OA21098A - Water distiller. - Google Patents

Abstract

A water distiller for distilling contaminated water is disclosed, the water distiller comprising a first container, for containing contaminated water, the first container comprising a first base and a first wall, upwardly extending from the first base, an outer cover, a water collection unit, preferably an outer container, and an inner cover for enclosing a volume in the first container, which inner cover comprises at least one aperture and is positioned below the outer cover, wherein the inner and outer cover are designed for transporting condensed water to the water collection unit, preferably an outer container, and wherein the outer cover is transparent for heating the contaminated water in the first container by sun. The invention also relates to a method for distilling water, to specifically shaped outer covers and/or inner covers and their use in distilling contaminated water.

Description

WATER DISTILLER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a water distiller, in particular a water distiller that can operate by exposure to energy such as e.g. sunlight or wind, for recovering fresh water from contaminated water in an efficient manner 5 without the need for expensive devices, filters, energy and/or complicated rpethods of using the device.

[0002] In depopulated areas such as remote islands and secluded places in the mountains, it is very difficult to obtain and keep safe drinking water and water for irrigating plants. In recerit years, further, with the désertification of agricultural areas, the conversion of desert to agricultural land is an important issue in development as well as a population problem, and water supply is a great problem to be solved for accomplishing the conversion of desert to agricultural land. These areas în particular are prône to water contamination, resulting in poor water quality. Inability to provide clean drinking water to such areas hampers its development and increases disease and death.

[0003] One way of soiving this problem is by providing an area with a large-scale water-purification installation. However, in particular for most depopulated areas, the provision of such an installation is not feasïble due to high costs. These installations for purifying a large amount of water often use an ion-exchange method, a diaphragmatîc 15 osmosis method, a reverse osmosis method or a multi-flash method, in particular when de-salting seawater. These methods are effective for treating a large amount of seawater, but a large investment is required for instalüng the necessary equipment, and also a large amount of energy is required for desalting seawater. Therefore, for small communitîes and indivîduals, the cost for desalting seawater in such installations is too high.

[0004] There is a desire for easy to use small scale mobile devices for distilling fresh water from unclean water.

Known devices comprise a réservoir for un-fresh water, which is covered by a slopîng glass plate ending at its lower end in a gutter for collecting condensed water running down from the glass plate. The gutter may bring the condensed water to a fresh water réservoir or duct.

[0005] One such a device is disclosed in document US5468351, which describes an apparatus for recovering fresh water comprising a structure formed of a roof member having a gradient and a base member provided with a liquid réservoir member. Disadvantageously, the disclosed embodiments of US5468351 are not very efficient due to slow heating of the contaminated water and thus a slow release of clean water as condensation on the roof member. Also, the disclosure of US5468351 does not allow for rapid heat absorption, especially when the sun is coming up low and moving from east to west where it is going down again. Radiation cannot enter the structure then. Also, since the liquid réservoir member has an open top, the droplets resulting from the condense must travel quite far along the roof member, increasing the chance of falling back into the réservoir with the contaminated water. Also, slow drainage of the water from the cover may resuit in an opaque or poiluted inner surface, which slows down the évaporation process ofthewatercontained in the porous mass. A poiluted inner surface may also increase the temperature ofthe roof member, thereby limiting the condensation rate.

[0006] Document GB1412971 discloses a solar still which evaporates contaminated water and gathers condensed 35 water. A disadvantage ofthe disclosure of GB1412971 is thatthe condensed droplets may readily fall back onto the porous mass upon accumulation. Particularly, upon condensing, the condensed water drops from the cover due to its own accumulated weight. Also, slow drainage of the water from the cover may resuit în an opaque inner surface, which slows down the évaporation process of the water contained in the porous mass and limits the condensation rate of evaporated water.

[0007] Thus, there is a particular need for an improved water distiller, providing efficient and quick heating of contaminated water for évaporation and efficient drainage of distilled water in a simple and affordable manner. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The water distiller of the present disclosure can distil contaminated water in a highly efficient way. Contaminated water also includes water containing material, preferably organic material such as leaves.

Contaminated water is to be understood as any déviation from fresh water and not limited to any form of contamination. ContenwwMs can be for example détergents, sait, crude oil, excrements, urine etc. Horizontal is defined as the diredfcwvwpendiculaf to the direction of gravity. Up, upwards or upper îs in the direction against the direction of gravity. The term upward extending means as seen upward from the bottom plane of the distiller. The term inner or inside implies at the inside of the water distiller and outer or outside means at the outside of the water distiller Preferably, upward extending outer walls of containers described herein are tapering outward allowing the containers to be stacked. Simîlarly, downwardly oriented side walls at the perimeter of the outer cover described herein are preferably also tapered outward downwards allowing the covers to be stacked.

[0009] The contaminated water is disposed in the first container, in which it is heated to produce water vapor. The inner cover comprises at least one aperture, preferably a plurality of apertures, through which the water vapor can pass. An aperture is understood to be any opening in the inner cover, or between the inner cover and the first container, through which evaporated water can pass. The inner cover is positioned and shaped to fit in or on the first container, so that the inner cover encloses a volume of the first container.

[0010] The transparent outer cover is positioned above the inner cover. The outer cover may be connected to or supported by the first container but may also be suspended above the first container. The outer cover covers the water distiller in a substantially airtight manner to prevent water vapor to escape from the water distiller. Depending on the embodiment of the water distiller, the outer cover may be connected to the first container or to the collection unit in a substantially airtight manner. The outer cover may be a slanted fiat cover plate but may also hâve other general shapes comprising downward oriented surfaces, for example a triangular, pyramidal, trapézoïdal, round, dôme, semi-cytindrical, oval shaped, etc., which shapes may also be truncated. The outer cover may comprise corrugâtions as described below.

fOOli] In a preferred embodiment the water collection unit is an outer container comprising an outer base and an outer wail upwardly extending from the outer base, wherein the first container is covered with the inner cover and is positioned inside the outer container which is covered and closed by the outer cover. In this embodiment, the collection of distilled water is received in a bottom région ofthe outer container, underthe first container, such as the outer base. Preferably, the condensed water runs from the outer cover and the inner cover through a spacing provided between the upwardly extending walls of the first container into the outer container. The first container and/or the outer container are preferably provided with spacers to provide a defined spacing between the first and outer container.

[0012] In an embodiment, the distiller is doughnut shaped and has a central opening for surrounding for example a plant or tree. In that case the first container and outer container hâve a central opening from which an inner wall extends upward and the outer and inner covers hâve a corresponding central opening for covering and enclosing the outer and first container. A spacing may or may not be provided also between the inner upward extending wall of the outer and first container allowing the condensed water to flow into the outer container. In this embodiment the water distiller can be used to provide clean water to a plant. The water collection unit that is integrated in the water distiller, allows to store the distilled water so that daily an equal quantity of water can be given from the water collection unit to the plant or tree even when the produced distilled water quantity differs because of less or more sunlight.

[Ml3] Preferably, at least a part, preferably a major part, of the surface area of the outer cover and preferably also of the inner cover is slanted at an angle with a horizontal plane perpendicular to gravity and preferably also at an angle with a horizontal plane of the base wall ofthe first or outer container, wherein the angle is preferably at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, more preferably at least 30°, even more preferably at least 40° and preferably lower than 80°, more preferably lower than 70°, or even 60°. As the outer cover is at an angle with earth’s gravity, the condensed water droplets move downward faster towards the water collection unit once they hâve accumulated enough weight. If the condensed water droplets drop down before they reach the water collection unit they fall onto an upper surface of the inner cover which is partiaily open to pass water vapor and partially closed and thus prevent condensed water droplets to fall back into the first container ancl reflux into the contaminated water.

