Atmospheric water generation systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atmospheric water generation systems are dependent on electrical infrastructure and lack the portability and scalability to efficiently supply drinking water in areas with limited or no water infrastructure, such as tropical islands and remote locations, and are not easily deployable using standard commercial transport systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated atmospheric water generation system comprising a casing with an air treatment unit, chiller unit, water treatment unit, and electric generator system, featuring modular design and adjustable doors for efficient air flow and energy reduction, allowing for transportation and deployment using standard commercial transport systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If atmospheric water generation systems are designed with large capacity to supply substantial population, then water production capacity is improved, but portability and ease of deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including air treatment units, chiller units, water treatment units, and power units that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain large water production capacity while improving portability through standardized modular architecture that fits within commercial shipping containers.
2Ease of operation
If atmospheric water generation systems are designed for portability using standard commercial transport systems, then ease of deployment is improved, but water production capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow them to function both as portable transportable modules and as components of large-scale water production systems. The same air treatment unit can operate independently in portable applications or be replicated and combined in commercial container configurations to achieve high-capacity water production for substantial populations.
3Reliability
If electrical system infrastructure is required to operate the systems, then reliability of operation is improved, but adaptability to remote locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates integrated power units with fuel tanks and generators that enable self-sufficient operation in remote locations without external electrical infrastructure. The power units are designed to autonomously generate the electrical energy required for system operation, allowing deployment in isolated areas while maintaining reliable continuous operation through onboard fuel reserves and generator capabilities.
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 system effectively generates clean drinking water by condensing moisture from ambient air, treats it for purity, and provides a self-sufficient solution for areas lacking water infrastructure, enhancing water availability and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Moisture contained in ambient air condenses into liquid form as droplets when the air temperature drops below a determined dewpoint
Data Source
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AI summary
An atmospheric water generation system, comprising a casing (22) into which an air treatment unit (40) and a chiller unit (80) are located, the air treatment unit being provided with a first air inlet for ambient air (42) and a first air outlet (70), the chiller unit (80) being provided with a second air inlet (50) and a second air outlet (51), wherein a respectively closing member (202, 204, 212, 214, 216, 218) is directly associated to each first and second air inlet and outlet. The system thus can additionnally be used as an air conditioning unit, when the cooled and demoistured air from the air treatment unit is directed to a closed work space. The system may additionnally comprise a water treatment unit (100) and a power generating unit (120) for stand alone purposes.