Solar-Heated Water Generation Unit with Thermoresponsive Sorbent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water supply methods rely on surface or groundwater sources that may be unavailable, contaminated, or difficult to access, and transporting water over long distances is costly and environmentally unsustainable, necessitating a decentralized solution for water extraction.
Innovation Solution
A water generation unit that extracts water from ambient air using a thermoresponsive sorbent medium, an air-supply arrangement, and a heating arrangement, with solar radiation utilized for heating, allowing for efficient water capture and release without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional water supply methods are used (surface or groundwater sources), then water can be supplied to populated areas, but the cost of transporting water over long distances increases and environmental sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water generation unit enables locations to produce their own water supply by extracting moisture from ambient air, eliminating the need for external water transport infrastructure and reducing dependency on centralized water sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts water directly from atmospheric moisture in the ambient air, separating the water supply function from traditional groundwater or surface water sources, thereby enabling decentralized water production at the point of use
2Quantity of substance
If traditional water supply methods are used, then water can be delivered to areas, but reliability deteriorates when sources are unavailable or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-sufficient water production by extracting moisture from ambient air, ensuring continuous water supply independent of external water sources that may be contaminated or unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The water generation unit can operate in various environmental conditions and locations, providing a universal water supply solution that is not limited by proximity to specific water sources
3Productivity
If a water generation unit with multiple components is used, then water extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water generation unit is divided into functionally independent modules (housing with extraction chamber, air-supply arrangement, heating arrangement, accumulation arrangement) that can be designed, manufactured, and maintained separately while working together as an integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoresponsive sorbent medium acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates water extraction from air through temperature-dependent adsorption and desorption cycles, enabling efficient water production without complex mechanical components
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 captures and releases water from ambient air, providing a sustainable and decentralized water supply solution for various applications, including residential, agricultural, and emergency use, without reliance on external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoresponsive sorbent medium arranged on the perforated plate in a sorbent layer, the sorbent layer being configured to provide fluid paths for water to flow therethrough to the perforated plate
Implementation Method 2
The heating arrangement is configured, in a heating position thereof, to facilitate heating of the extraction chamber
Implementation Method 3
The heating arrangement may further comprise a solar thermal absorber configured to be disposed within the extraction chamber, the solar thermal absorber configured to convert solar radiation impinging thereon into heat, and to release the heat into the extraction chamber
Implementation Method 4
the air-supply arrangement comprising a circulation device configured to create an airflow into the extraction chamber from the ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
A water generation unit configured to extract water from ambient air is provided. The water generation unit comprises a housing defining therewithin an extraction chamber, and comprising one or more sidewalls defining a housing opening, the housing further comprises a liquid-passable housing bottom comprising a perforated plate configured to support thereon a thermoresponsive sorbent medium; an air-supply arrangement configured to introduce ambient air into the extraction chamber via the housing opening, the air-supply arrangement comprising a circulation device configured to create an airflow into the extraction chamber from the ambient air; a heating arrangement configured to facilitate heating of the extraction chamber by solar radiation impinging thereon; and an accumulation arrangement comprising an accumulation element disposed below the housing bottom, the accumulation element being configured to facilitate accumulation of water which passes from the extraction chamber through the perforated plate.