KR20060095938A - Method and apparatus for condensing water from ambient air - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided methods and apparatus (2) for collecting water from ambient air. The apparatus has at least one condensation surface which is cooled to, or below, the dew point of the ambient air. The cooling of the condensation surface is effected by utilising a gas to reduce the partial pressure of refrigerant vapour to effect evaporation of liquid refrigerant. Water in ambient air that contacts the cooled condensation surface condenses and is collected. There is also provided apparatus for effecting cooling and/or heating.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDENSING WATER FROM AMBIENT AIR}

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for condensing and collecting water from ambient air. In at least one embodiment the device provides a portable water production means for consumption or other purposes and presents a particular example of use in areas where the portable water source is limited.

Because access to portable fresh water sources is restricted in many places on the planet, it is often not natural to use the water you need every day. In fact, many water sources are dirty or contaminated, so it is necessary to boil the water or treat it in several different ways in order to use it safely.

Yachts and ships have their own water supply while sailing, but they often need to limit their daily water use because they cannot get fresh water except for rainfall. Similarly, island resorts, as well as miners, road crews, rail crews, and military groups performing operations in secluded locations, all require fresh water.

Of course, water has many uses besides those needed to sustain life. Such uses include laundry or industrial processes. In areas and places where the supply of water is restricted, it is desirable to receive fresh water regularly. Water sources may be refilled with rainwater, but precipitation may vary and may not be sufficient. Moreover, regular transportation of fresh water to isolated sites can be expensive.

Apparatuses for condensing water from ambient air are disclosed in European Patent No. 0597716 and US Pat. No. 5,857,344. Both devices consist of a cooling system that includes an electric compressor to cool the ambient air by compression and expansion of the coolant to condense and collect water from the ambient air.

US Pat. No. 6,156,102 discloses an apparatus and method for collecting water from ambient air by bringing air into contact with an absorbent solution. This absorbent solution absorbs moisture from the air. This water is then evaporated and collected from the absorbent solution. Evaporation of moisture is achieved by heating the absorbent liquid or by evaporating the moisture under negative pressure. A similar device is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,336,957, which allows ambient air to be in direct contact with an absorbent that absorbs moisture from the air, followed by separation and collection of the absorbed moisture.

According to one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for collecting water from ambient air, the method comprising

Providing at least one condensation surface for contact with ambient air;

A gas is passed into the confined space to further evaporate the liquid coolant into the confined space with coolant vapor to form a gas mixture of coolant vapor evaporated from the gas and the liquid coolant into the confined space and from the condensation surface Transferring heat to a coolant to cool the condensation surface below the dew point of moisture in ambient air;

Passing the gas mixture through the enclosed space;

Contacting ambient air with the cooled condensation surface such that moisture from ambient air condenses on the condensation surface; And

Collecting the condensed water;

It includes.

Typically, the process comprises condensing coolant vapor in the gas mixture that has passed through the confined space back to a liquid coolant to separate coolant vapor from the gas, separating from the gas mixture to regenerate the gas mixture. Returning gas to the enclosed space, and recycling the condensed liquid coolant from the gas mixture.

Preferably, the gas mixture is brought into contact with a liquid absorbent that passes through the enclosed space and absorbs gas from the gas mixture to form a solution, and the gas is separated from the solution so that the gas enters the enclosed space. Return and the liquid absorbent is recycled to contact with the gas mixture again.

Preferably, the liquid coolant condensed from the gas mixture to cool the condensation surface in a continuous cycle so that the gas moves into the enclosed space and the enclosed space for the gas mixture to contact the liquid absorbent. It is recycled at the same time as it moves from.

Preferably, the liquid coolant is stirred when the gas passes through the enclosed space. Most preferably, the agitation of the liquid coolant is performed by generating bubbles into the closed space through the gas.

Preferably, monitoring the temperature of the ambient air flowing from the condensation surface, and the flow rate at which the ambient air flows in contact with the condensation surface is preferred to facilitate the condensation of moisture from the ambient air to the condensation surface. It further comprises the step of adjusting to.

Ambient air is cooled by contact with the condensation surface and cooled ambient air can be used to cool the coolant vapor in the gas mixture through the confined space to facilitate condensation of the coolant vapor with the liquid coolant. have. Preferably, the gas mixture is moved from the enclosed space to a condenser where coolant vapor is condensed.

Thus, the method may also include adjusting the flow rate of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface to promote condensation of the coolant vapor. Evaluating whether it is necessary to adjust the flow rate of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface to promote the condensation of the coolant vapor in the condenser

Measuring the pressure in the condenser;

Measuring the temperature in the condenser; And

Evaluating the measured pressure and the measured temperature;

It may include.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for collecting water from ambient air, the apparatus comprising:

At least one condensation surface for contacting with ambient air;

An evaporator containing a liquid coolant and forming an enclosed space for a gas mixture of gas and coolant vapor evaporated from the liquid coolant;

Formed into an evaporator to move the gas into the enclosed space such that the liquid coolant is further evaporated into the enclosed space so that heat is transferred from the condensation surface to the liquid coolant, and consequently the An inlet through which the condensation surface is cooled below the dew point of moisture in the ambient air such that condensation of moisture from the ambient air occurs on the condensation surface; And

An outlet for movement of said gas mixture from said enclosed space;

It includes.

Preferably, the apparatus separates the gas in the gas mixture from the liquid coolant and condenses the coolant vapor back into the liquid coolant to return the gas to the confined space in the evaporator and recycle the liquid coolant to the evaporator. It further includes a separation system.

Preferably, the separation system includes a condenser for receiving a gas mixture from an evaporator to condense the coolant vapor in the gas mixture into a liquid coolant, wherein the condenser receives a liquid absorbent to absorb gas into the liquid absorbent. Facilitating contact of the gas mixture with the liquid absorbent to form a solution and as a result separates the gas from the coolant vapor.

Preferably, in use, the condenser encloses a bath consisting of a layer of the liquid coolant and a layer of the solution, the condenser contacting the gas mixture with the liquid absorbent prior to moving the solution into the bath. It is adapted to receive the gas mixture to form a solution. In general, the liquid coolant has a lower density than the solution so that the solution separates from the layer of liquid coolant to form a layer of the solution.

Advantageously, said condenser further comprises a mixer unit disposed within a condenser for receiving said liquid absorbent, said mixer unit being disposed on a surface of said mixer unit to facilitate contact of said gas with said liquid absorbent. It is supposed to generate a flow of. In general, the mixer unit has an open container for receiving the liquid absorbent to provide a flow of the liquid absorbent below the surface of the mixer unit by flooding of the liquid absorbent from the open container.

