JP2013527889A - Apparatus for extracting water from air, and system and machine for producing drinking water - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is an apparatus (30) for extracting water contained in air by condensation, said apparatus (30) comprising a fan (28) for generating an air flow and a fan (28). A heat transfer fluid evaporator (32) for condensing water in the generated air stream, and a compressor (34) for compressing the heat transfer fluid evaporated by the evaporator (32), comprising: The compressor (34) relates to a device (30) comprising a compressor (34) arranged downstream of the evaporator (32) in the air stream. The invention also relates to a system for producing drinking water from air comprising the water extraction device (30) described above. The invention further relates to a machine for producing drinking water from the air comprising the system described above. The present invention can be used to produce water from air with improved performance.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for extracting water contained in air. The invention also relates to a system for producing drinking water, comprising a device for extracting water contained in air. The invention also relates to a machine including a system for producing drinking water.

  Different known machines for producing drinking water extract the water present in the air in the form of water vapor by condensation. Patent Documents 1 and 2 are aimed at such machines. The main performance criteria for these machines is the amount of water produced per unit of machine operating energy.

European Patent No. 0597716 European Patent No. 0891523

  There remains a need for a machine to produce water from air with better performance.

Therefore, the present invention is an apparatus for extracting water contained in air by condensation, the apparatus comprising:
A fan for generating an air flow;
A heat transfer fluid evaporator for condensing water in the air stream generated by the fan;
Proposing a device for compressing a heat transfer fluid evaporated by the evaporator, the compressor being arranged downstream of the evaporator in an air stream.

  According to one alternative, the fan pushes the air flow over the evaporator.

  According to one alternative, the extraction device comprises a closed pipe for the air flow generated by the fan, which pipes the air flow between the fan, the evaporator and the compressor.

According to one alternative, the extraction device is
A heat transfer fluid condenser for condensing the fluid compressed by the compressor;
A heat exchange fluid inlet upstream of the evaporator;
A heat exchange fluid outlet downstream of the condenser;
The heat exchange fluid inlet and the heat exchange fluid outlet are provided so as to be connected to a circuit in which the heat exchange fluid returns from the outlet to the inlet.

According to one alternative, the extraction device is
A condenser for condensing the fluid compressed by the compressor;
A dehydrator for dehydrating the fluid condensed by the condenser downstream of the condenser;
An expander for expanding the fluid dehydrated by the dehydrator;
A pressure switch for measuring the blockage of the dehydrator in response to the pressure of the heat transfer fluid expanded by the expander.

  According to one alternative, the extraction device is arranged in blocks configured to be installed interchangeably in a system for producing drinking water from air.

The present invention is also a system for producing drinking water from air,
The aforementioned apparatus for extracting water contained in the air;
A sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the air outside the system;
A control unit that controls the extraction of water contained in the air in response to temperature and humidity measurements provided by the sensor;
A system for producing drinking water from air is provided.

  According to one alternative, an apparatus for extracting water contained in air includes a heat transfer solenoid valve between the evaporator and the compressor to selectively return the heat transfer fluid upstream of the evaporator. And the solenoid valve is controlled to regulate the temperature of the evaporator.

  According to one alternative, the system comprises a filter, the filter comprising a part for physically filtering the air stream and a part for sanitizing the air stream, the part for sanitizing Is selected from the group consisting of physical filters, plasma filters, and ultraviolet light emitting diode filters that have been treated to avoid bacterial or microbial development.

According to one alternative, the system
A collection tank for collecting the extracted water, the collection tank collecting the extracted water by gravity; and
A storage tank for storing the water collected by the collection tank;
A pump for pumping up the water stored in the storage tank;
The pump is provided such that the stored water is consumed by the user, the pump operating time determines the volume of water pumped up, and the control unit is pumped up for consumption The extraction of water contained in the air by the extraction device is controlled according to the volume of water.

According to one alternative, the system further comprises a cooling circuit for the water stored in the storage tank, the cooling circuit comprising:
A heat exchanger wound around the outside of the storage tank for cooling the stored water;
And the remainder of the cooling circuit for providing the heat exchanger with a heat transfer fluid having a lower temperature than the stored water.

  According to one alternative, the system further comprises a set of filters for treating the stored water, the set of filters comprising a group consisting of a sediment filter, a compressed activated carbon filter, and an ultrafiltration membrane. At least one filter selected from the set of filters for filtering the water pumped up by the pump.

According to one alternative, the system
A discharge circuit in a storage tank for water filtered by a set of filters;
And a solenoid valve for switching the filtered water between a discharge circuit and a consumption circuit for a user to consume the filtered stored water.

  According to one alternative, the system comprises an ultraviolet lamp for the sanitary treatment of the water stored in the reservoir.

The present invention is also a machine for producing drinking water from air, the machine comprising:
The above-described system for producing drinking water from air, divided into three parts, including a lower part including a storage tank, an intermediate part including an extraction device, and an upper part including a control unit, in the height direction. When,
A structure including a hollow plastic tube for cable routing of the system to different parts of the machine;
Proposing machines including

  According to one alternative, a remote communication device for transmitting information remotely to a centralized information storage or remote troubleshooting unit on the server, the remote communication device comprising a transmit / receive carrier current outlet, GPRS transmission A remote communication unit selected from the group consisting of a transmitter / receiver and a WIFI transmitter / receiver.

The present invention also provides an assembly for remotely processing information about a machine for producing drinking water, the assembly comprising:
A machine as described above, wherein the machine's control unit includes a data collector for machine operation and abnormal conditions;
A device for remote transmission of information, the device being external to the machine and arranged to communicate with a data collection unit by means of a carrier current, the device comprising the data and device collected by the collection unit A device including a modem for remote transmission of received data;
Software for processing data sent by the sending device using a modem;
Propose an assembly including:

The present invention is also a method for remotely processing information from a machine for producing drinking water using the assembly described above, the method comprising:
Collecting data on machine operation and abnormal conditions by the machine data collection unit;
Communicating the data collected by the data collection unit to the transmitting device by carrier current;
Remote transmission of data by a transmitting device via a modem, wherein the data is processed by processing software;
A method is also proposed including:

  According to one alternative, the method applies the control of the machine by sending a command to apply the control of the machine by the transmitting device for transmitting the information remotely after the step of transmitting the data remotely. Further included.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings.

It is an action | operation figure of the apparatus for extracting the water contained in air. FIG. 2 is an operational diagram of a system for producing drinking water, showing fluid connections as lines. FIG. 4 is an operational diagram of a machine cable for producing drinking water, showing electrical and electronic cables in lines. Fig. 4 is an operational flowchart of the system during forced operation and automatic operation.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for extracting water contained in air by condensation.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a device 30 for extracting water contained in air includes a fan 28. The fan 28 generates an air flow inside the device 30 for extracting water contained in the air flow. The air flow is indicated by broken lines in FIG. The direction of airflow is indicated by solid arrows upstream and downstream of the airflow through the device 30.