[0014] It was found that the condensation on the outer cover reduces the incoming sunlight. In view of optimising the amount of incoming sunlight it is preferred that the outer cover comprises, preferably in addition to the slanted surface as described above, an outer corrugated surface over at least a part of its surface area comprising a plurality of outer corrugations having an upper portion and a bottom portion and wherein preferably the upper portions and the bottom portions ofthe outer corrugations are spaced apart by wall portions, said wall portions preferably being at angle between 20° and 70°, preferably between 30° and 60°, more preferably between 40° and 50°, even more preferably about 45°. It was found that the corrugated shape ofthe outer surface causes the droplets to move down faster to the collection unit and thus increases the amount of sunlight passing the outer cover. So, there are two different angles; the first angle of the surfaces of the cover slanting down towards one or more edge of the cover and one of the corrugations on that, preferably slanting, surface.

[0015] Droplets running down from the transparent outer cover gain weight by coalescence as they run down and are more likely to fa il down from the outer cover at a lower part of the outer cover. Therefore, it îs preferred that the inner cover comprises a slanted and/or corrugated surface wherein the apertures are positioned at an elevated région of the slanted surface ofthe inner cover, so preferably spaced away from the lower part of the outercover where droplets more likely to fall.

[00161 Several combinations of inner and outer cover shapes are possible. The outer cover may be slanted or dôme shaped to allow water to run down by gravity, whereas the inner cover may not be slanted. In such configuration the inner cover can also be substantially fiat, and the inner cover may comprise apertures that are provided on élévations extending above the main plane of the inner cover. The inner cover may comprise apertures that are, at least partially and preferably completely, surrounded with an upward extending ridge. Combinations of these embodiments can be used to prevent condensed water on the inner cover to flow through the apertures back into the first container. For example, the inner cover may hâve apertures on a slanted surface that are surrounded with an upward extending ridge. However, most preferably the inner and the outer cover are both slanted to allow the condensed water droplets to move downward over the upper surface ofthe inner coverto the watercollection unit. Most preferably, the inner and outer cover are similarly shaped leaving a defined substantially uniform spacing between the inner and outer cover.

[0017] The inner and outer cover are designed to transport condensed water to the water collection unit The design may vary for different embodiments. The inner cover is preferably provided with a sloping surface optionally having channels allowing condensed water droplets to run down to a lower point where the condensed water can flow into the water collection unit. The inner cover may not hâve a ridge at the lower point such that condensed water can flow into the container along the eniire lower edge of the inner cover. The inner cover may hâve an edge provided with an upward ridge and an opening in the ridge, or no opening in the ridge but an opening in surface, optionally provided with a duct to allow condensed water to flow to the water collection unit.

[0018] The energy for the évaporation is preferably coming directiy or indirectly from sunlight and therefore the distiller has a substantially transparent outer cover. Transparent is understood to mean that there is low absorption of the sun's radiation, preferably sunlight in the outer cover such that a large amount ofthe sunlights energy can pass through to the inner cover. This not only allows better direct or indirect heatîng of the contaminated water in the first container but also créâtes a température différence wherein the outer cover is lower in température than the inside of the container to create condensation on the inner surface of the outer cover. Suitable materials for high transparency to sunlight are known in the art. It is preferred that the outer cover is made from a transparent material that also permits UV light to pass through substantially unabsorbed. The advantage is that the UV light has disinfecting effect and prevents growth of micro-organisms like algae in the water. In case at least part ofthewater collection unit, preferably the outer container, is made transparent made as described below, it is preferred that also that part is made from UV transparent material. A suitable UV transparent material is UV transparent polypropylene material. This polypropylene material has good strength and toughness. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the substantially transparent outer cover also permits infrared (IR) light to pass through, thereby increasing the amount of energy absorbed by the inner cover, while Itmiting the amount of energy absorbed by the outer cover, This leads to an increased efficiency of both évaporation and subséquent condensation.

[0019] In one embodiment, the distiller according to the invention comprises heatîng means other than the incoming sunlight. Preferably, the wherein the first container is provided with electrical heatîng means, preferably powered by solar energy, for heatîng the contaminated water in the first container, in a most preferred embodiment the distiller comprises both an outer cover that is transparent and a first container provided with electrical heating means. The distiller according to the invention comprising electrical heating means and an outer cover that is not transparent also has the advantage of improved efficiency of the distillation by more efficient transport of condensed water droplets and increased water évaporation as herein described.

[0020] The advantage of combined eiectricai and solar radiation heating is that the distiller can operate at higher productivity level because the contaminated water is heated faster. The eiectricai energy can evidently be provided from the electricity net, but for reasons described above, the water distiller is preferably used as a mobile stand-alone unit and therefore is preferably provided with solar cells or a small windmill for electricity génération and is preferably provided with a battery for storing the generated electrical energy. Preferably, the heating means are provided with a thermometer and thermostat control to control a set température ofthe contaminated water in view of optimal distillation productivity and to prevent overheating. The advantage of electrical heating is not only a higher productivity of water distillation but alsothe independence of solar radiation. The heating ofthe contaminated water can continue during the night. Depending on the amount of electricity generated and stored, the heating means can at least reduce cooling down during the night, and possibiy even continue distillation during the night. When using electrical heating, it must be assured that the outer cover has a lowertempérature than the inside ofthe waterdistiller to assure condensation on the inner surface of the outer cover. This can be achieved simply by leaving the distiller outside when cooling in the night.

[0021] The electrical heating means can be a résistance heating element integrated in the first wall or first base of the first container. Alternatively, the electrical heating means is an immersion heater having an electrical résistance heating element encased in a tube that can be positioned in the first container in the contaminated water to be heated. Such immersion heater is simpler and less expensive. The immersion heater can be inserted into the first container through a filling opening as described below or a separate opening similar to the filling opening and is provided with a cap to close the filling opening and to fix the position ofthe immersion heater in the first container to a distance of preferably 1 - 2 cm from the first base ofthe first container.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment the outer cover is transparent, and the inner cover may also be transparent but is more preferably opaque and most preferably in-transparent and preferably provided with a light absorbing substance, preferably a dark colour, to maxîmally absorb energy from solar radiation. Preferably, the inner cover has a thermal emissivity measured according to e.g. ASTM Cl371-15 of at least about 0.50, preferably of at least about 0.60, more preferably of at least about 0.70, even more preferably of at least about 0.80. The light absorbing substance increases the energy uptake from the sunlight and increases and the heating ofthe contaminated water and ensures that the energy which is provided by solar radiation is maintained in an efficient manner. Should any solar radiation pass through the apertures in the first container and reflect off the water in the first container, it will be received on the inner surface of the inner cover. As a resuit, the water distiller achieves a high energy rétention. The inner cover not only stimulâtes the entrance and absorption of the energy during the day, but also prevents the cooling down of the water during the night by preventing a part of the stored energy in the water to be lost through convection. Compared to the refiectivity of the water in the first container, the inner cover preferably has a high energy absorbance, thereby increasing the efficiency of the water distiller.

[0023] The total surface area ofthe apertures in the inner cover covering the first container is between 10% and 90%, preferably between 20% and 80%, preferably between 30% and 70% ofthe surface area ofthe inner cover covering the first container that allow water vapor to pass. The aperture surface area % is the area % ofthe inner cover part covering the first container. The surface area of openings in the inner cover that are not covering the first container and do not allow water vapor to pass are not included in the aperture surface area; for example a filling opening or a central opening in the inner cover corresponding to a central opening in the container wherein a plant is to be positioned (see Figure 1). The aperture surface area percentage should not be too low in view of permitting water vapor to pass but should certainly not be too high in view of optimising absorption of sunlight and preventing reflux from condensed water droplets back into the contaminated water.

