Multi-Stage Atmospheric Water Generation With Adsorbent Vapor Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atmospheric water generation (AWG) technologies face challenges in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and energy consumption, particularly in low humidity conditions, and lack integration with renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A modular atmospheric water generation system with multiple processing stages using adsorbent structures coupled to vapor chambers, incorporating heat and cooling stages, and a circulation circuit for ambient air, optimized for thermal energy efficiency and integration with renewable sources like solar energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If refrigeration systems are used for atmospheric water generation, then high mobility and up-scalable production capability are achieved, but high energy consumption occurs especially when relative humidity is below 40%
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water generation process into multiple sequential stages: adsorption stage where adsorbent material captures moisture from air, and desorption stage where heated adsorbent releases concentrated water vapor. This segmentation allows the system to operate efficiently at lower ambient humidity levels by concentrating moisture during adsorption and then releasing it during desorption, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous refrigeration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using temperature swing to control the adsorption-desorption cycle. During adsorption, the adsorbent is maintained at ambient or lower temperature to maximize moisture capture. During desorption, the adsorbent is heated to a controlled temperature to release concentrated water vapor. This parameter change enables efficient operation across varying humidity conditions without the high energy consumption of refrigeration systems.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If thermal desiccation with adsorbents is used, then low-grade heat can be utilized and deployment in low humidity conditions is enabled, but production is greatly dependent on adsorbent characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs composite adsorbent structures combining multiple materials with complementary properties. The adsorbent bed includes a support structure and active adsorbent material selected to maximize both moisture capture capacity and water release efficiency. This composite approach ensures consistent high productivity across varying operational conditions while maintaining compatibility with low-grade heat sources.
3Productivity
If multiple processing stages are used in the atmospheric water generation system, then water production efficiency is improved and energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into integrated components. The adsorbent structures serve both as moisture capture media and as heat transfer surfaces. The vapor chambers serve dual purposes: collecting water vapor from adsorbent structures and providing cooling surfaces for condensation. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining high water production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are designed with multi-functionality. The adsorbent structures perform both adsorption and heat exchange functions. The vapor chambers serve as both collection vessels and condensation surfaces. The circulation system handles both air flow during adsorption and vapor flow during desorption. This universality reduces overall system complexity while improving 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
The system achieves efficient water production with reduced energy consumption, scalable throughput, and integration with renewable energy, minimizing thermodynamic losses and enabling co-generation of water and electricity.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit to force circulation of moist ambient air through the adsorbent structures and cause adsorption of water in the adsorbent structures
Implementation Method 2
a heating stage to provide thermal energy to the adsorbent structures... thermal energy provided by the heating stage causes water adsorbed in the adsorbent structures to be desorbed into water vapor
Implementation Method 3
a cooling stage to cause condensation of water vapor in at least a final one of the vapor chambers
Data Source
AI summary
An atmospheric water generation system and method. At least one atmospheric water generation unit is provided which includes at least two successive processing stages. Each processing stage includes an adsorbent structure including an adsorbent material, which adsorbent structure is coupled to an adjacent vapor chamber to allow vapor transfer thereto. During an adsorption phase, moist ambient air is circulated through the adsorbent structures to cause adsorption of water therein. During a desorption phase, thermal energy is provided to the adsorbent structures to cause water adsorbed therein the be desorbed into water vapor. This water vapor transits to the adjacent vapor chamber where the water vapor condenses into a condensate.