Sorption-driven atmospheric water harvesting systems and methods for dual-modality operation thereof

Abstract

An atmospheric water harvesting system includes: a set of operational sections including a sorbing subset of operational sections and a desorbing subset of operational sections, each including a sorbent chamber; a condensing subsystem defining a condenser inlet; a valve subsystem; a heating subsystem configured to heat the sorbent chambers; a fluid transport subsystem configured to direct fluid flow through the sorbent chambers; and a controller. The controller is configured to: operate the valve subsystem to direct a sorption flow from the chamber outlet to an exhaust outlet and direct a desorption flow from the chamber outlet to the condenser inlet; and concurrently execute a desorption phase and a sorption phase wherein a numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational sections to the desorbing subset of operational sections is based on a duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase.

Description

AQUA-MO 1 -PCT SORPTION-DRIVEN ATMOSPHERIC WATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DUAL-MODALITY OPERATION THEREOFCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications No. 63 / 738,615, filed on 24-DEC-2024, and 63 / 751,779, filed on 30-J AN-2025, both of which are incorporated in their entirety by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of sorption-driven atmospheric water harvesting and more specifically to new and useful atmospheric water harvesting systems and methods for dual-modality operation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0003] FIGURE l is a schematic representation of a sorption-driven atmospheric water harvesting system.

[0004] FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of an operational section of the sorption-driven atmospheric water harvesting system.

[0005] FIGURE 3 is a flowchart representation of a dual-modality control method.

[0006] FIGURE 4 is a flowchart representation of the dual-modality control method.

[0007] FIGURE 5 is a schematic representation of a variant of the sorption-drive atmospheric water harvesting system.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The following description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments but rather to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use this invention. Variants, variations, configurations, embodiments, implementations, example implementations, and examples described herein are optional and are not exclusive to the variants, variations, configurations, embodiments, implementations, example implementations, andAQUA-MO 1 -PCT examples they describe. The invention described herein can include any and all permutations of these variants, variations, configurations, embodiments, implementations, example implementations, and examples.

[0009] Generally, the term “can,” as utilized herein, indicates an action or attribute of the system, which may or may not be executed by or be applicable to the system depending on the implementation or embodiment of the system.

[0010] Generally, the term “include,” as utilized herein, can mean “comprise,” “consist of,” or “consist essentially of’ and is not restricted to any one of the above interpretations throughout.

[0011] Generally, the term “a set of,” as utilized herein, refers to one or more of the subject objects. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., as utilized herein, do not imply an order but simply identify multiple instances of a step or component unless an order or series is otherwise implied.

[0012] Generally, the term “representative,” as utilized herein, indicates a central tendency statistic such as a mean or median of a particular data type over a short period of time suitable for use in the calculation of operational parameters.

[0013] Generally, the term “distribution,” as utilized herein, represents any characterization of data that approximates a true distribution of the data and is not intended to imply any degree of accuracy.

[0014] Generally, the terms “planar,” “symmetric,” “coaxial,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and other terms characterizing the relative position defining characteristics of physical objects, as utilized herein, describe substantial adherence to the aforementioned concepts within mechanical tolerances. For example, if one component is “coaxial” with another, this indicates that the central axes of these components are aligned within a predefined tolerance. However, these components may define slightly different central axes relative to each other (e.g., due to play in an interface between these components, elasticity, and / or thermal expansion).AQUA-MO 1 -PCT

[0015] Generally, the term “defining,” as utilized herein, describes elements of a subject, is open-ended, and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0016] Generally, the terms “sorbing” and "sorption,” as utilized herein, refer to both sorption and sorption processes.1. Atmospheric Water Harvesting System

[0017] As shown in FIGURE 1, an atmospheric water harvesting system 100 (hereinafter “the system 100”) includes: a set of operational sections 102 including a sorbing subset of operational section 104 and a desorbing subset of operational sections 106, each operational section including a sorbent chamber 108 defining a chamber inlet 110 and a chamber outlet 112; a condensing subsystem 122 defining a condenser inlet 124; a valve subsystem 128; a heating subsystem 132 configured to heat the sorbent chamber 108 of each operational section in the set of operational sections 102; a fluid transport subsystem 134 configured to direct fluid flow through the sorbent chamber 108 of each operational section in the set of operational sections 102; and a controller 136.

[0018] The controller 136 of the system 100 is configured to operate the valve subsystem 128 to: direct a sorption flow from the chamber outlet 112 of each sorbing operational section 104 in the sorbing subset of operational sections 104 to an exhaust outlet 114; and direct a desorption flow from the chamber outlet 112 of each desorbing operational section 106 in the desorbing subset of operational sections 106 to the condenser inlet 124. The controller 136 is further configured to concurrently execute a desorption phase and a sorption phase. The controller 136 executes the desorption phase in each desorbing operational section 106 in the desorbing subset of operational sections 106 by, for each desorbing operational section 106 in the desorbing subset of operational sections 106: directing the desorption flow into the chamber inlet 110 of the sorbent chamber 108 of the desorbing operational section 106 via the fluid transport subsystem 134; heating the sorbent chamber 108 of the desorbing operational section 106 via the heating subsystem 132; and condensing water from the desorption flow via the condensing subsystem 122. The controller 136AQUA-MO 1 -PCT executes the sorption phase in each sorbing operational section 104 in a sorbing subset of operational sections 104 in the set of operational sections 102 by, for each sorbing operational section 104 in the sorbing subset of operational sections 104, directing the sorption flow into the chamber inlet 110 of the sorbent chamber 108 of the sorbing operational section 104 via the fluid transport subsystem 134.

[0019] Further, the numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational section 104 to the desorbing subset of operational sections 106 is based on a duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase.

[0020] As shown in FIGURE 3, the controller 136 can execute a method SI 00 of harvesting atmospheric water (hereinafter “the method SI 00”) by operating components of the system 100. The method S100 includes operating a valve subsystem 128 to: direct a sorption flow from a chamber outlet 112 of a sorbent chamber 108 of each sorbing operational section 104 in a sorbing subset of operational sections 104 to an exhaust outlet 114 in Step S102; and direct a desorption flow from the chamber outlet 112 of the sorbent chamber 108 of each desorbing operational section in a desorbing subset of operational sections 106 to a condenser inlet 124 of a condensing subsystem 122 in Step S104. The method S100 includes, during a desorption phase, in each desorbing operational section 106 in the desorbing subset of operational sections 106: directing the desorption flow into a chamber inlet 110 of the sorbent chamber 108 of the desorbing operational section 106 via a fluid transport subsystem 134 in Step SI 06; heating the sorbent chamber 108 of the desorbing operational section 106 via a heating subsystem 132 in Step SI 08; and condensing water from the desorption flow via the condensing subsystem 122 in Step SI 10. The method SI 00 includes, during a sorption phase concurrent with the desorption phase, in each sorbing operational section 104 in the sorbing subset of operational sections 104, directing the sorption flow into the chamber inlet 110 of the sorbent chamber 108 of the sorbing operational section 104 via the fluid transport subsystem 134 in Step SI 12. A numeric ratio of the sorbingAQUA-MO 1 -PCT subset of operational section 104 to the desorbing subset of operational sections 106 is based on a duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase.2. Applications

[0021] Generally, the system 100 executes the method SI 00 to harvest water from atmospheric air. More specifically, the system 100 leverages a set of operational sections 102 to concurrently sorb and desorb water, thereby enabling continuous operation of the system 100. Furthermore, the presence of multiple concurrent modes allows for increased efficiency and decreased energy consumption through recycling waste heat from the condenser and the operational section that is undergoing adsorption. Moreover, the presence of multiple operational sections allows for predictable output and control of the system.