  The apparatus 30 also includes a heat transfer fluid evaporator 32. The evaporator 32 is a heat exchanger for exchanging the heat transfer fluid with an air flow. The heat transfer fluid in the evaporator 32 is at a temperature lower than the temperature of the air stream downstream of the evaporator 32 in order to condense the water contained in the air stream. The air stream cools when it comes into contact with the evaporator 32, and heat energy is lost and evaporated by the air stream being sent to the heat transfer fluid.

  The evaporator 32 extracts water from the air stream by condensing the water. The saturated vapor pressure of water in the air decreases at that temperature. The amount of low-temperature air that is gaseous and can contain water is less than the amount that hot air can contain. Thus, by cooling, the air flow reaches below a threshold temperature, and the amount of gaseous water in the air exceeds the threshold of water that the air can contain at that temperature. When the dew point is reached, water that exceeds the air volume threshold condenses. Thus, a portion of the water initially contained in gaseous form in the air stream becomes liquid upon contact with the evaporator 32.

  The apparatus 30 also includes a compressor 34 for compressing the heat transfer fluid, which is placed in the air stream downstream of the evaporator 32. After the evaporator 32, the air stream cools (eg, at a temperature of about 11 ° C.) and passes directly over the compressor 34 to cool the compressor 34.

  In this way, the compressor 34 is constantly cooled when the device 30 is activated. The air stream from which the water has been extracted releases heat and is sent to the compressor 34 to maintain the compressor at a temperature below 45 ° C. This configuration avoids the problem of compressor 34 overheating. In such a configuration, the compressor 34 continually cools and does not reach a threshold condition for safe operation, eg, 75 ° C. Therefore, the operation time of the extraction device 30 can be increased, and the amount of extracted water is increased. Thus, the device 30 is not subjected to a forced shutdown for safety reasons, and the conditions for extracting water can be ideal. Thus, the device 30 can condense the extracted water when the conditions are ideal, thus limiting the operating energy consumption of the compressor 34 and the fan 28.

  Preferably, the compressor 34 is located downstream of the evaporator 32 for the heat transfer fluid. The compressor 34 includes a heat transfer fluid that is evaporated by the evaporator 32 along with the air flow. A heat transfer fluid circuit may then be provided to return the heat transfer fluid upstream of the evaporator 32. The heat transfer fluid then goes through a thermodynamic cycle.

  Therefore, the extraction device 30 can improve the amount of water extracted per unit of operating energy of the machine. Thus, by integrating this device 30 into a system or machine for producing water, it is possible to obtain water from air with improved performance.

  The fan 28 may be disposed upstream of the air flow with respect to the evaporator 32 and the compressor 34. The fan 28 pushes the air flow against the evaporator 32 rather than sucking the air flow through the evaporator. With such a configuration, a sufficient passage of air to the evaporator 32 is possible. This is because, for the same energy consumption, a fan that pushes air toward the evaporator 32 has a better output than a fan that sucks air with the evaporator 32.

The device 30 may comprise a sealed pipe for the air flow generated by the fan 28. The pipe provides an air flow between the fan 28, the evaporator 32, and the compressor 34. Thus, the extraction device 30 is an airtight compartment with limited losses between the fan 28, the evaporator 32, and the compressor 34. All of the air flow passes through the evaporator 32 and then through the compressor 34. This gives an increase in the extraction of water by nearly 15-20% over an extraction device without a closed pipe. In reference to Table I later in this description, a comparative test was performed between a conventional water generation system without a sealed pipe and a system that is the subject of the present invention with a sealed pipe. Both systems are placed in the same casing (trim box) of the water machine. Whereas conventional systems are not placed on sealed pipes, the system that is the subject of the present invention is placed on sealed pipes as described above. Only the opening of the sealed pipe corresponding to the air inlet and the air outlet opens. The output corresponds to the generation of dm ³ / h.

  The device 30 may include a condenser 36 for condensing the heat transfer fluid. A condenser 36 is located downstream of the compressor 34 for the heat transfer fluid. That is, the condenser 36 condenses the fluid compressed by the compressor 34.

  The condenser 36 is preferably arranged downstream of the compressor 34 in the air stream, in particular in the sealed pipe of the device 30. The compressed heat transfer fluid present in the condenser 36 transfers its heat to an air stream that contacts the condenser 36 on the outside. After the compressor 34, the fluid that may still be in gaseous form gradually liquefies as it travels through the tubes that make up the condenser 36. At the outlet, the heat transfer fluid is liquid and has a high temperature. The condenser 36 contributes to the thermodynamic cycle of the heat transfer fluid.

  The device 30 may include a heat transfer fluid inlet and a heat transfer fluid outlet in addition to the condenser 36 for condensing the heat transfer fluid. A heat transfer fluid inlet is located upstream of the evaporator 32. The heat transfer fluid outlet is located downstream of the condenser 36. The inlet and outlet are provided to be connected to a circuit that returns the heat transfer fluid from the outlet to the inlet and allows the heat transfer fluid to pass through the thermodynamic cycle.

  The circuit may comprise a dehydrator 42 for dehydrating the fluid condensed by the condenser 36. The dehydrator is downstream of the condenser 36.

  The circuit may include an inflator for inflating the fluid dehydrated by the dehydrator 42. The expander 44 is upstream of the evaporator 32. The expander 44 provides a significant pressure drop for the heat transfer fluid. This pressure drop causes a temperature drop to a value lower than the value of the air flow through the evaporator 32. Downstream of the expander 44, the heat transfer fluid re-enters the evaporator 32 in a liquid form including, for example, primarily 15-20% vapor form. The expander 44 may be selected from the group consisting of a temperature self-regulating expander, an electronic expander, and a capillary expander.

  Electronic expanders have the advantage of allowing accurate and optimal adjustment when connected to temperature probes and regulators. Capillary dilators have the advantage of a simple design (single tube with a diameter of 1.2 mm) with limited price and implementation. The self-regulating expander has the advantage of adjusting the fluid flow rate in response to the thermal charge of air. For a system for producing drinking water, a temperature self-regulating expander is preferred.

  The dehydrator 42 is particularly useful during use of a temperature self-regulating expander. In fact, it is preferred to have a so-called “liquid bottle” (after France “boutille liquid”) reservoir with a self-regulating expander. The heat transfer fluid may then contain a trace amount of moisture due to the liquid bottle that is mixed with the oil provided to the heat transfer fluid circuit to lubricate the compressor 34. This therefore produces a very strong acid that etches the protective sheath of the copper wire of the electric motor of the compressor 34. Therefore, it is preferable to trap moisture in porous and hydrophilic materials. In addition, copper particles and other powders may be introduced into the assembly and are therefore captured by the filter screen of the dehydrator 42. A “bottle dewaterer” has the advantage of providing filtration, dewatering and buffering capacity for a heat transfer fluid within a single volume. Actually, the expander 44 is an adjustment unit that moves the heat transfer fluid more or less according to the temperature of the air, and changes the fluid flow rate. This change is absorbed by the volume of the bottle and ensures the supply of heat transfer fluid to the expander 44.

