CN210764416U

CN210764416U - Hot water and distillation apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN210764416U
Application number: CN201921225227.0U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 汤姆·尤尔·安德森
Original assignee: Ideakontoret Ltd
Current assignee: Ideakontoret Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-31
Filing date: 2019-07-31
Publication date: 2020-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-31

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 (34); an evaporation tray (18); a heat source arranged to heat water (14) in the evaporation tray (18), the hot water and distillation apparatus (2) being configured to condense evaporated feed water from the evaporation tray (18) by means of heat exchange between the hot water tank (22) and an outer condensing surface of the hot water tank (22). The condensation chamber (34) is a support member (34) supportingly attached to an outer surface (30) of the hot water tank (22). The support member (34) includes a separation structure (42), an evaporation tray (18), and a distillate collector (32), wherein the separation structure (42) separates the feed water (14) in the evaporation tray (18) from the distillate (20) in the distillate collector (32).

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

Utility model discloses a solve the defect that prior art exists, the utility model provides a

The hot water and distillation apparatus according to the present invention is a hot water and distillation apparatus configured to simultaneously produce distilled water and hot water, wherein the hot water and distillation apparatus comprises:

-a hot water tank;

-a condensation chamber;

-an evaporation tray;

-a heat source arranged to heat the feed water in the evaporation tray, wherein the hot water and distillation apparatus is configured to condense evaporated feed water from the evaporation tray by means of heat exchange between the hot water tank and an outer condensation surface of the hot water tank, wherein the condensation chamber is a support member supportingly attached to an outer surface of the hot water tank, wherein the support member comprises a separation structure, the evaporation tray and a distillate collector, wherein the separation structure separates feed water in the evaporation tray from distillate in the distillate collector. 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 tray is arranged in the condensation chamber, preferably in a lower part of the condensation chamber. In one embodiment, the evaporation tray is provided as a tubular structure extending from the bottom of the condensation chamber into the condensation chamber.

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

In a preferred embodiment, the support member is attached (e.g., by welding) to the lower half of the hot water tank. This is an advantage when the hot water tank is supported by the support member.

In one embodiment, the support member and the hot water tank are formed as one piece.

In one embodiment, the partition structure is a partition wall having an inclined surface defining a wall of the distillate collector, wherein the inclined surface is inclined towards the distillate collector such that distillate dripping onto the inclined surface will be directed into the distillate collector through the wall.

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 tray exceeds a predetermined level. Accordingly, the evaporation tray 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 dispensing water from the hot water tank into the evaporation tray. In a preferred embodiment, the hot water and distillation apparatus includes a valve arranged and configured to deliver the supply water from the hot water tank to the evaporation tray. 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.

In one embodiment, the evaporation tray and the distillate collector are arranged in the (same) condensation chamber. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the hot water and distillation apparatus and to provide a compact hot water and distillation apparatus.

It may be beneficial for the evaporation tray to be made of a heat-resistant, water-resistant and non-corrosive material, 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 tray. Accordingly, the water level of the evaporation tray can be detected and used to control the delivery of water 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 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus according to the invention;

2A-E show different views of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus according to the invention;

figure 3A shows an exploded view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus according to the present invention;

3B-E show different views of the main components of the solar hot water and distillation apparatus shown in FIG. 3A;

4A-D show different views of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus according to the invention;

FIGS. 5A-B show cross-sectional views of the solar hot water and distillation apparatus shown in FIG. 4A; 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 water and distillation apparatus, 4, solar, 6, solar collector, 8, vacuum tube, 10, sun, 12, ground, 14, feed water, 16, distillate, 18, evaporation tray, 20', droplets (distillate), 22, hot water tank, 26, interior space, 28, interior surface, 30, exterior surface, 32, distillate collector, 34, support member, 36, conduit, 38, distillation valve, 40, bottle, 42, partition wall, 44, lower portion, 46, feed water valve, 48', 48 ", insulation structure, 50, cover plate, 52, tray, 54 ', end wall, 56, cylindrical portion, 58', end cap, 60, electric heater, 62, valve assembly, 64, overflow tube, 66, inlet tube, 68, outlet, 70', outlet tube, 72, inlet tube, 74, steam, 76, support, 78, socket, 80', outlet tube, 80, steam collector, 12, ground, interior surface, 34, outlet tube, 40, partition wall, 44, lower portion, 46, inlet port, 82, outlet port, 84, mounting plate, 86, lower, 88, upper, 114, potable water, 138, wood stove.