[0024] In a most preferred embodiment, the inner cover comprises over at least part of its surface area an inner corrugated surface comprising a plurality of inner corrugations having an upper portion and a bottom portion and wherein preferably the apertures are positioned in the upper portions of the corrugations and wherein the bottom portions are designed to channel collected condensed water towards the water collection unit. Preferably the inner corrugated surface is also slanted at an angle with a horizontal plane perpendicular to gravity as described above. Preferably the upper portions and the bottom portions of the corrugations are spaced apart by wall portions, said wall portions being at angle between 20° and 70°, preferably between 30° and 60°, more preferably between 40° and 50°. In this embodiment further optimisation is achieved of absorption of sunlight and preventing reflux from condensed water droplets back into the contaminated water. The angle between wall portions stimulâtes the water droplets to quickly move to the bottom portion, the angle ofthe corrugated area stimulâtes the collected water droplets to move to the water collection unit. The corrugations in the outer cover, and preferably also in the inner cover, preferably hâve a tri-angular cross-sectional shape and extend radially downward from the centre.

[0025] It is particularly preferred in the above embodiment that the inner corrugations of the inner cover align with the outer corrugations of the outer cover such that the bottom portions of the outer corrugations align with the bottom portions of the inner corrugations such that condensed water droplets falling from the bottom portion of the outer corrugations ofthe outer cover fall in the bottom portion ofthe inner cover and minimally in the apertures provided in the upper portion ofthe inner corrugations.

[0026] A further improvement in the speed of flow of condensed water and distillation efficiency is achieved when at least part of the upper surface ofthe inner cover and/or at least part of the inner surface ofthe outer cover are and preferably both are water repellent, preferably by being made from a hydrophobie material or by being modified with a hydrophobie coating or by a lotus leaf surface structure or combinations thereof. A further advantage of this is that the surfaces do not so easily pollute which prevents infection and prevents fouling and hindering light to pass.

[0027] Preferably, the inner surface of the outer cover and the upper surface of the inner cover are further provided with an adhesion-reducing additive and/or cover layer, for instance of PET and/or Tefion, and/or through the use of small protrusions and/or roughening, possibly with an addition of, though not limited to, a wax film, a silicone or Tefion product or other adhesion-reducing substance, so that a water-repellent effect is obtained in that the mutual cohésion of water increases and/or the adhesion of water to the surface of the instrument decreases, so that larger drops are formed. As a resuit of this, due to the increased weight and hence increased sensitivity to gravity and due to the proportionally lower adhesion as a resuit of the larger drops formed, the drops can more easily reach the lower parts of the outercover and/orthe lower parts ofthe inner cover (orthe lower parts ofthe corrugated surface), so that the amount of recovered moisture increases. This way it is also prevented thatthe inner surface ofthe outer cover will be polluted by living organisms and/or dust particles, sothat the outer cover remains transparent helping to keep the radiation of the sun as high as possible entering the unit, so that an optimum energy entrance to make the water in the first container as warm as possible, will continue to exist.

[0028] tn view of catching as much as possible sunlight during the day it is preferred that the outer cover, and preferably also the inner cover, hâve one surface part slanting down towards one edge and another adjacent surface part slanting down toward another opposite edge of the outer container, forming a dôme shape. In an embodiment, the one edge of the outer container is an outer edge of the outercontainer. The one edge ofthe outer container may be an outer edge of a circumferential edge. The one edge ofthe outercontainer may also be a single side edge ofa square or rectangular outer container. In an embodiment, the opposite edge may be an inner edge of the outer container, which inner edge delimits an opening in the outer container (e.g. a donut shape). In another embodiment, the opposite edge may be a single side edge of a square or rectangular outer container, opposite the single side edge described above. This shape assures that solar radiation can enter the distiller during the entire day when the sun moves through the sky. Preferably, a surface part is slanted at an angle with a horizontal plane perpendicular to gravity between about +5° and +70°, preferably of between about +10° and +50° and the other adjacent surface part of the cover is slanted at an angle with a horizontal plane perpendicular to gravity between about -5° and -70°, preferably of between about -10° and -50°. For example, in case the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the distiller is square or rectangular, the outer cover may be elongate dôme shaped having two surface parts sloping down to opposite edges of the outer container or having four surface parts sloping down to ali four edges ofthe outer container. In case the distiller has a circular horizontal cross-sectional shape, the outer cover can radially slope down from the centre to the edge ofthe circularouter container. In case the distiller has a horizontal cross-sectional donut shape with an inner wall forming a central opening, the outer cover can be circular dôme shaped with one surface part sloping towards the inner wall and one surface part sloping down towards the outer wall of the outer container. [0029] in certain embodiments, such the water collection unit may be a gutter, a tube, a second container, a cup, a bottle, an outer container, or combinations thereof. The water collection unit is positioned in such a way that condensed water droplets from the inner and/or outer cover reach the water collection unit. This includes an embodiment where the water droplets first drip from the outer cover onto the upper surface of the inner cover prior to being collected by the water collection unit, This also includes an embodiment wherein the water collection unit is a gutter, tube or other water duct that directly brings the distilled water to a point where it is used, i.e. without substantial storing of the distilled water, for example for plant irrigation. A water storage function of the water collection unit is however preferred as buffer for fluctuations in the distilled water production, The water collection unit can also be an integrated part of the inner cover.

[0030] The outer wall and the first wall are preferably spaced apart by a wall spacing of 0.5 to 6 cm, preferably of 0.5 -4 cm, more preferably of 1 to 2 cm and preferably along the entire periphery of the outer wall and the first wall and wherein preferably at least a part, preferably ail, ofthe first base of the first container and the outer base ofthe outer container are spaced apart by a base spacing of at least 0.5 cm, more preferably by at least 1 cm, even more preferably by at least 3 cm and preferably less than 10, more preferably less than 8 or 5 cm.

[0031] By providing a spacing between the first wall and the outer wall, the first container is air-isolated from the outer container. Also, the inner cover créâtes an isolating air spacing between the inner and outer cover. This has the advantageous effect that the water in the first container does not cool down quickly as heat loss via the first wall is limited. As a resuit, the energy gathered during the day is not easily lost during the night and it takes less time during the day to raise température again to evaporate the contaminated water, thus increasing the efficiency ofthewater distiller.

[0032] By providing a space between the first base and the outer base, the condensed water can accumulate in the outer container, while still providing insulation to the heated contaminated water in the first container. It is particularly advantageous if the space between the first base and the outer base comprises air in addition to the accumulated distilled water. Air insulates the first container from the outer container, thereby slowing down the transfer of accumulated heat from the first container to the outer container. As a resuit, the contaminated water in the first container heats more effectiveîy and retains its heat for a longer period of time. This ensures an increased efficiency ofthe water distiller.