  The circuit may include a pressure switch 48. The pressure switch 48 is preferably downstream of the expander 44 and upstream of the evaporator 32 in the low pressure portion of the heat transfer fluid circuit. The pressure switch 48 makes it possible to measure the pressure drop of the fluid in the heat transfer fluid circuit. When the filter of the dehydrator 42 is blocked, the pressure of the heat transfer fluid is reduced. Next, the blockage of the dehydrator 42 is determined according to the pressure of the heat transfer fluid.

  Thus, if the pressure of the heat transfer fluid drops to a certain level, e.g. 2 bar or less, the control unit 80 signaled by the pressure switch 48 can disconnect the compressor 34. Damage to the compressor 34 is limited and can indicate a filter blockage in the dehydrator 42. The life of the compressor is improved.

  The circuit for returning the heat transfer fluid may be arranged outside the extraction device 30. With such an arrangement of the circuit for returning fluid upstream, it is possible to have the device in the form of a small block. The block is configured to be installed interchangeably in a system for producing drinking water from air. Thus, the block is independent of the rest of the system for producing drinking water and can be easily replaced or changed, for example, as needed for maintenance.

  Alternatively, a circuit for returning the heat transfer fluid may be included in the device 30. Heat transfer fluid inlets and outlets are then no longer required. The circuit may further comprise the dehydrator 42, expander 44, and pressure switch 48 described above. An arrangement in the form of replaceable blocks installed in the system for producing the drinking water is also possible.

  A system for producing drinking water is shown in FIG. The system includes the extraction device 30 described above. The system also includes a sensor (shown in FIG. 3 as reference number 86) for measuring the temperature and humidity of the air outside the system. Humidity measurement or humidity characterizes the air humidity, ie the amount of gaseous water contained in the air. A temperature and humidity measurement sensor 86 may be installed at the air flow inlet in the system.

  The system also comprises a control unit. FIG. 3 shows the control unit 80. The control unit 80 controls extraction of water contained in the air by the extraction device 30. Control of extracting water contained in the air by the device 30 may be performed in response to temperature and humidity measurements provided by the sensor 86. Depending on the temperature (eg at least 15 ° C.) and the humidity (eg at least 30%), the extraction device 30 is controlled by the control unit 80. Different operating values are described in more detail below. Sensor 86 can immediately measure the output of the extracted water. The control unit 80 uses the information from the sensor 86 to optimize the machine output to the maximum. Therefore, the control unit 80 measures an ideal dew point.

  In order to obtain the ideal dew point, some information is taken into account. The ideal dew point is on average between 9 ° C and 12 ° C, unlike the air temperature at the inlet. If the temperature of the air entering the evaporator 32 is 24 ° C., the ideal temperature should be between 12 ° C. and 15 ° C. in the evaporator. For each incoming air temperature, the temperature at the evaporator 32 is automatically calculated. Different match values between the temperature of the incoming air and the temperature of the evaporator 32 are described herein below.

  The control unit 80 controls the adjustment of the temperature of the heat transfer fluid entering the evaporator 32 (the temperature of the evaporator 32) using the solenoid valve 40 of the device 30 between the evaporator 32 and the compressor 34, for example. To do. Accordingly, the solenoid valve 40 is downstream of the evaporator 32 and upstream of the compressor 34. The solenoid valve 40 allows the heat transfer fluid to be selectively returned upstream of the evaporator 32 as shown in FIG. If the temperature is very low relative to the ideal dew point, a small amount of hot heat transfer fluid is injected upstream of the evaporator 32 (eg, with the gas being evaporated by the evaporator 32) to increase the temperature.

  It is preferred to extract the water at a temperature higher than 0 ° C. As long as the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is higher than 0 ° C., the condensation and extraction of water contained in the air is optimal. When the temperature falls below 0 ° C., the condensed water freezes, reducing the flow rate of air through the evaporator 32. The temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the inlet of the evaporator 32 is then further reduced, resulting in even more significant freezing of the extracted water.

  Thus, if the ideal temperature of the heat transfer fluid calculated by the control unit 80 is very low, for example near 5 ° C., the control unit 80 is configured to shut down the system.

  A temperature sensor for the heat transfer fluid is preferably provided downstream of the evaporator 32 so that the control unit 80 can have a control loop at the temperature of the heat transfer fluid.

  The control unit 80 can control the extraction of water contained in the air according to the consumption of water by the user. The control unit 80 then limits water extraction to the amount of water normally consumed by the user. The daily consumption of water by a person is estimated at 1.5 liters. Water consumption may also be determined using different measurements available to the control unit 80, for example as described in the continuation of the detailed description. Thus, the energy consumption of the system is optimized.

  The air stream entering the extraction device 30 is preferably filtered. In practice, the greater the amount of air, the greater the amount of water extracted from the air. Referring to FIG. 1, the system includes a filter 46. Filter 46 preferably includes two parts. The first part of the filter serves as a physical filter. It can prevent solid particles from entering the air stream. The second part of the filter plays the role of sanitary treatment of air flow, antibacterial and sterilization treatment of air.

  The portion for sanitary treatment may be selected from the group consisting of physical filters, plasma filters, ultraviolet light emitting diode filters that are treated to avoid bacterial or microbial development. With respect to the treatment of the air stream from which water is extracted, the system may be an air treatment system.

  In the case of a physical filter to be processed, the filter material is processed with a specific product that acts to prevent the generation of any bacteria or microorganisms. A pressure switch may be provided downstream of the filter to detect filter blockage. Thus, an abnormal pressure increase downstream of the filter can be caused by reduced air passage due to a clogged filter. It may also be possible to detect a fan failure with a pressure switch.

  In the case of a plasma filter, for example, an electric wire made of copper is attached to the frame. These wires are called electrodes. At the bottom of the frame, a device having a negative conductive charge is attached in the form of a honeycomb. It is arranged to allow all of the air drawn by the fan 28 to pass through. The electrodes have a specific configuration so that they cover about 40% of the entire surface. Thus, the passing air is completely processed. A large electric field is generated between these electrodes. This electric field is strong enough to generate a large amount of positive and negative ions that generate a plasma. Plasma is a neutral gaseous form but has a very powerful antibacterial and bactericidal action. Thus, all the bacteria, spores and pathogens are removed from the passing air before it becomes the water extracted from those air. If the first portion of the filter 46 is removed, a secure contact may be installed to disconnect the entire system power supply. This contact may be placed on a door that gives access to the air filter to change the power supply.

  In the case of an ultraviolet light emitting diode (UVLED), the UVLED is attached to the frame. A radioactive metal grid device is attached to the bottom of the frame. Thus, the radiation from the UVLED is diffused throughout the passage portion of the air flow. Thus, the air flow passing through that part is processed. The light emitted by the UVLED is, for example, UV-C rays. UV-C rays are recognized to have a very strong antibacterial and bactericidal action. The air stream removes all bacteria, spores, and pathogens that can contaminate the water extracted from the air. UVLEDs have the advantage of having a very long life (about 20 years) compared to existing UV-C ray lamps. Therefore, system maintenance and UV filter replacement are greatly reduced.

