Metal organic framework based water capture apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atmospheric water harvesting systems using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) face limitations in energy conversion efficiency due to thermal losses in conductive substrates, particularly during the desorption phase, which restricts water production.
Innovation Solution
A water harvesting apparatus employing a metal organic framework composite with magnetic particles and a hydrophilic binder, utilizing alternating current magnetic fields for efficient water desorption, optimizing the adsorption and desorption cycles to enhance energy efficiency and water production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If MOF is infiltrated into a conductive substrate (e.g., copper foam) for water capture, then water adsorption capacity is improved, but energy conversion efficiency deteriorates due to thermal losses in the substrate during desorption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the conductive substrate (copper foam) from the system, using only the MOF material itself for both adsorption and desorption functions. This eliminates the thermal mass problem where the substrate absorbs heating energy without contributing to water release, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining adsorption capacity and reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a porous support structure that serves as a mediator between the MOF particles and the external environment. This support provides mechanical stability and facilitates gas flow while having minimal thermal mass, allowing efficient heat transfer to the MOF for desorption without the energy wastage associated with heating large conductive substrates.
2Device complexity
If direct solar heating is used for water desorption from MOF, then system simplicity is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to significant thermal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies heating locally and directly to the MOF material through a susceptor-enhanced microwave system, rather than heating the entire substrate structure with solar flux. This localized energy delivery ensures that thermal energy is concentrated where needed (in the MOF pores) without being wasted on heating large volumes of substrate material, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic cycling between adsorption (ambient conditions) and desorption (heated conditions) phases. During desorption, energy is applied only when needed to release water, and then the system returns to ambient state. This periodic operation reduces cumulative energy losses compared to continuous solar heating, as energy input is precisely timed and controlled.
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 achieves high energy conversion efficiency, with water production rates exceeding previous systems, and enables continuous water harvesting with reduced energy consumption and thermal losses.
Implementation Method 1
These known MOF adsorbents physisorb water onto the surfaces within the pores of the MOF
Implementation Method 2
the water desorption arrangement comprises an alternating current (AC) magnetic field generator located within and/or around the water adsorbent configured to apply an AC magnetic field to the water adsorbent
Implementation Method 3
utilizing alternating current magnetic fields for efficient water desorption
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus for capturing a water content from a water containing gas, the apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet into which the water containing gas can flow; a water adsorbent enclosed within the housing, the water adsorbent comprising at least one water adsorbent metal organic framework composite capable of adsorbing a water content from the water containing gas, the metal organic framework composite comprising: at least 50 wt% water adsorbent metal organic framework; from 0.2 to 10 wt% magnetic particles having a mean particle diameter of less than 200 nm; and at least 0.1 wt % hydrophilic binder comprising a hydrophilic cellulose derivative; and a water desorption arrangement in contact with and/or surrounding the water adsorbent, the water desorption arrangement being selectively operable between (i) a deactivated state, and (ii) an activated state in which the arrangement is configured to apply heat to the water adsorbent to desorb a water content from the water adsorbent, wherein the water desorption arrangement comprises an alternating current (AC) magnetic field generator located within and/or around the water adsorbent configured to apply an AC magnetic field to the water adsorbent.