Integrated Vacuum Heat Source for Low-Cost Desalination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal desalination processes are costly due to high energy requirements for heat and vacuum generation, and there is a need for a more cost-effective and reliable vacuum source for desalination and distillation processes.
Innovation Solution
A synergistic combination of a distillation chamber and a refrigeration or freezing chamber creates a vacuum source and heat source, utilizing a flexible diaphragm-separated chamber with a heating element and condenser coils to generate a vacuum and provide thermal synergy, allowing for efficient desalination and distillation at lower temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical vapor compression is used to provide heat and vacuum source for thermal desalination, then the desalination process can be achieved, but the energy cost and operational cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum source and heat source functions into a single integrated system where the vacuum chamber serves dual purposes: creating vacuum for distillation and providing a cold surface for condensation. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical vapor compression equipment, reducing energy costs while maintaining reliable vacuum and heat supply for thermal desalination
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum chamber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a vacuum environment for low-temperature distillation, a heat sink for condensation through its cold walls, and a collection chamber for condensed water. This multi-functionality replaces traditional single-purpose equipment, reducing overall system energy consumption and cost
2Reliability
If traditional vacuum sources are used for distillation processes, then the distillation can proceed, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum generation function with the distillation chamber structure itself. The flexible diaphragm integrated into the chamber wall provides vacuum sealing and pumping action without requiring external vacuum pumps or complex vacuum generation systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable vacuum operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational components to generate and maintain the vacuum environment. The flexible diaphragm utilizes the pressure differential created during distillation and condensation cycles to automatically pump vapor out of the chamber, eliminating the need for separate vacuum pumping systems and reducing overall system complexity
3Productivity
If thermal desalination is performed at higher temperatures, then the distillation rate increases, but the energy consumption and scale formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition at lower temperatures by creating a vacuum environment that allows water to evaporate and condense at temperatures below 100°C. The cold walls of the vacuum chamber provide the temperature differential needed for condensation, enabling efficient distillation at reduced temperatures that lower energy consumption and minimize scale formation while maintaining acceptable productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by reducing pressure in the distillation chamber, which lowers the boiling point of water. This parameter change allows distillation to proceed at lower temperatures, reducing energy costs and scale formation while the flexible diaphragm mechanism maintains the pressure differential needed for continuous operation
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 reduces energy costs, enables zero liquid discharge, and provides additional revenue streams through the sale of products like ice and cold storage, while using less expensive materials and minimizing maintenance due to reduced scale formation and corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
The second chamber is closed and contains water or another refrigerant that may be vaporized by a heating element in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
the vacuum source can be placed in the refrigerated or freezing chamber for operation to condense the refrigerant in the second chamber to create a vacuum in the first chamber
Implementation Method 3
The sidewalls, bottom, and/or top can be made of heat conducting material
Implementation Method 4
The first and second chambers can be separated by a flexible diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A distillation and desalination system can include a refrigeration unit, a distillation unit, and a vacuum source positioned in the refrigeration unit. The distillation unit may include a distillation chamber containing a saline liquid and a headspace above the saline liquid, the headspace comprising a gas. The vacuum source may include a first chamber defining a first chamber volume, where gas transport is permitted into and out of the first chamber and the first chamber is fluidically coupled to the headspace of the distillation unit, and a second chamber defining a second chamber volume, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are fluidically isolated.