Carbon Graphitic Foam Condenser for Waste-Cold Water Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensers require significant energy input to cool and condense moisture from air, making them expensive and uneconomical due to the need for external electrical sources and refrigeration systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing thermal transfer media made from synthetic carbon graphitic foam to capture and transfer cold from alternate sources, such as waste cold from industrial processes like liquefied natural gas production, to condense moisture from ambient air with minimal energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional condensers use external electrical sources for refrigeration, then condensation of moisture from air is achieved, but energy consumption increases and cost effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses waste cold from industrial processes (such as LNG production at -162°C) to cool ambient air below its dew point, enabling self-service condensation without external electrical refrigeration. The waste cold from industrial processes directly cools the thermal transfer media, which in turn cools the air to condense moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermally conductive carbon graphitic foam thermal transfer media serves as an intermediary between the waste cold source and the ambient air. The thermal transfer media captures cold from the waste source and transfers it to the air, facilitating condensation without direct contact between the cold source and air.
2Device complexity
If conventional condensers rely on external electrical sources, then refrigeration is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for external electrical refrigeration systems by using waste cold from industrial processes to naturally cool air and condense moisture. The only energy input required is for the air moving means, while the refrigeration function is provided free by the waste cold source.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal transfer media acts as an intermediary that bridges the waste cold source and the condensation process, simplifying the system architecture by eliminating complex electrical refrigeration equipment while maintaining effective moisture condensation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If waste cold from industrial processes is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but adaptability to different locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system can utilize waste cold from multiple different industrial processes (LNG production, cryogenics, chemical processing, food freezing), making it universally applicable to various industrial locations. The thermal transfer media design allows adaptation to different waste cold sources while maintaining the same condensation function.
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 efficiently produces potable water from air using waste cold, reducing energy consumption and operational costs while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
provides a condenser formed at least partially of thermal transfer media, communicating with a cold source, and a container defining an interior volume. The thermal transfer media is formed of synthetic carbon graphitic foam and has been exposed to the cold source or has been in direct communication with the cold source so that the thermal transfer media has captured some of the cold
Implementation Method 2
transfers the cold to a condenser exposed to air having moisture and for condensing the moisture from the air into liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A system and apparatus for atmospheric water generation using alternative cold sources provides a thermally conductive thermal transfer media of carbon graphitic foam for capturing cold energy by direct or indirect exposure thereto, transferring the cold energy to a condenser exposed to air having moisture, and for condensing the moisture from the air into liquid and collecting the liquid water.