Atmospheric water generator system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional atmospheric water generators face challenges in maintaining the cleanliness and purity of condensed water due to contamination risks from bacterial growth, VOCs, and metallic contamination, which affect user confidence and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple sensors and a processor element to monitor water quality, trigger self-cleaning protocols, and control the dispensing of water, including the use of UV bulbs, recirculation, and TDS monitoring to ensure water quality meets acceptable ranges, along with a Coanda baffle for airflow redirection and a passive heat pipe subsystem to enhance energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional atmospheric water generators are used to condense atmospheric moisture, then water production is achieved, but contamination risks from bacterial growth, VOCs, and metallic contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-cooling incoming atmospheric air before it reaches the condenser, and pre-filtering the air to remove particulates and VOCs. This preliminary treatment prevents contamination before water condensation occurs, addressing the contamination risk while maintaining water production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including activated carbon filters as intermediaries between the atmospheric air and the condensation process. These intermediaries capture and remove harmful substances (VOCs, particulates) from the air stream, preventing them from contaminating the condensed water while allowing water vapor to pass through for condensation
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and monitoring systems are added to ensure water quality, then water safety and user confidence improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional sensors that perform multiple detection functions simultaneously. For example, sensors monitor both water quality parameters and system operational status, and the control system integrates multiple functions including quality assessment, contamination detection, and automated response control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to automatically assess water quality, detect contamination, and trigger appropriate responses without user intervention. The system self-manages the monitoring and response processes, reducing the operational burden on users while ensuring continuous water safety verification
3Reliability
If self-cleaning protocols and UV treatment are implemented, then water purity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic rather than continuous UV treatment and self-cleaning protocols. UV bulbs are activated at specific intervals or under specific conditions (such as when contamination is detected or during scheduled maintenance cycles), maintaining water purity while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor water quality and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently activates UV treatment and self-cleaning protocols only when contamination is detected or when quality thresholds are approached, optimizing energy usage while maintaining water purity
4Loss of energy
If Coanda baffles and heat pipe subsystems are added to improve energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces active mechanical cooling systems with passive heat pipe subsystems that utilize phase change and capillary action to transfer heat. This substitution eliminates the need for additional pumps, motors, and control mechanisms, improving energy efficiency while minimizing the increase in mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe subsystem exploits phase transitions (evaporation and condensation) of the working fluid within the heat pipe to transfer thermal energy passively. This phase-change-based heat transfer mechanism provides efficient thermal management without requiring external power input, reducing energy loss while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
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 ensures the water dispensed is safe, clean, and fresh by preventing contamination, improving user confidence, and reducing energy consumption through efficient water handling and processing.
Implementation Method 1
a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water
Implementation Method 2
a UV emitter configured to emit UV light within the first tank
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed which enable an atmospheric water generator to measure a variety of water quality parameters throughout its subsystems and conduits, and implement corresponding response protocols when the measurements deviate from their normal ranges. The ranges may be reprogrammable locally at the generator or remotely from the generator. The response protocols may include self-cleaning regimes to help quickly and efficiently bring deviant measurements back into their normal ranges. Generator notification, alarm and shutdown protocols may be implemented when the measurements reach unsafe values, in order to protect the consumer and ensure their ongoing confidence in the quality of the water dispensed from the generator. Subsystems are also described which improve the operational efficiency of the generator, keep the cold dispensing line clear of bacteria, and maximize the useful life of UV bulbs within the water collection and cold storage tanks.