CN210764428U - Hot water and distillation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hot water and distillation plant. Configured to simultaneously produce distilled water and hot water, the hot water and distillation apparatus (2) comprising a hot water tank (22), a condensation chamber, an evaporation structure (18) and a heat source (6) arranged to heat feed water (14) in the evaporation structure (18) and thereby produce steam (74). A tubular structure (92) is arranged inside the hot water tank (22), wherein the tubular structure (92) is in fluid communication with the evaporation structure (18) such that the steam (74) is guided through the tubular structure (92). The tubular structure (92) forms a condensation chamber in which the vapor (74) condenses and forms a distillate (20, 16).

Description

Hot water and distillation apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a hot water and distillation apparatus for distilling supplied water (e.g., brine or sewage) into drinking water and simultaneously producing hot water. The hot water and distillation apparatus according to the invention may be particularly suitable for decentralized domestic use (e.g. in private buildings), remote areas and other places where drinking water is only bottled for use (or very expensive).

Prior Art

In most parts of the world, there is an increasing demand for clean drinking water. Various attempts have been made to easily obtain drinking quality water. However, one of the major challenges associated with most solutions is the need for an external power source to drive the pump or other required power consuming unit.

One of the alternative solutions is to use solar energy to purify local water by distillation. Distillation may be applied to obtain potable water from sewage or brine. However, most prior art solar distillation systems are quite large and often both simple and inefficient, or technically complex and somewhat more efficient. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a more compact system.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The utility model solves the defects existing in the prior art, and the utility model provides a hot water and distillation device

The hot water and distillation apparatus according to the invention is a hot water and distillation apparatus configured to produce distilled water and hot water simultaneously, wherein the hot water and distillation apparatus comprises a hot water tank, a condensation chamber, an evaporation structure and a heat source arranged to heat feed water in the evaporation structure and thereby produce steam, wherein a tubular structure is arranged inside the hot water tank or thermally connected to the hot water tank, wherein the tubular structure is in fluid communication with the evaporation structure such that steam is guided through the tubular structure, wherein the tubular structure constitutes the condensation chamber in which the steam condenses and forms distillate. Hereby, a compact hot water and distillation apparatus may be provided which is easy to produce and cost effective. The thermal energy will produce potable water (by distillation) and the evaporated feed water will heat the water in the hot water tank by condensation heat exchange.

The hot water tank may have any suitable form and size. It may be advantageous that at least a portion of the hot water tank (e.g., a central portion of the hot water tank) is cylindrical. In one embodiment, the evaporation structure is disposed below the hot water tank.

The heat source may be of any suitable size and in thermal communication with the evaporation structure. The condensation of the evaporated feed water from the evaporation structure is performed by means of heat exchange between the hot water tank and the condensation surface. Hereby, a very reliable compact solar hot water and distillation apparatus may be provided.

In one embodiment, the tubular structure constitutes a coil. The coil may be a coiled hollow metal tube. The tubular structure is preferably made of a material having a high thermal conductivity.

In one embodiment, the tubular structure and the hot water tank are formed as one piece. Accordingly, a reliable and compact distillation apparatus can be provided.

In one embodiment, the hot water tank includes a cylindrical portion and two end caps, wherein steam enters the hot water tank through the end caps. Accordingly, a simple and reliable structure can be provided.

In one embodiment, the hot water and distillation apparatus includes an overflow member configured to drain the feed water when the water level in the evaporation structure exceeds a predetermined level. Accordingly, the evaporation structure can be prevented from being overfilled.

In one embodiment, the hot water and distillation apparatus includes an overflow member,

the overflow member is configured to drain distillate when the water level in the distillate collector exceeds a predetermined level. Accordingly, the distillate collector can be prevented from being overfilled.

In one embodiment, the hot water and distillation apparatus includes means for distributing water from the hot water tank into the evaporation structure. In a preferred embodiment, the hot water and distillation apparatus includes a feed water valve arranged and configured to deliver feed water from the hot water tank to the evaporation structure. Accordingly, the filling process can be simplified. The dispensing process may be performed manually or at least partially automatically, e.g. by means of sensors and one or more controllable valves.

In one embodiment, the heat source is electrical. The heat source may be an electric boiler. In one embodiment, the heat source is a solar collector.

