Solar Desalination Air Circulation and Heat Recovery

The patent utilizes phase transitions of water (evaporation and condensation) as the core mechanism for desalination. Solar energy heats air to high temperatures, which then evaporates water from saline solution. The vapor condenses on cooler surfaces, releasing latent heat that pre-heats incoming feed water. This phase transition-based approach achieves superior energy efficiency compared to conventional solar collectors while fully utilizing renewable solar energy.

The system dramatically changes the temperature parameter of air, heating it to very high temperatures within the solar desalination structure. This high-temperature air serves as the heating medium for evaporation. The temperature parameter is dynamically adjusted through the solar heating process and the heat recovery from condensation, optimizing energy utilization efficiency.

The patent introduces air as an intermediary heating medium between the solar energy source and the water to be evaporated. This air is heated to high temperatures and circulated through the system. For condensation, the system uses the latent heat released during phase change and transfers it to pre-heat incoming feed water, eliminating the need for deep cold seawater. This intermediary approach allows the system to adapt to various water sources regardless of temperature.

The system uses its own process heat for pre-heating feed water. The latent heat released during vapor condensation is captured and used to pre-heat the incoming saline feed water, creating a self-sustaining heat recovery loop. This self-service heat recovery mechanism eliminates dependence on external cold water sources for condensation.

The patent merges the heating function and heat recovery function into a single integrated system. The air that is heated by solar energy serves dual purposes: it provides heat for evaporation and, after cooling, its residual heat is used to pre-heat incoming feed water. The condensation process also releases latent heat that is captured for pre-heating. This merging of functions increases evaporation productivity while managing energy complexity through integration rather than separate systems.

The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that heat is continuously recovered and reused. The latent heat from condensation continuously pre-heats incoming feed water, and the cooled air is continuously reheated by solar energy. This continuous cycle maximizes evaporation productivity while minimizing energy waste, managing the complexity through sustained useful action rather than intermittent operation.