  The manufacture of the device 30 with a closed pipe and a fan 28 arranged upstream of the air flow makes it possible to maintain a slight air overpressure inside the pipe of the device 30. The air outside the pipe has a lower pressure than the air inside the pipe. Thus, even in the event of a slight sealing defect in the pipe of the device 30, the air outside the device 30 passes through the fan 28, thereby passing through the filter 46 located upstream of the fan 28. It can only penetrate inside the pipe. A filter may also be placed between the fan 28 and the evaporator 32. Thus, all of the air from which water is extracted undergoes a sanitary treatment. Referring to FIG. 2, the system may include a collection tank 38 that collects the extracted water by gravity. A collection tank 38 may be placed under the evaporator 32 in the device 30 to recover the flow of water extracted by the evaporator 32. The collection tank 38 may be a slide-like drawer below the evaporator 32. The collection tank 38 may take the form of a diamond point having a hole in its bottom. Thus, the water extracted from the air is directed towards the hole.

  The system may include a storage tank 60 for water collected by the collection tank 38. The storage tank 60 is preferably arranged directly below the collection tank 38. This provides advantages for the tube and simplifies assembly. For example, during continuous manufacturing, specialized workers can prepare the system without performing welding and connection.

  This system may include a pump 56 for pumping water stored in the storage tank 60. The water is then pumped to consume the water stored by the user. The pump 56 may have a constant flow rate. In that case, the volume of water pumped out from the pump operating time can be measured. The volume of water pumped determines the amount of water consumed. The consumption by the user may then be taken into account by the control unit 80. The control unit 80 may then control the extraction of water contained in the air by the extraction device 30 according to the volume of water pumped out for consumption. Controls for extracting water in response to user consumption are described in more detail herein below.

  This system may include a cooling circuit for cooling the water stored in the storage tank 60. The cooling circuit may then include a heat exchanger 64 wound around the outside of the storage tank 60 to cool the stored water. Preferably, the heat exchanger 64 may take the form of a copper coil. The heat exchange fluid then cannot contact the water in the storage tank 60, preventing the problem of contamination of the extracted water if it leaks.

  The rest 66 of the cooling circuit provides heat exchange fluid to the heat exchanger 64 at a temperature below the stored water.

  According to one embodiment of the cooling circuit, the storage tank 60 is surrounded by a copper coil through which the cooling fluid passes. The cooling of the water to the temperature desired by the user may be operated by a temperature probe provided in the storage tank 60.

  In order to ensure excellent water quality, it is preferable to filter and treat the water found in the storage tank 60. Accordingly, the system may include a set of processing filters 70 for storing water. The set of filters 70 preferably includes one of the filters selected from the group consisting of a sediment filter 72, a compressed activated carbon filter 74, and an ultrafiltration membrane 76. The sediment filter 72 preferably has a filtration rate of 0.5 microns. The ultrafiltration membrane 76 preferably has a filtration degree of 0.01 μm.

  Also preferably, the set of filters 70 includes all three filters from the above group. Known systems use filtration systems with osmotic membranes. Osmotic membranes can create complexity over time. To produce 1 liter of permeate, 2 liters of water is drained. Generally, in household facilities, the water is discharged into the sewer. In a conventional water machine, these 2 liters return to the first tank and collect condensed water. When bacterial outbreaks occur, the waste water from the membrane returning to the first tank will contaminate the pure water that has just been extracted. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the filter without using the permeable membrane.

  Filtration may be completed using a fourth filter to remineralize the water. The filter may be associated with vitamins or medications.

  The water in the storage tank 60 may be filtered by the pump 56. The filter set 70 is then placed downstream of the pump 56 as shown in FIG.

  The system may include a discharge circuit in the reservoir 60 for water filtered by the filter set 70. The filtered water is discharged into the storage tank 60. The stored water is then kept drinkable. The water may be filtered at regular intervals to maintain water quality for consumption by the user. For example, filtration may be performed every hour for 15 minutes. Therefore, the water in the tank is regenerated 24 times during the day. A solenoid valve 78 is then preferably provided for switching the filtered water between a discharge circuit and a consumption circuit for filtered stored water consumed by the user. Thus, the consumed water is pumped by the pump 56, then filtered by the set of filters 70, and finally switched by the solenoid valve 78 on demand by the user, into a consumption circuit that is consumed by the user. enter. By the time of simultaneous operation of the solenoid valve 78 and the pump 56, the volume of water consumed by the user can be estimated. Alternatively, the volume of water consumed may be measured by a water meter placed just before the faucet and after the switching solenoid valve 78. When the solenoid valve 78 is not actuated, the water pumped out by the pump 56 returns to the storage tank 60 and is discharged.

  The control unit 80 can control the pumping of water stored in the storage tank 60 immediately after the extraction device 30 is started. The extracted water is then processed immediately.

  Only when a minimum water level, for example 2 liters, reaches the storage tank 60, the control unit 80 can control the pumping of water. Thereby, it can prevent that the pump 56 act | operates when it becomes empty. If the minimum water level is met, it can be measured using the level sensor described below.

  Preferably, the filters 72, 74, 76 connect independently of each other without the need to disconnect the drawn water circuit connector. The filter set 70 may comprise a head having only one water inlet and one water outlet. The head of the set of filters 70 includes a connector for replacing each filter independently.

  The bottom of the storage tank 60 may be slightly inclined to guide the water towards the filtration suction port, preventing a portion of the stored water from stagnating.

  This system may include an ultraviolet lamp for hygienic treatment of water stored in the storage tank 60. Preferably, the ultraviolet lamp 58 is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge portion of the pumped water to the storage tank 60. Thus, after the water has been filtered, the water returns to the tank by flowing or being poured directly into the UV lamp 58. All of the volume of water treated by the filter is treated by UV irradiation to provide antibacterial or prevent microbial development.

  By using a pump 56 having a constant flow rate or a pump 56 connected to a flow meter, the amount of stored water passing through the filter set 70 and / or the UV lamp 58 can be measured. Such a measurement of the amount of water to be treated allows a good maintenance of the system by notifying or sending information about the occurrence of system maintenance to the user, especially at the end of the life of the water treatment membrane It becomes.

  The UV lamp 58 is preferably replaced with a UVLED assembly having a longer lifetime, thereby limiting system maintenance costs.

  The system may include a level sensor 68 for the water stored in the storage tank 60. The level sensor 68 may be selected from an electronic level sensor and a membrane level sensor. Preferably, the level sensor is a membrane level sensor for reliable accuracy of the stored water level. Information about the amount of water available is based on water pressure. For example, when 1 liter of water produces a pressure of 1.67 mbar, if the sensor reads 4.17 mbar, the level is 2.5 liters. This measurement is reliable and accurate and can inform the user within the centimeter range.