Preferably, the mixer unit is adapted to generate turbulence in the liquid absorbent when the liquid absorbent flows down the surface of the mixer unit to increase the absorption of the gas by the liquid absorbent. Typically, the mixer unit may have at least one ridge formed on the surface of the mixer unit and lying across the surface to promote turbulence in the liquid absorbent. Preferably, the mixer unit has a plurality of ridges, the ridges being spaced apart from each other below the mixer unit and generally formed around the entire circumference of the mixer unit.

Preferably, the mixer unit is mounted to a gimbal disposed in the condenser to keep the mixer unit in a generally upright position.

Preferably, the separation system further comprises a separation reservoir for evaporation of the gas from the liquid absorbent, the separation reservoir,

housing;

An inlet for moving said liquid absorbent into said housing to cause said gas to evaporate from said liquid absorbent within said housing; And

An outlet for returning the gas evaporated from the liquid absorbent to an evaporator;

It includes.

The separation reservoir is generally adapted to be heated to promote evaporation of the gas from the liquid absorbent.

Advantageously, said separation system further comprises a pump system for raising said liquid absorbent to a high position for flowing from said evaporator to a condenser to further contact said liquid absorbent with said gas mixture, said pump system comprising:

A heating reservoir which receives the liquid absorbent and is heated to discharge the liquid absorbent;

A vertical tube for receiving the liquid absorbent discharged from the heating reservoir when the heating reservoir is heated; And

A collection reservoir disposed at an elevated position and having an open tube for collection of the liquid absorbent, and wherein a passage is formed to move the liquid absorbent to the condenser;

It includes.

Preferably, the collection reservoir has a first outlet for moving the liquid absorbent from the collection reservoir to a condenser, an inner space for receiving the gas with absorbent vapor evaporating from the liquid absorbent while moving along the vertical tube, And another outlet for moving gas separated from the liquid absorbent from the collection reservoir to the evaporator.

Preferably, the first outlet of the collection reservoir is open to a conduit for directing the liquid absorbent to the condenser, the conduit passing through a separate reservoir for heat exchange with a solution from the condenser.

Preferably, the other outlet of the collection reservoir is open to a passage connecting the first outlet of the separation reservoir and the evaporator. The passage preferably has an inclined zone for trapping the liquid absorbent condensed in the passage from the absorbent vapor and for discharging the condensed liquid absorbent to the separation reservoir.

Preferably, the apparatus may also include a heat exchanger for heat exchange between the gas mixture and the gas when the gas mixture moves from the space in the evaporator to the condenser and the gas moves from the separation system to the evaporator. In general, the heat exchanger is adapted to receive the condensed coolant for heat exchange with the gas mixture and the gas as the condensed coolant moves from the condenser to the evaporator.

In addition, the apparatus preferably includes a casing surrounding the condenser and the evaporator in order to direct ambient air from the evaporator into contact with the condenser. Preferably, a fan is installed to generate a flow of ambient air through the casing from the outside of the casing. More preferably, the condensation surface is typically arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal to facilitate the collection of condensed water. The angle is generally about 30 ° to 60 °, preferably about 40 ° to 50 °.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a control system for controlling the flow rate of ambient air in contact with the condensation surface, the control system,

A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface,

The control system monitors the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and adjusts the flow rate of the ambient air flowing to contact the condensation surface to facilitate condensation of moisture from the ambient air to the condensation surface.

Also preferably, the apparatus is adapted to direct ambient air flowing from the condensation surface to a condenser, and wherein the control system is adapted to direct the flow rate of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface to contact the condensation surface. It further includes an adjustable air inlet operable to adjust for flow rate, thereby varying the pressure and temperature in the condenser to facilitate condensation of the coolant vapor.

Most preferably, the control system further comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the condenser and a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the condenser, wherein the control system is connected to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor. The adjustable air inlet is operated to change the flow rate of ambient air flowing into the condenser by evaluating the pressure measured by the pressure.

Preferably, an inlet which is open to the evaporator is arranged to generate bubbles through the liquid coolant into the confined space of the evaporator. Bubbles of the gas through the liquid coolant agitate the liquid coolant to increase heat exchange from ambient air to the liquid coolant.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an evaporator for condensing water from ambient air.

At least one condensation surface for contacting with ambient air;

A housing containing a liquid coolant and having an enclosed space for a gas mixture of gas and coolant vapor evaporated from the liquid coolant;

The gas moves into the enclosed space to further evaporate the liquid coolant into the enclosed space so that heat is transferred from the condensation surface to the liquid coolant, and consequently the condensation surface in the ambient air for the collection of water. An inlet for cooling below a dew point of moisture to condense moisture from ambient air on the condensation surface; And

An outlet for movement of said gas mixture from said enclosed space;

It includes.

Preferably, the condensation surface is the surface of the cooling fin, and the housing of the evaporator is

An upper section for receiving a gas mixture of gas and coolant vapor;

A lower zone at least partially filled with the liquid coolant and spaced from the upper zone; And

At least one conduit open at one end of the upper region of the housing and the opposite end of the lower region;

Wherein the cooling fin is disposed between the upper zone and the lower zone for contact with the ambient air.

Typically, a plurality of cooling fins are spaced apart from one another and in close proximity to one another for contact with the ambient air.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for separating a gas from a coolant vapor of a gas mixture.

Providing a condenser surrounding the mixer unit condensing the coolant vapor with a liquid coolant and containing a liquid absorbent absorbing the gas to facilitate contact of the liquid absorbent with the gas mixture;

Moving the gas mixture to a condenser to condense the coolant vapor; And

Moving the liquid absorbent to a mixer unit to contact the liquid absorbent with the gas mixture such that the gas is absorbed by the liquid absorbent to form a solution of the liquid absorbent and the gas;

It includes.

According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a condenser for separating gas from the coolant vapor of the gas mixture, the condenser

A housing containing the gas mixture to condense the coolant vapor into a liquid coolant; And

A mixer unit disposed in a housing containing a liquid absorbent which absorbs the gas to form a solution of the gas and a liquid absorbent, the mixer unit facilitating contact of the gas mixture with the liquid absorbent;

It includes.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mixer unit for mixing the gas with a liquid absorbent which absorbs the gas from a gas mixture of gas and coolant vapor to separate gas and coolant vapor. ,

And a mixer body for accommodating a liquid absorbent for absorption of the gas to facilitate contact of the gas mixture with the liquid absorbent.