It may be beneficial for the evaporation structure to be made of a material that is heat resistant, water resistant, and non-corrosive, such as glass, enamel, composite, metal, or ceramic material. Accordingly, even if the feed water is abrasive (e.g., seawater), the service life of the feed water tray can be extended.

It may be beneficial that the hot water and distillation apparatus according to the present invention comprises means adapted for direct pipe connection for indoor drinking water faucets.

In one embodiment, the liquid level sensor is arranged in the evaporation structure. Hereby, the water level of the evaporation structure can be detected and used for controlling the water delivery to the hot water tank.

Drawings

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below. The drawings are provided by way of illustration only and thus are not limiting of the invention. In the drawings:

figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a slightly different solar hot water and distillation apparatus than that shown in FIG. 1A;

figure 2A shows a perspective view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus according to the present invention;

figure 2B shows a hot water tank of a hot water and distillation apparatus according to the present invention;

fig. 2C shows a perspective view of a structure arranged inside a hot water tank of the hot water and distillation apparatus according to the present invention;

figure 3A shows a hot water and distillation apparatus according to the invention mounted on the roof of a building;

figure 3B shows a perspective view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus according to the present invention;

figure 4 shows an exploded view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus according to the invention;

figures 5A-D show different views of the main components of the hot water and distillation apparatus according to the invention; and

fig. 6 shows a hot water and distillation apparatus according to the invention, wherein the heat source is a wood stove.

Wherein: 2. hot and distillation apparatus, 4, solar, 6, solar collectors, 8, vacuum pipes, 10, sun, 12, ground, 14, feed water, 16, distillate, 18, evaporation structure, 20 'droplets (distillate), 22, hot water tank, 24, divider plate, 32, distillate collector, 38, distillation valve, 40, bottle, 44, lower portion, 46, feed water valve, 48, insulation structure, 50, cover plate, 56, cylindrical portion, 58' end cap, 60, electric heater, 74, steam, 76, support, 78, socket, 80, inlet port, 82, outlet port, 84, mounting plate, 90, pipe, 92, tubular structure, 94, conduit, 96, discharge pipe, 98, overflow pipe, 102, heating pipe, 104, outlet pipe, 106, inlet pipe, 108, outlet pipe, 110, roof, 112, bath water, 114, drinking water, 116. water source 118, wall panel 120, water filter 122, water inlet 124, conduit 128, junction box 130, valve assembly 134, hot water outlet pipe 136, sensor pipe 138, wood stove.

Detailed Description

Referring now in detail to the drawings, for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 is shown in fig. 1A.

Fig. 1A is a schematic side view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the present invention. The solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 (hereinafter also referred to as distillation apparatus) comprises a solar collector 6 provided with a plurality of parallel vacuum tubes 8 arranged in a support 76 configured to receive and hold closed ends of the vacuum tubes 8 fixed relative to each other. The support 76 rests on the ground 12.

The solar collector 6 is arranged inside a socket 78 placed inside the evaporation structure 18. Thermal energy 4 originating from the sun 10 is transferred from the solar collector 6 to the evaporation structure 18. The solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 comprises a lower portion 44 equipped with a support structure resting on the ground 12.

The socket 78 may be formed as a tube welded to the side of the evaporation structure or as a closed tube having an inner diameter that mates with the heat pipe bulb of the solar collector. The weld should be water impervious. In one embodiment according to the invention, a perfect fit is provided between the socket 78 and the solar collector 6. Alternatively, a thermally conductive compound (not shown) may be applied to optimize the transfer of thermal energy 4. The sockets 78 form a dry connection between the evaporation structure 18 and the solar collector 6, allowing fluid exchange without emptying the system (solar hot water and distillation apparatus) 2.

The evaporation structure 18 contains feed water 14 for being distilled. In order to ensure a high capacity of the distillation apparatus 2, the evaporation structure 18 may be provided with a structure configured to receive an electric heater (not shown) as an auxiliary heater. During cloudy days, an auxiliary heater may be required to produce the required amount of hot or distilled water.

As shown in fig. 2B, the hot water tank includes an inlet port 80 for filling cold water and an outlet port 82 for discharging hot water. The inlet port 80 is disposed at a lower position than the outlet port 82.

