WO2008070900A1 - Dispositif de récupération d'eau actionnable la nuit et procédé associé - Google Patents

Dispositif de récupération d'eau actionnable la nuit et procédé associé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008070900A1
WO2008070900A1 PCT/AU2007/001887 AU2007001887W WO2008070900A1 WO 2008070900 A1 WO2008070900 A1 WO 2008070900A1 AU 2007001887 W AU2007001887 W AU 2007001887W WO 2008070900 A1 WO2008070900 A1 WO 2008070900A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heat exchange
radiator
exchange fluid
emission surface
condenser
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2007/001887
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Darryl J. Jones
Graeme A. Collins
Original Assignee
Hydrotower Pty Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2006906858A external-priority patent/AU2006906858A0/en
Application filed by Hydrotower Pty Limited filed Critical Hydrotower Pty Limited
Publication of WO2008070900A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008070900A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
    • E03B3/00—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water
    • E03B3/28—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water from humid air
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the harvesting of water from the atmosphere and in particular to a water condenser adapted for nocturnal operation.
  • Embodiments of the present invention find application, though not exclusively, in the generation of potable water for consumption or other purposes and find particular application in geographic regions having limited supplies of potable water.
  • an apparatus for condensing water from ambient air including: a radiator for emission of radiation to a nocturnal atmosphere so as to cool a heat exchange fluid; a condenser in fluid communication with the radiator for receiving said heat exchange fluid so as to cool a condensation surface to, or below, a dew point such that water condenses from the ambient air onto the condensation surface; and a pump for circulation of the heat exchange fluid between the radiator and the condenser.
  • the apparatus preferably includes an air flow inducer for inducing an air flow across said condensation surface.
  • an air flow inducer for inducing an air flow across said condensation surface.
  • at least some of the air flow flows across the radiator after flowing across said condensation surface.
  • the radiator includes an emission surface for emission of the radiation to the nocturnal atmosphere.
  • the air flow flows across the emission surface after flowing across the condensation surface.
  • the emission surface has an external colour, such as black, selected so as to facilitate longwave radiation emission from the surface.
  • the radiator includes a thermally insulated reservoir for containment of at least some of said heat exchange fluid.
  • the reservoir includes a first side and a second opposed side and a heat exchange fluid inlet is disposed adjacent the first side and a heat exchange fluid outlet is disposed adjacent the second opposed side.
  • the reservoir is disposed adjacent the emission surface for heat exchange contact between the emission surface and the heat exchange fluid.
  • At least one side skirt is disposed on said emission surface so as to at least partially direct said air flow across the emission surface.
  • the preferred embodiment further includes an air flow chamber having an inlet for receipt of the air flow from the condenser and an outlet for exhausting the air flow adjacent the emission surface.
  • the air flow chamber includes a plurality of vanes oriented so as to substantially evenly distribute the air flow discharged at the outlet.
  • the heat exchange fluid has a freezing point equal to, or less than, minus 5 0 C.
  • a preferred embodiment includes a cover for shielding the radiator from sunlight.
  • a method of condensing water from ambient air including the steps of: emitting radiation from a radiator to a nocturnal atmosphere so as to cool a heat exchange fluid; and receiving said heat exchange fluid into a condenser so as to cool a condensation surface to, or below, a dew point such that water condenses from the ambient air onto the condensation surface.
  • the method includes the further step of circulating the heat exchange fluid between the radiator and the condenser.
  • a preferred embodiment of the method includes flowing air from the condenser onto the radiator.
  • the radiator includes an emission surface for emission of the radiation to the nocturnal atmosphere and the air from the condenser flows to the emissions surface.
  • Figure 1 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment
  • Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment, with the cross section being taken through line A-A of Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment, with the cross section being taken through line B-B of Fig 2.
  • the preferred apparatus 1 for condensing water from ambient air includes a radiator 2 having an emission surface 8 in the form of a thin metal plate, which emits radiation 9 to the nocturnal atmosphere.
  • the upper face of the emission surface 8 is oriented horizontally, which generally yields optimum irradiative performance.
