Passive Solar Water Distiller with Evacuated Tubes and PCMs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive solar water distillation devices are inefficient, expensive, and unable to operate effectively at night or on rocking surfaces like fishing boats, limiting their use in remote areas for producing pure water.
Innovation Solution
A passive solar water distiller with increased surface area for condensation using Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and evacuated tubes, allowing continuous operation during sunlight and nighttime hours, and designed for mounting on fishing boats to prevent splashback of raw water into the distillate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If passive solar stills use traditional design with limited condensation surface area, then device complexity is reduced, but water purification productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation surface is divided into multiple segments including the inverted cone surface, the inner surface of the transparent cover, and the outer surface of the transparent cover. This segmentation increases the total condensation surface area without requiring a single complex structure, thereby improving water purification productivity while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the inverted cone surface and the outer surface of the transparent cover as additional condensation surfaces, transitioning from a traditional two-dimensional condensation surface to a three-dimensional multi-surface system. This dimensional expansion significantly increases the condensation surface area and improves productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If passive solar stills operate only during daytime, then energy consumption is reduced, but duration of action is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating and evaporation of water during the daytime when sunlight is available, storing the generated water vapor and thermal energy. This preliminary action enables the system to continue operating during nighttime hours without direct solar input, extending the duration of action while managing energy consumption through efficient thermal storage and vapor condensation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation by maintaining the evaporation-condensation cycle throughout the day and night. The transparent cover allows continuous condensation of water vapor on its outer surface, and the inverted cone structure facilitates continuous drainage of condensed water, ensuring uninterrupted water purification action regardless of sunlight availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive solar stills are designed for stationary use, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to moving surfaces like fishing boats is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal structure that can function effectively in both stationary and moving environments. The inverted cone condensation surface and transparent cover assembly can be mounted on stationary platforms or adapted to fishing boats through appropriate mounting mechanisms. The design incorporates features that maintain functionality during rocking motion, such as secure mounting and stable condensation surfaces, thereby achieving multi-functionality without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
4Loss of energy
If passive solar stills use traditional condensation surfaces, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but heat dissipation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation surface is segmented into multiple functional surfaces including the inverted cone surface and the transparent cover surfaces. This segmentation increases the total surface area available for heat dissipation and condensation, improving heat dissipation efficiency. The segmented design can be manufactured using standard techniques and does not require complex or expensive materials, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly enhancing thermal performance.
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
Enhances water purification efficiency and productivity, providing a reliable and portable source of clean water for emergency use, capable of operating continuously regardless of sunlight exposure and surface motion.
Implementation Method 1
The PCMs allow the passive solar energy water distillation device to operate during the nighttime hours and, as result, further facilitate the yield of the still due to prolonged evaporation and condensation working time.
Implementation Method 2
providing a large glass surface for condensation and conduction of heat to the external ambient environment
Implementation Method 3
The present invention is designed to augment all areas of functionality of solar stills by increasing the efficiency and productivity
Implementation Method 4
providing a large glass surface for condensation and conduction of heat to the external ambient environment
Implementation Method 5
providing a large glass surface for condensation and conduction of heat to the external ambient environment
Implementation Method 6
providing a large glass surface for condensation and conduction of heat to the external ambient environment
Data Source
AI summary
A passive solar water distiller is an apparatus that utilizes sunlight to maximize the output of clean water with increased surface area for evaporation and condensation and effective means to retain and store heat. The apparatus includes a retaining basin, a plurality of evacuated tubes, a vapor-enhancing system, a plurality of transparent condensing covers, and a gutter system. The retaining basin houses contaminated water. The plurality of evacuated tubes heats the contaminated water within the retaining basin with solar energy. The vapor-enhancing system facilitates the vaporization of the contaminated water, leaving the contaminants within the retaining basin. The vapor-enhancing system also stores heat so that the apparatus is able to release heat and operate during nighttime hours or while there is a lack of direct sunlight. The plurality of transparent condensing covers increases the surface area for condensate of clean water to drip into the gutter system for collection.