[0033] Preferably, the first container or the inner cover or the combination of the two provide an opening for overflow of overproduced distilled water back into the first container,

[0034] The first container preferably comprises means positioned inside the first container to increase évaporation from the water in the first container, preferably these évaporation means are capillary means having a capillary function positioned partially in and partially above the envisaged water level in a substantially vertical direction and preferably are one or more capillary chords, cloth orfelt, preferably extending downwardly from the inner cover înto the first container. First, the capillary function ofthe évaporation means provides an increased évaporation surface area and can provide an increased absorption of sunlight entering through the apertures in the inner cover directly or reflected by the contaminated water. In order to stimulate this effect, it is also possible to give the évaporation means a colour, preferably a dark colour, Furthermore, if the évaporation means are suspended from the inner cover, it can also provide a conductive path for heat to pass from the inner cover to the contaminated water in the first container. It is further preferred that the capillary means extend over the upper surface of the inner cover, for example a capillary cord through 2 apertures in the inner cover having an upper end above the upper surface of the inner cover and two ends pending into the first container. The advantage is that the upper end of the capillary means is heated by solar radiation and by being on contact with the inner cover that is hotter by absorbing the solar radiation, so the évaporation rate at the top end ofthe capillary means is high, which créâtes an upward capillary flow ofthe contaminated water. The rate of évaporation can be influenced and set by the number of capillary means. Ultimately, even higher évaporation fan be obtained if capillary means are provided from ail apertures in the inner cover as described above.

[0035] Further additional heating means can be provided at the top end of capillary éléments that are immersed in the contaminated water as described beiow, which caused a continuous upward stream of water from the first container through the capillary éléments resulting in încreased évaporation. For example, a heating element can be provided on or below the inner cover and capillary éléments are pending from the heating element, in particular an elongate heating element can be provided along at least part ofthe periphery ofthe inner cover and a plurality of capillary éléments are pending from the heating element, through the apertures when the heating element is positioned above the inner cover.

[0036] The water distiller preferably allows sunlight to directiy heat at least part of the wall of the first container. This can be achieved either by an outer wall of the outer container that extends lower than the first wail of the first container, preferably by at least about 1 cm, more preferably by at least about 3 cm, even more preferably by at least about 5 cm. If the outer wall extends slightly below the first wall, the transparent outer cover must also extend further in a vertical direction to close off the outer container. As a resuit, angled sunlight can more easily reach the surface of the inner cover and/or the first container.

[0037] Alternatively, or in combination, at least a top portion ofthe outer wall is transparent for at least about 3 cm or ultimo the entire outer container can be transparent. If the surface area of the outer container and outer that is transparent is larger, the contaminated water is heated more quickly, and the water distiller is more effective. If the entire outer container is transparent, the same effect is achieved, without added production difficulty of manufacturing a partially or wholly water collection unit.

[0038] If the distilled water is contained in a transparent outer container (rather than being guided away immediately), algae could form in the distilled water in the outer container. When storing the distilled water in the water collection unit for a longer time, for example for irrigating in desert areas, it is advantageous that sunlight cannot directly reach the distilled water because that would stimulate the risk of growth of algae in the distilled water. In applications where this is a risk, the outer container is preferably at least partially disposed in the soil or can be covered or coloured in such a way that light cannot enter. As a resuit, sunlight will not reach the areas of the outer container where the water is stored, which are prone to algae growing. This increases the safety of the water distiller for a user, in particular upon usage over a longer period of time.

[0039] When the water in the water collection unit is guided away quickly after its production to a duct or récipient, for example a bottle, additional container or can connected to an opening below the water collection unit, and no risk of growth of algae is present, then it can be advantageous that the entire outer container îs transparent so that the first container is not only heated by radiation from the top and/or a part of the side, but heated through radiation at the whole side and bottom.

[0040] The water distiller including the first container and outer container and the inner cover and outer cover preferably hâve a circular or square circumferential shape (în horizontal cross-section).

[0041] In an embodiment wherein the water distiller functions as a plant irrigation device, it is particularly advantageous to provide a water distiller which is shaped to at least partly surround and protect a plant. The term plant herein is to be interpreted broadly, including but not limited to plant, tree, vegetable, seedling plug etc. This can be achieved by shaping the water distiller components in such a manner that the distiller forms a recess or an opening extending through the water distiller (donut like shape) so that the water distiller can at least partly surround and protect the plant positioned in the opening as well as provide water to the roots of the plant. The opening is preferably in the centre, can be circular, oval, dumbbell, stadium or square shaped and preferably is broader at the bottom than at the top tapering out downward.

[0042] In another embodiment the water distiller may be in the form of an assembiy of two or more separate water distillers having a recess in at least one side or corner which, when placed together, cooperatively form an opening to surround and protect a plant positîoned therein. It was found that the water distillers can move apart during use which exposes the soit beneath to sunlight which dries out the soil and kilts the plant. Therefore, the two or more water distillers in the assembiy of distillers are preferably connected with connection means to prevent the water distillers from moving away from each other.

[0043] The water collection unit is suitably provided with a closable opening for draining collected distilied water, wherein preferably the opening is provided in the outer base, preferably atthe lowest point ofthe outer base and wherein preferably the opening in the outer base comprises connection means outside the outer container, preferably a threaded protrusion downward from the outer base, to connect a duct or récipient to the outer container, which récipient preferably is a bottle. By providing an opening being the lowest portion of the outer base, standing water in the outer container is prevented, thereby leading to a decreased chance of live organism growth and pollution ofthe distilied water the outer container. In order to further prevent water to be polluted by living organisms - e.g. algae or bacteria - it is preferred that the outer base is mildly sloping down towards the opening to ailow the distilied water to completely flow out of the outer container and the bottom portions of the water collection unit remain dry.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment the closable opening is provided in the outer wall preferably at a distance from the outer base close to the first base. This opening can also serve as an overflow opening to prevent distilied water to accumulate and fill the isolating air spacing.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, the water distiller is fioatable on water, for use as a fresh water supplier on open water, for example in case of emergencies on sea. This water distiller is waterproof and has, also when maximally filled with contaminated water, a density lower than water and fioats, preferably with at least 50% of the height above water level. In this use the water distiller is preferably provided with an additional float unit positîoned below the outer container to make the water distiller float and to elevate the water distiller, preferably with the outer base of the outer container above water level to prevent cooling of the contaminated water in the water distiller. The float-unit can act as additional récipient for distilied water, for example connected to the water drainage opening in the outer base of the outer container. The water distiller is preferably provided with distilied water drainage means above the open water level when floating positîoned on the outer container or, in case a float unit is used as additional distilied water récipient, on the float-unit. Preferably the float unit extends horizontally sideways from the water distiller to contain such distilied water drainage point.

[0046] The water distiller can be used for irrigation of plants wherein the water collection unit comprises an irrigation means, preferably a closable opening downward from the outer base, for receiving at least one wick or if necessary more wicks for the dispersion of distilied water, wherein the wick preferably is disposed on a threaded memberwhich is arranged to be coupled to a corresponding threaded section at the outside ofthe outer base. The wick transports the distilied water to the subsoil of the plant. The provision of a wick allows the dispersion of water throughout the soil underneath the water distiller. This can advantageously provide plants with clean water. The wick ensures that the water is provided to the soil in a constant manner, without the water leaking away at a rate which is too high for the roots of a plant to absorb the water. As a resuit, the usage of water is much more efficient The outer base positîoned on the soil prevents évaporation of the suppîied clean water,

[0047] It is also possible to use one or more small perforations in the base of the water collection unit without a wick. The amount of water provided to the roots of a plant in a given situation can also be tuned by changing the production of distilied water in the water distiller. This can be done by tuning the évaporation, for example by using less or no évaporation chords (e.g. capillary chords), by using a partially non-transparent outer cover or partially covering the outer cover. Thus, it can be prevented that water is leaking away wîth a rate which is too high for the roots of a plant to absorb the water.