  In this system, the level sensor 68 is preferably spaced from the water inlet for pumping water at the bottom of the reservoir 60 to limit measurement errors.

  The system may include an overflow sensor 62 for the storage tank 60. Preferably, the overflow sensor 62 is a blade sensor. The blade sensor may be integrated into the tube at the top of the storage tank 60. When the storage tank 60 is filled with extracted water, the tube integrated with the overflow sensor 62 may also function as a discharge tube. The pipe may be deployed in a T shape.

  The level sensor 68 and / or the overflow sensor 62 can measure the amount of water stored in the storage tank 60. Depending on the amount of water, the control unit 80 can control or stop the extraction of water contained in the air. The level sensor 68 and the overflow sensor 62 can sound a warning and / or can stop the extraction of water contained in the air. The overflow sensor 62 allows level sensor redundancy useful for abnormal events in the level sensor 68, thereby limiting maintenance costs.

  In the event that the cooling circuit is used to cool the stored water, it is only preferable to store the amount of water in the storage tank 60 to a minimum. The energy cost of the system for cooling the stored water is then limited. Preferably, the amount of stored water is set by the control unit 80 in accordance with a measured value of the amount of water consumed by the user.

  The system may be arranged with a machine that is divided into three parts in the height direction. Each part comprises a plate for placing different parts of the system. This shows that each plate can be attached separately during manufacturing, then assembled and saved very significantly during manufacturing.

Referring to FIG. 3, the machine is preferably arranged as follows:
An upper part with a plate on which the control unit 80 is installed (the control unit 80 may comprise a printed circuit and a power board and a control circuit);
An intermediate portion comprising the device 30 and the remainder 66 of the cooling circuit for cooling the stored water;
The lower part provided with the plate in which the storage tank 60, the heat exchanger 64, and the filter membrane (the filter set 70 and the ultraviolet lamp 58, the pump 56, the solenoid valve 78) are installed.

  Such a system configuration has advantages. The storage tank 60 is located at the bottom, so the heat released by all of the equipment occurs in the machine and does not affect the cooling of the water. The remainder 66 of the cooling circuit is then activated with a small consumption of operating energy. Furthermore, the leakage of water stored in the storage tank 60 cannot flow over the rest of the device, limiting damage to the system.

  The structure and machine may preferably comprise a hollow plastic tube made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC pipes are usually used to flush or circulate water in the home. Such tube material may be selected from the group consisting of natural materials such as polypropylene or bamboo. They are easy for anyone to use and can be easily cut to the desired size by using a conventional metal saw or a dedicated tube cutter and have the advantage of being strong and light. The inside of these tubes is hollow and can pass all electrical cables. They therefore insulate the electrical cable on each plate.

  Furthermore, PVC tubes exist in different shapes, such as T-shaped or sleeves, making it easy to place the plates that make up the machine. Therefore, it becomes possible to arrange | position a pipe sleeve between each plate, and can set a machine in steps for every plate. Thus, the machine structure may consist of four tubes arranged at four corners of a rectangular plate. This makes it possible to distinguish between conventional electrical and electronic cables while isolating them. The electrical cable is carried to the top plate by one of the four tubes and the electronic cable is carried by another. At each stage, the T-shape allows the cable to be directed towards the top plate. In this way, the cable is prepared and protected during the entire installation of the machine. When the last top plate is placed, the cable is in a state of being connected to the control unit 80.

  Thus, the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hollow tube structure for the system cable path to different parts of the machine allows the system cable to be extended while isolating the system cable from the system fluid circuit.

  The machine may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) 82 on its upper portion of the front surface that communicates information about the operation of the machine to the user. External temperature and humidity measurements may be shown to the user. Also possible percentages of water extraction may be indicated, for example, on a scale of 0-100%. In this way, the user is informed exactly whether the machine is effective.

  In addition, an index related to the amount of stored water may be notified to the user together with the temperature of the stored water. Each critical element or member of the machine: pump, compressor, solenoid valve actuation, and filter status are monitored. Several diagnoses may be determined for each part.

Machine part: With respect to the compressor 34, the compressor of the remainder 66 of the cooling circuit, the pump 56 for pumping the stored water, and the fan 28, different features are the current and / or voltage for each of these components. Measurements may be made using sensors, pressure sensors (high and low) in the heat transfer fluid circuit and cooling circuits for stored water, air pressure sensors downstream of the filter 46. The following characteristics can then be determined:
DCE001: If the compressor 34 power supply current is not measured even though the compressor 34 is within its operating range, no power, no current measurement for the compressor 34;
DCE002: Abnormal intensity measured if the values recorded for voltage and intensity increase abnormally during normal operation;
DCE003: if the measured pressure is below the calibration value threshold, the calibration value of the low-pressure sensor of the heat transfer fluid circuit is abnormal;
DCE004: if the measured pressure is below the calibration value threshold, the calibration value of the high pressure sensor of the heat transfer fluid circuit is abnormal;
DCF005: no power, no current measurement for the compressor in the remaining 66 of the cooling circuit;
DCF006: unusual strength measured for the compressor in the remaining 66 of the cooling circuit;
DCF007: if the pressure measurement is below the calibration value threshold, the calibration value of the low-pressure sensor of the cooling circuit for the stored water is abnormal;
DCF008: if the measured pressure is greater than or equal to the calibration value threshold, the calibration value of the high pressure sensor of the cooling circuit for the stored water is abnormal;
DP009: Even if the pump 56 is to be operated, if the power supply current of the pump 56 is not measured, the pump 56 is stopped even though the pump 56 is within its operating range;
DP010: If the user presses the outer button to get water, but the pump is not activated and the flow meter does not record the passage of water, the pump 56 is shut down due to an abnormality;
DP011: Even if the storage tank is filled by three quarters, if the flow meter does not record the passage of water for more than 2 hours, the filtration pump is stopped due to an abnormality;
DP012: When recording low pressure of water below the flow rate threshold calibrated by the flow meter, the filter is clogged or the pump has a problem;
DV013: If the fan should operate but the power supply current of the fan motor is not measured, the fan motor is stopped due to an abnormality;
DV014: If the air pressure upstream of the filter is very high and exceeds the calibrated high pressure value, the air pressure is very high and the suction air will be difficult to pass through the air filter, eventually clogging or clogging, In that case, the compressor and the fan can be stopped.

Different characteristics may be determined for water treatment and savings;
DN015: If the humidity measurement level and air temperature are beneficial for water generation and the compressor 34 and fan 28 are operating but the water storage reservoir 60 is no longer full, the water level sensor 62 has failed;
DN016: If the device for extracting water from the air operates at a humidity measurement level and the air temperature is beneficial for water production, but the capacity of the reservoir 60 is not corrected after 4 hours of operation, the water level sensor 62 fails doing;
DN017: If the capacity display value of the reservoir 60 is abnormal and does not correspond to a reference value (which may be related to an overvoltage problem or power line disturbance), the level sensor is abnormal or inaccurate information is stored in memory ing;
DT018: If the lamp supply current is not measured by an in-situ sensor and the pump 56 is operating, the UV lamp is no longer connected or the lamp is broken;
DT019: If the UV lamp usage period (eg 7,600 hours) approaches the life of the UV lamp (eg 8,000 hours), the UV lamp needs to be changed or the entire machine needs maintenance Do;
DT020: If the amount of water filtered by the filtration cartridge approaches the maximum amount (eg 900 liters of water filtered for maximum use given with 1000 liters of water), the cartridge is required to change .