  • the orientation of the emission surface 8 varies, for example to within 30 degrees from the horizontal.
  • the emission surface 8 is ideally positioned such that it is unobstructed from the night sky. In at least some climates the average night sky has been found to simulate a black body absorber having a temperature of minus 7O 0 C.
  • the radiation 9 typically has a wavelength longer than that of visible light, such as thermal or infrared radiation.
  • the radiation 9 emitted from the radiator 2 is typically longwave radiation having a wavelength of between approximately 5 and 25 microns.
  • the range of radiated wavelengths typically has a frequency distribution that is centered about a peak of approximately 7 to 9 microns. That is, heat is radiated from the emission surface 8 into the cool night sky.
  • the radiator 2 has a reservoir 10 for containment of a heat exchange fluid 3 such as brine, glycol or the like.
  • a heat exchange fluid 3 such as brine, glycol or the like.
  • the preferred embodiment utilizes brine having a freezing point equal to, or less than, minus 5 0 C.
  • Thermally insulative panels 11, 12 and 13 form the base and side walls respectively of the reservoir 10.
  • the emission surface 8 encloses the top of the reservoir 10.
  • a reservoir inlet 14 is disposed adjacent a first side 15 of the reservoir 10 and a reservoir outlet 16 is disposed adjacent the second opposed side 17. This allows heat exchange fluid 3 to enter the reservoir 10 adjacent the first side 15 and flow across to the opposite side 17 to exit at the reservoir outlet 16.
  • the heat exchange fluid 3 fills the reservoir 10 such that the uppermost fluid 3 physically contacts the underside of the emission surface 8. This allows for heat exchange contact between the emission surface 8 and the heat exchange fluid 3. Hence, the loss of heat from the emission surface 8 due to radiation 9 also draws heat from the heat exchange fluid 3 as the fluid 3 flows across the reservoir 10. Ideally, when exiting the radiator 2, the heat exchange fluid 3 should have a temperature in the range of minus I 0 C to plus 3 0 C.
  • the surface area of the underside of the emission surface 8 is increased, for example by the disposition of fins on the underside of the emission surface 8.
  • the fins are immersed in the heat exchange fluid 3 so as to promote higher efficiency of heat exchange between the emission surface 8 and the heat exchange fluid 3.
  • Such higher efficiency is suited to applications requiring a higher flow rate of heat exchange fluid through the radiator 2 as compared to the flow rates suited to embodiments omitting the fins.
  • the apparatus 1 also includes a condenser 4 in fluid communication with the radiator 2.
  • the cooled heat exchange fluid 3 flows from the radiator 2 to the condenser 4 and is used to cool a condensation surface, in the form of closely spaced metal cooling fins 23.
  • the fins 23 are in heat exchange contact with tubes 22 carrying the heat exchange fluid 3, thereby cooling the fins 23.
  • Each end of the tubes 22 defines a passageway extending from inlet header tube 20 to outlet header tube 21.
  • the fins 23 are cooled to, or below, the dew point of the ambient air, resulting in condensation of water from the ambient air onto the fins 23 of the condenser 4.
  • the condensed water then drips from the fins 23 onto collection funnel 6, which feeds into a storage reservoir (not illustrated) for the harvested water.
  • a pump 7 circulates the heat exchange fluid 3 between the radiator 2 and the condenser 4.
  • Thermally insulated pump discharge pipe 18 conveys the heat exchange fluid from the pump 7 to the reservoir 10 of the radiator 2.
  • the pipe 18 connects to reservoir inlet 14, which has a plurality of closely spaced holes to evenly disperse the heat exchange fluid 3 into the reservoir 10.
  • the fluid 3 flows across the reservoir 10, is cooled, and then exits from the reservoir 10 via reservoir outlet 16, which has similar closely spaced holes 19 as for reservoir inlet 14.
  • Insulated return line 24 connects reservoir outlet 16 to the top of inlet header tube 20.
  • the fluid 3 flows from header tube 20 through the tubes 22 and in the process cools the fins 23 to cause atmospheric moisture to condense on the fins 23.
  • the fluid 3 flows through the tubes 22 and into outlet header tube 21.
  • Thermally insulated pipe 25 then conveys the fluid 3 from the bottom of the outlet header tube 21 to return to the pump 7.
  • Ventilated header tank 26 is connected to the top of the outlet header tube 21 via pipe 27.
  • the header tank 26 holds heat exchange fluid 3 so as to maintain a constant supply of fluid 3 to the pump 7 and to allow for expansion and contraction of the fluid 3 due to temperature variation.
  • a pump speed control circuit (not illustrated) is responsive to input from a fluid temperature sensor (not illustrated) so as to vary the speed of the pump 7 and therefore the rate of fluid circulation.
  • the fluid temperature sensor is disposed at the reservoir outlet 16 so as to continuously monitor the temperature of the fluid 3 as it exits the reservoir 10. If the temperature of the fluid 3 is higher than the target range of minus I 0 C to plus 3 0 C, then the pump speed is reduced so as to slow down fluid 3 circulation, thereby allowing the fluid 3 to remain within the radiator 2 for a longer period for increased cooling. Similarly, if the temperature of the fluid 3 is lower than the target range of minus I 0 C to plus 3 0 C, then the pump speed is increased to provide a shorter cooling period.