[0022] Additionally, the system 100 includes sorbent chambers 108 configured to fluidize a quantity of sorbent material, thereby increasing the available external and internal surface area of the sorbent available for the mass transfer of water between the inlet air flow and the sorbent material. The combination of the above-described features increases specific water harvesting efficiency (i.e., mass of water harvested per cubic meter of air processed), specific energy consumption (i.e., unit energy per unit mass of water harvested), thermal efficiency of condensation (i.e., unit latent power per unit total power consumed), water production efficiency of condensation (i.e., mass of water harvested per mass of water vapor processed), and the water harvesting rate (i.e., mass of water harvested per unit of time) for a given set of atmospheric conditions.

[0023] The system 100 and method SI 00 enable continuous operation of various components, such as the condensing subsystem 122, blowers, and heating elements, thereby reducing cyclic losses for these components and, as a result, increasing water harvesting thermal efficiency. In some implementations, the system 100’s ability to continuously operate enables the effective use of waste heat produced by the condensing subsystem 122 to improve water harvesting thermal efficiency.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT

[0024] The system 100 executes the method SI 00, which is sorbent material-agnostic, to trigger a transition between sorption and desorption phases, and vice versa, for each operational section. In one implementation, the system 100 and method SI 00 can also be configured to synchronize the sorption and desorption phases of various operational sections 102, such that the end of a sorption phase at one operational section approximately (e.g., within ten minutes) coincides with the end of a desorption phase at another operational section, thereby ensuring sorption and desorption occur concurrently and substantially continuously.

[0025] In one application, the system 100 and method SI 00 can achieve overall water harvesting efficiencies up to 5 milliliters of water per cubic meter of air processed at 20% relative humidity and 30 degrees Celsius, at most 0.25 kilowatt-hours per liter of water at 20% relative humidity and 30 degrees Celsius, 0.74 kilowatts of latent cooling per kilowatt of total cooling at 20% relative humidity and 30 degrees Celsius, up to 0.95 milliliters of water harvested per milliliter of water vapor processed during condensation at 20% relative humidity and 30 degrees Celsius, and up to 8.3 milliliters of water harvested per second at 20% relative humidity and 30 degrees Celsius, thereby enabling the use of the system 100 and method SI 00 for water harvesting in a far greater number of domestic, commercial, and / or industrial settings, effectively conserving local water resources.

[0026] In another application, the system 100 can be installed in an off-grid location to generate water without access to centralized water mains by utilizing electrical energy available at the off-grid location, while conserving more energy for other uses when compared to less efficient atmospheric or other water harvesting technologies.3. Hardware Overview

[0027] Generally, as shown in FIGURE 1, the system 100 includes a set of at least two operational sections 102, a heating subsystem 132, a condensing subsystem 122, a valve subsystem 128, a fluid transport subsystem 134, and a controller 136. The set of operational sections 102 can includeAQUA-MO 1 -PCT a sorbing subset of operational section 104 and a desorbing subset of operational sections 106. Each operational section of the set of operational sections 102 can include a sorbent chamber 108 defining a chamber inlet 110, a chamber outlet 112, and a set of sorbent beds 116 arranged within the sorbent chamber 108. The heating subsystem 132 is configured to heat the sorbent chamber 108 of each operational section, and the fluid transport subsystem 134 is configured to direct fluid flow through each sorbent chamber 108. The controller 136 operates each of the subsystems to execute the method SI 00 including concurrent sorption and desorption phases.

[0028] The system 100 is arranged such that the outlets of the set of operational sections 102 feed into the valve subsystem 128, which is configured to transiently direct the outlet air either to an exhaust outlet 114 in the set of exhaust outlets 114 or to the condensing subsystem 122, depending on whether the operational section is executing a sorption or a desorption phase. The valve subsystem 128 therefore fluidically couples the outlet of each operational section to the set of exhaust outlets 114 and the condensing subsystem 122, and is configured to concurrently allow air flow from distinct operational sections 102 to flow out of an exhaust outlet 114 in the set of exhaust outlets 114 and into the condensing subsystem 122, according to the source of the air flow.

[0029] In one variant, the system 100 includes two operational sections 102 linked with the set of exhaust outlets 114 and the condensing subsystem 122 via the valve subsystem 128. In this implementation, the system 100 executes the method SI 00 such that one of the two operational sections 102 is in the sorption phase while the other is in the desorption phase.

[0030] In another variant, the system 100 includes greater than two operational sections 102, wherein the number of operational sections 102 is based on the ratio of the target sorption time to the target desorption time given the parameters of the operational sections 102 and condensing subsystem 122, in addition to the expected range of operating conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, humidity, pressure) of the system 100. For example, the system 100 can define a set of operational sections 102 and a condensing subsystem 122 characterized by a set of parameters such that the sorption rate (i.e., mass of water sorbed per unit of time) is approximately triple theAQUA-MO 1 -PCT desorption rate (i.e., mass of water vapor desorbed per unit of time). In this example, the system 100 can include four operational sections 102 and can execute the method SI 00 such that three operational sections 102 execute staggered sorption while the other operational section executes desorption. Therefore, the system 100 can include a number of operational sections 102 equal to the nearest integer to the ratio of a target sorption rate to a target desorption rate plus one. Thus, in this variant, the system 100 can execute both sorption and desorption at highly (e.g., close to maximally) efficient rates, while still enabling continuous water harvesting operations.3.1. Operational Sections

[0031] As shown in FIGURE 2, each operational section in the set of operational sections 102 includes a sorbent chamber 108 defining a set of sorbent beds 116. Each operational section can define substantially similar geometries and arrangements of components such that there is minimal deviation in the duration of sorption and desorption phases between operational sections 102. More specifically, each operational section includes vertically oriented sorbent beds 116. In one implementation, an inlet manifold of a fluid transport subsystem 134 is arranged below the set of sorbent chambers 108, and an outlet manifold of the fluid transport subsystem 134 is arranged above the set of sorbent chambers 108. Thus, each operational section is arranged such that inlet air flows upward through the sorbent beds 116 of each sorbent chamber 108, enabling gravity to act opposite to the direction of fluid flow through the set of sorbent beds 116, thereby facilitating fluidization of the quantity of sorbent material within each sorbent bed 116 in the set of sorbent beds 116. However, the set of operational sections 102 can be arranged according to any other configuration that enables inlet air to be directed into the sorbent chamber 108 inlet, through the sorbent beds 116, and out of the sorbent chamber 108 outlet.3.1.1. Sorbent Chamber

[0032] Generally, the set of sorbent beds 116 is arranged within the sorbent chamber 108 between an upper filter assembly 118 and a lower filter assembly 120. More specifically, the upper filter assembly 118 and the lower filter assembly 120 span the cross-section of the sorbent bed 116 andAQUA-MO 1 -PCT can define a mesh or set of perforated openings smaller than the particle size of the sorbent material, thereby containing the quantity of sorbent material within the sorbent chamber 108 during fluidization of the sorbent material.3.1.2. Sorbent Beds