  All of this information and all of the associated diagnoses may be recorded and stored over a 30 day loop. If an element or one of the members is broken, that information may be displayed to the user on the LCD screen 82. Different light emitting diodes may be provided near the LCD screen 82 as an indication of the operation or operation of various parts of the machine. The diagnostic display can also be turned off by activating a button on the front of the machine in a particular way and in conditions that resolve the displayed problem.

  The machine may include a device 88 for transmitting information remotely. The information may be sent to the maintenance department by a carrier current through an electrical network that powers the system, or via a modem integrated into the system and via a telephone line. The machine may be easily queried remotely by an electrical outlet to verify its proper operation. Thus, any type of information such as water consumption, power consumption, a few liters of water produced, and error messages, or the operation of various devices of the system for an unusually long time are in a centralized form May be collected at. Information may be sent to a centralized information storage area at a server or remote troubleshooting unit. The remotely stored information then serves to provide a remote troubleshooting service. Thus, the user may be notified by telephone that an intervention must be performed on the machine and / or may be given the address of a retailer about the machine.

  Thus, the machine may include transmitting and collecting the carrier current outlet. The machine may also include a GPRS (General Packet Ratio Service) system that collects and transmits information. It may also be considered to use a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) connection to transmit information. Alternatively, data may be manually collected from the machine using a universal serial bus (USB) port for connection to a computer or removable data storage medium.

  In that machine, information may be collected by a “data collection” card that queries for various parts of the machine, for example every 10 seconds. The “data collection” card is a data collection unit. This information or data that is received correctly is immediately communicated to the remote information sending device 88.

  According to one embodiment, device 88 may be external to the machine for placement as close as possible to the telephone jack to which the machine user belongs. Device 88 is a system that receives information from a “data collection” card that is integrated into the control unit 80 of the machine. In such an embodiment, communication of the collected data between the control unit and the receiving system may be performed by a carrier current in the user's home network (eg, a 220V network). The data frame is stored along with the date and time of receipt by the receiving system. The receiving system may consist of an LCD touch screen and a modem integrated medium.

  The receiving medium via the integrated modem may be connected to the machine user's telephone line, so that the machine's operational records, ie the data collected by the “data collection” card and received by the receiving system Data can be sent to a remote troubleshooting unit or machine manufacturer. This transmission of operational records may occur automatically for long periods of time, for example during 3 days of malfunction. Preferably, the transmission of information may be performed only in the case of malfunction. Thus, if a malfunction occurs, the remote troubleshooting unit retrieves all data stored by the receiving system. Thus, for example, processing software for processing the received data may be provided, whereby the data can be archived, printed, and a graph generated therefrom.

  According to one preferred embodiment, the receiving system communicates with the machine control unit 80 to control the detected malfunction of the machine. For example, application of machine control may include modifying water production, forced or automatic actuation, and modifying a desired water temperature threshold. According to such an embodiment, if the receiving system has to call back to the remote troubleshooting unit to get an order to apply machine control to solve the problem, it will fail. In the meantime, the receiving system sends the stored data to the remote troubleshooting unit and receives appointments (date and time) in return.

  The machine user may be provided with direct intervention for the machine and information after a malfunction is detected and in the event that no useful intervention is performed remotely by the remote troubleshooting unit. Thus, the user may be notified by telephone that an intervention must be performed on the machine and / or may be given the address of the retailer of the machine's consumable parts.

  The “data collection” card, receiving system, and software for the remote troubleshooting unit may form a processing unit for remote processing information from the machine. This remote information processing assembly can reduce the intervention time to perform support activities or to determine what kind of faults must be resolved before sending the technician to the spot. Become. This in particular makes it possible to save maintenance costs by ensuring that the intervention site with the malfunctioning part is communicated to the technician and to be prepared for the type of failure detected. Also, the remote information processing assembly of the machine can beneficially avoid movement by the technician when the machine is not broken and rather is not being used correctly by the user. In fact, it can be shown that the movement of the technician's intervention is 60% or less when there is no need for movement. The proposed assembly can also determine in advance that possible failures can occur in the future. In this way, interventions can be predicted while the potential failure and the user is not yet aware of the occurrence of an imminent problem with the machine. The proposed assembly can also improve the intervention speed and is particularly useful for solving problems for the master part of a machine such as a compressor.

  FIG. 3 shows one possibility for the cable of a machine with a control unit 80. In this way, the control unit 80 can be connected to various devices or components of the machine so that information can be concentrated on the user on the LCD screen 82 or information can be sent to the maintenance center via the information transmission device. Allows the system to operate under remote monitoring.

  The fan 28 may be selected from among three types of fans: centrifugal fans, spiral fans, and tangential fans.

  Centrifugal fans are necessary to maintain a constant air flow rate across the device 30 (air filters and exchangers: evaporator 32 and condenser 36), reasonable noise levels, acceptable price and sufficient lifetime. Has the advantage of high dynamic pressure.

  Tangent fans have the advantage of long life and dynamic pressure.

  Spiral fans have the advantage of small volume and varying price and availability. Therefore, it may be easy to choose to push air inside the device or to suck air inside the device. For the embodiment of the extraction device 30, a helical fan is preferred.

  The evaporator 32 may consist of 4 rows of tubes 3/8 inch in diameter, or 0.9525 cm. The evaporator 32 preferably comprises fins for increasing the heat exchange surface between the air flow and the heat exchange fluid. Therefore, the maximum amount of air comes into contact with the cold wall and dehumidification is optimized.

  The pitch of the fins can be 1.6 mm. The heat transfer fluid may be distributed in three locations. Thus, the low temperature heat transfer fluid is similarly distributed to the upper, middle and lower portions. In this way, all surfaces of the entire evaporator 32 are cooled at the same time. Fluid circulation is provided against the air. The fluid output may be at the top so that liquid from the compressor 34 does not return to the evaporator 32. In order to improve the industrialization of the machine, the evaporator 32 and the condenser 36 may be assembled on the same plate.

  The compressor 34 may be selected to eliminate a compromise between the power desired to sufficiently cool the air flow in the evaporator 32 and prevent overcooling. The compressor 34 may be selected from the group consisting of a piston compressor, a scroll compressor, and a rotary compressor.

