Rotating Desalination Device with Voltage for Ion Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current desalination methods are largely scaled for large user groups and lack efficient, cost-effective solutions for small-scale production of drinking water, particularly for compact and inexpensive desalination devices that can effectively separate salt and minerals from seawater.

Innovation Solution

A compact desalination device comprising a rotatable inner and outer container system with a controlled heating and condensation mechanism, utilizing holes for water and steam distribution, and an applied voltage to enhance ion separation, allowing for efficient evaporation and condensation of seawater, while maintaining a stable and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If large scale desalination facilities are used, then drinking water production capacity is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrinking water production capacityVSAvoidfacility complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the desalination process into separate functional modules: an inner rotatable container for evaporation, an outer container for condensation, and a heating element. This modular segmentation allows the system to be scaled down for small groups while maintaining effective desalination functionality, reducing overall facility complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the inner container is positioned inside the outer container, with the evaporation surface of the inner container facing the condensation surface of the outer container. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple functions (evaporation, condensation, heating) into a single unit, enabling small-scale deployment without requiring extensive infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If centrifugal force is used to distribute water, then water distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater distribution efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes dynamic rotation of the inner container to generate centrifugal force, which automatically distributes water from the inlet through channels to the evaporation surface. This dynamic mechanism replaces complex mechanical pumping and distribution systems with a simple rotational motion, maintaining high water distribution efficiency while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If voltage is applied between containers, then ion separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion separation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a voltage potential difference between the inner and outer containers to create an electric field that enhances ion separation during the desalination process. By controlling the voltage parameter, the system achieves improved ion removal efficiency from the water vapor, with energy consumption optimized for small-scale operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device provides a compact, cost-effective means for producing drinking water by efficiently evaporating and condensing seawater, effectively separating salt ions, and maintaining device functionality through efficient salt management and ion separation, suitable for small-scale user groups.

Implementation Method 1

the second container is heated so that water which hits the second container is evaporated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

heating means for heating of the second container and thereby also the evaporation surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

the condensation surface is arranged for condensation of the steam passing out through the holes in the container wall of the second container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

the device comprises means for applying a voltage between the first container and the second container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic separation: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP2569250B1Desalination device with means for applying voltage
Publication Date: 2015.09.02 INGESON
  • EP2569250B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2569250B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (1) for desalination of water is described. The device comprises an inlet (2) for saltwater, a first inner container (3) which is arranged rotatable around an axis of rotation (5), a second container (6) the inside of which constitutes the evaporation surface, heating means (8) for heating of the second container (6) and thereby also the evaporation surface, and a motor (33) which is arranged to rotate the containers (3, 6) around the axis of rotation (5). The second container (6) encloses the first inner container (3) and is connected fixed to the first inner container (3). Means for distribution of water on the evaporation surface is constituted by holes (9) which are arranged in the container wall (4) of the first inner container (3) so that water may pass out to the second container (6). Holes (15) are also arranged in the container wall (7) of the second container (6) so that steam may pass out from the second container (6). A condensation surface is arranged for condensation of steam which passes out through the holes (15) in the container (7) of the second container (6).