[0033] As shown in FIGURE 2, each sorbent chamber 108 includes a set of sorbent beds 116. More specifically, the sorbent beds 116 are arranged vertically such that the inlet air flow flows upward through each sorbent bed. The system 100 includes a number of sorbent beds 116, each with a cross-sectional area such that the pressure developed within the inlet manifold by the fluid transport subsystem 134 (e.g., a blower) is sufficient to cause fluidization within the set of sorbent beds 116. Each sorbent bed 116 includes a gas distributor plate and a sorbent chamber 108 housing a quantity of sorbent material, such as silica-based sorbents, zeolites, aluminosilicates, porous polymers, metal-organic frameworks, reticular materials, or any other suitable sorbent material. Each sorbent bed 116 further defines a sorbent bed 116 inlet fluidically coupled to the inlet manifold and a sorbent bed 116 outlet fluidically coupled to the outlet manifold. In one implementation, each sorbent chamber and sorbent bed are dimensioned to effect a target pressure drop of air traveling through the sorbent chamber and thus the sorbent bed. The dimensions of the sorbent chamber and / or the sorbent bed may vary based on a type of sorbent material used and an airflow rate for fluidizing that type of absorbent material. Additionally, each sorbent bed 116 defines a cross-sectional geometry configured to effect various degrees of fluidization of the sorbent material in response to a range of inlet air flow rates from the inlet manifold (and / or the sorbent chamber and sorbent bed), thereby enabling the sorbent material to effectively sorb and desorb water vapor from the inlet air flow. However, the set of sorbent beds 116 of the system 100 can be implemented in any way that enables fluid flow through the set of sorbents for the sorbents to capture water from the inlet air flow.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT 3.1.3. Gas Distributor Plate

[0034] As shown in FIGURE 2, each sorbent bed 116 can include a gas distributor plate spanning the cross-section of the sorbent bed 116 and configured to effect sufficiently uniform air flow within the sorbent chamber 108. The gas distributor plate can define various geometries based on a computational fluid dynamics analysis of the air flow inlet to the sorbent bed. In one implementation, the thickness and geometry of the gas distributor plate is defined based on a target pressure differential across the gas distributor plate. Further, the cross-sectional area of the gas distributor plate can be based on a type of sorbent material within the sorbent bed and thus based on a target flow rate and / or pressure to fluidize the sorbent material. In one implementation, the geometry of the gas distributor plate is further based on a minimum fluidization velocity and / or a Geldart classification of the sorbent particles dictating how the sorbent particles behave within the fluidized sorbent bed.

[0035] In one implementation, the gas distributor plate defines a set of non-uniform concentric circular openings. In another implementation, the gas distributor plate defines a set of uniform concentric circular openings. In yet another implementation, the gas distributor plate defines a set of radially-arranged and concentric triangular openings. In yet another implementation, the gas distributor plate defines a set of distributed bores. Thus, the gas distributor plate can define any opening geometry that results in substantially uniform air flow from the inlet manifold toward the sorbent chamber 108. The gas distributor plate can be implemented in any means that enables uniform air flow within the sorbent chamber 108 and / or sorbent beds 116.3.1.4. Sensors

[0036] In one implementation, each operational section can include a set of sensors arranged within various components of the operational section. For example, the set of sensors can capture data to enable the controller 136 to execute feedback methods to maintain operational set points and time the transition between sorption and desorption phases at the operational section. More specifically, each operational section can include temperature sensors, relative humidity sensors,AQUA-MO 1 -PCT absolute humidity sensors, pressure sensors, water level sensors, water quality sensors, water temperature sensors, and / or flow rate sensors to enable the execution of the method SI 00 by the controller 136. The system 100 can additionally include any other type of sensor that enables the method SI 00 described herein.

[0037] In one implementation, each operational section includes an inlet temperature sensor arranged within the inlet manifold and an inlet relative humidity sensor arranged within the inlet manifold such that the controller 136 can calculate the absolute humidity of the inlet air flow to the set of sorbent beds 116. In this implementation, each operational section includes an outlet temperature sensor arranged within the outlet manifold and an outlet relative humidity sensor arranged within the outlet manifold such that the controller 136 can calculate the absolute humidity of the outlet air flow from the set of sorbent beds 116. Additionally, the controller 136 can utilize the inlet temperature sensor to maintain a target inlet air temperature during the desorption phase.

[0038] In another implementation, each operational section can include an inlet absolute humidity sensor and an outlet absolute humidity sensor, thereby enabling the controller 136 to directly sample these absolute humidity sensors to obtain an inlet absolute humidity and an outlet absolute humidity for the operational section.

[0039] In yet another implementation, each operational section can include an inlet flow rate sensor arranged downstream of the blower such that the controller 136 can sample the inlet flow rate sensor and control the blower to maintain a target flow rate toward the set of sorbent beds 116.

[0040] In yet another implementation, each operational section can include a pressure sensor arranged near the top of each sorbent chamber 108 in the set of sorbent beds 116 and configured to detect fluidization of the quantity of sorbent material within the sorbent chamber 108. Thus, the controller 136 can sample the pressure sensor to identify whether fluidization is occurring within the sorbent chambers 108 of the sorbent beds 116 and can operate the blower to increase air flow in response to detecting that fluidization is not occurring.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT 3.2. Fluid Transport Subsystem

[0041] Generally, system 100 includes a fluid transport subsystem 134 configured to direct fluid flow through the sorbent chamber 108 and sorbent beds 116 of each operational section in the set of operational sections 102. More specifically, the fluid transport subsystem 134 can include a blower, fan, or compressor configured to direct air flow through the system 100, as well as a set of ducts connecting components of the system 100. The fluid transport subsystem 134 is configured to cooperate with the valve subsystem 128 to direct fluid flow throughout the components of the system 100 to enable sorption of water from an inlet air flow and subsequent desorption of the water from the sorbent beds 116.3.2.1. Blower

[0042] The fluid transport subsystem 134 can include a blower configured to direct air flow through the system 100. The blower can define a centrifugal blower, an axial blower, a positive displacement blower, or any other suitable air handling unit.

[0043] In one implementation, each operational section can include a blower arranged at one end of the inlet manifold and configured to generate an inlet pressure at each sorbent bed 116 in the set of sorbent beds 116 sufficient to fluidize the quantity of sorbent material within the sorbent bed. For example, each operational section can include a blower impeller fluidically coupled to the inlet manifold wherein each blower impeller is driven by a central motor or motors. The central motor can be operated by a power transmission system including but not limited to gears, pulleys, and belts. In another implementation, the system 100 can employ a single central blower configured to direct air flow to each operational section.

[0044] The blower can define a maximum flow rate based on a design water harvesting rate for the system 100. For example, the system 100 can include a blower or set of blowers across operational sections 102, executing a sorption phase that together results in a total flow rate sufficient to support the design water harvesting rate for the typical operating conditions of the system 100 (e.g., humidity, temperature, pressure).AQUA-MO 1 -PCT

[0045] In one implementation, each operational section includes two blowers on either end of the inlet manifold to generate a more even inlet pressure distribution across sorbent beds 116 arranged along the inlet manifold. However, the system 100 can include any number of blowers arranged in any configuration enabling direction of air flow through the system 100 to sorb water from inlet air and desorb the water from the sorbent beds 116.3.2.2. Manifolds

[0046] In one implementation, the fluid transport subsystem 134 can include or cooperate with an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold to direct fluid flow through components of the system 100.