Condensing water from the ambient air provides a means of replenishing fresh water sources in remote areas where fresh water is lacking or where fresh water is not available, and may reduce the need to transport water to such remote areas. Likewise, where it is necessary to carry a water source, such as a ship or boat, while sailing, condensing water from ambient air can provide an alternative source of water during travel and reduce dependence on stored water. In fact, by being able to condense the water from the ambient air, the amount of water to be transported can be reduced. In addition, condensing water from ambient air provides confidence in the quality of the water and may be uncomfortable with the water quality of existing water sources or if the available water is known to be contaminated or soiled, or is not suitable for the purpose of using water. Provide local water sources. Thus, one or more embodiments of the invention provide applicability in many practical situations.

In addition, since ambient air is cooled and heat is generated when coolant vapor condenses during operation of the apparatus described herein, the cooled ambient air and generated heat can be used respectively for general cooling and heating purposes.

Thus, according to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of providing heating from a device while the device is in operation.

Passing a gas into the confined space to further evaporate a liquid coolant into the confined space with coolant vapor to form a gas mixture of the coolant vapor evaporated from the gas and the liquid coolant into the confined space;

Passing the gas mixture from the enclosed space to a condenser to condense coolant vapor in the gas mixture back to a liquid coolant;

Returning the gas separated from the gas mixture to the enclosed space;

Recycling the condensed liquid coolant from the gas mixture into the confined space for evaporation; And

Heating with heat from the condenser;

It includes.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of providing cooling from a device while the device is in operation.

Providing at least one cooling surface for contact with ambient air;

Passing a gas into the confined space to further evaporate the liquid coolant into the confined space with coolant vapor, thereby forming a gas mixture of the coolant vapor evaporated from the gas and the liquid coolant into the confined space, thereby Transferring heat from the surface to the liquid coolant to cool the cooling surface;

Moving the gas mixture from the enclosed space;

Contacting the cooled cooling surface with the ambient air to cool the ambient air; And

Cooling using cooled ambient air;

It includes.

Also included in the present invention are devices for providing cooling and / or heating. It can be seen that the condensation / cooling surface of the device provided for general cooling and heating purposes does not need to be cooled below the dew point of the ambient air. That is, heating or cooling can be done without collecting water from the ambient air.

Throughout this specification, the phrase "comprising" or "comprising" or "comprising" includes not only the constituent elements or steps mentioned, but also not excluding other components or steps not mentioned. it means.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a plan view of an apparatus according to the invention for condensing water from ambient air;

2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

3 is a schematic diagram illustrating operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

4 is a rear view of the evaporator of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

5 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the condenser of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the condenser of FIG. 5;

7 is a schematic representation of a control system of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

8 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a device of another embodiment according to the invention for condensing water from ambient air;

9-11 are flowcharts illustrating a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8;

12 is a schematic diagram of a solar tracking device providing heating. And

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating that heating is performed by the reflector of the apparatus of FIG. 12.

The device 2 of FIG. 1 comprises an evaporator 4 containing an isobutane (R600a) coolant which, in use, cools the evaporator below the dew point of the moisture of ambient air flowing through the evaporator. In short, cooling of the evaporator is accomplished by passing a gas, such as ammonia, substantially inert to the coolant into the headspace of the evaporator. This lowers the partial pressure of the coolant vapor in the headspace so that the liquid coolant continues to evaporate into the headspace. The gas mixture in the headspace consisting of the gas and coolant vapor is separated into the gas and coolant vapor after passing through an evaporator. This separated coolant vapor is condensed and the gas and the condensed liquid coolant are returned to the evaporator 4 in a continuous cycle and recycled.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the gas mixture from the evaporator 4 proceeds to the condenser 6 due to the pressure difference between the evaporator and the condenser. Separation of the gas from the coolant vapor occurs in a condenser, by contacting the gas in the gas mixture with a liquid absorbent transferred to the condenser. The gas is absorbed by the liquid absorbent to form a solution, which passes from the condenser to the separation reservoir to separate the gas from the solution before the gas returns to the evaporator. The liquid absorbent separated from the solution is recycled to the condenser by means of a pump system indicated by reference numerals 8 and 10 to continue separating gas from the gas mixture entering the condenser from the evaporator.

As shown schematically in FIG. 3, the evaporator 4 consists of a housing 12 having a lower chamber 14, which is passed through a plurality of tubular pipes 18 spaced apart from each other. In fluid communication with the head space 16 of the evaporator. The evaporator 4 is filled with the liquid isobutane refrigerant 28 except for the head space 16 of the evaporator. The space 20 between the pipes provides a passageway through which ambient air can flow through the evaporator onto the cooling fins 22. The upper side 22a and the lower side 22b of each fin 22 provide a condensation surface for condensing water from ambient air. The evaporator, ultimately fin 22, is arranged at 45 ° to the horizontal direction so that condensed water flows out of the fin and falls onto the inclined surface of the casing 24 containing the condenser and evaporator, as shown in FIG. As noted, this inclined surface is oriented to the outer spigot 26 to collect water.

Gas 30, in this embodiment ammonia gas, is bubbled through the liquid refrigerant from the inlet in the form of a diffuser 32 disposed in the lower chamber 14 of the evaporator. Ammonia gas passes through pipe 18 into the head space 16 of the evaporator, where the ammonia gas is mixed with refrigerant vapor evaporated from the underlying liquid refrigerant. As the ammonia gas flows into the head space, the partial pressure of the refrigerant vapor is lowered. This further evaporates the refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant in the evaporator. As a result, the heat of the cooling fins 22 is lost to the liquid refrigerant and the external air flowing over the fins is cooled.

The outlet 34 is installed in the head space 16 of the evaporator, through which the gas mixture flows through the supply pipe 36 to the condenser 6. The feed pipe 36 is open through the inlet 40 to the upper region 38 of the condenser. The condenser 6 is filled with a bottom region 43 of the condenser with a bath consisting of a layer of liquid refrigerant over a solution layer of water and dissolved ammonia gas. The mixer unit 44 is suspended in the upper region of the condenser by means of a axial gimbal 46 fixed to the wall of the condenser. The gimbal allows the mixer unit to be held in a substantially upright position even when the bottom surface on which the device 2 is located is not horizontal.

A vessel 48 formed at the upper end of the mixer unit receives liquid absorbent 50 from an inlet 52 installed in the upper region 38 of the condenser. This liquid absorbent consists of water containing a lower concentration of dissolved ammonia gas than the solution 42 in the bottom region of the condenser. This liquid absorbent 50 flows out of the rim 54 of the vessel and down to the outer peripheral surface 56 of the mixer unit before falling into the layer of liquid refrigerant 28.

