Water Adsorption Housing for Low-Energy Air Water Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting water from air are inefficient and energy-intensive, relying on internal air circulation and cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A water adsorption device with a housing, container, and water adsorbing material, where a gas flow contacts the material, and a heating device is used to saturate the space with moisture, allowing condensed water to be collected without vaporizing the adsorbed water, utilizing non-insulating materials with specific emissivity values to minimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional water extraction methods are used, then water can be extracted from air, but energy consumption is high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water through adsorption (gas to adsorbed state) and desorption (adsorbed state to gas), followed by condensation (gas to liquid). This phase transition approach enables water extraction without high-energy vaporization, resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by using materials with different emissivity values (container: ≤0.5, outer surface: ≥0.6) and controlling temperature cycles (adsorption at ambient temperature, heating to 60-80°C for desorption). These parameter changes enable efficient water extraction with reduced energy input
2Ease of operation
If internal air circulation and cooling systems are used, then water extraction can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cooling system from conventional air conditioning devices, replacing it with a passive condensation system. The housing walls serve dual purposes as both structural components and condensation surfaces, removing the need for separate cooling apparatus and simplifying the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The housing walls perform multiple functions: providing structural support, serving as thermal radiation surfaces for heat exchange, and acting as condensation surfaces for water collection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity
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 solution reduces energy needed by breaking the bonding between water and the adsorbing material rather than vaporizing it, eliminating the need for cooling systems and achieving significant energy savings, with the potential for efficient water extraction from air for dehumidification or air-conditioning applications.
Implementation Method 1
a water adsorbing material confined within the container; whereby a gas flow may be allowed to flow from the sealable inlet of the housing through the container in contact with the water adsorbing material
Implementation Method 2
heating the water adsorbing material until the space between the container and the inner surface of the housing is saturated with moisture
Implementation Method 3
collecting condensed water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for adsorbing water from gas using water adsorption material and a method of adsorbing water from gas.