[0047] Generally, the inlet manifold defines an elongated internal geometry configured to maintain inlet air pressure and spatially distribute sorbent bed 116 inlets. More specifically, the inlet manifold can define an internal geometry configured to produce a substantially similar inlet pressure for each sorbent bed 116 in the set of sorbent beds 116 over a design range of inlet flow rates. In one implementation, the inlet manifold can include a set of modulating dampers located upstream of each sorbent chamber inlet. The controller can actuate the set of modulating dampers to calibrate inlet pressure to each sorbent chamber

[0048] In one implementation, the system 100 includes an outlet manifold fluidically coupled to the sorbent chamber 108 outlet of each sorbent chamber 108. More specifically, the outlet manifold defines an elongated internal geometry configured to maintain outlet air pressure and span the spatially distributed sorbent bed 116 outlets. The outlet manifold can define an internal geometry configured to produce a substantially similar outlet pressure for each sorbent bed 116 in the set of sorbent beds 116 over a design range of outlet flow rates. The outlet manifold of each operational section is fluidically coupled to the valve subsystem 128, which can direct the outlet air flow from the outlet manifold to either an exhaust outlet 114 in the set of exhaust outlets 114 or the condensing subsystem 122. The system 100 can include any configuration of ducting and / or manifolds that enable fluid flow through the set of operational sections 102.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT 3.3. Heating Subsystem

[0049] Generally, the system 100 includes a heating subsystem 132 configured to heat the sorbent chamber 108 and / or set of sorbent beds 116 during the desorption phase via direct or indirect heating. The heating subsystem 132 can include at least one heater, such as an electric heater, a heat exchanger, an infrared heater, or any other suitable method SI 00 of heating air or sorbent material. In one implementation, each operational section can include a heater.

[0050]

[0051] In one implementation, the heater can include a heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy from a refrigeration unit 156 exhaust from the condensing subsystem 122 to the inlet air. In another implementation, each operational section can include a duct junction to combine heated exhaust air from the refrigeration unit 156 with inlet air upstream of the heater to reduce the heating loads of the heater for a target desorption temperature and inlet flow rate. Additionally or alternatively, the heating system can: capture heat released from the sorbent beds of a sorbing operational section and direct the captured heat toward the sorbent beds of a desorbing operational section to induce desorption.

[0052] More specifically, each blower of the system 100 can include an integrated heater arranged at the outlet of the blower, inlet of the blower, or at some intermediate location within the blower. In particular, the heating capacity of the heater or set of heaters is sufficient to heat the inlet air flow to the target desorption temperature at the target desorption flow rate.However, any number and arrangement of heaters and heating elements can be implemented within the system 100 to enable heating of the sorbent beds 116 for desorption.3.4. Valve Subsystem

[0053] Generally, the system 100 includes a valve subsystem 128 configured to: direct sorption outlet flow from the sorbing subset of operational sections 104 toward the set of exhaust outlets 114; and direct desorption outlet flow from the desorbing subset of operational sections toward the condensing subsystem 122. More specifically, the valve subsystem 128 includes a set of ductsAQUA-MO 1 -PCT and electromechanical valves configured to actuate in response to control signals transmitted by the controller 136.

[0054] In one implementation, the valve subsystem 128 includes an outlet valve in each operational section. More specifically, the outlet valve is: fluidically coupled downstream of the chamber outlet 112; fluidically coupled upstream of an exhaust outlet 114 and a condenser inlet 124; operable in a sorbing position to direct a sorption flow from the chamber outlet 112 to the exhaust outlet 114; and operable in a desorbing position to direct a desorption flow from the chamber outlet 112 to the condenser inlet 124. For example, during a sorption phase, the controller 136 can actuate the outlet valve to the sorbing position to allow the inlet air directed through the sorbent chamber 108 and sorbent beds 116 to exit the operational section via an exhaust outlet 114. During a desorption phase, the controller 136 can actuate the outlet valve to close the exhaust outlet 114 and open a condenser inlet 124 to direct the inlet air from the sorbent chamber 108 toward the condenser subsystem.

[0055] In variants of the system 100 including two operational sections 102, the valve subsystem 128 can include a central manifold fluidically coupled to the outlet manifold of each operational section and to the condensing subsystem 122. Additionally, the central manifold can define an exhaust outlet 114 at each end. Additionally, the valve subsystem 128 can include an exhaust valve at each exhaust outlet 114 and a desorption outlet valve, dividing each outlet manifold from the condensing subsystem 122. During operation, the controller 136 can selectively open the exhaust valve associated with an operational section, execute a sorption phase, and close the desorption valve associated with the operational section, causing air to flow out of the exhaust outlet 114. At the other operational section, the controller 136 can open the desorption valve leading to the condensing subsystem 122 while closing the exhaust valve, causing air to flow from the operational section and executing the desorption phase toward the condensing subsystem 122.

[0056] In one implementation, the valve subsystem 128 can define a central manifold including a sorption-desorption junction at which the outlet manifolds of the set of operational sections 102AQUA-MO 1 -PCT intersect with an exhaust outlet 114 and an inlet duct of the condensing subsystem 122. In this implementation, the valve subsystem 128 can include a diverter valve located at the sorptiondesorption junction that can simultaneously divert desorption outlet air flow from a desorbing operational section 106 toward the condensing subsystem 122 while diverting sorption outlet air flow from a sorbing operational section 104 toward the exhaust outlet 114. Thus, in this implementation, the valve subsystem 128 exhibits decreased mechanical complexity.

[0057] However, the valve subsystem 128 can include any configuration of valves and ducts configured to direct inlet air flow through an exhaust outlet 114 during the sorption phase and direct inlet air flow through a condenser inlet 124 during the desorption phase.3.5. Exhaust Outlets

[0058] Generally, the system 100 includes a set of exhaust outlets 114 configured to release air from the system 100 after water vapor has been extracted by an operational section executing a sorption phase. More specifically, each operational section is transiently fluidically coupled to at least one exhaust outlet 114 in the set of exhaust outlets 114 by the valve subassembly. In one implementation, the system 100 includes an exhaust outlet 114 associated with each operational section such that the valve subsystem 128 can transiently direct the sorption outlet air flow from the operational section directly out of the exhaust outlet 114 associated with that operational section. In another implementation, the system 100 can include exhaust outlets 114 arranged along a central manifold connecting multiple operational sections 102. In this implementation, the system 100 can control the valve subassembly to direct the sorption outlet air flow through the central manifold and out of any of the set of exhaust outlets 114 during the sorption phase. In yet another implementation, each operational section can include a set of radially arranged exhaust outlets 114 configured to enable uniform fluid flow through the operational section. However, any arrangement and number of exhaust outlets 114 that enable fluid flow out of the operational section during sorption can be implemented in the system 100.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT 3.6. Condensing Subsystem

[0059] As shown in FIGURE 2, the system 100 can include a condensing subsystem 122 fluidically coupled to the valve subsystem 128 and configured to condense water out of a high-humidity desorption outlet flow. More specifically, the condensing subsystem 122 is configured to cool the high-humidity desorption outlet flow to below the dew point, thereby causing condensation of the water vapor held by the desorption outlet air flow. In particular, the condensing subsystem 122 is configured to operate continuously to condense water vapor from a continuous flow of desorption outlet air flow resulting from the execution of the method SI 00 across alternating operational sections 102 of the system 100.

[0060] In one implementation, the condensing subsystem 122 includes a cooling tank housing a cooling fluid (e.g., water or another conductive high-heat capacity fluid) and a set of heat exchanging pipes running through the cooling tank, thereby causing water vapor in desorption air flowing through the heat exchanging pipes to condense. In this implementation, the cooling tank buffers periods of high rates of condensation (e.g., at the beginning of a desorption phase) based on the volume of the cooling to maintain the target temperature below the dew point of the desorption air flow.