Since the liquid absorbent flows down to the outer circumferential surface of the mixer unit under the influence of gravity, it contacts the gas mixture entering the condenser from the evaporator and absorbs ammonia from the gas mixture. As shown in Fig. 5, the mixer unit is provided with a plurality of circumferential ridges 58 spaced apart from each other, which form an annular ring around the mixer unit. As the absorbent passes over each ring, the ring creates turbulence in the flow of liquid absorbent down the mixer unit. This turbulence promotes the mixing of the ammonia gas and the liquid absorbent in the gas mixture from the evaporator. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view along line B-B of the mixer unit shown in FIG. 6, the liquid absorbent drops through the hole 60 of the inlet 52 to the center of the container 48.

Returning to FIG. 3 again, the liquid absorbent and dissolved gas have a higher density than the liquid refrigerant and thus sink into the solution 42 from the liquid refrigerant layer in the bottom region 43 of the condenser.

Solution 42 flows out of the condenser through feed pipe 62 and enters separation reservoir 64 through inlet 66. Separation reservoir 64 has an internal head space 68 that is partially filled with a solution of liquid absorbent and dissolved ammonia gas and filled with vapor from the solution, more specifically with ammonia gas and water vapor. In practice, the separation reservoir is heated to forcibly press most of the ammonia gas in the solution coming from the condenser into the interior head space 68 of the reservoir.

The outlet 70 is installed in a separate reservoir through which the weaker solution 41 flows through the feed pipe 74 into the heating reservoir 72 of the pump system. This heating reservoir 72 is heated to a sufficient temperature, typically the boiling point of the diluted solution, to "percolating" the diluted solution through the vertical conduit 76. As the heated solution heats up the vertical conduit 76, water vapor and ammonia gas evaporate from the solution, forming a gas pocket that is driven up through the vertical conduit along the passage to the collection reservoir 78. The solution entering the collection reservoir has a lower concentration of dissolved ammonia gas than the solution 42 entering the separation reservoir and the solution passing from the storage reservoir to the heating reservoir.

After entering the collection reservoir 78, the solution absorbs further ammonia gas from the gas mixture passing from the head space 16 of the evaporator 4 into the condenser 6 through the feed pipe 36. Recycled).

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the liquid absorbent 50 exiting the vertical conduit 76 is collected in the collection reservoir 78 and the inlet 66 for heat exchange with the solution entering the separation reservoir from the condenser. Heat transfer to the recirculation tube 80 passing through the solution 42 in the separation reservoir 64. From the storage reservoir, the recirculation tube 80 directs the liquid absorbent to the inlet 52 of the condenser.

The feed pipe 82 passes ammonia gas and water vapor entering the collection reservoir from the vertical conduit 76 into a common feed pipe 84 that is open at one end through the outlet 86 into the head space 68 of the separation reservoir. Supply. The opposite end of the common feed pipe 84 is open into a diffuser 32 arranged in the evaporator 4 to return ammonia gas to the head space 16 of the evaporator. The common feed pipe 84 collects the water condensed in the common feed pipe from the water vapor coming in with the ammonia gas from the collection reservoir 78 and the separation reservoir 64, and then returns the condensed water back to the storage reservoir. It has a photographic cross section 88.

As also shown in FIG. 3, the common feed pipe 84 comprises a cross section of a feed pipe 36 which carries a gas mixture from the headspace 16 of the evaporator 4 to the condenser 6. Pass 90. An additional feed pipe 92 which also recycles the refrigerant 28 condensed from the condenser to the lower chamber 14 of the evaporator 4 also passes through the heat exchanger 92 and from the heat exchanger 90 to the evaporator 4. The heat exchange relationship with the common feed pipe 84 is maintained until the lower chamber 14 of the. As will be appreciated, the heat exchanger 90 facilitates heat exchange between the gas mixture in the heat exchanger and the refrigerant in the feed pipe 92 and the ammonia gas in the common feed pipe 94. Similarly, the heat exchange between the refrigerant in the supply pipe 92 and the ammonia gas in the common supply pipe due to the parallel arrangement of the common supply pipe 84 and the supply pipe 92 from the heat exchanger 90 to the evaporator 4. This becomes possible.

As described above, the evaporator 4 and the condenser 6 are housed in the casing 24. As best shown in FIG. 7, the casing 24 has a fan 98 and a main air inlet 96 arranged at an outlet 100 for drawing ambient air from the atmosphere through the main air inlet into the casing. Have Ambient air flows through the evaporator and comes into contact with the cooling fins 22 such that water condenses from the ambient air onto the fins 22 and then contacts the housing 94 of the condenser 6. As the cooled air passes over the housing of the condenser, heat escapes from the housing. This also cools the refrigerant vapor in the upper region of the condenser and the liquid refrigerant below it.

The flow of ambient air through the casing 24 for efficient operation is adjusted to optimize the condensation of water per unit volume of ambient air flowing through the evaporator, while from the condenser to the ambient air for the condensation of refrigerant vapor in the condenser The flow rate of air flowing through the condenser is sufficient to ensure sufficient heat transfer. Of course, the device operates so that the cooling fins are sufficiently cooled without freezing the condensed water.

For a given atmospheric condition, there is a specific humidity measured in grams of water vapor per kilogram of air. For example, the specific humidity of 4.5-6 g of moisture per kg of air correlates with the dry bulb temperature between 1 ° C and 6.5 ° C. In operation, the device is operated such that the specific humidity of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface of the cooling fin 22 is reduced to a specific humidity that correlates to the particular dry bulb temperature or temperature range selected.

More specifically, fan 98 initially operates at maximum speed to obtain maximum air flow through casing 24 and the dew point of ambient air entering the evaporator is measured by sensor 102. The sensor is arranged to be gradually cooled by the ambient air as the ambient air entering the evaporator is cooled by the cooling fins 22. When condensation occurs on the sensor 102 from the ambient air, the sensor is shorted to indicate the dew point of the ambient air. This temperature is compared at the control module 106 with the dry bulb temperature of the air exiting the evaporator, measured by the temperature sensor 104. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 104 is higher than the dew point of the water of the ambient air measured by the sensor 102, the speed of the fan is gradually reduced by the command from the control module 106 to pass through the evaporator. The flow rate of the surrounding air is also lowered. This continues until the temperature of the ambient air is lower than the dew point of the water in the ambient air so that condensation of water on the cooling fin is achieved.