[0048] The outer cover and inner cover are releasably connected to the outer container and first container with snapping means or other connections means. The first container should be cleaned from time to time as contaminants accumulate when water evaporates, and the water collection unit should be cleaned from time to time to prevent growth of live organisms. To supply contaminated water into the first container, the water distiller preferably comprises a filling opening extending through the outer and inner cover into the first container and means to close the filling opening in the outer cover and optionally also an overflow duct or opening between the water collection unit and the first container, which opening is preferably formed by one or more recesses in an edge portion of the inner cover or first container where the inner cover engages the first container.

[0049] The outer container and first container are preferably provided with corrugations or indentations in the first base and/or outer base of the first and/or outer containers and/or in the first and/or outer walls for increasing the stiffness of the container. This allows to use a lower amount of material or less stiff material for the manufacture of the container. The material preferably is a thermoplastic material that can be thermoformed. The outer cover preferably is of a transparent polymer material, for example poly methy Imethacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinylacetate, polyethylene-terephthalate or cellulose with a very high light transparency (low light absorption). The inner cover and the first container and outer container are preferably also made of a thermoplastic polymer material that can be thermoformed, for example polypropylene. In a particular embodiment the inner and outer container are made of a material that has a high heat insulation property, for example a foamed material and/or the containers are provided with a heat insulation layer to prevent heat loss during the night, in particular in areas where the sunlight cannot reach. In the case of when the distilled water is guided away immediately after its production to the duct or récipient, the water collection unit can also be made of a transparent polymer material, for example polymethyImethacrylate, polycarbonate, poly-vinylacetate, polyethylene-terephthalate or cellulose with a very high light transparency (low light absorption).

[0050] Another measure to prevent the water to be poîiuted by itving organisms is to make the transparent outer cover and/or the optionally transparent water collection unit, frorn a polymer material that allows UV light to enter the SODIS method (solar water disinfection), so that living organisms will be killed „ resulting in water that is not only distilled, but also disinfected.

[0051] The invention also relates to a method of distilling water, comprising providing a water distiller of the invention;

filling the first container with water, preferably contaminated water; exposing the water distiller to sunlight; and collecting distilled water from the water collection unit. The distiller of the invention produces more water than the existing distillers for one or more of the following reasons: (i) the inner cover amplifies heating of the contaminated water by absorption (color); (ii) the inner cover prevents water cooling by counteracting loss of energy caused by convection and radiation; (iii) the corrugated surface and the hydrophobicity of the outer surface accelerates droplet formation and transport of condensed water from the outer cover to the collection unit and thus prevents blocking of sunlight; (iv) the inner cover prevents reflux of condensed water back into the first container; (v) the particular shape (in particular the corrugations) of the combined inner and outer surface very efficiently promûtes transport of condensed water to the collection unit and reflux of condensed water back into the first container; (vi) the space between inner cover and outer cover and the space between first container and outer container has a stationary air layer, which at night isolâtes and prevents loss of heat by convection; (vii) the counteracting of nightly cooling of water assures that the contaminated water is at higher température already în the morning and produces earlier and more vapor and water distillate during the day; (viii) the transparent outer cover extends lower than the first container so that the first container is heated directly from the moment the sun rises; (ix) use of a transparent outer container for use in situations when the distilled water is directly drained from the water collection unit, so that maximum solar energy is used; (x) the dôme shaped outer cover and inner cover maximally catch daylîght during the day when the sun moves through the sky without having to adjust the position towards the sun; and/or (xi) the capillary means in the first container increase évaporation and light absorption.

[0052] The invention is primarily aiming to help poor people in arid areas. In a preferred use ofthe distiller of the invention, the distiller is small enough to be inexpensive and flexible in use for reasons described above. The size of the distiller (defined as the longest horizontal cross-section) then is preferably between 20 cm and 100 cm, preferably 30 - 60 cm and between 10 and 60 cm, more preferably between 15 and 50 cm high. However, it is noted that the inventive concept works irrespective of size. For use in larger communities or agricultural use (irrigation or life stock drinking water supply) the distiller size can also be for example 2 or 3 meters and between 10 and 100 cm high. A larger horizontal cross-sectional size is advantageous because that increases the area for harvesting energy from the sun’s radiation and increases the possible surface area of contaminated water and the évaporation in the first container.

[0053] The amount of contaminated water added into the first container should not be too high because during the day/night température cycle it takes quite some time, after cooling of the contaminated water during the night, to heat up again during the day to a point that évaporation can takes place. This evidently dépends on the radiation intensity and the prevailing day and night températures. Good results can be obtained when fiiled to a height of at most 20 cm, preferably at most 15 cm, more preferably at most 10 and in some cases at most 5 cm. in a distiller between 30 cm and 100 cm in longest horizontal cross-section and between 20 cm and 50 cm high. It can be advantageous to provide isolation at the outer wall of the water collection unit, in particular in the bottom part of the outer wall where the distilled water is stored. Advantageously, the first container is fiiled with warm contaminated water during day time.

[0054] In an aspect according to the present invention, there is provided a water distiller, for distilling contaminated water, the water distiller comprising: a first container, for containing contaminated water, the first container comprising a first base and a first wall, upwardly extending from the first base; an outer cover, a water collection unit, for collecting distilled water, wherein the water distiller further comprises an inner cover, for enclosing a volume in the first container, which inner cover comprises at least one aperture and is positioned below the outer cover, wherein the inner cover and the outer cover are designed for transporting condensed water to the water collection unit, wherein the outer cover is transparent for heating the contaminated water in the first container by sun radiation, and wherein the first container comprises means to increase the évaporation, preferably capillary means having a capillary function positioned inside the first container partially in and partially above the envisaged water level wherein the capillary means preferably are capillary cords, cloth or felt and are preferably suspended from the inner cover into the first container.

[0055] In an aspect of according to the present invention, there is provided an inner cover according to any of the embodiments described hereinbefore, wherein the inner cover comprises means to increase évaporation, preferably capillary chords having a capillary function. In an embodiment, the inner cover is provided with capillary chords, said capillary chords being arranged to extend into contaminated water. This increases surface area for évaporation and increases évaporation efficiency.

[0056] The invention also relates to a kit of parts for assembling a water distiller according to any embodiment of the invention as described hereinbefore. As an example, the kît of parts for assembling a water distiller may comprise; a first container, the first container comprising a first base and an upwardly extending first wall; a water collection unit; an inner cover; and an outer cover, wherein the outer cover is substantially transparent, and wherein the inner cover comprises at least one aperture.

[0057] The smallest product embodying the inventive concept of the invention is the combination of an outer cover with an inner cover comprising apertures. The outer cover may be anyone of the known outer covers, for example a transparent fiat plate, as long as it is used in combination with anyone of the inner covers as described above. The inner cover can be positioned underneath any transparent outer cover in any prior art distillation container, for example even over a simple hole in the ground and provide increased water distillation efficiency to that prior art distillation container. The inner cover may also comprise a water collection unit, such as a gutter or a tap, for collecting condensed water which has dripped down onto the surface of the inner cover. In such an embodiment, a first container and/or an outer container are not needed for water collection. However, ît is preferred that the inner cover is used in combination with anyone ofthe preferred outer covers as described herein.

[0058] The invention also relates to an outer cover as described any one ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention described above, preferably the corrugated embodiment of the outer cover, or to an inner cover as described in any one of the embodiments of the invention above. The invention relates in particular to the

W combination of the inner and outer cover as described in any one ofthe embodiments ofthe invention above wherein most preferably both the inner and the outer cover are corrugated, wherein the corrugations are aligned and the apertures are provided in the upper parts of the corrugations. The invention also relates to the use of the inventive outer cover, the inner cover and preferably of the combination of the inner and outer cover in a method for distilling water. This use can be for example to cover a sand pit comprising a container with contaminated water or comprising leaves, preferably crushed leaves, and a water collection container forcollecting condensed water.