  Piston compressors are the most common. It is cost-effective, quiet and has a small height volume. A scroll compressor or helical compressor has the advantages of high power of the heat transfer fluid, variable speed, and thereby variable flow rate. Rotary compressors have the advantage of being affordable, having an average power, variable speed and flow rate, and a small volume in the height direction. In addition to its affordable price, a rotary compressor is preferred due to its good output. Finally, the available power of this type of compressor corresponds to a slight balance to be transmitted to the evaporator 32 and is as close to the dew point as possible, not too hot and not too cold. Its volume corresponds to a limited space and allows easy implementation of the system in the machine. It is also mechanically strong.

  The condenser 36 may be composed of three rows of copper tubes having a diameter of 3/8 inch, or 0.9525 cm. Preferably, the heat transfer fluid is circulated back to the air flow. The heat transfer fluid inlet is then at the top of the condenser 36 and the outlet is at the bottom of the condenser 36.

  The heat lost in the condenser is captured by the evaporator in addition to the heat from the mechanical operation of the compressor.

  The diameter of the tube corresponds to the power of the compressor 34 and ensures proper circulation rate of all fluids and oils along with the movement of the heat transfer fluid. The condenser 36 preferably comprises fins for increasing the exchange surface between the fluid and air. The fin is preferably made of aluminum. The pitch of the fins may be 1.6 mm. The closer the pitch, the better the heat exchanger.

  Different members along the transfer of the heat transfer fluid have a diameter of 1/4 inch for the high pressure (HP) portion of the transfer, ie 0.635 cm, and 3/8 inch for the low pressure (BP) of the transfer, ie 0.9525 cm. You may mutually connect by the copper pipe which has. A pressure tap may also be provided with the movement: one HP pressure tap and two BP taps on the movement (one for heat transfer fluid charge and one for pressure switch 48).

  The heat transfer fluid is preferably R407C fluid. In that case, the heat transfer fluid charge is preferably 650 g.

According to one embodiment, the cooling circuit alone or in combination with the other includes one of the following features:
Compressor with cooling capacity of 300W, rotation, 220V AC50Hz, R134A;
Grid-type electrostatic capacitor;
Welded copper dehydrator;
A capillary inflator made of copper with a diameter of 1.2 mm and a length of 1.5 m;
Copper electrostatic evaporator having a diameter of 1/4 inch, ie 0.65 cm, wound around a stainless steel cylindrical storage tank 60, an evaporator 5 m long;
Polyurethane foam insulation, 13 mm thick wound in two layers;
Charge of 170 g R134A as coolant;
Pressure switch at the low pressure level of the cooling circuit for charging and monitoring of evaporation pressure and temperature.

  According to one embodiment of the storage tank 60, it is circular, has a diameter of 15 cm, is 22 cm high and has a capacity of 10 m. The bottom of the tank is slightly tilted to guide the water towards the filtration suction, preventing some of the water from stagnating. It is made of stainless steel. A flat rectangular shape forming a flat part is given over the entire height and a width of 4 cm. This part has holes in several places. For example, six holes, each with a nut and a lock nut to seal them. The holes have a diameter of 20 mm and are made with a central hole of 10 mm diameter.

  Copper thimble is welded to the first hole. Thereby, a temperature probe for the stored water can be received. This probe is connected to the electronic circuit of the control unit 80 for transmitting temperature information.

  A second hole located adjacent to the first (about 2 cm) comprises a 1/4 inch or 1.905 cm brass connector and is connected to the suction part of the pump 56, 1/4 inch, Connect a 0.65 cm pipe.

  A third hole in the center of the flat part receives the quartz tube into which the ultraviolet lamp 58 is inserted. The tube and its lamp 58 penetrate inside the tank and are immersed in the stored water.

  The fourth hole is located approximately 10 cm above the third. This hole allows the pump water discharge circuit to be received. In order to obtain the maximum effect in the water treatment, it is preferable to arrange the ultraviolet lamp 58 directly above. The water then falls systematically into the UV lamp 58. Therefore, it is treated with antibacterial or prevention of microbial development.

  Furthermore, in the flat part of the storage tank 60, the fifth hole is arranged at the upper part near the top. It is equipped with a 3/4 inch or 1.905 cm brass connector, and by connecting a 1/4 inch or 0.65 cm pipe, the overflow sensor 62 can be installed.

  The sixth hole is located at the left bottom of the tank and is about 10 cm away from the second hole. It receives a membrane level sensor 68.

  The system may include forced and automatic modes of operation. Referring to FIG. 3, the system may include a user interface 84 that includes, for example, a button for selecting a forced or automatic mode of operation. The user interface 84 can also control the solenoid valve 78 and / or the pump 56 via the control unit 80, for example for water consumption by the user. The user interface 84 also allows the user to obtain continuous information regarding machine operating conditions, water consumption, or water extraction performance that is recorded over time by the control unit 80.

  FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the operation of the system in forced and automatic operation modes. The system of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 includes a 12 liter storage tank 60.

  During forced operation, if the storage tank 60 is full, the control unit 80 will only command a stop.

  During automatic operation, the control unit 80 optimizes the extraction of water contained in the air. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a reserve of the minimum stored water of 1/3 of the volume of the storage tank 60 may be provided. When the minimum amount of reserve is achieved, the control unit 80 commands the extraction of water contained in the air if the outside temperature and humidity conditions are beneficial for the extraction of water contained in the air. The extraction of water continues until the maximum extraction is reached, and the extraction of water is determined according to the daily consumption by the user or the setting of the maximum capacity of the storage tank 60 as shown in FIG.

  Preferably, the control unit 80 delays the extraction of water contained in the air until night, for example until midnight. For example, the conditions for producing water are good and the water level is below the minimum threshold, which is 9 p. m. Or if it is later, water production is delayed until midnight.

  The delay may also be calculated as a function of user consumption. For example, if the amount of water in the storage tank 60 is greater than the daily consumption of the user, the control unit 80 may delay the extraction of water until midnight.

  This delay in the extraction of water contained in the air allows the system output to be optimized to the maximum. In fact, the humidity level is higher at night than during the day. The system then fills the storage tank more quickly, thus reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, energy costs can be reduced during these periods. Therefore optimization is also economical.

  The control unit 80 may command the opening of a solenoid valve to connect to the tap water grid if the system cannot produce water. Control for opening the solenoid valve may be performed by a signal that confirms the presence of water in the tap water grid, for example by measurement using a pressure switch calibrated to 2 bar.

  The control unit 80 can control the operation of the extraction device 30 in a minimum amount of time. Thus, immediately after the start of the operation of the extraction device 30, if the conditions are no longer useful, the control unit 80 controls the operation, for example for 3 minutes. This avoids a continuous start and stop of the device 30 that is very close in time. Similarly, if stopping of the device 30 is controlled by the control unit 80, the software may be maintained for a minimum time, eg, 3 minutes.

  The system may have an operating condition threshold below which the control unit 80 stops extracting water. For example, for an external temperature of 15 ° C. at a humidity level of 40%, for an external temperature of 20 ° C. at a humidity level of 29%, for an external temperature of 25 ° C. at a humidity level of 22%, 30 ° C. at a humidity level of 16% About external temperature, about 35 ° C external temperature at 11.5% humidity level.

