-water generation system comprising: a water extraction unit for drawing-in air and extracting water therefrom; a storage unit for storing water extracted from air by the water extraction unit; and a dispensing unit, comprising: a dispensing outlet controllable to dispense water responsive to input received via a user control interface; a water treatment unit, the water treatment unit comprising: an inlet in fluid communication with the storage unit; an outlet in fluid communication with the dispensing outlet; a hollow closed body defining a water treatment chamber therein, the water treatment chamber in fluid communication with the inlet at an upstream end thereof and with the outlet at a downstream end thereof, wherein the water treatment chamber comprises a spiral conduit that provides a water flow path between the upstream end of the water treatment chamber and the downstream end of the water treatment chamber, wherein at least a first surface of the hollow closed body comprises a material through which UV radiation can be transmitted; a pathogen treatment device comprising a UV source, the pathogen treatment device arranged to irradiate water in the spiral conduit with UV radiation through the first surface; a controller operative to control operation of the pathogen treatment device and the dispensing outlet, wherein the controller is operative to activate the pathogen treatment device responsive to a determination by the controller that the dispensing outlet is activated to dispense water from the outlet.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the UV source comprises an array comprising a plurality of UV light emitting diodes, each arranged to treat water in a section of the water flow path associated therewith.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of UV light emitting diodes operate to emit light in the UVC wavelength range.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a user control interface for receiving user input.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the user control interface comprises an electronic element.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the electronic element comprises a button, a display a touch-screen display, and / or a motion sensing element.

7. A system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the user interface is operative to communicate a user input instruction to the controller.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the controller, responsive to a received user input instruction, is operative to control operation of a dispensing valve to dispense water from the dispensing outlet.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the dispensing valve operates to cause water to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet in response to a signal received from the controller, the signal output by the controller to the dispensing valve responsive to input received at the controller via the user control interface.

10. A system according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the pathogen treatment device is activatable under control of the controller responsive to a control signal received at the controller from the user control interface.

11. A dispensing unit for an air-to-water generation system, comprising: a dispensing outlet controllable to dispense water responsive to input received via a user control interface; a water treatment unit, the water treatment unit comprising: an inlet in fluid communication with a storage unit; an outlet in fluid communication with the dispensing outlet; a hollow closed body defining a water treatment chamber therein, the water treatment chamber in fluid communication with the inlet at an upstream end thereof and with the outlet at a downstream end thereof, wherein the water treatment chamber comprises a spiral conduit that provides a water flow path between the upstream end of the water treatment chamber and the downstream end of the water treatment chamber,wherein at least a first surface of the hollow closed body comprises a material through which UV radiation can be transmitted; a pathogen treatment device comprising a UV source, the pathogen treatment device arranged to irradiate water in the spiral conduit with UV radiation through the first surface; wherein the pathogen treatment device is activated, by a controller, responsive to a determination, by the controller, that the dispensing outlet is activated to dispense water from the outlet.

Images