WO2009048986A2

WO2009048986A2 - Water collection and purification system

Info

Publication number: WO2009048986A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/079253
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dan D. Reese; Wayne T. Lister; John Battaglia
Original assignee: Mirage Vortex Manufacturing, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-10-08
Filing date: 2008-10-08
Publication date: 2009-04-16
Also published as: WO2009048986A3

Abstract

A system for collecting and purifying water entrained within ambient air. The device comprises a cabinet having an air vent on a back wall thereof through which ambient air is delivered to the cabinet interior. Within the cabinet are air flow filters, an air intake fan, a condenser unit, various fan components, a compressor unit, a holding tank, an on-demand pump, an in-line flow switch, a vortex separation system, charcoal filters, an ultraviolet light unit, and a static chiller (among other important components). Ambient air is drawn through a filtering device and delivered to the condenser assembly wherein moisture trapped within the ambient air is condensed into liquid water. The resulting moisture drips into a collection tray and into a storage reservoir. The on-demand pump draws the stored water from the storage reservoir and delivers it into a pressurized purification conduit where the water is filtered and sterilized through the various vortex and carbon filtration components and through an ultraviolet light unit. The on-demand pressurized water flow may then be selectively dispensed to an external container through a manually controlled spigot.

Description

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT & TRADEMARK OFFICE

PCT RECEIVING OFFICE (RO/US) TITLE: Water Collection and Purification System

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for collecting and purifying water. The present invention relates more specifically to systems for condensing water vapor from the air, collecting and storing such water condensed from the air, and purifying the collected water for drinking purposes.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] A number of systems presently exist that are designed to withdraw water vapor from the air either for the purpose of dehumidifying the air or for collecting the condensed water vapor for use. There are also a number of systems designed to collect water (from a variety of sources in an environment) and to store it for useful purposes. Further, there are systems that have been developed to purify water to make it suitable for use by humans, primarily as drinking water. In each of these fields, current systems exhibit certain deficiencies and problems that have yet to be overcome.

[0003] Water vapor condensing systems and air dehumidifiers generally face efficiency problems whereby the cost of extracting the water from the air is too high for the amount of water obtained. Many such systems simply have difficulty extracting water from air below certain humidity levels. Water collection and storage systems also suffer from problems associated with introducing impurities into the water at the point of collection as well as storage problems that develop further impurities over time. Water purification and filtration systems likewise suffer efficiency problems generally resulting in very costly equipment being required to provide sufficiently pure water. [0004] It would be desirable to not only have individual systems that address many of the problems in the existing systems in each of the fields described, but also to have an integrated system that addressed problems throughout the various fields to provide a compact, portable, highly efficient, and highly functional device for condensing water from the air, collecting and storing such water, and purifying and filtering such water to the point that it is suitable for human consumption.

[0005] The basic concept of using a compressor/condenser system to extract moisture from the air is not new. Many efforts have been made in the past to structure and design systems that utilized a compressor/condenser based cooling system to condense and collect water from ambient air. Many such efforts have also taken steps to store and deliver that water in potable condition. The problems encountered in the prior art that the present invention overcomes, include operational efficiency within low humidity conditions and water purity in both storage and delivery components. At least two specific components having unique and beneficial structures and geometries have been determined to be critical elements within a water collection system fulfilling such objectives.

[0006] First, certain unique structures and geometries associated with the condenser unit are unexplored in the prior art. These structures include a deeper coil "thickness" or "through dimension" that would typically be impractical in most systems due to its tendency to clog and thereby retain moisture (and result in mold buildup). The present invention provides air intake components and a condenser geometry that prevents this from occurring. [0007] Second, the use of a small vortex water purification component in the overall system is unexplored in the prior art. Integrating such a component into a critical stage of the collection, storage, and dispensing process, results in unique and unexpected benefits. [0008] Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it is clear that the same set of basic components that are found in many such water collection systems, could be assembled and arranged in more efficient and safe sequences and series. The present system arrives at what is an optimal configuration from both an operational efficiency standpoint and a water purity and safety standpoint.

