Floating Solar Distillation Modules for Low-Energy Seawater Desalination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In regions bordering large bodies of saltwater, there is a pressing need for an efficient method to produce large quantities of fresh water for human consumption and agriculture, as existing desalination systems require substantial electrical energy and a skilled workforce, and current floating solar energy conversion systems prioritize electricity production over water production.
Innovation Solution
A floating solar energy conversion apparatus featuring a matrix of buoyant distillation modules that produce and collect distilled water, utilizing a domed solar collector, submerged energy absorber, and heat exchanger conduits to maximize water vapor condensation, with buoyant mistifier units enhancing evaporative surface area for optimized water production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercial desalinization systems are used, then reliable fresh water production is achieved, but substantial electrical energy and skilled workforce are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical desalination systems with a solar-thermal distillation system. Solar collectors capture solar energy to heat seawater, and the vapor condenses on cooled surfaces to produce fresh water. This substitution eliminates the need for substantial electrical energy input while maintaining reliable fresh water production through passive solar thermal processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from electrical-driven high-pressure processes to solar-thermal low-pressure distillation. By utilizing solar radiation to create temperature differentials and phase changes, the system operates without substantial electrical energy input, transforming the fundamental energy input parameter from electrical to solar thermal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If floating solar energy conversion systems are used, then both electrical energy and fresh water production are achieved, but electricity production is prioritized over water production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fresh water production function from the electricity production system. Instead of using solar energy primarily for electricity generation with water as a secondary byproduct, the system is reconfigured to directly produce fresh water through solar-thermal distillation, separating and optimizing the water production function while maintaining solar energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains the multi-functionality of the floating solar platform by integrating both solar energy conversion and fresh water production. The system universally utilizes solar radiation for both generating electrical energy through photovoltaic cells and producing fresh water through thermal distillation, optimizing both functions simultaneously rather than prioritizing one over the other.
3Quantity of substance
If existing desalination methods are used, then fresh water is produced, but substantial skilled workforce is required for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the floating solar distillation platform requires minimal human intervention. The solar-thermal distillation process operates passively once configured, with automatic vapor condensation and fresh water collection. The modular floating design allows for easy self-maintenance and reduces dependence on skilled workforce for complex mechanical or electrical system maintenance.
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 apparatus efficiently produces large quantities of fresh water by leveraging solar energy to distill seawater, reducing reliance on electrical energy and skilled labor, while maintaining a self-sustaining water supply system.
Implementation Method 1
solar energy is used to heat a body of confined seawater
Implementation Method 2
a domed solar collector mounted on a buoyant base
Implementation Method 3
Water vapor within the domed solar collector condenses on the un-submerged heat exchanger conduits
Implementation Method 4
a framework of mostly submerged heat exchanger conduits through which a heat exchange fluid is circulated
Implementation Method 5
buoyant mistifier units that float on the confined water and atomize a portion of the confined water to maximize the evaporative surface area
Implementation Method 6
atomize a portion of the confined water to maximize the evaporative surface area of the water vapor
Implementation Method 7
a matrix of buoyant distillation modules that produce and collect distilled water
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy conversion and distillation apparatus floats on a body of saltwater and includes a matrix of buoyant distillation modules that produce and collect distilled water for on-shore usage. The distillation modules and other buoyant structures are mutually joined within a peripheral seawall to form an atmospheric barrier, and each distillation module includes a submerged energy absorber layer to form an energy conversion chamber that confines a shallow volume of solar-heated seawater. Water vapor in the air above the confined water condenses on chilled heat exchanger conduits, and the energy absorber layer is water permeable so that confined water lost to evaporation and condensation is replenished with water from a thermal reservoir underlying the energy conversion chamber. Buoyant mistifier units in each distillation module enhance the evaporative surface area of the water vapor subject to condensation.