The solar collector 6 heats the feed water 14, thereby producing steam 74. The steam 74 is guided through a conduit 94 into a tubular structure 92 arranged inside the hot water tank, wherein the steam 74 condenses and produces droplets (distillate) 20' when the steam cools at a condensation surface at the inner surface of the tubular structure 92 (formed as a hollow metal coil). Droplets 20 are directed from tubular structure 92 into bottle 40 through conduit 90 to collect distillate 16. distillation valve 38 is disposed near the free end of conduit 90.

A drain tube 96 projects from the evaporation structure 18. An insulating structure 48 (e.g., made of foam) covers the hot water tank 22.

Fig. 1B shows a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2, which substantially corresponds to the solar hot water and distillation apparatus shown in fig. 1A. However, the droplets 20 (distillate) leaving the tubular structure 92 are collected in a distillate collector 32 arranged below the hot water tank 22. Distillate collector 32 includes overflow tube 98 configured to discharge excess distillate.

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the invention. Fig. 2B shows a hot water tank 22 of a hot water and distillation apparatus according to the present invention, and fig. 2C shows a perspective view of a structure arranged inside the hot water tank 22 of the hot water and distillation apparatus according to the present invention. The distillation apparatus 2 includes a water feed valve 46 in fluid communication with the hot water tank 22 via an outlet conduit 108 and with the evaporation structure 18 via an inlet conduit 106. The water feed valve 46 is configured to deliver water from the hot water tank 22 to the evaporation structure 18. In one embodiment, the feed water valve 46 is arranged to supply feed water from a feed source. In a preferred embodiment, there is a dry connection between the solar collector 6 and the feed water in the evaporation structure 18. Alternatively, a fluid connection is also possible. The distillation apparatus 2 comprises a hot water tank 22 having a cylindrical portion and two end caps 58. An outlet pipe 104 protrudes from the bottom of the hot water tank 22. The distillate exits the tubular structure 92 through an outlet tube 104 (see fig. 2B).

Fig. 2B shows a perspective view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the invention. The distillation apparatus 2 comprises a hot water tank 22 having a cylindrical portion 56 and two end caps 58, 58'. The cylindrical portion 56 is made transparent so that the tubular structure 92 disposed therein is visible. The hot water tank 22 includes an inlet port 80 and an outlet port 82. The outlet port 82 is disposed at a higher position than the inlet port 80.

In fig. 2C, the cylindrical portion of the hot water tank has been removed. The mounting plate 84 is disposed adjacent the valve 46. As can be seen, the evaporation structure 18 includes a plurality of inlets configured to receive vacuum tubes of a solar collector. Furthermore, the evaporation structure 18 is equipped with a drain 96 for draining the evaporation structure 18 and an overflow pipe for draining the feed water when the water level in the evaporation structure exceeds a predetermined level. The steam pipe 100 is arranged to conduct steam from the evaporation structure 18 into the tubular structure 92 through a conduit not shown. The evaporation structure 18 includes a heating tube 102 configured to be connected to another heat source (e.g., an electrical heating source).

Fig. 3A shows a hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the invention mounted on the roof 110 of a building. The solar collector 6 is attached to the roof 110. The evaporation structure 18 is connected to the vacuum tubes of the solar collector 6. The water source 116 is connected to the evaporation structure 18 such that feed water from the water source 116 can be delivered to the evaporation structure 18. A pump (not shown) may be used to pump the feed water into the evaporation structure 18. The tubular structure 92 is disposed inside the hot water tank 22, which is disposed within the top of the interior roof space. The tubular structure 92 is in fluid communication with the evaporation structure 18. The steam from the evaporation structure 18 heats the water in the hot water tank 22 and condenses inside the tubular structure 92. Thus, distilled water is formed and may be discharged from the faucet as drinking water 114. Also, hot water 112 is produced in the hot water tank 22.

Fig. 3B shows a perspective view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the invention. For illustrative purposes, the end caps on the hot water tank have been removed. Thus, it can be seen that the tubular structure 92 is disposed inside the hot water tank 22. An insulating structure 48 surrounds the hot water tank 22. A drain tube 96 and an overflow tube 98 project from the evaporation structure 18.

Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the invention. The distillation apparatus 2 is covered by a plurality of cover plates 50 covering the insulation structure 48 placed underneath. The hot water and distillation apparatus 2 comprises a hot water tank 22 made of a cylindrical portion 56 and two end caps 58, 58'. The hot water and distillation apparatus 2 comprises a tubular structure 92 configured to be arranged inside the hot water tank 22. The tubular structure 92 is a hollow coil that may be made of metal.

