Solar-powered system for generating steam and distilled water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water purification plants consume large amounts of energy and generate environmental waste, including steam and heat, without utilizing these byproducts as alternative energy sources, necessitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution for steam and distilled water generation.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered system utilizing evacuated tube collectors for solar heating, boilers for steam production, and photovoltaic panels for energy, combined with a condenser for distillation, to generate steam and distilled water while recycling heat and energy efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional water purification processes are used, then water purification reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and environmental harm worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts waste heat and steam from water purification processes into useful energy sources for driving the distillation process. The evaporator uses waste heat to generate steam, and the condenser recovers heat from condensing steam to preheat feed water, transforming harmful waste products into beneficial energy resources that reduce overall energy consumption while maintaining purification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: the evaporator simultaneously generates steam for distillation and heats feed water; the condenser simultaneously condenses steam to produce distilled water and recovers heat for preheating; the system combines solar heating, waste heat recovery, and steam distillation in one unified process, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining reliable water purification
2Reliability
If conventional water purification processes are used, then water purification reliability is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful waste heat and steam emissions into useful energy resources. The waste heat from the condenser is used to preheat feed water in the evaporator, and waste steam is utilized for distillation, thereby eliminating environmental pollution while maintaining reliable water purification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and reuses waste heat and steam that would otherwise be discarded into the environment. The condenser recovers heat from condensing steam to preheat feed water, and the evaporator recovers steam for distillation, transforming waste products into valuable resources and eliminating environmental harm
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar-powered system is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges solar heating, waste heat recovery, and steam distillation into a single integrated system. The evaporator combines solar heating with waste heat recovery to generate steam, while the condenser simultaneously condenses steam and preheats feed water, reducing overall system complexity despite multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own waste heat and steam to drive the distillation process, making it self-sufficient. The condenser's waste heat automatically preheats feed water, and the evaporator's waste steam is reused for distillation, reducing the need for external energy inputs and simplifying system operation
4Device complexity
If waste heat and steam are released into environment, then process simplicity is maintained, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers waste heat from the condenser to preheat feed water in the evaporator, and recovers waste steam for distillation. This prevents energy loss while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through straightforward heat and mass integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat and steam emissions into beneficial energy sources. The waste heat drives feed water preheating and steam generation, while waste steam provides distillation vapor, transforming energy losses into useful energy contributions that reduce overall energy consumption
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 reduces energy consumption and environmental impact by harnessing solar power for steam and distilled water production, utilizing waste heat and steam as energy sources, and promoting a greener water purification process.
Implementation Method 1
At least one evacuated tube collector is in fluid communication with the first conduit for solar heating of the feed stream of water to produce the heated water and at least the first volume of steam
Implementation Method 2
At least one boiler is in fluid communication with the first conduit for receiving a portion of the heated water for boiling thereof to produce a second volume of steam
Implementation Method 3
a condenser receives the second volume of steam for condensation thereof into distilled water
Data Source
AI summary
The solar-powered system for generating steam and distilled water includes a first conduit having an inlet for receiving a feed stream of water and an outlet for dispensing heated water. The first conduit has at least one steam vent for releasing at least a first volume of steam. At least one evacuated tube collector is in fluid communication with the first conduit for solar heating of the feed stream of water to produce the heated water and the at least first volume of steam. At least one boiler is in fluid communication with the first conduit for receiving a portion of the heated water for boiling thereof to produce a second volume of steam. At least one photovoltaic panel is in electrical communication with the at least one boiler for providing power thereto, and a condenser receives the second volume of steam for condensation thereof into distilled water.