Once the ambient air flowing over the evaporator 4 reaches an optimum flow rate, the temperature of the condensed refrigerant 28 of the condenser 6 is measured by an additional temperature sensor 112, measured by the pressure sensor 114. The total pressure of the upper region 38 of the condenser is compared in the control module 106. Since the pressure in the upper region of the condenser varies with the ambient conditions, the temperature and pressure conditions in the condenser for optimum condensation of the refrigerant vapor are various.

The temperature and pressure measured by the temperature sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 are compared in the control module 106, and the control module determines whether optimal conditions for condensation of the refrigerant vapor have been made. If the control module determines that the temperature of the condenser is too high for the condensation of the refrigerant vapor, the speed of the fan 98 is gradually increased in response to commands from the control module. This increases the flow rate of the cooled ambient air passing from the evaporator to the condenser, thereby removing additional heat from the housing of the condenser, thereby gradually lowering the temperature of the condenser. The speed of the fan continues to increase until it reaches the temperature of the condenser where condensation of the refrigerant vapor occurs.

After a short period of time, usually one or two minutes, the dew point of the ambient air entering the evaporator and the dry bulb temperature of the ambient air leaving the evaporator are again measured by the temperature sensors 102, 104, which are measured at the control module. Are compared. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 104 is higher than the dew point of the water, the air inlet in the form of a hinged bypass damper 108 arranged in the lower region of the casing 24 may be operated by an actuator operated by a control module. By at least a limited degree. By-pass damper 108 is opened so that uncooled ambient air, indicated by the arrow, flows into the casing through the additional air inlet and contacts the condenser. This reduces the flow of ambient air through the evaporator to the flow rate needed to cool the ambient air to the dew point of the water in the ambient air while maintaining or increasing the flow rate of the ambient air passing through the condenser.

The control module 106 continually measures the temperature of the air flow in the ambient air through the casing measured by the temperature sensors 102 and 104, as well as the condenser measured by the pressure sensor 114 and the temperature sensor 112. Monitor the temperature of the liquid refrigerant and the total pressure of the upper region of the condenser and monitor the ambient conditions as required for continued condensation of water from the ambient air onto the cooling fins 22 and condensation of the refrigerant vapor in the condenser 6. In response to the change, the position of the damper 108 and the speed of the fan 98 are adjusted. The monitoring cycle is repeated at regular intervals to ensure optimum efficiency of the device, thereby ensuring maximum water generation from the ambient air. Timing circuitry for operating the monitoring cycle is also located in the control module. Such control circuitry is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

An apparatus for collecting water from ambient air embodied by the present invention is shown further schematically in FIG. 8. This device differs from the device shown in FIG. 3 in that a pump system comprising a heating reservoir 72 and a collection reservoir 78 is located in front of the separating reservoir 64. More specifically, the solution 42 from the condenser 6 flows directly into the heating reservoir 72 in which the solution is heated to separate the dissolved ammonia gas from the liquid absorbent. As discussed above, as the heated solution 42 is “percolated” over the vertical conduit 76, water vapor and ammonia gas evaporate from the solution to form pockets of gas that are pulled through the vertical conduit into the collection reservoir. . As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the liquid absorbent 50 collected in the collection reservoir flows back into the condenser 6 through the recycle tube 80 to contact further gas mixture passing from the evaporator 4. However, rather than the separated gas flowing into the diffuser 32 of the evaporator as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the separated ammonia gas passes through the feed pipe 82 into the upper region 38 of the condenser. Flow. This minimizes the passage of water vapor evaporated from the liquid absorbent to the evaporator.

The solution of liquid absorbent and remaining dissolved ammonia gas passing from the heating reservoir 72 to the separation reservoir is heated in the separation reservoir 64 as above, so that the ammonia gas is evaporated and the diffuser of the evaporator through the feed pipe 84 ( 32) ammonia gas is returned.

As further shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus also incorporates a water return system 116 for returning the water accumulated in the evaporator 4 to the condenser 6. The water return system includes a float valve containing a ball float 118 arranged in a storage cylinder 120 that is opened through the feed conduit 122 into the evaporator. The ball float 118 generally rests on the open end 124 of the discharge conduit 126 to close the discharge conduit. A pressure equalization conduit (not shown) connects the upper region of the storage cylinder above the ball float 118 to the lower region of the storage cylinder below the ball float. The density of water is greater than that of the refrigerant and therefore sinks to the bottom of the storage cylinder. The ball float will not float in refrigerant but will have a density that will float in water. When a sufficient amount of water accumulates at the bottom of the storage cylinder 120, the ball float is lifted from the discharge conduit 126 so that the level of water in the storage cylinder seals the open end 124 of the discharge conduit. The water flows into the discharge conduit and flows into the water return heating reservoir 128 until it is returned to its normal position to be able to prevent the liquid refrigerant from escaping from the evaporator.

In operation, the water return heating reservoir 128 is heated by an electrical element that is used to force water to percolate through the water return pipe 130, which flows into the condenser 6. As will be appreciated, the water collected from the evaporator to the storage cylinder 120 contains some dissolved ammonia gas. Of course, the water return system 116 may also be installed in the apparatus shown in FIG. 3.

A flow diagram illustrating the operation of the control system of the apparatus of FIG. 8 is shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11. In this control system, the temperature sensor 102 is omitted, and the flow of ambient air in contact with the cooling fins 22 of the evaporator maintains the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 104 in the temperature range of 4 ° C to 5 ° C. To change. At the time the device starts to operate, the solution of each of the water reservoir 128, the separation reservoir 64 and the heating reservoir 72 is heated to 90 ° C. to 95 ° C. by respective electrical heating elements. By-pass damper 108 is in the closed position and fan 98 is operated at full speed. The temperature measured by the temperature sensor 104 is then measured at approximately two minute intervals, with the bypass damper in 10% increments until the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is in the temperature range of 4 ° C to 5 ° C. 108 is opened or the speed of the fan is changed. If further monitoring is made, the measured temperature drops below 4 ° C. and the bypass damper 108 is fully open, and the heating of the solution in the separating reservoir 64 corresponds to a drop of about 9 ° C. for each hour. Decreases by%. This reduces the rate at which the ammonia gas is evaporated from the solution in the separation reservoir, which results in the amount of ammonia gas returned to the evaporator through the diffuser 32 of the evaporator 4 resulting in an increase in the temperature of the cooling fin 22. Alternatively the speed of the fan 98 can also be increased to raise the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 104.

