Wave-Powered Desalination Station with Modular Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional desalination processes face inefficiencies in pumping, purification, and delivery systems, leading to high energy consumption, costly construction and operation, brine disposal issues, lack of scalability, and inefficient renewable energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A modular, renewably-powered desalination/water purification station utilizing wave and solar energy for pumping and purification, featuring efficient wave push/pull pumping mechanisms, advanced filtration systems, and solar thermal distillation, which eliminates brine disposal and enhances scalability and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional high pressure pumping systems are used for desalination, then sufficient pressure is achieved for filtration, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional high-power mechanical pumping systems with a hydraulic ram pump system that utilizes the kinetic energy of incoming water flow and gravity to achieve high-pressure pumping. The system converts the energy of falling water into mechanical work to pump water upward, eliminating the need for high-consumption electric motors while achieving sufficient pressure for reverse osmosis filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using intermittent high-pressure pulses instead of continuous steady-state high-pressure pumping. The hydraulic ram pump generates periodic pressure surges that are sufficient for membrane filtration, reducing average energy consumption while maintaining the necessary peak pressures for desalination.
2Reliability
If reverse osmosis filters are replaced frequently to maintain efficiency, then filtration performance is improved, but operation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-filtration stages before the reverse osmosis membranes to remove particulates and reduce fouling. This preliminary action protects the expensive RO membranes from rapid degradation, extending their service life and reducing replacement frequency while maintaining filtration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic backwashing mechanisms that allow the filters to clean themselves periodically, removing accumulated debris and restoring flow rates without manual intervention. This self-maintenance capability extends filter life and reduces operational costs while maintaining reliable filtration performance.
3Quantity of substance
If desalination plants are located near coast areas, then water source availability is improved, but water delivery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the desalination system into modular units that can be distributed closer to water consumption points. Rather than one large centralized plant requiring long-distance water transport, multiple smaller modular units can be placed strategically, reducing delivery distances and energy losses while maintaining access to seawater sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gravity-flow hydraulic ram pumps as intermediaries that can operate without external power sources. These pumps use the natural energy of incoming water to pump treated water to storage tanks at higher elevations, creating gravity-fed distribution systems that minimize energy losses during water delivery.
4Productivity
If conventional centralized desalination plants are built, then water production capacity is improved, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs modular design where the desalination system is divided into independent, standardized units. Each module contains complete functionality (intake, filtration, RO membranes, storage), allowing systems to be scaled by adding modules rather than building large centralized facilities. This modularity reduces construction costs through standardized manufacturing and easier deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are designed to be universally applicable in various locations and configurations. Each module can function independently or be combined with others, providing flexible scaling options that match local water demands without requiring expensive custom-built centralized plants. The universal design reduces overall construction costs through economies of scale in manufacturing standardized 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 solution provides a sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable desalination system that reduces energy consumption, construction costs, and environmental impact, while being adaptable to various salinity levels and applications, offering a versatile and efficient method for producing fresh water.
Implementation Method 1
wave-powered desalination/water purification station
Implementation Method 2
solar thermal purifications are provided with distilling processes under vaccine conditions
Implementation Method 3
reverse-osmosis filters
Implementation Method 4
forward-osmosis filters
Implementation Method 5
turbine filters
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to 100% renewably-powered desalination/water purification stations for universal applications, the station is disruptive, scalable, amphibious and deportable to seawater, brackish or spill oil sites for simple wave-powered and autonomous operations, the station has a mooring assembly with pumping-purification-delivery subsystems powered by wave and solar energies, the pumping subsystems has the simplest, most efficient wave push/pull pump mechanisms powered by amplified wave centrifugal forces , the mechanical purifications has turbine filters, reverse-osmosis filters, forward-osmosis filters and relief valves to backwash buildups without releasing brine, release water through collecting spill oil, the solar thermal purifications are provided with distilling processes under vaccine conditions, the delivery subsystems with wave turbines and solar panels for generating electricity, propellering and transferring the stations for delivering fresh waters to destinations under GPS guide with the lowest LCOW.