Split Water Extractor Layout for Low-Energy Air Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water generators are inefficient, energy-intensive, and costly, failing to provide a reliable source of potable water due to their complex structure, energy consumption during defrosting, and lack of energy efficiency, making them impractical for producing potable water from ambient air.
Innovation Solution
A split-type water extraction system with a stationary water generator and dispensing block, using a refrigeration system to cool outside air, condense water vapor, and purify it through a cascade of filters, equipped with variable speed fans, revolving doors, and sensors to optimize airflow and energy efficiency, eliminating the need for energy-consuming deicing systems and ensuring high-quality, cost-effective water production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If prior art water generators use compressors to maintain a cold set-point temperature within the water reservoir, then the water reservoir temperature is maintained, but the compressors operate continuously even when water is not actively produced, leading to high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor operates periodically rather than continuously. It activates only when the evaporator temperature approaches the dew point and water production is needed, and stops when the temperature differential is sufficient or no water production is required. This periodic operation dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective water generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the temperature differential between outside air and the evaporator surface to drive water condensation and collection. The natural cooling effect of the evaporator surface below dew point temperature causes water vapor to condense automatically without requiring continuous compressor operation, allowing the system to serve itself during favorable environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If prior art water generators are equipped with evaporators having defrosting facilities based on hot refrigerant gas flow bypassing reverse cycle, then the evaporator is defrosted, but the generator structure becomes complicated and more energy is consumed without producing water during the reverse cycle defrosting process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex hot gas reversing defrosting system entirely. Instead, it uses a simple electric heating element applied directly to the evaporator surface for defrosting when needed. This extraction of the unnecessary reverse cycle mechanism simplifies the overall generator structure while maintaining reliable defrosting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive electric heating element for defrosting rather than a complex mechanical reverse cycle system. This disposable-like approach uses a straightforward, low-cost solution (electric heating) that can be applied temporarily when needed, avoiding the permanent complexity of a hot gas reversing system.
3Device complexity
If water generators are not designed to be of the split type with the water generating unit separated from the water dispensing unit, then the structure is simpler, but the efficiency is not optimized and the generator occupies inside space influencing the inside microclimate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate units: an outdoor water generating unit and an indoor water dispensing unit. The generating unit, which produces water through condensation, is placed outside where it can utilize ambient air without affecting indoor climate. The dispensing unit is located inside for convenient water distribution. This segmentation optimizes both efficiency and spatial utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the water generation function from the water dispensing function in terms of spatial location (outside vs. inside), effectively using the outdoor-indoor dimension to resolve the conflict between efficiency optimization and indoor space utilization. This dimensional separation allows the generator to operate at full efficiency outdoors while the dispenser serves indoor needs.
4Reliability
If water generators use heating strips and hot gas reversing deicing systems, then the evaporator is protected from freezing, but the construction becomes complicated and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hot gas reversing deicing system and replaces it with a simple electric heating element. This extraction of the complex hot gas mechanism eliminates the associated energy consumption and structural complexity while maintaining effective freeze protection through direct electric heating of the evaporator surface.
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 provides a reliable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective means of producing high-quality potable water from ambient air, reducing energy consumption and initial costs, while maintaining water quality and productivity, with a lower specific cost compared to bottled water.
Implementation Method 1
outside air is cooled by a refrigeration system in consequence of which the vapor contained in air is condensed and transformed into water
Implementation Method 2
the surface temperature of the evaporator is kept below the dew point temperature of air by cold refrigerant. In consequence of heat exchange the air is cooled up to temperatures far higher than the dew point, but enough for condensing the water vapor on the surface of evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A split type potable water extractor from ambient air and water dispenser is invented, comprising separate water generating block located outside a water use area and water dispensing block located inside a water use area. The water generator block cycles refrigerant through a condenser and an evaporator to create condensation by heat exchange with ambient air circulated by an intake airflow system. The condensate water is collected and purified in a cascade of bactericidal loop to remove impurities. The purified water is pumped to a dispensing apparatus which can be installed in the home or other area of water use separate from the water generating block. If any one of the functional parts or units of water generator is disabled the water generator immediately stops operating to deliver water to the tank of the dispensing apparatus.