The temperature of the condensed liquid refrigerant and the pressure in the condenser 6 are separately monitored by the temperature sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 at approximately two minute intervals. If the measured pressure and temperature do not reach a predetermined level to effect condensation of the refrigerant vapor in the condenser, the speed of the fan is increased by 10% increments or measured by the temperature sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114. The heating of the solution in the separation reservoir 64 is reduced in 10% increments until the temperature and pressure at which it has been reached is below a predetermined level. For baths of ammonia gas and iso-butane refrigerants such as those utilized in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the pressure in the condenser is generally maintained below 432 kPa while the temperature of the condensed liquid refrigerant is generally maintained below 40.6 ° C. Will be. However, different temperature and pressure settings will be required when system gases and refrigerants other than ammonia gas and iso-butane refrigerants are used.

Power for driving the electrical components of the device implemented by the present invention, such as the fan 98, is preferably provided by electricity. Alternatively or additionally, however, the device may be provided with an array of photovoltaic cells for supplying sufficient power to meet the overall energy requirements of the device, including all heating requirements, and for driving the fan 98 and control module 106. Solar panels can be provided. In this case, the device may also be equipped with a recharging circuit for recharging a battery or batteries that typically use one or more rechargeable batteries and electrical energy generated by the solar panel. Such recharging systems are well known in the art.

As an alternative to this, a solar device 132 provided with a tracking mechanism for tracking solar heat of the type as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be used to provide heating for the water condenser device implemented by the present invention. . The tracking mechanism includes a balance 133 on which a parabolic reflector 136 is mounted. The balance incorporates a frame pivotally mounted on the stand 138. The frame consists of a hollow side tank 140 and an opposite end member 142 that are approximately half full with a liquid refrigerant such as Freon. The interior of the tank is connected together through the passage of the hollow feed pipe 144. Shade panel 146 is disposed along each side tank to hide the corresponding tank from behind. The reflective surface on the front side of each shade panel reflects heat to the corresponding tank when the tank is facing the sun.

The side tank 140 is arranged such that in use the first tank is exposed to the sun at a greater angle than the second tank. As the second tank is heated by the sun, the pressure in the tank increases to create a pressure differential between the tanks, and the freon gradually flows through the supply conduit 144 from the first tank to another tank. As the freon flows into the second tank, the weight of the second tank becomes heavier than the first tank, resulting in a frame of balance pivoting around the pivot pin 134, and the reflector being substantially synchronized with the movement of the sun. Will be moved westward.

As can be seen clearly in FIG. 13, the flexible drive shaft 150 rotates about its longitudinal axis as the frame rotates about the pivot pin. More specifically, the drive shaft 150 is fixed at one end around the pivot pin 134 and the reflector 136 is at the opposite end. The opposite end of the drive shaft 150 is arranged to be substantially concentric with the longitudinal axis of the component of the water condensation apparatus to be heated. As such, the reflector 136 is rotated around the component to be heated together with the firebox of the drive shaft 150.

The rear reflecting surface of the reflector 136 is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. Since the reflecting back is inclined, the focal length of the reflector is changed from the top of the reflector to the bottom of the reflector. This makes it possible to converge the sunlight incident on the reflector by the reflector over the part to be heated when the sun is in different positions throughout the day. The part to be heated may be, for example, a separation reservoir 64, a heating reservoir 72 or a water return heating reservoir 128. Otherwise, a combination of one or more of these parts may be heated together. In the latter case the reservoirs may be arranged adjacent to each other to be heated by a reflector 136 of appropriate size.

At the end of the day, when solar heat is reduced, the pressure difference between the side tanks 140 decreases and the flow direction of the Freon through the hollow conduit 144 connecting the tanks is reversed. As the freon returns to the first tank, the weight of the tank is increased, and the frame of balance gradually pivots around the stand in the opposite direction, whereby the reflector is gradually returned to its initial sunrise position. Conventional suitable shock absorbers 154 are installed at one end of the frame and the other end relative to the stand to prevent the reflector from shaking with the wind.

Typically the parabolic reflector 136 is sized to provide excess heat than necessary. Excess heat can be extracted and stored in the heat bank for use during times when sunlight is obscured by the cloud and reduced or the amount of sunlight available such as sunset is low. The excess heat can then be stored in the heat bank for use, allowing the water condenser to operate during the night to further condense water from the ambient night air.

Since heat is generated by the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the heated air can be used for general heating purposes, rather than venting the heated air from the condenser 6 to the atmosphere. For example, heated air is sent to another conduit by another fan so that heated air enters the room or other space through the outlet. Similarly, cooled air passing through the cooling fins 22 of the evaporator 4 can be used for general cooling purposes. For example, the cooled air can be exhausted to another conduit by a fan as above. The cooled air can then be introduced into the additional conduit by a sail valve that discharges the cooled air through the outlet to the condenser and / or another conduit that is open into the room or space, where the outlet air is heated. It may be the same or different vent as the vent being vented. Cooling of the condenser may be compensated by increasing the speed of the fan 98 or by opening the bypass damper 108 to increase the flow of ambient air in contact with the condenser.

Moreover, in addition to collecting water from ambient air for beverages or other purposes, the device embodied by the present invention can also be used as a dehumidifier to remove moisture from silos or other silo spaces where it is desirable to minimize moisture content in the air. have. Similarly, the device can also be used to remove water from a place such as the interior of a pipe used to channel a hydrophobic fluid such as oil or petroleum. In this application the air will be discharged from the silo or pipe (s) after the water has been expelled by the device but before it is returned to the silo or pipe (s). When moisture in the silo (eg wheat silo) is to be removed, the air is first filtered to remove dust in the air before the air contacts the cooling fins of the device.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a few preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

For example, in addition to the bypass damper 108, the apparatus of the present invention may be provided with an adjustable valve for regulating the flow rate of ambient air passing through the condenser 6. In addition, gases other than ammonia gas and isobutane and a liquid coolant may be used. For example, other combinations of gases and liquid coolants that may be used include ammonia gas and propane, hydrogen chloride gas and propylene, ammonia gas and pentane, hydrogen chloride gas and isobutane, and methylamine gas and isobutane.

Furthermore, instead of using solar or electrical energy for heating, heat from external waste heat sources such as boilers, hot water from engines, or heat emitted from cooling or air conditioning condensers is separated by conduits (64). May be supplied to a component that requires heating, such that heating may be performed by heat transfer by contact with the conduit. Likewise, embodiments of the present invention may be provided without a fan for sucking ambient air through the evaporator and / or the condenser. As an example of this, the flow of ambient air through the casing can be made by tropical flow as a result of the temperature difference between the evaporator and the external ambient air temperature.