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of a distillation apparatus 2 according to the present invention. Fig. 5B-D show cross-sectional views of the solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 shown in fig. 5A. The distillation apparatus 2 comprises a hot water tank 22 arranged on a support member. The hot water tank 22 is surrounded by an insulating structure 48. A metal cover plate 50 covers the insulating structure 48.

Wall panels 118 for mounting the hot water and distillation apparatus 2 on a wall are attached to the cover plate 50. A space is provided under the partition plate 24 disposed under the hot water tank 22. In this space, a water filter 120, a junction box 128, an electric heater 60 and a valve assembly 130 are arranged. The valve assembly 130 is connected to a hot water outlet pipe 134 that extends into the hot water tank 22. The sensor tube 136 extends from the lower side of the hot water tank 22 to the upper portion of the hot water tank 22. In a preferred embodiment, the electric heater 60 is a slotless electric water heater (also referred to as an "instant on" water heater). The electric heater 60 is provided with a water inlet 122 through which water can be delivered to the electric heater 60. The electric heater 60 is connected to the upper end cap of the tubular structure 92 by a conduit 124. Thus, steam generated by the electric heater 60 will enter the tubular structure 92 from the upper end. The steam will be directed along the tubular structure 92, wherein the steam will condense to form distillate 20 when cooled by heat exchange with the inner surface of the tubular structure 92, as the water inside the hot water tank 22 will cool the tubular structure 92. Thus, distillate 20 is produced, while hot water is produced in the hot water tank 22. Distillate 20 is collected by distillate collector 32. The distillate collector 32 is provided with an outlet projecting from its bottom side.

Fig. 6 shows a hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the invention, wherein the heat source is a wood stove 138. The hot water and distillation apparatus 2 includes an evaporation structure 18 arranged on top of a wood stove 138. Furthermore, the hot water and distillation apparatus 2 comprises a hot water tank 22 surrounded by an insulating structure 48 and a cover plate 50. Steam generated in the evaporation structure 18 will enter the tubular structure 92 from the upper end through a conduit (not shown). The steam will be directed along the tubular structure 92, wherein the steam will condense to form distillate when cooled by heat exchange with the inner surface of the tubular structure 92, as the water inside the hot water tank 22 will cool the tubular structure 92. Thus, distillate is produced, while hot water is produced in the hot water tank 22. The distillate may be discharged as potable water 114 or collected in a tank (not shown). The hot water generated in the tank 22 is guided through the hot water outlet pipe 134.

By having a hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the invention, drinking water, hot water for bathing and heat supply can be produced simultaneously. In the event that drinking water and electrical power are not available, the present invention provides a method of producing drinking water, hot water for bathing and heat supply.

Claims (9)

1. A hot water and distillation apparatus configured to produce both distilled water and hot water simultaneously, comprising:

-a hot water tank (22);

-a condensation chamber;

-an evaporation structure (18);

-a heat source (6) arranged to heat the feed water (14) in the evaporation structure (18) and thereby produce steam (74), characterized in that a tubular structure (92) is arranged inside the hot water tank (22) or thermally connected to the hot water tank (22), wherein the tubular structure (92) is in fluid communication with the evaporation structure (18) such that the steam (74) is guided through the tubular structure (92), wherein the tubular structure (92) constitutes the condensation chamber, in which the steam (74) condenses and forms distillates (20, 16).

2. A hot water and distillation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tubular structure (92) constitutes a coil.

3. A hot water and distillation unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tubular structure (92) and the hot water tank (22) are formed in one piece.

4. A hot water and distillation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hot water tank (22) comprises a cylindrical portion (56) and two end caps (58, 58'), wherein the steam (74) enters the hot water tank (22) through the end caps (58, 58').

5. A hot water and distillation apparatus (2) according to claim 1, further comprising an overflow member configured to drain feed water (14) when the water level in the evaporation structure (18) exceeds a predetermined level.

6. Hot water and distillation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hot water and distillation apparatus (2) further comprises an overflow member configured to drain distillate (20) when the water level in the distillate collector (32) exceeds a predetermined level.

7. A hot water and distillation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a feed water valve (46) configured to deliver feed water (14) from the hot water tank (22) to the evaporation structure (18).

8. A hot water and distillation apparatus according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the heat source (6) is a solar collector.

9. A hot water and distillation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source is an electric heat source.

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