Air-to-Water Condenser with Adsorption Rotor and UV Purification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water condensing apparatuses from air face issues with frosting in low temperature/humid environments and environmental pollution due to refrigerant use, and they inefficiently extend operating periods and consume excess energy by absorbing moisture during air filtration.

Innovation Solution

A tri-layer platform-based apparatus with a condensing device featuring an absorption rotor, heat exchange mechanism, and ultraviolet sterilization, which rotates to enhance air circulation and secondary condensation, and a purification device with ultrafiltration membranes and ultraviolet sterilization to produce drinkable water efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an air filter is used to absorb bacteria, oil, harmful gases and fine particles in the air, then air purification is improved, but moisture in the air is reduced and operating period is extended causing energy waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair purificationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The air treatment process is segmented into two separate components: an air filter for removing harmful particles and an absorption rotor for capturing moisture. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, preventing the air filter from absorbing moisture while still purifying the air.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The absorption rotor acts as an intermediary component between the air filter and the condensation system. It selectively absorbs moisture from the air after filtration without being affected by the particles removed by the air filter, thus enabling air purification without the energy waste associated with moisture absorption in the filter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If compressor refrigeration is used to condense moisture from air, then water production is achieved, but frosting occurs on the vaporizer in low temperature environments and refrigerant pollutes the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater productionVSAvoidenvironmental pollution and frosting

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical compression refrigeration system is replaced with a thermal adsorption system. Instead of using a compressor and refrigerant to cool and condense moisture, the invention uses an absorption rotor that thermally adsorbs moisture from the air, eliminating the mechanical system that causes frosting and environmental pollution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating parameters are changed from low-temperature compression condensation to thermal adsorption at higher temperatures. The absorption rotor operates by adsorbing moisture when hot and desorbing it when cooled, avoiding the low-temperature frosting issues of compressor systems while maintaining effective water production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus effectively condenses and purifies water, reducing energy consumption and operational waste by prioritizing moisture collection and subsequent sterilization and filtration, thereby improving efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

an absorption rotor for blocking moisture in the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a heat exchange mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

an ultraviolet sterilization member in communication to the heat exchange mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet sterilization: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 4

a filter member and an ultraviolet sterilization member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11292737B2Apparatus for producing drinkable water from air

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 GUANGXI NANNING YIYUNLU ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of water condensing apparatus, and particularly to an apparatus for producing drinkable water from air, comprising: a condensing device for condensing moisture out of air, a purification device, and a horizontally disposed tri-layer platform; the condensing device comprises an adsorption rotor, a heat exchange mechanism, and an air circulation duct group; the purification device comprises a water storage component and a purification component, and the purification component comprises a filter member and an ultraviolet sterilization member in communication with the heat exchange mechanism. As such, the moisture in the air is first condensed out; and then sterilization and filtration are performed, so as to avoid redundant work of the apparatus and improve the operating efficiency. The air entering from the air inlet of the heat exchanger firstly undergoes the heat exchange to condense water in the heat exchanger, and then enters the adsorption rotor from the first air outlet of the heat exchanger to perform secondary condensation on the condensed air, thereby further improving the condensation efficiency.