Claims (45)

Providing at least one condensation surface for contact with ambient air; A gas is passed into the confined space to further evaporate the liquid coolant into the confined space with coolant vapor to form a gas mixture of coolant vapor evaporated from the gas and the liquid coolant into the confined space and from the condensation surface Transferring heat to a coolant to cool the condensation surface below the dew point of moisture in ambient air; Passing the gas mixture through the enclosed space; Contacting ambient air with the cooled condensation surface such that moisture from ambient air condenses on the condensation surface; And Collecting the condensed water; Method for condensing water from the ambient air comprising a. The method of claim 1, further comprising condensing coolant vapor in the gas mixture that has passed through the enclosed space to a liquid coolant to separate the coolant vapor from the gas, wherein the coolant vapor is separated from the gas mixture to regenerate the gas mixture. Returning gas to the enclosed space, and recycling the condensed liquid coolant from the gas mixture. 3. The gas mixture of claim 2, wherein the gas mixture passes through the enclosed space and contacts a liquid absorbent that absorbs gas from the gas mixture to form a solution, and the gas is separated from the solution such that the gas is enclosed. Returning to space and said liquid absorbent is recycled for contact with the gas mixture again. 4. The liquid coolant of claim 2 or 3, wherein the liquid coolant condensed from the gas mixture moves the gas into the confined space and the gas mixture contacts the liquid absorbent such that the condensation surface is cooled in a continuous cycle. And recirculate at the same time as it moves out of the enclosed space. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid coolant is agitated when the gas passes through the enclosed space. 6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein stirring of the liquid coolant is performed by generating bubbles into the closed space through the gas to the liquid coolant. 7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the steps of: monitoring the temperature of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface, and determining the flow rate at which ambient air is in contact with the condensation surface. Adjusting to a desired flow rate to facilitate condensation on the condensation surface. 3. The coolant vapor of claim 2 wherein ambient air is cooled by contact with the condensation surface and the cooled ambient air facilitates condensation of the coolant vapor with a liquid coolant. Used to cool the water. 9. The ambient air of claim 8 wherein the coolant vapor is condensed in a condenser and the method further comprises adjusting the flow rate of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface to promote condensation of the coolant vapor. Method for condensing water from water. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the flow rate of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface is adjusted relative to the flow rate of ambient air flowing to contact the condensation surface. 11. The flow rate of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface as claimed in claim 9 or 10, in order to assess whether it is necessary to adjust the flow rate of the ambient air flowing from the condensation surface in order to promote the condensation of the coolant vapor in the condenser. Monitoring the data, and the monitoring includes  Measuring the pressure in the condenser; Measuring the temperature in the condenser; And Evaluating the measured pressure and the measured temperature. 12. The method of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the gas is ammonia gas. 13. The method of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the liquid coolant is isobutane. At least one condensation surface for contacting with ambient air; An evaporator containing a liquid coolant and forming an enclosed space for a gas mixture of gas and coolant vapor evaporated from the liquid coolant; Formed into an evaporator to move the gas into the enclosed space such that the liquid coolant is further evaporated into the enclosed space so that heat is transferred from the condensation surface to the liquid coolant, resulting in the collection of water for An inlet through which the condensation surface is cooled below the dew point of moisture in the ambient air such that condensation of moisture from the ambient air occurs on the condensation surface; And An outlet for movement of said gas mixture from said enclosed space; Apparatus for collecting water from the ambient air comprising a. 15. The method of claim 14, for separating gas in the gas mixture from the liquid coolant and condensing the coolant vapor back to the liquid coolant to return the gas to the enclosed space in the evaporator and to recycle the liquid coolant to the evaporator. Further comprising a separation system. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the separation system includes a condenser for receiving a gas mixture from an evaporator to condense coolant vapor in the gas mixture into a liquid coolant, the condenser containing a liquid absorbent to convey gas to the liquid absorbent. An apparatus for collecting water from ambient air, characterized by facilitating contact of the gas mixture with a liquid absorbent to absorb and form a solution, thereby separating the gas from the coolant vapor. 17. The liquid condenser of claim 16, wherein, in use, the condenser surrounds a bath consisting of a layer of liquid coolant and a layer of solution, the condenser contacting the gas mixture and the liquid absorbent prior to moving the solution into the bath. And receive the gas mixture to form the solution. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the liquid coolant has a lower density than the solution such that the solution separates from the layer of liquid coolant to form a layer of solution. 18. The mixer of claim 16 or 17, further comprising a mixer unit disposed in a condenser for receiving the liquid absorbent, wherein the mixer unit is disposed on a surface of the mixer unit to facilitate contact of the gas with the liquid absorbent. And generate water from the liquid absorbent. 20. The mixer unit of claim 19 wherein the mixer unit has an open container for receiving the liquid absorbent to provide a flow of the liquid absorbent below the surface of the mixer unit by flooding of the liquid absorbent from the open container. Device for collecting water from ambient air. 21. The mixer of claim 19 or 20, wherein the mixer unit generates turbulence in the liquid absorbent when the liquid absorbent flows down the surface of the mixer unit to increase absorption of the gas by the liquid absorbent. Device for collecting water from ambient air. 22. A method according to any of claims 10 to 21, wherein the mixer unit is mounted to a gimbal disposed in the condenser to maintain the mixer unit in a generally upright position. Device. 23. The method of any of claims 16 to 22, wherein the separation system further comprises a separation reservoir for evaporation of the gas from the liquid absorbent, the separation reservoir, housing; An inlet for moving said liquid absorbent into said housing to cause said gas to evaporate from said liquid absorbent within said housing; And An outlet for returning the gas evaporated from the liquid absorbent to an evaporator; Apparatus for collecting water from the ambient air comprising a. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the separation reservoir is adapted to be heated to promote evaporation of the gas from the liquid absorbent. The pump system of claim 16, further comprising a pump system for elevating said liquid absorbent to a high position for flowing from said evaporator to a condenser to further contact said liquid absorbent with said gas mixture. The pump system, A heating reservoir which receives the liquid absorbent and is heated to discharge the liquid absorbent; A vertical tube for receiving the liquid absorbent discharged from the heating reservoir when the heating reservoir is heated; And A collection reservoir disposed at an elevated position and having an open tube for collection of the liquid absorbent, and wherein a passage is formed to move the liquid absorbent to the condenser; Apparatus for collecting water from the ambient air comprising a. 27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the collection reservoir is adapted to receive the gas with a first outlet for moving the liquid absorbent from the collection reservoir to a condenser, the absorbent vapor evaporating from the liquid absorbent while moving along the vertical tube. And an internal space and another outlet for moving gas separated from said liquid absorbent from said collection reservoir to an evaporator. 