[0009] A number of issued patents describe the use of a series of known (if not off-the-shelf) components configured into a "water cooler" sized electrically powered enclosure. A recent example of such a system may be found in U.S. Patent No. 7,272,947 issued to Anderson et al. on September 25, 2007, entitled Water Producing Method and Apparatus. This Anderson et al. system is one of the above mentioned existing systems that attempt to position the necessary components within a water cooler sized enclosure. The features that the Anderson et al. system has attempted to patent appear to primarily include an ozone injection (and removal) system to facilitate the killing of bacteria in the collected water. A wide variety of other air and water filter components are also mentioned for use within the system. A number of additional patents and patent applications in this field are also directed to problems of efficiency at extremes of ambient temperatures and humidity. One such U.S. Patent, for example, issued to Semrow et al. (U.S. Patent No. 6,588,226, issued July 8, 2003) is directed to efficient operation in extremes of low temperature and low humidity. The system described therein focuses on the handling of frozen water within the device to maintain an operational flow of potable water. In this respect many systems make claims as to operational efficiency and some even point to specific structures within the systems that help to achieve these goals. Few if any, however, have solved the problem of getting more out of the condenser without increasing the likelihood of fouling and degradation over time. A number of additional existing systems are directed to very specific combinations and arrangements of components without focusing on any particular component or components structure to provide the improvements to the system. In the present invention, a number of simple (but not obvious) improvements, such as elevating the air intake components to the highest (off the ground) point in the enclosure (as an example) may serve to significantly improve operational efficiency. Such secondary aspects of the system of the present invention, in addition to the two primary improvements mentioned above have not been explored in the previous efforts to develop a water collection and purification system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to a device for conveniently purifying and collecting water vapor entrained within ambient air. The device comprises a cabinet having an air vent on a back wall thereof through which ambient air is delivered to the cabinet interior. Within the cabinet are an air intake fan, a condenser, a collection reservoir, an ultraviolet light unit, and a compressor. Ambient air is drawn through a filtering device and delivered through the condenser unit wherein moisture trapped within the ambient air is condensed. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a portable water collection and purification device that provides a complete, multi-stage treatment process for removing particulates, organics, and inorganics from a water source.

[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a water collection and purification device that provides an inexpensive means for purifying a water source. [0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a water collection and purification device that produces purified water from ambient air. Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the attached drawings.

[0013] The present invention may be generally described as a system for collecting and purifying water entrained within ambient air. The device comprises a cabinet having an air vent on a back wall thereof through which ambient air is delivered to the cabinet interior. Within the cabinet are air flow filters, an air intake fan, a condenser unit, various fan components, a compressor unit, a holding tank, an on-demand pump, an in-line flow switch, a vortex separation system, charcoal filters, an ultraviolet light unit, and a static chiller (among other important components). Ambient air is drawn through a filtering device and delivered to the condenser assembly wherein moisture trapped within the ambient air is condensed into liquid water. The resulting moisture drips into a collection tray and into a storage reservoir. The on-demand pump draws the stored water from the storage reservoir and delivers it into a pressurized purification conduit where the water is filtered and sterilized through the various vortex and carbon filtration components and through an ultraviolet light unit. The on-demand pressurized water flow may then be selectively dispensed to an external container through a manually controlled spigot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. 1 is a side plan view of the system of the present invention as integrated into a cabinet.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a rear plan view (facing forward) of the system of the present invention as disclosed in Fig. 1.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a top plan view (looking downward) of the system of the present invention as disclosed in Fig. 1.

[0017] Fig. 4 is a schematic flow chart showing the basic flow of liquid water through the system of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 5 is a schematic flow chart showing the basic flow of ambient air through the system of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the basic method steps of the operation of the system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention provides an improved water collection and purification system.

The system shown and described in association with the attached drawing figures is generally sized according to the dimensions of a typical water cooler type device. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the components of the present system could easily be implemented on a much larger (or smaller) scale. Every component may be scaled up (or down) to accommodate a greater volume of water collection and purification. Systems the size of larger trucks and/or trailers can be implemented with the basic concepts and principles of the present invention. Therefore, although the system described is appropriate for small scale usage, the improvements incorporated into the system design and method are entirely scalable to function with the same efficiency in different applications and in different environments.

