An adsorption moisture pump based air to water harvesting device and a method thereof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air water harvesting technologies are limited by high energy consumption, location dependency, and inefficiency in water extraction, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adsorption moisture pump based air to water harvesting device that combines a rotary desiccant unit with a heat pump and a control unit, utilizing a capacity-controlled compressor and dual energy input (solar PV or grid) for continuous 24/7 moisture generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional air water harvesting technologies are used, then water extraction is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air water harvesting process into two distinct operational phases: adsorption phase where moisture is captured from ambient air, and desorption phase where captured moisture is condensed and collected. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high water extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary desiccant wheel operates in periodic cycles, alternating between adsorption and desorption modes as different sectors of the wheel rotate through the system. This periodic action enables continuous water harvesting with reduced peak energy demands compared to continuous operation systems
2Productivity
If existing air water harvesting technologies are used, then water generation is achieved, but location dependency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to function effectively across diverse climatic conditions including arid, semi-arid, and temperate regions. The rotary desiccant wheel and heat pump combination creates a universal air water harvesting solution that adapts to varying ambient temperatures and humidity levels, reducing location dependency
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts operational parameters such as rotor speed, heat pump capacity, and cycle timing based on ambient conditions. This allows the system to maintain optimal performance across different locations and climatic zones, enhancing adaptability and reducing geographic constraints
3Reliability
If conventional water treatment methods are used, then water treatment is achieved, but transportation cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and harvests water directly from ambient air at the point of need, eliminating the requirement for centralized water treatment plants and extensive transportation infrastructure. This extraction approach produces potable water locally, removing transportation costs and associated energy consumption entirely
4Productivity
If desalination approach is used, then water production is achieved, but infrastructure cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses conventional, readily available components such as rotary desiccant wheels and standard heat pump units rather than specialized desalination infrastructure. This approach reduces capital costs and device complexity while maintaining effective water production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs complete water harvesting and condensation in a single integrated unit, serving itself without requiring complex external infrastructure. The rotary desiccant wheel captures moisture and the heat pump condenses it directly, eliminating the need for separate treatment and transportation infrastructure
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 solution enables efficient water extraction from ambient air in various climatic conditions, achieving high water yield while minimizing energy consumption, with the potential to generate about 25-30 liters of water per day in temperate climates.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary desiccant unit (1102) configured to generate moisture rich air
Implementation Method 2
The evaporator receives the reactivation air from the reactivation air outlet after the same exits the reactivation sector, causing condensation of water from the reactivation air passing therethrough
Implementation Method 3
The main condenser receives the reactivation air from the reactivation air inlet, before supplying the same to the reactivation sector
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adsorption moisture pump based air to water harvesting device and a method of harvesting water from ambient air. The water harvesting device [1100] comprises a rotary desiccant unit, a heat pump unit [1104] and a control unit. The rotary desiccant unit comprises a desiccant wheel [102], a reactivation air inlet [1108a], a reactivation air outlet [1108b], a process air inlet [1106a] and a process air outlet [1106b]. The desiccant wheel [1102] comprises at least a process sector [1106] and a reactivation sector [1108] and a wheel drive. The heat pump unit [1104] comprises at least one compressor, an expansion valve [1116], an evaporator [1112], a main condenser [1110], and such that a refrigerant fluid is flown sequentially within the compressor [1114], the main condenser [1110], the expansion valve [1116], and the evaporator [1112].