Zig-Zag Plate Solar Desalination with Photothermal Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar desalination systems are inefficient, require high electrical energy, and need frequent maintenance due to dust accumulation on photovoltaic panels and the use of high-pressure pumps, while direct solar-thermal desalination systems are inefficient and require large solar chambers per volume of freshwater produced.
Innovation Solution
A direct solar desalination system with a zig-zag arrangement of plates and copper channels coated with a photothermal layer, operating without electrical input, where saltwater flows through the channels to enhance evaporation and condensation, and reflective surfaces are used for improved solar energy capture, allowing for low-cost, high-quality freshwater production at ambient temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If PV panels are used to power desalination systems, then electrical power is provided, but regular cleaning is required to remove dust and debris that negatively affect efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes PV panels from the system entirely, extracting the electrical power generation component that requires maintenance. The system instead uses direct solar thermal energy to drive the desalination process, eliminating the need for cleaning PV panels while maintaining electrical power production capability through a different mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical power system (PV panels requiring cleaning) with a thermal system (solar collectors heating saltwater). This substitution eliminates the mechanical cleaning requirement while achieving the same goal of powering desalination through solar energy, using thermal energy instead of electrical energy.
2Reliability
If high-pressure pumps are used in RO systems, then desalination is achieved, but high levels of electrical energy are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical high-pressure pumps with a thermal field-based system. Solar collectors heat saltwater to generate vapor, which condenses on cooler surfaces to produce fresh water. This thermal process eliminates the need for energy-intensive mechanical pumps while maintaining effective desalination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water (liquid to vapor through evaporation, then vapor to liquid through condensation) to achieve desalination. The saltwater is heated to evaporate water, and the vapor condenses on cooler surfaces to produce fresh water, eliminating the need for mechanical pumping and high electrical energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If direct STD systems are used, then solar energy is utilized, but they are relatively inefficient and require large solar chamber per volume of freshwater produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar chamber into multiple compartments using vertical partitions, creating several smaller evaporation zones. This segmentation increases the surface area for evaporation within a compact volume, improving freshwater production efficiency while maintaining solar energy utilization. The segmented structure allows saltwater to be distributed across multiple heating surfaces, enhancing overall productivity.
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 produces high-quality freshwater efficiently and cost-effectively without electrical input, reducing maintenance needs and energy consumption, while maintaining simplicity and effectiveness in freshwater production.
Implementation Method 1
The channels/wires are coated with a photothermal layer to enhance evaporation
Implementation Method 2
Saltwater that does not flow down the channels/wires drips down to the next plate and so forth, and any remaining saltwater is collected at the bottom of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
The fresh water condenses on the bottom surface of the slanted top, flows down the surface, and is collected at the bottom of the shortest sidewall
Implementation Method 4
Reflective surfaces can be attached to the top of the sidewalls for improved solar energy capture
Data Source
AI summary
The direct solar desalination system with enhanced desalination has a main chamber having a slanted transparent top and vertical sidewalls. Saltwater is fed to the top of a series of plates, with the top plate and every other plate slanting into the chamber, while the intervening plates slant back toward the chamber wall. The lower edge of the plates that are slanted into the chamber have a plurality of copper channels or wires extending between the plate's edge and the opposite chamber wall. Saltwater that does not flow down the channels/wires drips down to the next plate and so forth, and any remaining saltwater is collected at the bottom of the chamber. The channels/wires are coated with a photothermal layer to enhance evaporation. The fresh water condenses on the bottom surface of the slanted top, flows down the surface, and is collected at the bottom of the shortest sidewall.