Detailed Description

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

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the 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 tray 18. Thermal energy 4 originating from the sun 10 is transferred from the solar collector 6 to the evaporation tray 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 lower portion 44 is configured to support the support member 34 on which the hot water tank 22 having the interior space 26 is disposed. The hot water tank 22 includes an inner surface 28 and an outer surface 30 and is configured to be pressurized.

The sockets 78 may be formed as tubes welded to the sides of the evaporation tray or as closed tubes having an inner diameter that mates with the heat pipe bulbs 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 tray 18 and the solar collector 6, allowing fluid exchange without emptying the system (solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2).

The evaporation tray 18 contains feed water 14 for being distilled. In order to ensure a high capacity of the distillation apparatus 2, the evaporation tray 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. 3B and 3C, 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 outer surface 30 of the bottom of the hot water tank 22 is a condensation surface.

A conduit 36 is disposed at the bottom of distillate collector 32. Conduit 36 is provided with a distillation valve 38 configured to discharge distillate 20' from distillate collector 32 into bottle 40, similar to the bottle disposed in lower portion 66 of solar power plant 2.

The solar collector 6 heats the feed water 14, thereby producing steam 74. As the vapor 74 cools at the condensing surface at the outer surface 30 of the bottom of the hot water tank 22, it condenses and produces droplets (distillate) 20. Droplets 20 are collected by distillate collector 32.

Fig. 2A and 2B show perspective views of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the invention. Fig. 2C shows a side view, while fig. 2D shows a top view of the distillation apparatus 2 shown in fig. 2A and 2B. Fig. 2E shows a perspective side view of distillation apparatus 2 in a configuration in which the end structures of hot water tank 22 and distillate collector 32 have been removed.

The hot water and distillation apparatus 2 comprises several one or more

insulating structures

48, 48', 48 "covering the hot water tank 22. The hot water and distillation apparatus 2 includes a water feed valve 46 in fluid communication with the hot water tank 22 and the evaporation tray 18. The water feed valve 46 is configured to deliver water from the hot water tank 22 to the evaporation tray 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 tray 18. Alternatively, a fluid connection is also possible.

Fig. 2E shows the spigot 78 of the tube of the solar collector 6 protruding into the evaporation tray 18. Thus, the thermal energy from the sockets 78 may heat the feed water in the evaporation tray 18. The distillation apparatus 2 includes a dividing wall 42 that divides the support member 34 into the distillate collector 32 and the evaporation tray 18. The partition wall 42 has an inclined surface defining a wall of the distillate collector 32, wherein the inclined surface is inclined towards the distillate collector 32 such that distillate dripping onto the inclined surface will be directed through the wall into the distillate collector 32.

Fig. 3A shows an exploded view of a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the invention. The hot water and distillation apparatus 2 comprises a hot water tank 22 having a cylindrical portion and two end caps 58, 58'. The hot water and distillation apparatus 2 comprises a support member 34 having a tray 52 (e.g. made of a curved plate) and two end walls 54, 54'. The hot water and distillation apparatus 2 comprises an insulating structure 48, a solar collector 6, a feed water valve 46 and a mounting plate 84 for mounting the valve 46 so that it can be connected to the hot water tank 22 and the evaporation tray of the support member 34.

Fig. 3B-E show different views of the hot water tank 22 and the support member 34 of the solar hot water and distillation apparatus shown in fig. 3A. 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. The hot water tank 22 is attached to the support member 34 placed below, so that the hot water tank 22 and the support member 34 constitute an integral molding. This is shown in fig. 3C and 3E. However, in fig. 3B and 3D, the hot water tank 22 is disposed above the support member 34 for the purpose of illustration. It can be seen that the support member 34 is shaped to receive a cylindrical portion of the hot water tank 22.