27. The system of any one of claims 16 to 26, further comprising a control system for controlling the flow rate of ambient air in contact with the condensation surface, the control system comprising: A temperature sensor that measures the temperature of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface, the control system monitors the temperature measured by the temperature sensor to facilitate condensation of moisture from the ambient air to the condensation surface. And adjust the flow rate of the ambient air flowing in contact with the condensation surface. 28. The system of claim 27, wherein ambient air flowing from the condensation surface is directed to a condenser, and wherein the control system is adapted to direct a flow rate of ambient air flowing from the condensation surface to contact the condensation surface. And an adjustable air inlet operable to adjust relative to the water, wherein the pressure and temperature in the condenser are varied to facilitate condensation of the coolant vapor. 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the control system further comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the condenser and a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the condenser, wherein the control system includes a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor. Evaluating the pressure measured by to operate the adjustable air inlet to change the flow rate of ambient air flowing to the condenser. 30. The device of any of claims 14 to 29, wherein the gas is ammonia gas. 31. The device of any of claims 14-30, wherein the liquid coolant is isobutane. At least one condensation surface for contacting with ambient air; A housing containing a liquid coolant and having an enclosed space for a gas mixture of gas and coolant vapor evaporated from the liquid coolant; The gas moves into the enclosed space to further evaporate the liquid coolant into the enclosed space so that heat is transferred from the condensation surface to the liquid coolant, so that the condensation surface is brought to ambient air for the collection of water. An inlet for cooling below the dew point of moisture in the condensation surface to allow condensation of moisture from ambient air on the condensation surface; And An outlet for movement of said gas mixture from said enclosed space; Evaporator for condensing water from the ambient air comprising a. 33. The method of claim 32 wherein the condensation surface is a surface of a cooling fin and the housing of the evaporator is An upper section for receiving a gas mixture of gas and coolant vapor; A lower zone at least partially filled with the liquid coolant and spaced from the upper zone; And At least one conduit open at one end of the upper region of the housing and the opposite end of the lower region; Wherein the cooling fin is disposed between the upper and lower zones for contact with the ambient air. 34. The condenser of claim 33, wherein the cooling fins comprise a plurality of cooling fins, the cooling fins being spaced apart from one another and in close proximity to one another for contact with the ambient air. For evaporator. A method for separating gas from coolant vapor in a gas mixture, Providing a condenser surrounding the mixer unit condensing the coolant vapor with a liquid coolant and containing a liquid absorbent absorbing the gas to facilitate contact of the liquid absorbent with the gas mixture; Moving the gas mixture to a condenser to condense the coolant vapor; And Moving the liquid absorbent to a mixer unit to contact the liquid absorbent with the gas mixture such that the gas is absorbed by the liquid absorbent to form a solution of the liquid absorbent and the gas; And a gas for separating gas from the coolant vapor of the gas mixture. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the gas comprises ammonia gas. 37. The method of claim 35 or 36, wherein the liquid coolant is isobutane. A condenser for separating gas from coolant vapor of a gas mixture, A housing containing the gas mixture to condense the coolant vapor into a liquid coolant; And And a mixer unit disposed in the housing containing the liquid absorbent which absorbs the gas and forms a solution of the gas, the mixer unit facilitating contact of the gas mixture with the liquid absorbent. A mixer unit for mixing a gas with a liquid absorbent that absorbs the gas from a gas mixture of the gas and the coolant vapor to separate the gas and the coolant vapor, And a mixer body for accommodating a liquid absorbent for absorption of the gas to facilitate contact of the gas mixture with the liquid absorbent. A method of providing heating from a device while the device is operating, Passing a gas into the confined space to further evaporate a liquid coolant into the confined space with coolant vapor to form a gas mixture of the coolant vapor evaporated from the gas and the liquid coolant into the confined space; Passing the gas mixture from the enclosed space to a condenser to condense coolant vapor in the gas mixture back to a liquid coolant; Returning the gas separated from the gas mixture to the enclosed space; Recycling the condensed liquid coolant from the gas mixture into the confined space for evaporation; And Heating with heat from the condenser; And providing heating from the device while the device is operating. The method of claim 40, Moving the liquid absorbent into contact with the gas mixture in the condenser such that gas is absorbed from the gas mixture into the liquid absorbent to form a solution; Moving the solution from the condenser; And Separating the gas from the liquid absorbent in the solution moved from the condenser to return the gas to the enclosed space and recycle the liquid absorbent back into contact with the gas mixture; And providing heating from the device while the device is operating. A method of providing cooling from a device while the device is operating, Providing at least one cooling surface for contact with ambient air; Passing a gas into the confined space to further evaporate the liquid coolant into the confined space with coolant vapor, thereby forming a gas mixture of the coolant vapor evaporated from the gas and the liquid coolant into the confined space, thereby Transferring heat from the surface to the liquid coolant to cool the cooling surface; Moving the gas mixture from the enclosed space; Contacting the cooled cooling surface with the ambient air to cool the ambient air; And Cooling using cooled ambient air; And providing cooling from the device while the device is operating. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the gas mixture is moved from the confined space to a condenser to condense coolant vapor in the gas mixture back to a liquid coolant, and the gas separated from the gas mixture is returned to the confined space and the coolant Wherein said liquid coolant condensed from vapor is recycled to said confined space for evaporation. The method of claim 43, Moving the liquid absorbent into contact with the gas mixture in the condenser such that gas is absorbed from the gas mixture into the liquid absorbent to form a solution; Moving the solution from the condenser; And Separating the gas from the liquid absorbent in the solution moved from the condenser to return the gas to the enclosed space and recycle the liquid absorbent back into contact with the gas mixture; Further comprising providing cooling from the device while the device is operating. At least a pair of spaced reservoirs heated differently by solar heat from the sun and pivotable about a pivot axis; At least one for movement from the one reservoir to the other reservoir when one reservoir is heated by solar over another reservoir and for returning the coolant to the one reservoir when the one reservoir is cooled compared to the other reservoir Conduit; And A reflector that reflects solar heat to the object to be heated; It contains, One or both sides of the reservoir are partially filled with coolant; The pair of spaced reservoirs is pivoted about a pivot axis in one direction as the coolant moves from the one reservoir to the other reservoir and pivoted about the pivot axis in the opposite direction when the coolant returns to the one location ; The reflector rotates in a first direction around an axis of rotation to maintain reflection of solar heat on the object when the pair of spaced reservoirs are pivoted about a pivot axis in one direction, and the pair of spaced reservoirs are opposite. And a solar device that is arranged to rotate in an opposite direction about the axis of rotation when pivoted about the axis of rotation in the direction.

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