  • the apparatus 1 includes an air flow inducer, in the form of a variable speed electric fan 28, for inducing an air flow across the fins 23.
  • the air flow inducer is a barrel fan; whereas in another embodiment it is a centrifugal fan. It will be appreciated, however, that other types of fans may be utilized in yet further embodiments.
  • the fan 28 is disposed intermediate the condenser 4 and the radiator 2 so as to suck air through the condenser 4 and blow air onto the radiator 2.
  • the speed of the fan 28, and therefore the rate of the air flow across the fins 23, is adjusted to optimise the condensation of water onto the cooling fins 23.
  • the apparatus 1 is typically operated such that the fins 23 are sufficiently cooled without freezing the condensed water. It will be appreciated that for any given prevailing atmospheric conditions, there is a specific humidity value measured in grams of water vapour per kilogram of the air and a corresponding dry bulb temperature. For example, a specific humidity of between 4.5 and 6 grams of moisture per kilogram of air correlates to a dry bulb temperature at saturation of between I 0 C and 6.5 0 C.
  • the speed of the fan 28, and hence the rate of the air flow is adjustable such that the specific humidity of the ambient air discharged from the fins 23 is reduced to a specific humidity correlating with a specific selected dry bulb temperature or temperature range.
  • dehumidified air is discharged from the fins 23 and is subsequently routed to flow across the emission surface 8 via an air flow chamber 29 having an air inlet 30 for receipt of the air flow from the condenser 4 and an air outlet 31 for discharging the air flow adjacent the emission surface 8.
  • the air flow chamber 29 also has five vanes 32 oriented so as to substantially evenly distribute the air flow discharged at the air outlet 31.
  • the presence of cool, dehumidified air flowing over the face of the emission surface 8 of the radiator 2 prevents or reduces contact between warm moist ambient air and the emission surface 8 ; thus preventing or reducing the formation of dew on the emission surface 8. Otherwise, the formation of dew on the emission surface 8 has the potential to decrease the efficiency of radiation 9 due to latent heat of condensation causing the radiator temperature to rise.
  • An additional advantage associated with the presence of a thin film of cool air flowing over the face of the emission surface 8 is the reduction of sensible heat flow from warm ambient air to the face of the radiator 2.
  • Two side skirts 33 and 34 extend along opposite sides of the emission surface 8 so as to at least partially direct the air flow across the full length of the emission surface 8. That is, the side skirts 33 and 34 at least partially constrain the air flow from flowing off the sides of the emission surface 8. This assists to ensure that the beneficial effects of the flow of cool dehumidified air apply along the full length of the emission surface 8.
  • an embodiment of the invention includes a cover (not illustrated) which automatically covers the emission surface 8 during the day and retracts during the night to allow the apparatus 1 to operate. Yet other embodiments utilize manually removable covers.
  • the method of operating the apparatus 1 to condense water from ambient air entails circulating the heat exchange fluid 3 between the radiator 2 and the condenser 4, whilst simultaneously: emitting radiation from the emission surface 8 of the radiator 2 to the nocturnal atmosphere so as to cool the heat exchange fluid 3; receiving the heat exchange fluid 3 into the condenser 4 so as to cool the fins 23 to, or below, the dew point of the ambient air such that water condenses from the ambient air onto fins 23; and flowing cool dehymidified air discharged from the condenser 4 onto the emission surface 8 of the radiator 2.
  • the radiator 2 may take the form of one or more panels (not illustrated) disposed on a roof of a dwelling and the condenser 4 may be disposed remotely of the panels; for example within the roof cavity or elsewhere.
  • Thermally insulated piping may be used to circulate the heat transfer fluid 3 between the condenser 4 and the emission surfaces 8 of the panels.
  • thermally insulated piping may be used to convey discharged air from the condenser 4 to the emission surfaces 8.
  • the main operating costs that are typically associated with the use of the preferred embodiment are the costs to run the pump 7.
  • the use of a radiator 2 dispenses with the need to supply energy to a refrigeration unit.
  • preferred embodiments of the invention can typically be easily deployed in remote areas at which utilities such as electricity and town water are unavailable.
  • preferred embodiments of the invention can be utilized in activities such as long distance sailing, and the like, to provide a portable water source.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Vaporization, Distillation, Condensation, Sublimation, And Cold Traps (AREA)

