Vacuum-Assisted Solar Desalination With Dual-Chamber Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water distillation methods are either energy-intensive or rely solely on solar energy, requiring significant initial investment and maintenance, and existing desalination processes like reverse osmosis consume large amounts of energy, especially when dealing with high salt concentrations in ocean water, necessitating a more efficient and economical solution for producing potable water.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered water sanitizing system that uses a combination of a solar energy concentrator, a vacuum source, and controlled pressure within an inner and outer chamber to lower the vaporization temperature of water, allowing solar energy to efficiently vaporize and separate contaminants, including salt, from water, with the vaporized steam being condensed back into potable water outside the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional water distillation methods are used, then clean water can be produced, but large amounts of energy are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter within the distillation chamber to lower the boiling point of water. By operating under reduced pressure (vacuum conditions), water vaporizes at temperatures below 100°C, significantly reducing the thermal energy required for the phase change while maintaining effective separation of water from contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the distillation process into distinct functional zones: a condensation chamber where water vapor condenses into purified water, and a separate distillation chamber where water vaporizes. This segmentation allows optimized conditions in each zone - cooling in the condensation chamber and controlled heating under vacuum in the distillation chamber - improving overall energy efficiency
2Reliability
If reverse osmosis is used to remove salt from water, then potable water can be produced, but large amounts of energy are required especially for high salt concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition (vaporization and condensation) to separate water from dissolved salts and contaminants. Water vaporizes in the distillation chamber under vacuum, leaving salts behind, then condenses in the condensation chamber to produce purified water. This phase-based separation is inherently more energy-efficient than forcing water through membranes under high pressure, especially for high-salinity feeds
3Use of energy by stationary object
If solar energy alone is used for steam distillation, then lower energy costs are achieved, but system complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular functional chambers (condensation chamber and distillation chamber) that can be independently optimized and maintained. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity by isolating functions, making the solar-powered system more manageable and easier to maintain despite using renewable energy sources
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 system effectively and economically sanitizes water by utilizing solar energy and controlled pressure to reduce the energy required for vaporization, providing a practical solution for water-stressed areas, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs while efficiently removing contaminants and salt from seawater.
Implementation Method 1
a lens for concentrating solar energy on contents within the inner chamber, wherein lens concentrates solar energy applied to a liquid within the inner chamber
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source in communication separately with the inner chamber and the outer chamber, the vacuum source controlling pressure within the inner chamber separately from the outer chamber for controlling conversion of liquid within the inner chamber to a gas
Implementation Method 3
Generation of a negative pressure lowers the temperature at which water will vaporize in the inner chamber such that solar energy focused on the inner chamber is sufficient to vaporize the inner chamber
Implementation Method 4
condensing the exhausted steam into a liquid form outside of the inner chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A water sanitizing system is disclosed and includes an inner chamber and an outer chamber disposed at least partially around the inner chamber. A lens concentrates solar energy applied to a liquid within the inner chamber. A vacuum source in communication separately with the inner chamber and the outer chamber. The vacuum source controls a pressure within the inner chamber separately from the outer chamber for controlling conversion of liquid within the inner chamber to a gas. The outer chamber, also under vacuum, is an insulative layer to prevent heat loss.