[0061] In another implementation, the condensing subsystem 122 can include a refrigeration unit 156 including refrigerated surfaces, thermoelectrically cooled surfaces, or any other condensation means. Additionally or alternatively, the condensing subsystem 122 can include a compressor or any other pressure-based condensation method.3.6.1. Cooling Tank

[0062] In one implementation, the condensing subsystem 122 includes a shell-and-tube heat exchanger including a cooling tank. The cooling tank can contain water or another fluid with comparable or greater thermal conductivity and heat capacity. More specifically, the cooling tank can include a circulation pump to maintain a substantially even temperature throughout the cooling tank. The cooling tank is configured to remove heat energy from the tubes of the shell-and-tubeAQUA-MO 1 -PCT heat exchanger. In one implementation, the tubes of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger are configured to carry a high-humidity desorption air flow.

[0063] In another implementation, the volume of the cooling tank is set such that the temperature of the cooling tank does not increase by greater than a threshold amount in response to a maximum expected condensation rate within the heat exchanger, while being continuously cooled via the refrigeration unit 156. In one implementation, the cooling tank can include one or more cooling tank temperature sensors, thereby enabling the controller 136 to maintain a cooling tank temperature below the dew point of the desorption outlet air flow by modulating the operation of the refrigeration unit 156.3.6.2. Refrigeration Unit

[0064] In one implementation, the condensing subsystem 122 includes a refrigeration unit 156 configured to cool the cooling tank to a target temperature below the dew point of the desorption outlet flow. More specifically, the refrigeration unit 156 is characterized by a cooling capacity equal to the thermal load corresponding to condensation of the water and any thermal losses from the cooling tank from the desorption outlet air flow. Although the absolute humidity and, therefore, the condensation rate of the desorption outlet air flow may vary, the refrigeration unit 156 can be configured with a cooling capacity approximating the thermal load introduced by condensation of water from the desorption outlet air flow. Thus, the condensing subsystem 122 can rely on the thermal capacity of the cooling tank to buffer spikes in humidity in the desorption outlet air flow.3.6.3. Heat Exchanger

[0065] In one implementation, the condensing subsystem 122 includes a heat exchanger configured to condense water from the high-humidity desorption outlet air flow. More specifically, the heat exchanger can be arranged within a cooling tank containing a cooling fluid that serves as the shell-side medium while the desorption air flows through a tube side. In another implementation, a similar shell-and-tube configuration is used, but instead of a cooling tank, the heat exchanger is thermally coupled to a surrounding cooling coil through which a cooling fluidAQUA-MO 1 -PCT (e.g., water or another refrigerant) is circulated to remove heat from the exchanger. In this coolingcoil embodiment, the controller 136 can dynamically adjust the circulation rate of the cooling fluid based on sensor inputs. For example, a humidity sensor positioned upstream of the condenser inlet 124 and downstream of the desorption section outlet can detect when the humidity of the desorption outlet flow exceeds a threshold, and in response, the controller can increase the coolingfluid circulation rate.

[0066] In one implementation, the heat exchanger is substantially vertically oriented to enable condensed water to flow downward toward the collection unit 146. Additionally or alternatively, the condensing subsystem 122 can be configured to direct the desorption outlet air flow downward, thereby forcing condensed water within the heat exchanger downward toward the collection unit 146.3.6.4. Collection Unit

[0067] Generally, the condensing subsystem 122 includes a collection unit 146 arranged downstream of the cooling tank, refrigeration unit 156, and / or heat exchanger such that water collects within an interior volume of the collection unit 146. More specifically, the collection unit 146 can include a level sensor and a pump such that the controller 136 can identify when the collection unit 146 is approaching capacity and responsively operate the pump, thereby dispensing harvested water from the collection unit 146.

[0068] In one implementation, the collection unit 146 defines: a collection unit inlet fluidically coupled to a condenser inlet 126 of the condensing subsystem 122; and a collection unit outlet. The collection unit 146 can be dimensioned based on the numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational section 104 to the desorbing subset of operational sections 106 to store a volume of water to enable a continuous water output rate from the collection unit outlet. For example, the collection unit 146 is configured to hold a volume of water to buffer downtime between sorptions or desorptions and still allow for water output during downtime or water output over a desorption.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT However, the collection unit 146 can be implemented to collect water from the condensing subsystem 122, store water, and dispense the water in any suitable configuration.

[0069] In one implementation, the collection unit defines three connections: an inlet port; a water outlet port; and an exhaust port. The inlet port fluidically couples the condensing subsystem to the collection unit to allow for a water / air mixture to pass through. The water outlet port is fluidically coupled to the collection unit adjacent to a water storage unit to allow for air to pass through. The exhaust port allows the air to exhaust from the system. In one implementation, the exhaust air can be driven back as an inlet to the operational section undergoing desorption via a splitter configured to direct the flow of air toward the desorbing operational section.4. Controller and Control Method

[0070] As shown in FIGURE 3, the system 100 includes a controller 136 configured to execute the method S100. Generally, the controller 136 is configured to operate the heating subsystem 132 (e.g., in Step S108), the fluid transport subsystem 134 (e.g., in Step SI 12), and the valve subsystem 128 (e.g., in Steps S102 and S104). More specifically the controller 136 can operate the valve subsystem 128 to: direct a sorption flow from the chamber outlet 112 of each sorbing operational section 104 in the sorbing subset of operational section 104 to an exhaust outlet 114 in Step S102; and direct a desorption flow from the chamber outlet 112 of each desorbing operational section 106 in the desorbing subset of operational sections 106 to the condenser inlet 124 in Step S104. The controller 136 is further configured to concurrently execute: a desorption phase in each desorbing operational section 106 in the desorbing subset of operational sections 106; and a sorption phase in each sorbing operational section 104 in a sorbing subset of operational sections 104 in the set of operational sections 102.

[0071] The controller 136 can be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated with an application, applet, host, server, network, website, communication service, communication interface,AQUA-MO 1 -PCT hardware / firmware / software elements of a computer or mobile device, wristband, smartphone, or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of the embodiment can be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computerexecutable components integrated by computer-executable components integrated with apparatuses and networks of the type described above. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer-readable medium such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component can be a processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively or additionally) execute the instructions.4.1. Sorption Phase

[0072] Generally, the controller 136 is configured to execute a sorption phase in each sorbing operational section 104 in a sorbing subset of operational sections 104 in the set of operational sections 102. For each sorbing operational section 104 in the sorbing subset of operational sections 104, the controller 136 directs the sorption flow (e.g., the inlet air flow) into the chamber inlet 110 of the sorbent chamber 108 of the sorbing operational section 104 via the fluid transport subsystem and the valve subsystem 134 in Step S02.

[0073] During the sorption phase, the controller 136 can additionally operate the blower of the fluid transport subsystem 134 to achieve a target flow rate into the sorbing operational section 104 sufficient to fluidize the sorbent material within each of the sorbent beds 116 of the operational section. Additionally, the controller 136 actuates the valve subsystem 128 to direct the sorption outlet air from the sorbing operational section 104 toward one or more exhaust outlets 114 in Step S102. In particular, the controller 136 can set the target flow rate based on sorbent material characteristics (e.g., minimum fluidization velocities, particle classification), ambient air conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure), and / or system parameters to approximately maximize the rate of sorption within the sorbent beds 116.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT

[0074] During the sorption phase, the controller 136 is configured to sample pressure sensors within the set of sorbent beds 116 to determine whether fluidization is occurring within each of the sorbent beds 116. In response to detecting that fluidization is not occurring in at least one sorbent bed, the controller 136 can operate the blower to increase the pressure at the sorbent bed 116 inlet until the controller 136 detects fluidization within all sorbent beds 116 of the operational section. Additionally or alternatively, the controller can operate the modulating dampers within the inlet manifold to modulate the inlet pressure of each sorbent chamber.