Abstract

Lors de son utilisation, le procédé d'actionnement de l'appareil (1) pour condenser de l'eau à partir de l'air ambiant implique de faire circuler le fluide d'échange thermique (3) entre le radiateur (2) et le condenseur (4), pendant simultanément : l'émission d'un rayonnement de la surface d'émission (8) du radiateur (2) à l'atmosphère nocturne, de façon à refroidir le fluide d'échange thermique (3) ; la réception du fluide d'échange thermique (3) dans le condenseur (4), de façon à refroidir les ailettes (23) jusqu'au ou au-dessous du point de rosée de l'air ambiant, de telle sorte que l'eau se condense à partir de l'air ambiant sur des ailettes (23) ; et la circulation de l'air déshumidifié frais évacué du condenseur (4) sur la surface d'émission (8) du radiateur (2). La présence d'air déshumidifié, frais, s'écoulant sur la face de la surface d'émission (8) du radiateur (2), empêche ou réduit le contact entre l'air ambiant humide chaud et la surface d'émission (8), empêchant ou réduisant, de cette façon, la formation de rosée sur la surface d'émission (8).
PCT/AU2007/001887 2006-12-11 2007-12-10 Dispositif de récupération d'eau actionnable la nuit et procédé associé WO2008070900A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2006906858 2006-12-11
AU2006906858A AU2006906858A0 (en) 2006-12-11 Nocturnally operable water harvester and associated method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008070900A1 true WO2008070900A1 (fr) 2008-06-19

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PCT/AU2007/001887 WO2008070900A1 (fr) 2006-12-11 2007-12-10 Dispositif de récupération d'eau actionnable la nuit et procédé associé

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012020247A1 (fr) * 2010-08-13 2012-02-16 David Stenhouse Système d'extraction d'eau pour habitations
IT201700114405A1 (it) * 2017-10-11 2019-04-11 Mario Vismara Dispositivo di raffreddamento passivo per irraggiamento

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4624113A (en) * 1985-06-27 1986-11-25 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Passive-solar directional-radiating cooling system
US5301516A (en) * 1993-02-11 1994-04-12 Forrest Poindexter Potable water collection apparatus
US6182453B1 (en) * 1996-04-08 2001-02-06 Worldwide Water, Inc. Portable, potable water recovery and dispensing apparatus
US7121101B2 (en) * 2004-05-28 2006-10-17 Merritt Thomas D Multipurpose adiabatic potable water production apparatus and method

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4624113A (en) * 1985-06-27 1986-11-25 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Passive-solar directional-radiating cooling system
US5301516A (en) * 1993-02-11 1994-04-12 Forrest Poindexter Potable water collection apparatus
US6182453B1 (en) * 1996-04-08 2001-02-06 Worldwide Water, Inc. Portable, potable water recovery and dispensing apparatus
US7121101B2 (en) * 2004-05-28 2006-10-17 Merritt Thomas D Multipurpose adiabatic potable water production apparatus and method

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012020247A1 (fr) * 2010-08-13 2012-02-16 David Stenhouse Système d'extraction d'eau pour habitations
IT201700114405A1 (it) * 2017-10-11 2019-04-11 Mario Vismara Dispositivo di raffreddamento passivo per irraggiamento
WO2019073369A1 (fr) * 2017-10-11 2019-04-18 Mario Vismara Dispositif de refroidissement passif rayonnant

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