Electric Field Hydration Layer for Low-Energy Seawater Desalination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current desalination techniques, such as distillation and reverse osmosis, consume high amounts of energy, making them inefficient for producing potable water from seawater.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating a hydration layer of water molecules in seawater using an electric field, allowing for the extraction of purified water with reduced energy consumption by orienting water molecules and excluding other molecules and ions, which can then be extracted through a semi-permeable membrane or by rotating charged elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reverse osmosis is used for desalination, then water purification is achieved, but energy consumption is high due to high pressures required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a hydration layer around charged particles before the actual water extraction process. This preliminary step organizes water molecules into a structured layer that facilitates subsequent extraction through reduced pressure, avoiding the need for high pressures required in conventional reverse osmosis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses charged particles as intermediaries to facilitate water extraction. These particles create the hydration layer that acts as a mediator between the seawater and the extraction process, enabling water removal at lower pressures than direct reverse osmosis would require
2Reliability
If distillation is used for desalination, then water purification is achieved, but energy consumption is high due to heating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-based distillation system with an electrical field-based system. Instead of heating seawater to separate water from salts, the invention uses electric fields to create hydration layers and extract water, substituting thermal energy with electrical energy and achieving purification at lower energy costs
3Productivity
If high pressure is applied for reverse osmosis, then water extraction is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing water molecules into a hydration layer around charged particles before extraction. This preliminary structuring of water molecules reduces the pressure needed during subsequent extraction, enabling efficient water removal without requiring the high pressures that would otherwise be necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and organization of water molecules by applying electric fields to create structured hydration layers. This parameter change in water molecule arrangement facilitates extraction at lower pressures, reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity
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 energy consumption in water purification by minimizing the pressure required for osmotic flow and utilizing electric fields to establish a thin, pure water layer that can be extracted efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
creating an electric field to cause a hydration layer of water molecules to be established in the supply water
Implementation Method 2
Around a charged particle a hydration shell is established comprising a thin layer of oriented water molecules
Implementation Method 3
the water from the hydration layer in the vicinity thereof may be extracted by subjecting the supply water to pressure to cause osmotic flow of the hydration layer water through the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Water treatment method and apparatus according to which supply water containing dissolved matter is delivered to at least one treatment surface. An electric field is created in the vicinity of the treatment surface to cause a hydration layer to be established due to the bipolar nature of the water molecules. Water is then extracted from the hydration layer. Such extraction may be effected by osmosis or by removal of the element (s) from the supply water with the hydration layer water thereon, dehydration layer water subsequently being extracted from the element (s). The method has been devised to reduce energy consumption for the purpose of providing potable water from seawater.