Fig. 4A shows a solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 according to the invention. The retort 2 is covered by a plurality of cover plates 50. Fig. 4B, 4C and 4D show the distillation apparatus 2 shown in fig. 4A in a configuration in which the cover plate and underlying insulating structure 48 have been partially or completely removed. An outlet pipe 70 and an inlet pipe 72 extend from the bottom of the distillation apparatus 2 into the hot water tank 22. The hot water tank 22 is disposed on the upper portion 88 of the support member 34. The upper portion 88 of the support member 34 is attached to the lower portion 86 of the support member 34. The support member 34 and the hot water tank 22 are attached to each other, thereby constituting an integral molding. The overflow tube 64 and the inlet tube 66 extend from the bottom of the lower portion 86 into the interior space of the support member 34.

Fig. 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views of the solar hot water and distillation apparatus 2 shown in fig. 4A. The hot water and distillation apparatus 2 comprises a hot water tank 22 arranged on a support member 34. The hot water tank 22 is surrounded by an insulating structure 48. A metal cover plate 50 covers the insulating structure 48. An overflow pipe 64 is arranged to drain excess distillate from the support member 34 in case the distillate level becomes too high. An inlet pipe 66 extends from the electric heater 60 to the top of the support member 34. An electric heater 60 (e.g., an electric boiler) is configured to heat the feed water, while an inlet pipe is configured to direct (form steam) the vaporized feed water into the interior space of the support member 34. The inlet tube 66 constitutes a separation structure configured to separate the feed water in the evaporation tray (formed by the inlet tube 66 itself) from the distillate in the distillate collector 32 (formed by the support member 34).

The steam condenses at the condensing surface of the outer surface 30 of the hot water tank 22. The support member 34 constitutes a distillate collector that collects distillate droplets 20 falling from the condensation surface (lowermost portion) of the hot water tank 22. Distillate 20 is withdrawn from support member 34 through distillate outlet 68. The valve assembly 62 is arranged to control the flow of water into the hot water tank 22 and out of the hot water tank 22.

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 tray 18 disposed 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. The steam generated in the evaporation tray 18 will enter the space below the hot water tank 22 through the pipe 66. Since the water inside the hot water tank 22 will cool the outer surface 30, the steam will condense to form distillate when cooled by heat exchange with said surface 30 of the hot water tank 22. 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 hot water tank 22 is guided through the hot water outlet pipe 70'.

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

1. A hot water and distillation apparatus capable of producing both distilled water and hot water simultaneously, comprising:

-a hot water tank (22);

-a condensation chamber;

-an evaporation tray (18);

-a heat source arranged to heat the feed water (14) in the evaporation tray (18), wherein the hot water and distillation apparatus (2) is configured to condense evaporated feed water from the evaporation tray (18) by means of heat exchange between the hot water tank (22) and an outer condensation surface of the hot water tank (22), characterized in that the condensation chamber is a support member (34) supportingly attached to the outer surface of the hot water tank (22), wherein the support member (34) comprises a separation structure (42), the evaporation tray (18) and a distillate collector (32), wherein the separation structure (42) separates the feed water (14) in the evaporation tray (18) from the distillate (20) in the distillate collector (32).

2. A hot water and distillation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member (34) is attached to a lower half of the hot water tank (22).

3. A hot water and distillation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support member (34) and the hot water tank (22) are formed as one piece.

4. A hot water and distillation apparatus according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the partition structure (42) is a partition wall having an inclined surface defining a wall of the distillate collector (32), wherein the inclined surface is inclined towards the distillate collector (32) such that distillate (20) dripping onto the inclined surface will be guided into the distillate collector (32) through the wall.

5. A hot water and distillation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an overflow member (64) configured to drain feed water (14) when the water level in the evaporation tray (18) exceeds a predetermined level.

6. A hot water and distillation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an overflow member (64) 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 valve (46) configured to deliver feed water (14) from the hot water tank (22) to the evaporation tray (18).

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

9. A hot water and distillation apparatus (2) according to claim 1, wherein the heat source is an electric heat source.