Containerized Atmospheric Water Generation With Self-Powered Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atmospheric water generation systems are not readily transportable and deployable using standard commercial transport systems, and they often rely on electrical infrastructure, which is not feasible in all locations, especially in areas lacking a water supply infrastructure or with limited access to electricity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated atmospheric water generation system comprising a casing with an air treatment unit, a chiller unit, a water treatment unit, and an electric generator system, where the air treatment unit and chiller unit have adjustable inlet and outlet doors to optimize air flow and reduce energy consumption, and the system is designed to fit within a standard shipping container for easy transportation and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If atmospheric water generation systems are designed with large capacity to supply substantial population needs, then water production capacity is improved, but the system becomes difficult to transport and deploy using standard commercial transport systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components (air treatment unit, chiller unit, water treatment unit, generator system) that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve large water production capacity while maintaining transportability through standard commercial transport systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are designed to nest within each other or be compactly arranged within a standardized container footprint. The air treatment unit, chiller unit, and water treatment unit are configured to maximize space utilization while maintaining accessibility for deployment and operation.
2Ease of operation
If the system is designed to be portable and transportable, then ease of deployment is improved, but water production capacity decreases and becomes insufficient to supply substantial population needs
Solution Approach 1:
The modular units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow them to function independently or be combined in various configurations. This enables the system to be scaled from small portable units to large capacity installations using the same basic building blocks, maintaining portability while achieving substantial water production capacity.
3Productivity
If the cooling element temperature is maintained above freezing point to avoid ice formation, then water collection efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cooling element temperature based on ambient conditions, dew point temperature, and water collection rate requirements. By optimizing the temperature parameter within the non-freezing range, the system maximizes water collection efficiency while minimizing energy consumption of the chiller unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors water collection efficiency and cooling element temperature, adjusting the chiller operation in real-time to maintain optimal temperature conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures the system operates at maximum efficiency while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption from over-cooling.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system integrates multiple units (air treatment, chiller, water treatment, generator) into a single casing, then system self-sufficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system is composed of distinct modular units (air treatment unit with closing members, chiller unit with closing members, water treatment unit, generator system) that maintain internal simplicity while achieving external self-sufficiency. Each module can be independently manufactured, tested, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity despite the integration of multiple functions.
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 generates clean drinking water in remote locations by condensing moisture from the air, treating it, and providing a self-sufficient solution for water scarcity issues, while being easily transportable and deployable without relying on existing electrical infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
Moisture contained in ambient air condenses into liquid form as droplets when the air temperature drops below a determined dewpoint
Data Source
AI summary
An atmospheric water generation system, including a casing into which an air treatment unit and a chiller unit are located, the air treatment unit being provided with a first air inlet for ambient air and a first air outlet, the chiller unit being provided with a second air inlet and a second air outlet, wherein a respectively closing member is directly associated to each first and second air inlet and outlet. The system thus can additionally be used as an air conditioning unit, when the cooled and demoistured air from the air treatment unit is directed to a closed work space. The system may additionally include a water treatment unit and a power generating unit for stand alone purposes.