[0075] During the sorption phase, the controller 136 is configured to continuously sample (e.g., via absolute humidity sensors) or calculate (e.g., based on temperature and relative humidity sensors) an inlet absolute humidity upstream from the set of sorbent beds 116 and an outlet absolute humidity downstream from the set of sorbent beds 116 for the sorbing operational section 104. Generally, during a sorption phase, the outlet absolute humidity is lower than the inlet absolute humidity. However, the controller 136 monitors the difference between the inlet absolute humidity and the outlet absolute humidity over time to identify when to transition from the sorption phase to the desorption phase at the sorbing operational section 104, as is further described below.4.2. Desorption Phase

[0076] Generally, after executing a sorption phase, the controller 136 can execute a desorption phase in each desorbing operational section 106 in the desorbing subset of operational sections 106. For example, the controller 136 can, for each desorbing operational section 106 in the desorbing subset of operational sections 106: direct the desorption flow into the chamber inlet 110 of the sorbent chamber 108 of the desorbing operational section 106 via the fluid transport subsystem 134; heat the sorbent chamber 108 of the desorbing operational section 106 via the heating subsystem 132; and condensing water from the desorption flow via the condensing subsystem 122.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT

[0077] Further, the controller 136 operates the blower and the heater to maintain a target desorption temperature and flow rate into the inlet manifold and through the set of sorbent beds 116. More specifically, the controller 136 can select a target desorption temperature and target desorption flow rate based on sorbent material characteristics, ambient air conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure), and / or system parameters (e.g., operating conditions, system size and target throughput) to achieve a target desorption rate from the operational section.

[0078] The controller 136 is configured to continuously sample (e.g., via absolute humidity sensors) or calculate (e.g., based on temperature and relative humidity sensors) an inlet absolute humidity upstream from the set of sorbent beds 116 and an outlet absolute humidity downstream from the set of sorbent beds 116 for the desorbing operational section 106. Generally, during a desorption phase, the outlet absolute humidity is higher than the inlet absolute humidity. However, the controller 136 monitors the difference between the inlet absolute humidity and the outlet absolute humidity over time to identify when to transition from the desorption phase to the sorption phase at the desorbing operational section 106, as is further described below.

[0079] In one implementation, the desorption phase can include a buffer period prior to the reinitiation of air flow through the operational section. In this implementation, the controller 136 utilizes the buffer period to allow the sorbent material to cool, thereby enabling the sorbent material to absorb water vapor during a subsequent sorption phase.

[0080] In another implementation, the controller 136 selects a target desorption rate approximately equal to the target sorption rate of the sorbing operational section 104. In another implementation in which the system 100 includes greater than two operational sections 102, the controller 136 selects a target desorption rate equal to an integer multiple of the target sorption rate.

[0081] Generally, the controller 136 can utilize feedback control algorithms (e.g., PID control) to maintain the target desorption temperature and target desorption flow rate. In one implementation, the controller 136 monitors the absolute humidity difference across a sorbing operational sectionAQUA-MO 1 -PCT 104 and estimates a time to completion for the sorption phase at the sorbing operational section 104. In this implementation, the controller 136 utilizes a feedback control algorithm to adjust the desorption temperature and / or the desorption flow rate at a desorbing operational section 106 such that the estimated time to completion for the desorption phase at the desorbing operational section 106 is approximately equal to the time to completion for the sorption phase. Thus, in this implementation, the controller 136 modulates the rate of desorption to match an approximately optimized sorption phase.4.3. Condensing Subsystem Operation

[0082] Generally, the controller 136 operates the condensing subsystem 122 to cool the shell and tube heat exchanger below the dew point of the desorption outlet flow via the refrigeration unit 156, the cooling tank, and / or the cooling coil. In one implementation, the controller 136 can operate a condensing subsystem 122 to maintain a cooling tank and / or cooling coil temperature below the dew point of the desorption outlet air flow by greater than a threshold temperature margin. More specifically, the controller 136 can execute a feedback control algorithm to maintain the cooling tank and / or cooling coil temperature at a target cooling temperature via operation of the refrigeration unit 156.

[0083] In implementations in which the system 100 redirects waste heat from the refrigeration unit 156 to the heaters of the operational sections 102, the controller 136 can operate a diverter valve to direct heated air from the refrigeration unit 156 toward the desorbing operational sections 106.4.4. Sorption-Desorption Phase Transition

[0084] Generally, the controller 136 is configured to monitor a sorption absolute humidity difference across the set of sorbent chambers 108 of each sorbing operational section 104 and monitor a desorption absolute humidity difference across the set of sorbent chambers 108 of each desorbing operational section 106 over time to determine when to trigger a sorption-desorption transition. In one implementation, the controller 136 can set a threshold derivative and trigger aAQUA-MO 1 -PCT sorption-desorption transition in response to the threshold derivative exceeding a derivative of the sorption absolute humidity difference and / or the derivative of the desorption absolute humidity difference.

[0085] In particular, during a sorption-desorption transition at a sorbing operational section 104 the controller 136: operates the valve subsystem 128 to redirect outlet air flow from the sorbing operational section 104 from an exhaust outlet 114 to the condensing subsystem 122; operates the heater to effect the target desorption temperature in the inlet air flow; and operates the blower to modulate the inlet air flow rate to the target desorption flow rate. Concurrently, the controller 136 initiates a desorption-sorption transition at a desorbing operational section 106 by: operating the valve subsystem 128 to redirect outlet air flow from the desorbing operational section from the condensing subsystem 122 to an exhaust outlet 114 in the set of exhaust outlets 114; deactivating the heater; and operating the blower to modulate the inlet flow rate to the target sorption flow rate. Thus, upon completing a sorption-desorption transition and a concurrent desorption-sorption transition, the controller 136 maintains continuous water production by the system 100.5. Dual-Modality Operation

[0086] Generally, as shown in FIGURE 4, the controller 136 is configured to operate the components of the system 100 to enable sorption in a sorbing operational section 104 concurrently with desorption in a desorbing operational section 106, thereby supporting continuous water output. The set of operational sections 102 can be divided into: a sorbing subset of operational section 104; and a desorbing subset of operational sections 106. Each operational section of the set of operational sections 102 defines the same components and / or configurations. Therefore, in response to system and / or environmental conditions, the controller 136 is configured to transition a sorbing operational section 104 to a desorbing operational section 106.

[0087] Generally, as shown in FIGURE 5, the set of operational sections 102 can include any number of operational sections 102. In one implementation, the number of operational sections 102 included in the system 100 is based on a predicted duration ratio (e.g., the duration of theAQUA-MO 1 -PCT sorption phase to the duration of the desorption phase). For example, one implementation of the system 100 can include twelve operational sections 102. In a high-humidity environment, the duration ratio may be approximately 2:1, such that the sorption phase has approximately double the duration of the desorption phase. For the twelve-operational-section implementation in the high-humidity environment, the system 100 can concurrently operate eight operational sections 102 as sorbing operational sections 104 and four operational sections 102 as desorbing operational sections 106. For the same twelve-operational-section implementation installed in a lower humidity environment, the duration ratio may be approximately 3:1, such that the sorption phase has approximately three times the duration of the desorption phase, and the system 100 can concurrently operate nine operational sections 102 as sorbing operational sections 104 and three operational sections 102 as desorbing operational sections 106. However, any number of operational sections 102 can be implemented. Therefore, the numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational section 104 to the desorbing subset of operational sections 106 is based on a duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase.

