Distillation Heat Recycling via Compressor and Nested Condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distillation processes, such as those used for seawater desalination, are energy-intensive due to the high energy consumption required for heating, 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 back into the system, reducing the need for external energy through a condenser placed within the evaporator and utilizing a compressor powered by an external motor or expansion system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional distillation heating is used, then water vapor is produced for distillation, but high energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water (liquid to vapor to liquid) to enable heat transfer and distillation. The vapor phase transitions back to liquid phase in the condenser, releasing latent heat that is transferred to the evaporator, eliminating the need for external heating energy while maintaining continuous distillation operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the condenser is positioned to receive heat from the condensing vapor and transfer it back to the evaporator. This internal heat feedback mechanism continuously supplies the energy needed for vaporization without external input, creating a self-sustaining thermal cycle that dramatically reduces energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If the condenser is placed within the evaporator, then heat is recycled back into the system, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is nested within the evaporator chamber, with the condenser positioned inside the space where vapor is generated. This nested configuration allows the condensing vapor to directly transfer its latent heat to the evaporating liquid through thermal conduction and radiation, maximizing heat recovery while utilizing the existing spatial arrangement to minimize additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the evaporator and condenser into a single integrated chamber structure. By combining these two heat transfer components into one unified system where the condenser operates within the evaporator space, the design reduces the number of separate external heat exchange components needed, thereby simplifying the overall system structure while achieving complete heat recycling.
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
Significantly reduces the energy required for the distillation process by reusing heat, thereby decreasing operational costs and improving efficiency.
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 into a condenser where it condenses into pure water.
Implementation Method 2
the steam from the evaporator is compressed to a temperature of 222° F. In another exemplary embodiment, the system to distill seawater with a condensing probe and recycled heat recycles the heat in the distillation process and reuses the heat to run the distillation process again, creating an energy loop.
Implementation Method 3
the latent heat of condensation is absorbed by the latent heat of vaporization. The reabsorption of the latent heat back into the system greatly reduces the amount of external energy required to operate the distillation process.
Implementation Method 4
The compressor draws in water vapor from the boiling seawater contained in an evaporator
Implementation Method 5
The latent heat of vaporization comprises the greatest portion of heat required to operate the distillation process.
Implementation Method 6
the condenser is placed within the evaporator so that the heat given off by the condenser is absorbed by the boiling seawater in the evaporator.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy-saving method and system for distilling, desalinating or purifying water relating to a method of increasing the amount of heat recycled back into the system. The system involves powering a compressor using a series of expanders and the energy derived from each expander cumulatively powers the compressor. The compressor draws vapor from seawater contained in an evaporator and compresses it into a condenser. The heat given off by the condenser is absorbed by the evaporator and recycled back into the system.