  The control unit 80 controls the temperature of the heat transfer fluid that enters the evaporator 32 according to the temperature of the air that enters the device 30. Therefore, it is possible to define the control curve of the evaporator 32 according to the temperature of the invading air. For example, such a curve includes the following points: for a penetration temperature of 15 ° C., a controlled temperature of 5 ° C .; for a penetration temperature of 20 ° C., a controlled temperature of 9.5 ° C .; for a penetration temperature of 25 ° C., 30 ° C. A control temperature of 30 ° C., a control temperature of 15.5 ° C .; a control temperature of 18 ° C. for a penetration temperature of 35 ° C.

The machine may include a device 88 for transmitting information remotely. The machine may also include a system for storing all of the system information such as:
The number of liters of water produced per day,
External air temperature and humidity level,
The accumulated number of liters of water produced and consumed,
The pressure value of the compressor,
The value of the pressure switch of the air filter,
Pump operating time, along with the number of liters of filtered water, to determine filter replacement for the water being treated,
The operating time of the UV lamp to determine when it must be changed,
Occurrence of power supply interruption,
Triggering diagnostics, for example 12 possible diagnostic values.

  This information may be recorded at least three times per day in a 30 day loop. However, it may be preferable to maintain information regarding the occurrence of power outages or diagnostic activations.

Claims (19)

An apparatus (30) for extracting water contained in air by condensation, wherein the apparatus (30)
A fan (28) for generating an air flow;
A heat transfer fluid evaporator (32) for condensing water in the air stream generated by the fan (28);
A compressor (34) for compressing the heat transfer fluid evaporated by the evaporator (32), the compressor (34) being arranged downstream of the evaporator (32) in an air flow. A compressor (34);
A device (30) comprising:   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fan (28) drives an air flow over the evaporator (32).   A sealed pipe for the air flow generated by the fan (28), the pipe flowing an air flow between the fan (28), the evaporator (32) and the compressor (34); The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A heat exchange fluid condenser (36) for condensing the fluid compressed by the compressor (34);
A heat exchange fluid inlet upstream of the evaporator (32);
A heat exchange fluid outlet downstream of the condenser (36);
With
The heat exchange fluid inlet and the heat exchange fluid outlet are provided so as to be connected to a circuit (42, 44, 48) for returning the heat exchange fluid from the outlet toward the inlet. The apparatus as described in any one of -3. A condenser (36) for condensing the fluid compressed by the compressor (34);
A dehydrator (42) for dehydrating the fluid condensed by the condenser (36) downstream of the condenser (36);
An expander (44) for expanding the fluid dehydrated by the dehydrator (42);
A pressure switch (48) for measuring the blockage of the dehydrator (42) in response to the pressure of the heat transfer fluid expanded by the expander (44);
The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:   6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is arranged in blocks configured to be installed interchangeably in a system for producing drinking water from air. A system for producing drinking water from air,
An apparatus (30) for extracting the water contained in the air according to any one of claims 1-6;
A sensor (86) for measuring the temperature and humidity of the air outside the system;
A control unit (80) for controlling the extraction of water contained in the air in response to temperature and humidity measurements provided by the sensor (86);
A system for producing drinking water from air.   An apparatus (30) for extracting water contained in the air selectively returns the heat transfer fluid upstream of the evaporator (32) so that the evaporator (32) and the compressor (34). A system according to claim 7, comprising a heat conducting solenoid valve (40) between and wherein the solenoid valve (40) is controlled to regulate the temperature of the evaporator (32).   A filter (46), said filter (46) comprising a part for physically filtering the air stream and a part for sanitizing the air stream, said sanitizing part comprising bacteria 9. A system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the system is selected from the group consisting of physical filters, plasma filters, and ultraviolet light emitting diode filters that have been treated to avoid microbial development. A collection tank (38) for collecting the extracted water, wherein the collection tank (38) collects the extracted water by gravity; and
A storage tank (60) for storing the water collected by the collection tank (38);
A pump (56) for pumping up water stored in the storage tank (60);
Further comprising
The pump (56) is provided so that the stored water is consumed by a user, determines the volume of water pumped up by the operating time of the pump (56), and the control unit (80) The system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the extraction of water contained in the air by the extraction device (30) is controlled according to the volume of water pumped up for consumption. A cooling circuit (64, 66) for water stored in the storage tank (60);
A heat exchanger (64) wound around the outside of the storage tank (60) for cooling the stored water;
The remainder (66) of the cooling circuit for providing the heat exchanger (64) with a heat transfer fluid having a temperature lower than the stored water;
The system of claim 10, comprising:   Further comprising a set of filters (70) for treating the stored water, said set of filters (70) comprising a sediment filter (72), a compressed activated carbon filter (74), and an ultrafiltration membrane ( The system according to claim 10 or 11, comprising at least one filter selected from the group consisting of 76), wherein the set of filters (70) filters the water pumped by the pump (56). A discharge circuit in the storage tank (60) for water filtered by the set of filters (70);
A solenoid valve (78) for switching filtered water between the discharge circuit and a consumption circuit for a user to consume filtered stored water;
The system of claim 12, further comprising:   The system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the system comprises an ultraviolet lamp (58) for the sanitary treatment of the water stored in the storage tank (60). A machine for producing drinking water from air, the machine comprising:
11. Divided in the height direction into three parts, including a lower part containing the storage tank (60), an intermediate part containing the extraction device (30) and an upper part containing the control unit (80). A system for producing drinking water from the air according to any one of -14;
A structure including a hollow plastic tube for the cable path of the system to different parts of the machine;
Including the machine.   A remote communication device (88) for remotely transmitting information to a centralized information storage or remote troubleshooting unit on a server, said remote communication device (88) comprising a transmit / receive carrier current outlet, a GPRS transmitter 16. The machine of claim 15, comprising a remote communicator selected from the group consisting of: / receiver, WIFI transmitter / receiver. An assembly for remotely processing information about a machine for producing drinking water, said assembly comprising:
16. The machine of claim 15, wherein the machine control unit includes a data collection unit for operation and abnormal conditions of the machine;
A device for remote transmission of information, wherein the device is external to the machine and is arranged to communicate with a data collection unit by means of a carrier current, the device comprising data collected by a collection unit and the data A device including a modem for remotely transmitting data received by the device;
Software for processing data transmitted by a transmitting device using the modem;
Including the assembly. A method for remotely processing information from a machine for producing drinking water using the assembly of claim 17, comprising:
Collecting data relating to operation and abnormal states of the machine by a data collection unit of the machine;
Communicating the data collected by the data collection unit to a transmitting device by carrier current;
Remote transmission of data by the transmitting device via a modem, wherein the data is processed by processing software;
Including a method.   The method comprises the step of applying the control of the machine by sending a command to apply the control of the machine by the transmitting device for transmitting the information remotely after the step of transmitting the data remotely. The processing method according to claim 18, further comprising:

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