[0088] Further, as shown in FIGURE 4, the controller 136 is configured to operate the valve subsystem 128 and the fluid transport subsystem 134 to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational section 104. For example, the controller 136 can operate the valve 128 and fluid transport subsystems 134 to selectively direct an inlet air flow into a sorbing operational section 104 at a target start time based on a predicted duration of the sorption phase. In one implementation, the controller 136 can include a clock configured to record sorption phase start and end times. The controller 136 can measure elapsed time from a most recent sorption phase start and trigger the valve and fluid transport subsystem 134 to direct inlet air flow into the next sorbing operational section 104 after a target elapsed time.

[0089] For example, for a system predicted to have a duration ratio of the sorption rate to the desorption rate of approximately 3:1 and configured with a 3:1 numeric ratio of sorbing operational section 104 to desorbing operational sections 106, the controller 136 operates the valveAQUA-MO 1 -PCT subsystem 128 and the fluid transport subsystem 134 to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational section 104 by one third of the duration of the sorption phase. Thus, when a first sorption phase of a first sorbing operational section 104 of the three (or multiple thereof) sorbing operational sections 104 begins, a second sorption phase of a second sorbing operational section 104 of the three sorbing operational sections is approximately one third complete, and a third sorption phase of a third sorbing operational section of the three sorbing operational section 104 is approximately two thirds complete. The staggered start times of each sorbing operational section 104 enable constant desorption as each sorption phase finishes.

[0090] For example, for a system predicted to have a duration ratio of the sorption rate to the desorption rate of approximately 2:1 and configured with a 2:1 numeric ratio of sorbing operational section 104 to desorbing operational sections 106, the controller 136 operates the valve subsystem 128 and the fluid transport subsystem 134 to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational section 104 by one half of the duration of the sorption phase. Thus, when a first sorption phase of a first sorbing operational section 104 of the two (or multiple thereof) sorbing operational section 104 begins, a second sorption phase of a second sorbing operational section 104 of the three sorbing operational sections is approximately one half complete.

[0091] In one implementation, the controller 136 is configured to predict a duration ratio of the sorption and desorption phases based on an environmental condition of the operation area of the system 100. More specifically, the controller 136 can: detect an environmental condition, the environmental condition including one or more of a humidity of an operation area of the atmospheric water harvesting system and a temperature of the operation area of the atmospheric water harvesting system; and predict the duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase based on the environmental condition. For example, the controller 136 can monitor the outputs of a humidity sensor and / or a temperature sensor arranged within the system 100. The humidity sensor and / or temperature sensor are configured to sense conditions of the operationalAQUA-MO 1 -PCT area outside of the system 100 or at an air intake such that the controller 136 can determine the environmental condition of the inlet air flow. In one implementation, the controller 136 can store a lookup table relating humidity and / or temperature to duration ratios and can index the lookup table with the humidity and / or temperature sensor readings to determine the duration ratio. In another implementation, the controller 136 can compute the duration ratio located in real time, such as via inputting the humidity and / or temperature sensor data into an integrated physics model.

[0092] In one implementation the controller 136 is further configured to, in response to predicting (e.g., via the physics model and / or the lookup table) a non-integer duration ratio, operate the valve subsystem 128, the heating subsystem 132, and the fluid transport subsystem 134 to approximate an integer duration ratio immediately greater than or less than (rounded-up from or rounded down from) the non-integer duration ratio. For example, in response to predicting a duration ratio of 2.8:1, the controller 136 can operate the subsystems to approximate a 3:1 duration ratio. In one implementation, the controller 136 can operate the valve subsystem 128 and the fluid transport subsystem 134 to decrease a flow rate of inlet air through the sorbent chamber 108 of the sorbing operational section 104 by decreasing a blower speed and / or partially closing a valve to the inlet of the sorbent chamber 108, thereby increasing the sorption phase duration to transition the 2.8:1 ratio to approximately 3:1. Alternatively, the controller 136 can operate the heating subsystem 132 to increase the temperature of the desorbing operational section 106 to reduce the duration of the desorbing phase, thereby transitioning the 2.8:1 duration ratio to approximately 3:1.

[0093] The controller 136 can similarly reduce a transition ratio to approximate an integer value. For example, to transition a predicted duration ratio of 3.2:1 to an approximate 3:1 ratio, the controller 136 can increase the flow rate of inlet air to the sorbing operational section 104 sorbent chamber 108 and / or decrease the temperature of the desorbing operational section 106 sorbent chamber 108. Therefore, the controller 136 can operate the valve subsystem 128 and / or the fluid transport subsystem 134 to approximate an integer duration ratio such that the controller 136 can divide the set of operational sections 102 into sorbing and desorbing subsets according to theAQUA-MO 1 -PCT integer ratio. Further, the controller can alter the duration ratio in response to failure of an operational section. For example, if a system operating with a 3:1 duration ratio experiences a failure (e.g., blower failure, heating subsystem failure, material leakage,) that results in loss of usability of an operational section, the controller can operate the system to alter the duration ratio to 2: 1 and re-allocate which operational sections are desorbing and which are adsorbing. Thus, the controller can operate the system based on an available number of operational sections to allow the system to continue producing water during maintenance and / or repairs.

[0094] The controller 136 can repeatedly measure environmental conditions during operation of the system and tailor system operation based on the environmental conditions. For example, the controller can trigger a humidity sensor to capture humidity readings hourly. In response to a humidity sensor reading in the morning indicating a low humidity condition (e.g., less than 30% humidity), the controller can calculate a duration ratio of 3 : 1 and operate the system 100 with nine sorbing operational sections and three desorbing operational sections. In response to an afternoon humidity sensor reading indicating a higher humidity condition (e.g., greater than 50%), the controller can recalculate the duration ratio of approximately 2:1 and change the operation of the system such that eight operational sections are in the sorbing phase while four operational sections are in the desorbing phase. However, the controller can capture sensor data and adapt the system operation at any frequency or in response to any input.

[0095] Additionally or alternatively, the controller can operate the system based on a rate of water capture and / or a rate of water production. For example, the controller can operate the fluid transport subsystem, valve subsystem and / or the heating subsystem to alter the reaction kinetics of the adsorption and / or the desorption phase, thereby controlling for a target water capture or water production. The controller is configured to operate the system to achieve a constant rate of water capture and / or water production regardless of sorbent material.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT 6. Other Considerations

[0096] The systems and methods described herein can be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated with the application, applet, host, server, network, website, communication service, communication interface, hardware / firmware / software elements of a user computer or mobile device, wristband, smartphone, or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of the embodiment can be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated by computer-executable components integrated with apparatuses and networks of the type described above. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component can be a processor but any suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively or additionally) execute the instructions.

[0097] As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

AQUA-MO 1 -PCT CLAIMSWe Claim:

1. An atmospheric water harvesting system comprising:• a set of operational sections, comprising a sorbing subset of operational sections and a desorbing subset of operational sections, each operational section comprising a sorbent chamber defining a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet;• a condensing subsystem defining a condenser inlet;• a valve subsystem;• a heating subsystem configured to heat the sorbent chamber of each operational section in the set of operational sections;• a fluid transport subsystem configured to direct fluid flow through the sorbent chamber of each operational section in the set of operational sections; and• a controller:o configured to operate the valve subsystem to:■ direct a sorption flow from the chamber outlet of each sorbing operational section in the sorbing subset of operational sections to an exhaust outlet; and■ direct a desorption flow from the chamber outlet of each desorbing operational section in the desorbing subset of operational sections to the condenser inlet;o configured to concurrently execute:■ a desorption phase in each desorbing operational section in the desorbing subset of operational sections by, for each desorbing operational section in the desorbing subset of operational sections:AQUA-MO 1 -PCT • directing the desorption flow into the chamber inlet of the sorbent chamber of the desorbing operational section via the fluid transport subsystem;• heating the sorbent chamber of the desorbing operational section via the heating subsystem; and• condensing water from the desorption flow via the condensing subsystem; and■ a sorption phase in each sorbing operational section in a sorbing subset of operational sections in the set of operational sections by, for each sorbing operational section in the sorbing subset of operational sections, directing the sorption flow into the chamber inlet of the sorbent chamber of the sorbing operational section via the fluid transport subsystem; and o wherein a numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational sections to the desorbing subset of operational sections is based on a duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase.

2. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 1, wherein:• the duration ratio of the sorption rate to the desorption rate is approximately 3:1;• the numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational sections and the desorbing subset of operational sections is 3:1; and• the controller operates the valve subsystem and the fluid transport subsystem to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational sections by one third of the duration of the sorption phase.

3. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 1, wherein:• the duration ratio of the sorption rate to the desorption rate is approximately 2:1;AQUA-MO 1 -PCT • the numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational sections and the desorbing subset of operational sections is 2:1; and• the controller operates the valve subsystem and the fluid transport subsystem to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational sections by one half of the duration of the sorption phase.

4. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 1, wherein the controller operates the valve subsystem and the fluid transport subsystem to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational sections.

5. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 4:• further comprising a water collection unit defining:o a collection unit inlet fluidically coupled to a condenser outlet of the condensing subsystem; ando a collection unit outlet;• wherein the water collection unit is dimensioned based on the numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational sections to the desorbing subset of operational sections to store a volume of water to enable a continuous water output rate from the collection unit outlet.

6. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:• detect an environmental condition, the environmental condition including one or more of a humidity of an operation area of the atmospheric water harvesting system and a temperature of the operation area of the atmospheric water harvesting system; and• predict the duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase based on the environmental condition.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT7. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to:• in response to predicting a non-integer duration ratio: operate the valve subsystem, the heating subsystem, and the fluid transport subsystem to approximate an integer duration ratio.

8. A method comprising:• operating a valve subsystem to:o direct a sorption flow from a chamber outlet of a sorbent chamber of each sorbing operational section in a sorbing subset of operational sections to an exhaust outlet; ando direct a desorption flow from the chamber outlet of the sorbent chamber of each desorbing operational section in a desorbing subset of operational sections to a condenser inlet of a condensing subsystem;• during a desorption phase, in each desorbing operational section in the desorbing subset of operational sections:o directing the desorption flow into a chamber inlet of the sorbent chamber of the desorbing operational section via a fluid transport subsystem;o heating the sorbent chamber of the desorbing operational section via a heating subsystem; ando condensing water from the desorption flow via the condensing subsystem; and • during a sorption phase concurrent with the desorption phase, in each sorbing operational section in the sorbing subset of operational sections:o directing the sorption flow into the chamber inlet of the sorbent chamber of the sorbing operational section via the fluid transport subsystem; andAQUA-MO 1 -PCT • wherein a numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational sections to the desorbing subset of operational sections is based on a duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase.

9. The method of Claim 8, further comprising operating the valve subsystem and the fluid transport subsystem to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational sections by one third of the duration of the sorption phase based on the duration ratio of approximately 3:1.

10. The method of Claim 8, further comprising operating the valve subsystem and the fluid transport subsystem to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational sections by one half of the duration of the sorption phase based on the duration ratio of approximately 2:1.

11. The method of Claim 8, further comprising operates the valve subsystem and the fluid transport subsystem to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational sections.

12. The method of Claim 8, further comprising:• detecting an environmental condition including one or more of a humidity of an operation area of the atmospheric water harvesting system and a temperature of the operation area of the atmospheric water harvesting system; and• predicting the duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase based on the environmental condition.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT 13. The method of Claim 12, further comprising in response to predicting a non-integer duration ratio, operating the valve subsystem, the heating subsystem, and the fluid transport subsystem to approximate an integer duration ratio.

14. An atmospheric water harvesting system comprising:• a condensing subsystem defining a condenser inlet;• a set of operational sections, each operational section comprising:o a sorbent chamber defining a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet;o an outlet valve:■ fluidically coupled downstream of the chamber outlet;■ fluidically coupled upstream of an exhaust outlet and a condenser inlet; ■ operable in a sorbing position to direct a sorption flow from the chamber outlet to the exhaust outlet; and■ operable in a desorbing position to direct a desorption flow from the chamber outlet to the condenser inlet;• a heating subsystem configured to heat the sorbent chamber of each operational section in the set of operational sections;• a fluid transport subsystem configured to direct fluid flow through the sorbent chamber of each operational section in the set of operational sections; and• a controller:o configured to concurrently execute:■ a desorption phase in a desorbing operational section in the set of operational sections by:• directing the desorption flow into the chamber inlet of the sorbent chambers of the desorbing operational section via the fluid transport subsystem;AQUA-MO 1 -PCT • heating the sorbent chamber of the desorbing operational section via the heating subsystem;• actuating the outlet valve of the desorbing operational section to the desorbing position; and• condensing water from the desorption flow via the condensing subsystem;■ a sorption phase in each sorbing operational section in a sorbing subset of operational sections in the set of operational sections by, for each sorbing operational section in the sorbing subset of operational sections:• directing the sorption flow into the chamber inlet the sorbent chamber of the sorbing operational section via the fluid transport subsystem; and• actuating the outlet valve of the sorbing operational section to the sorbing position; ando wherein a number of sorbing operational sections in the sorbing subset of operational sections is based on a duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase.

15. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 14, wherein:• the duration ratio of the sorption rate to the desorption rate is approximately 3:1;• the numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational sections and the desorbing subset of operational sections is 3:1; and• the controller operates each outlet valve of each sorbing operational section of the sorbing subset of operational sections and the fluid transport subsystem to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational sections by one third of the duration of the sorption phase.AQUA-MO 1 -PCT16. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 14, wherein:• the duration ratio of the sorption rate to the desorption rate is approximately 2:1;• the numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational sections and the desorbing subset of operational sections is 2:1; and• the controller operates each outlet valve of each sorbing operational section of the sorbing subset of operational sections and the fluid transport subsystem to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational sections by one half of the duration of the sorption phase.

17. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 14, wherein the controller operates each outlet valve of each sorbing operational section of the sorbing subset of operational sections and the fluid transport subsystem to stagger a start time of each sorption phase occurring in the sorbing subset of operational sections.

18. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 17:• further comprising a water collection unit defining:o a collection unit inlet fluidically coupled to a condenser outlet of the condensing subsystem; ando a collection unit outlet;• wherein the water collection unit is dimensioned based on the numeric ratio of the sorbing subset of operational sections to the desorbing subset of operational sections to store a volume of water to enable a continuous water output rate from the collection unit outlet.

19. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to:AQUA-MO 1 -PCT • detect an environmental condition, the environmental condition including one or more of a humidity of an operation area of the atmospheric water harvesting system and a temperature of the operation area of the atmospheric water harvesting system; and• predict the duration ratio of the sorption phase to the desorption phase based on the environmental condition.

20. The atmospheric water harvesting system of Claim 19, wherein the controller is further configured to in response to predicting a non-integer duration ratio, each outlet valve of each operational section of the set of operational sections, the heating subsystem, and the fluid transport subsystem to approximate an integer duration ratio.

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