Condensing Probe Seawater Distillation With Recycled Latent Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distillation processes, such as those used for water desalination, are energy-intensive due to the high energy consumption required for heating and vaporization, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A distillation system that recycles heat by compressing water vapor from boiling seawater, condensing it, and reabsorbing the latent heat of condensation back into the system, reducing the need for external energy through the use of a compressor and a condensing probe within the evaporator, and utilizing a counter current heat exchange system to maximize heat recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional distillation heating is used, then water vaporization is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water (liquid to vapor to liquid) to enable heat transfer. The vapor phase transitions to liquid phase in the condenser, releasing latent heat that is transferred to the liquid water in the evaporator, enabling continuous distillation with minimal external energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a feedback loop where the condenser is positioned inside the evaporator, allowing the condensed water to receive heat directly from the vapor. This internal heat feedback mechanism continuously recycles thermal energy within the system, reducing the need for external heating energy
2Loss of energy
If the condenser is placed within the evaporator, then heat recycling is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is nested inside the evaporator chamber, with the condenser tube positioned within the space where vapor circulates. This nested configuration allows the condenser to directly intercept vapor and return condensed water to the evaporator, maximizing heat recycling while maintaining a compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of heating and condensing into a single integrated chamber. The evaporator and condenser share the same physical space, allowing heat transfer to occur directly within the distillation chamber without requiring separate external heat exchange systems
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 significantly reduces the energy required for the distillation process by reusing heat, thereby decreasing operational costs and increasing efficiency, while also allowing for the distillation of seawater with minimal external energy input.
Implementation Method 1
the compressor draws in water vapor from the boiling seawater contained in an evaporator and compresses the vapor to an elevated temperature
Implementation Method 2
compresses the vapor to an elevated temperature into a condenser where it condenses into pure water
Implementation Method 3
the heat given-off by the condenser is absorbed by the boiling seawater in the evaporator. This is particularly important, in that the latent heat of condensation is absorbed by the latent heat of vaporization
Implementation Method 4
heating a liquid until it boils into a gas-phase
Implementation Method 5
the latent heat of vaporization comprises the greatest portion of heat required to operate the distillation process
Data Source
AI summary
A system to distill seawater is disclosed. The system includes a condensing probe that serves to increase surface area and duration that heat is transferred. The system includes a first evaporator to receive seawater and boil the received seawater and produce a water vapor in addition to a boiler that contains a refrigerant R-410A. The system includes vertical blades placed across a bottom portion of the first evaporator, allowing precipitated salt to pass between the vertical blades and settle onto a tray located underneath the bottom of the evaporator. The tray is then compartmentalized as the vertical blades rotate horizontally and create a partition separating the tray from the seawater. The system includes a glass encasing that encapsulates the boiler wherein a vacuum is disposed within the glass encasing. The system includes a heating element coupled to a circulating fan to heat water vapor in the condenser.