Air-to-Water Mesh Network Control for Reliable Distributed Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the production and distribution of liquid water extracted from ambient air is challenging due to the need for cost-effective and reliable systems that maintain high water production efficiency, especially in varying ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a network of local water generation units with controllers and transceivers that communicate through a wireless mesh network to optimize water production and distribution, using desiccant units and thermal energy to efficiently extract and store water, and a principal water supply unit for centralized storage and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a network of local water generation units is used to extract water from ambient air, then water production efficiency and reliability are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent local water generation units, each capable of autonomous water extraction and storage. These modular units can be deployed in networks across different locations, with each unit operating independently to extract water from ambient air and store it in local collection units, thereby improving reliability through distribution while maintaining manageable complexity at each node
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless mesh network acts as an intermediary communication layer between distributed water generation units and a central management system. This intermediary enables coordinated control and data exchange without requiring direct physical connections, allowing the system to maintain reliability through networked communication while avoiding the complexity of wired infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple local water generation units are deployed in a network, then adaptability to varying ambient conditions is improved, but communication and coordination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each local water generation unit is equipped with local controllers that can dynamically adjust operational parameters based on real-time ambient conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize water extraction efficiency at each location independently, responding to local environmental variations without requiring complex centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless mesh network implements feedback mechanisms where each water generation unit reports operational status and environmental data to the network, which then adjusts control parameters accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to varying ambient conditions across different locations while maintaining coordinated operation through automated communication protocols
3Productivity
If centralized water storage and distribution is implemented, then water distribution efficiency is improved, but system vulnerability to failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage and distribution system is segmented into multiple distributed local collection units rather than relying on a single centralized reservoir. Each local unit can independently store and dispense water, creating redundancy in the system. This segmentation maintains distribution efficiency through localized availability while improving reliability by eliminating single points of failure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple distributed local water collection units are combined into a networked system that functions as a unified water supply infrastructure. The units can operate independently or coordinate through the wireless mesh network to optimize distribution, merging the benefits of decentralized reliability with centralized coordination efficiency
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
This approach enables efficient and reliable production and distribution of liquid water, adapting to diurnal variations and ambient conditions, while maintaining low costs and high reliability across a network of water-from-air generation devices.
Implementation Method 1
extraction of water vapor from ambient air or atmospheric air
Implementation Method 2
using an inexpensive and reliable approach to maintain water production efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing production and distribution of liquid water extracted from air. A system is provided that includes a plurality of local water generation units including a first local water generation unit and a second local water generation unit. The first and second water generation units each include a controller that is configured to control a production rate of liquid water extracted from the air, a local water collection unit, and a local transceiver. A principal water supply unit is in fluid communication with at least one of the local water collection units. The principal water supply unit is configured to store at least part of the liquid water extracted from the air and to maintain a principal water level at a reservoir of the principal water supply unit based on one or more operational parameters for water distribution.