[0059) Another example of this use is în a known type of water distiller wherein a transparent outer cover covers the first container for containing contaminated water and the inner cover is positioned below the outer cover and wherein the water collection unit is, for example, a gutter for coliectîng condensed water from the outer cover and/or from the inner cover and for transporting the condensed water to a lower point, for example a distilled water container of a duct.

[0060] Other aspects of the invention relate to a kit of parts for assemblîng a water distiller according to the invention, to an outer cover provided with means for water collection, or a combination of an outer cover and an inner cover provided with means for water collection and the use thereof for distilling water from a container comprising contaminated water.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0061] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 shows an angled top view of one embodiment of the water distiller 1 comprising an outer container 4, covered with an outer cover 3. The outer container 4 is comprised of a base 41 and an upwardly extending wall 42, thereby defining a container having an open top. The outer container 4 is connected to the outer cover 3 such that they enclose a volume therein. The outer cover 3 may be transparent and may be provided with a downward oriented side wall (34 in this embodiment) at ils perimeter so that a larger part of the upward extending area of the distiller is comprised of the outer cover 3. If the outer cover 3 is transparent, allowing it to extend further down ensures a larger amount of latéral sunlight is received through the outer cover 3, thereby increasing the efficiency of the water distiller 1. Alternatively, the outer container 4 may be made transparent completely or only for an upper part of the outer wall 42.

[0062j In the outer container 4, a first container 2 is disposed, for containing contaminated water, which cannot be seen in FIG. 1 since ît is disposed în the outer container 4 and under the outer cover 3 (see Fig. 3A). The outer cover 3 comprises a plurality of radially extending zig-zag shaped corrugations 31 which allow water that condenses on the inner surface of the outer cover 3 to flow to the outer container 4 more effectively. The corrugations 31 comprise a top portion 32 and a bottom portion 33. The angles defined by the corrugations 31, with respect to gravity, allow for quicker drainage of the condensed water. Water that condenses on the inner surface of the outer cover 3 is directed to the bottom portions 33 of the corrugations 31 and either drips down or slides along the bottom portions 33 to the side of the outer cover 3 for collection in the outer container 4.

[0063 ] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the outer container 4 and the outer cover 3 are shaped such that a plant may be received in the middle of the water distiller through an opening 6. A part of the condensed water, or ail of the water, can be used to water the plant. This is advantageous since it prevents the accumulation of sédiments in the watering process, keeping the soil healthy for a longer period of time. Water irrigation system of such general shape are described for example in EP1891275, WO2012081980 and WO2016118011.

[0064] In addition, the outer cover 3 may comprise a fiIIing opening 71, which during use is closed wîth closing means, such as a filling cap 7. The opening 71 directs the contaminated water through the outer cover 3, through the inner cover 5, and into the first container 2, From there, the contaminated water can evaporate due to the accumulation of heat.

[0065) FIG. 2 shows an angled top view of the inner cover 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. The inner cover 5 is in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 and is disposed on the first container 2, inside the outer container 4 and underneath the outer cover 3. The inner cover 5 is arranged to be positioned on the first container 2. However, the inner cover 5 may also be suspended above the first container 2.

[0066] The inner cover 5 of FIG. 2 comprises a plurality of corrugations 51 having a top portion 52 and a bottom portion 53. The corrugations increase the speed with which the water flows by creating a smaller angle with gravity. In this embodiment, the corrugations 51 of the inner cover 5 are în accordance with the corrugations of the outer cover 3 ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in particular having a similar shape ofthe corrugations and having the corrugations aligned above each other, such that a droplet of condensed water from the bottom portions 33 of the corrugations 31 of the outer cover 3 drops down onto a bottom portion 53 ofthe inner cover. This allows the waterto be directed to the water collection unit or to the outer container 4 more effectively as fewer condensed water droplets fall back from the outer cover into the contaminated water.

[0067] The inner cover 5 comprises a plurality of apertures 50 in the embodiment of FIG. 2 to allow evaporated water to pass through. The apertures 50 are arranged between the top portions 52 and the bottom portions 53 of the corrugations 51. The apertures 50 may also be positioned on the top portions 52 of the corrugations 51. Thus, the chance is minimised that a droplet from the (bottom part 33 of the) outer cover 3 falls through an aperture 50. The inner cover 5 further comprises a filling opening 71 through which additional contaminated water may be provided to the first container or another area underneath the inner cover 5. As mentioned, the opening 71 may also be closed by e.g. a filling cap 7.

[0068] The corrugated surface 51 of the inner cover 5 in the FIG. 2 embodiment is slanted in two directions so that water on the surface ofthe inner cover 5 is directed to the periphery of the inner cover 5 orto the middle of the inner cover 5. In both cases, in this embodiment, the water would be directed at the outer container 4, or to another water collection structure.

[0069] FIG. 3A shows an angled top view ofthe outer container 4 with the first container 2 disposed therein. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1, the outer container 4 comprises an outer base 41 and an outer wall 42. In the outer container 4, the first container 2 is provided. The first container 2 comprises a first base 21 and a first wall 22, extending upwardly from the first base 21. The first container 2 and the outer container 4 are shaped so that they define an opening 6 for receiving a plant. As shown, the opening 6 is created by an upwardly extending and tapering central outer wall 64 and central first wall 62. These walls define the opening 6 without allowing water to flow out the first container 2 or out the outer container 4. In the embodiment comprising a central opening 6, the outer cover and inner cover are slanted in two directions, one part towards the outer wall and one part towards the central opening so that condensed water is directed to the periphery of the cover and to the middle cover and flows through the spacing between the first inner and the outer container into the water collection unit,

[0070) FIG. 3B shows an angled top view of the outer container 4 of FIG. 3A with the first container 2 removed therefrom. As explained, the outer container 4 is arranged to collect the condensed water, The outer container shown in FIG. 3B comprises a base portion 41 and an upwardly extending outer wall 42 to define a volume. The outer container 4 further comprises an upwardly extending middle outer wall 64 so that an opening 6 can be defined without allowing the collected water to flow from the outer container 4. The drawings show corrugations or indentations in the bottom ofthe outer container and first container and indentations in the walls ofthe containers for increasing the stiffness of the container.

[0071] FIG. 4 shows an angled bottom view ofthe water distiller 1 showing the bottom portion ofthe outer container 4 comprising an outer base portion 41 and an outer wall 42 extending upwardly therefrom. The outer container 4 further comprises a drainage opening 43 on the base portion 41 ofthe outercontainer4. In another embodiment, the drainage opening 43 may be disposed on the outer wall 42 of the outer container 4. The drainage opening 43 îs arranged to allow clean water to be drained from the outer container 4. The drainage opening 43 may be connected to a water collection structure, to a water dissipation device, or directly to the soi) underneath, depending on the application ofthe invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the drainage opening 43 is coupled to a bottle 8. The bottle can be any regular bottle, such as a PET bottle. The drainage opening 43 may comprise a threaded section to receive a bottle 8 therein. The bottle 8 is arranged to collect fresh drinkîng water directly from the outer container 4 so that the usage of the water distiller 1 according to the invention is simplified.

