Split Water Extractor Layout for Efficient Air-to-Water Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water generators are inefficient, energy-consuming, and costly, failing to provide a reliable source of potable water from ambient air due to complex structures, high energy usage, and ineffective air handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A split-type water extractor system with a stationary outdoor generator and indoor dispenser, utilizing a refrigeration system to condense air vapor into water, which is then purified and distributed, featuring variable speed fans, revolving doors, and a cascade filtration system to optimize energy efficiency and water quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art water generators use evaporators with hot refrigerant gas flow bypassing reverse cycle for defrosting, then the defrosting function is achieved, but the generator structure becomes complicated and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex hot gas reversing defrosting system entirely from the water generator. Instead, it uses a simple electric heating element (defrosting heater) mounted on the evaporator surface to provide defrosting function, thereby extracting the problematic complex mechanism while retaining the essential defrosting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical refrigerant-based hot gas defrosting system with an electric heating system. The electric defrosting heater directly heats the evaporator surface to melt frost, substituting the complex refrigerant flow reversal mechanism with a simpler electrical heating approach.
2Temperature
If prior art water generators use compressors operating to maintain cold set-point temperature within water reservoir, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases because compressors operate even when water production is not active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the compressor operation. The compressor operates only during active water production cycles when the evaporator is condensing moisture from air, and shuts off when water production is not needed. This dynamic on/off control based on actual production needs eliminates continuous operation and reduces energy consumption significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures the compressor operates continuously only during productive water generation periods, maintaining cold temperature in the water reservoir precisely when water is being produced and stored. The system avoids continuous operation by aligning compressor activity with actual water production cycles, eliminating wasteful continuous cooling when water production is inactive.
3Productivity
If split type design separates water generating unit from water dispensing unit, then efficiency is optimized and installation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water system into two separate functional units: a water generator unit that extracts moisture from air and produces water, and a water dispensing unit that stores and dispenses the produced water. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function and placed in different locations (generator outside, dispenser inside), improving efficiency and installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a water transfer mechanism (water transfer tube or pump system) as an intermediary to connect the generator unit and dispensing unit. This intermediary component enables water to be transported from the outdoor generator to the indoor dispenser, allowing the split design to function seamlessly while maintaining system simplicity.
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 cost-effective, energy-efficient, and reliable source of high-quality potable water, reducing energy consumption and production costs compared to bottled water, while maintaining water quality and operating efficiently in various environmental conditions.
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
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 that 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.