I2

[0072] FIG. 5 shows an isométrie view of another embodiment of the water distiller 1 comprising two combined distiliers according to the invention shaped to cooperatively create an opening for surrounding a plant. This embodiment shows two outer containers 4, comprised of two outer base portions 41 and two outer walis 42 extending upwardly from the outer base portions 41. On the outer containers 4, two transparent outer covers 3 are provided. The outer covera 3 comprise a plurality of corrugations 31 in a down shape slanting down in two directions towards two edges of the square outer containers, the corrugations having top portions 32 and bottom portions 33 for effectively directing water, condensed on the inner surface ofthe outer covers 3, to a water collection unit, such as the outer containers 4. The outer containers 4 are rectangular and are coupled together with a coupling member 44, arranged to hold the outer containers 4 together. The outer containers 4 and the outer covers 3 comprise a semicircular recess in their sides. These recesses form, when the two outer containers 4 and the two outer covers 3 are coupled, an opening 6 for receiving a plant therein. Further, the outer covers 3 comprise a fiiing opening 71 with a filling cap 7 disposed therein to close off the fiiing opening 71. The filling opening 71 allows the first container 2 to be fi lied without dismantling the entire water distiller 1.

[0073] FIG. 6 shows an isométrie view of two inner covers 5 in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. The two inner covers 5 comprise a plurality of corrugations 51, having top portions 52 and bottom portions 53. The corrugations 51 ofthe inner covers 5 in this embodiment operate in the same manner as described hereinbefore. The inner covers 5 comprise a plurality of apertures 50 to allow evaporated water to pass through and condense on the inner surface of the outer covers 3. The inner covers 5 further comprise a filling opening 71 through which the first container 2 may be filled with contaminated water. Again, the rectangular shape of the inner covers 2 defines a recess on two opposing sides, allowing for the définition of an opening 6 for receiving a plant therein.

[0074] FIG. 7 shows an isométrie view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 with one ofthe inner covers 5 removed to show the first container 2 and the outer container 4. The left sîde of the embodiment of FIG. 7 shows the outer container 4 having an outer base portion 41 and an outer wall 42, with the first container 2 disposed therein. The first container 2 comprises a base portion 21 and an inner wall 22. As previously discussed, the rectangular shape of the first container 2 and the outer container 4 defines a recess for partly surrounding a plant. Together with the recesses in the components of the right side of the embodiment, an opening 6 is defined for surrounding a plant. The right side of the water distiller 1 ofthe embodiment of FIG. 7 shows the innercover 5 disposed on thefirst container2, within the outer container 4 The inner cover 5 is in accordance with the inner cover 5 described in previous embodiments. The filling cap 7 is shown on the right side of the water distiller 1, disposed in the filling opening 71 of the inner cover 5. [0075] FIG. 8 is an isométrie view of the embodiment of FIG. 5, showing the outer containers 4 with the first containers 2 and the outer 3 and inner 5 covers removed. The two outer containers 4 comprise an outer base portion 41 and outer walis 42 which define the inner volume of the outer containers 4. The rectangular shape ofthe outer containers 4 defines a recess which, coupled together, defines an opening 6 for a plant. The outer containers 4 are connected with a coupling member 44, which is arranged to connect the two (or more) outer containers 4. The outer containers 4 also comprise a drainage opening 43 to which water collection members can be attached, such as a bottle 8.

[0076] FIG. 9 is an angled top view of an embodiment in accordance with the invention showing the inner cover 5. The inner cover 5 is shaped as a truncated cône, having a plurality of apertures 50 arranged over the cône. In a preferred embodiment, these are arranged mostly near the top portion of the cône. The apertures 50 are arranged to allow evaporated water to pass through so that it can condense on the inner surface of an outer cover 3 according to any of the embodiments described hereinbefore. The inner cover 5 further comprises a gutter 55, attached to a tube 56 for draining collected water. Instead of providing a tube for transport of water to a water collection unit, the gutter can be shaped larger to function as a water collection unit. A drainage in accordance with any ofthe previously described embodiments can also be utilised. The embodiment of FIG. 9 allows for the omission of a first container 2 or an outer container 4. The inner cover 5, along with an outer cover 3, can be placed on any surface having contaminated water which can evaporate. Due to the inclusion of a gutter 55, in combination with a tube (or any other water collection device), the outer container 4 is not needed. As a resuit, the combination of an outer cover 3 and the inner cover 5 can also readily be utilised in accordance with the invention.

[0077] FIG. 10 is an angled top view of an embodiment în accordance with the invention showing the inner cover 5. The inner cover 5 comprises an upwardly directed wall portion 57, which is high enough to stop water flowing over 5 the sides of the inner cover 5. The surface 58 of the inner cover 5 is substantially horizontal. In another embodiment, the surface 58 can be slanted or comprise any other geometry which directs water towards a tube 56 which is disposed in the surface ofthe inner cover. The tube 56 can be replaced with any other convenient water collection device, such as e.g. a bottle 8. The horizontal surface 58 collects water which drips down from the transparent outer cover 3 so that the surface 58 allows the clean water to flow to the water collection tube 56. The inner cover 5 further 10 comprises a plurality of elevated apertures 50. In this embodiment, the apertures 50 are disposed in the top régions of semi-spheroids 59. Any élévation of the apertures 50 with respect to the surface 58 and the water collection tube 56 is in accordance with the present invention. The semi-spheroids can be replaced with e.g. pyramids, corrugated surfaces, cônes, cylinders, or any other geometry.

[0078] FIG. 11 is an angled top view of an embodiment in accordance with the invention showing the inner cover 5. 15 The inner cover 5 of the FIG. 11 embodiment shows a corrugated surface 51, the corrugations having top portions 52 and bottom portions 53. The corrugated surface 51 is slanted to direct water to the periphery of the inner cover 5. The inner cover may be closed or may be open to comprise an opening 6 in the middle for receiving a plant, or the like. The apertures 50 are positioned on the top portions 52 ofthe corrugations 51 to preventwater from flowing back into the contaminated water source.

[0079] FIG. 12 is an angled top view of a cross section of a water distiller in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention comprising évaporation means. This embodiment is in essence the same as that of Figure 1 and features already described for Figure 1 will not be repeated here. Figure 12 shows downwardly extending portion of outercover 34 and that the upperedge ofthe firstwall ofthe first container is higherthan the upper edge of the outer wall of the outer container, thus exposing part of the first container to direct sunlight through 25 the transparent outer and in particular also when the sun is low through downwardly extending portion of outer cover

34. Also visible are a plurality of capillary chords 9 that are suspended from the inner cover into the first container through the apertures in said inner cover. The outer spacers on first container 23 position the first container in contact with the outer cover and provide a set wall spacing 24 between outer container and first container cooperatively with the inner spacer 25 on the first container providing a wall spacing 26 between the inner upward 30 extending walls of the central opening 6 in the outer container and first container. The indents 45 in the outer container form spacers setting bottom spacing 46 between the outer container and the first container.

[00 80] FIG. 13 is zoomed in eut out from Figure 12, showing more clearly the évaporation means 9 suspended from the inner cover, showing that the capillary means extends over the upper surface of the inner cover through 2 apertures 50 in the inner cover having an upper end 91 above the upper surface of the inner cover and two ends 92 35 being suspended into the fïrst container. Ultimately, capillary means can be provided from ail apertures in the inner cover,

[0081 ] The invention also relates to a water distiller 1, for distilling contaminated water, the water distiller 1 comprising: a first container 2, for containing contaminated water, the first container 2 comprising a first base 21 and a first wall 22, upwardly extending from the first base 21 ; an outer cover 3 as in any of the embodiments described 40 above and a water collection unit 4, wherein the outer cover 3 is transparent for heating the contaminated water in the first container 2 by sun radiation and wherein the first container 2 is provided with electrical heating means powered by solar energy for heating the contaminated water in the first container 2.

Claims (10)

1. A water distiller (1), for distilling contaminated water, the water distiller (1) comprising:

a) a first container (2), for containing contaminated water, the first container (2) comprising a first base (21) and a first wall (22), upwardly extending from the first base (21);

b) an outer cover (3),

c) a water collection unit (4), characterised in that the water distiller (1) further comprises an inner cover (5), for enctosing a volume în the first container (2), which inner cover (5) comprises at least one aperture (50) and is positioned below the outer cover (3), wherein the inner cover (5) and the outer cover (3) are designed for transporting condensed water to the water collection unit (4), wherein the outer cover (3) is transparent for heating the contaminated water in the first container (2) by sun radiation, wherein the water collection unit (4) is an outer container (4), for coîiecting distilled water, comprising an outer base (41) and an outer wall (42) upwardly extending from the outer base (41), wherein the first container (2) is covered with the inner cover (5) and is positioned inside the outer container (4) which is covered and closed by the outer cover (3), and wherein the inner cover (5) rs opaque or in-tra ns parent, preferably in-transparent and preferably provided with a light absorbing substance, to absorb energy from sunlight.

2. The water distiller (1) of claim 1, wherein at least a part, preferably a major part, ofthe surface area of the outer cover (3) and/or the inner cover (5) is slanted at an angle with a horizontal plane, perpendicular to gravity, preferably such that distilled water is directed to the water collection unit (4).

3. The water distiller (1) of claims 1 or 2, wherein the outer cover (3) has one surface part slanting down towards one edge of the outer container (4) and another adjacent surface part slanting down towards another opposite edge of the outer container (4).

4. The water distiller (1)of any preceding claim, wherein the outer cover (3) comprises over at least a part of its surface area an outer corrugated surface comprising a plurality of outer corrugations (31) having an upper portion (32) and a bottom portion (33), wherein preferably the upper portions (32) and the bottom portions (33) ofthe outer corrugations (31) are spaced apart by wall portions, said wall portions being at angle with one another of between 20° and 70°, preferably between 30° and 60°, more preferably between 40° and 50°.

5. The water distiller (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the inner cover (5)

a. comprises a slanted surface wherein the apertures (50) are positioned at an elevated région of the slanted surface of the inner cover (5) or

b. the inner cover (5) comprises apertures (50) that are provided on an élévation or

c. the inner cover comprises apertures (50) that are at least partially, preferably completely, surrounded with a ridge or

d. combinations thereof, to prevent condensed water to flow into the apertures (50) and wherein the apertures (50) in the inner cover (5) covering the first container (2) preferably hâve a total surface area between 10% and 90%, preferably between 20% and 80%, more preferably between 30% and 70% ofthe surface area ofthe inner cover (5) covering the first container (2) wherein the inner cover preferably has a dark colour, to absorb energy from sunlight and wherein preferably the inner cover (5) has a thermal emissivity measured according to e.g. ASTM C1371-15 of at least about 0.50, preferably of at least about 0.60, more preferably of at least about 0.70, even more preferably of at least about 0.80,

6, The water distiller (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the inner cover (5) comprises over at least part of its surface area an inner corrugated surface comprising a plurality of inner corrugations (51) having an upper portion (52) and a bottom portion (53) wherein the bottom portions (53) are designed to channel condensed water towards the outer container (4), wherein preferably the outer cover (3) is a cover according to claim 4 and the inner corrugations (51) of the inner cover (5) align with the outer corrugations (31 ) of the outer cover (3) such that the bottom portions (33) of the outer corrugations (31) align with the bottom portions (53) of the inner corrugations (51) such that condensed water droplets falling fromthe bottom portion (33) ofthe outercorrugations (31) oftheoutercover(3)fall inthe bottom portion (53) of the inner cover (5).

7. The water distiller (1) of any ofthe preceding claims, further comprising one or more ofthe features a) to k)

a) a ctosable drainage opening (43) in the water collection unit (4), preferably the outer container (4) of claim 2, for draining collected distilled water, preferably in the outer base (41), preferably at the lowest point ofthe outer base (41) and wherein preferably the opening in the outer base (41) comprises connection means outside the outer container, preferably a threaded protrusion downward from the outer base (41), to connect a duct or récipient to the outer container (4), which récipient preferably is a bottle (8) and wherein preferably the outer base is mildly sloping down towards the opening to allow distilled water to compietely flow out of the outer container (4),

b) irrigation means in the water collection unit (1), preferably in the outer container (4) of claim 2, preferably a closable opening for receiving at least one wick for the dispersion of distilled water, wherein the wick preferably is disposed on a threaded member which is arranged to be coupled to a corresponding threaded section of the outer base (41),

c) a filling opening (71) extending through the outer (3) cover and inner cover (5) into the first container (2) and means (7) to close the filling opening in the outer cover (3),

d) an overflow duct or opening between the water collection unit (4) and the first container (2), which opening is preferably formed by one or more recesses in an upper edge portion of the inner cover (5) or first container (2) where the inner cover (5) engages the first container (2),

e) the outer cover (3) and optionaily also the outer container (4) is prepared from a transparent polymer material that also is transparent for UV light, preferably UV transparent polypropylene,

f) electrical heating means for heating the contaminated water in the first container (2), wherein the electrical heating means preferably îs résistance heating element integrated in thefirst wall (22) orfirst base (21) ofthe first container (2),

g) at least part of the upper surface of the inner cover (5) and/or at least part of the inner surface of the outer cover (3) are water repellent preferably by being made from a hydrophobie material or by being modified with a hydrophobie coating or a lotus leaf surface structure or combinations thereof,

h) the outer wall (42) and the first wall (22) are spaced apart by a wall spacing of 0.5 to 6 cm, preferably of 0.5 to 4 cm, more preferably of 1 to 2 cm,

i) the first container (2) comprises means to increase the évaporation, preferably capillary means (9) having a capillary function positioned inside the first container partially in and partially above the envisaged water level (2) wherein the capillary means preferably are capillary cords, cloth or felt and are preferably suspended from the inner cover into the first container,

j) the outer wall (42) of the outer container (4) extends lower than the first wall (22) of the first container (2), preferably by at least about 1 cm, more preferably by at least about 3 cm, even more preferably by at least about 5 cm,

k) the water distiller has a circular or square circumferential shape in horizontal cross-section, and optionally has a central opening (6) to surround and protect a plant positioned therein, or has a recess in at least one side or corner which recess forms part of an opening such that, in an assembly of two or more adjacent separate water distiilers (1), the recesses cooperatively form an opening to surround and protect for example a plant positioned therein, which assembly of water distiilers (1) is preferably connected by coupling member (44).

8. Method of distilling water, comprising:

providing a water distiller (1) of any of claims 1 to 7;

- filling the first container (2) with contaminated water;

- exposing the water distiller (1) to sunlight; and

- collecting distilled water from the outer container (4), wherein the first container (2) is preferably filled to a height of at most 20 cm, preferably at most 15 to allow the thermal energy to quickly heat up the water in the first container (2).

9. A combination of an outer cover described in anyone of claims 1-8 and an inner cover (5) as described in anyone of claims 1 - 8 for use in a method for distilling contaminated water.

10. The use ofa combination of an outer cover described in anyone of claims 1-8 and an inner cover (5) as described in anyone of claims 1 - 8 in a method for distilling contaminated water, wherein preferably the inner cover comprises capillary chords.