[0021] The present invention relates to a water collection and purification unit, indicated generally as a water collection unit in the present description. The device includes a cabinet with a plurality of side walls and defining an interior enclosure. One of the side walls may be removable to provide selective access to the interior components that are described in more detail below. A first side wall of the cabinet includes a plurality of louvers or other openings for providing ambient air to the cabinet interior chamber. The cabinet also includes a number of exhaust ducts on one or more side walls thereof for allowing air to flow from the cabinet interior outward to the atmosphere.

[0022] Received within the cabinet interior chamber and proximal the vent is a fan assembly for inducing air flow from the atmosphere to the interior chamber. Between the fan assembly and the vent is a filter assembly for removing various particulates from the incoming air. The filter assembly may include fibrous, electrically charger filter media for attracting oppositely charged particulates entrained within the ambient air. The filter media is sufficiently charged to also attract substantially neutral particles to ensure that substantially all particulate matter within the incoming air is removed prior to condensation being produced. [0023] Disposed between the filter assembly and the fan assembly is a condenser unit having refrigerant coils therein across which ambient air is circulated. A refrigerant compressor is positioned within the cabinet and is in fluid communication with the condenser coils for circulating a refrigerant there through. Accordingly, the compressor compresses and circulates the refrigerant through the coils to cool ambient air flowing there across to a temperature sufficient to produce condensate.

[0024] Other components within the system are directed to purification of the water that has been collected. A conventional ultraviolet light unit according to the present invention comprises a quartz sleeve that includes a germicidal lamp therein for emitting ultraviolet rays that immediately destroy a variety of microorganisms exposed thereto. Annular discs surround the quartz sleeve to induce turbulent flow through the housing to ensure that the microbiological organisms are thoroughly exposed to ultraviolet radiation. [0025] Reference is made to Fig. 1 for a detailed description of the overall system of the present invention as integrated into a water cooler sized cabinet enclosure. In Fig. 1, water collection unit 10 is shown to be constructed of cabinet frame 12, which in the preferred embodiment is a sheet metal box-like frame with removable panels suitable for gaining access to the internal components of the system. Various internal shelves and other bracket structures positioned between the walls of the cabinet are described in more detail bellow. One portion of the unit frame incorporates an airflow inlet vent (described in more detail below) that is positioned adjacent a condenser assembly 14. Airflow is directed (drawn) through condenser assembly 14 by way of primary fan assembly 16. In the preferred embodiment the through dimension (the distance the air flow travels in contact with the cooling coils and/or fins) might be in the range of 7" to 9" or more, depending on the operational environment. Water vapor condenses into liquid water on the cooling coils of condenser assembly 14 and drips down under the influence of gravity into a water catchment tray 18 positioned below the entire block of coils and fins. [0026] Water catchment tray 18 is a relatively shallow, horizontally oriented tray, which includes a drain onto which is attached water catchment drain tube 20. From water catchment tray 18, by way of water catchment drain tube 20, the collected liquid water flows into holding tank 22, which in the preferred embodiment (water cooler sized unit) is preferably a seven gallon closed container. Liquid water is continually collected in this manner as long as the unit is turned on (i.e., the condenser unit is operating to cool a flow of air directed by the fan assembly).

[0027] When the user desires to dispense collected water from the unit, water flow is initiated out from holding tank 22 by on-demand pump 26. Water is drawn up from holding tank 22 through pump inlet tube 24 by on-demand pump 26 which is activated only when water is to be dispensed from the system. On demand-pump 26 establishes a pressurized system from the point of the pump to the point of dispensing the liquid water from the unit. In this manner, the integrity of the purified water can be maintained.

[0028] On-demand pump 26 directs the pressurized flow of liquid water out from the pump by way of outlet tube 28 which is connected to a flow switch (not shown in Fig. 1) and thereafter is directed through vortex inlet tube 32. Vortex inlet tube 32 conducts the water to vortex system 34 as an initial stage of the purification of the water to be dispensed. The basic structure of vortex system 34 comprises a closed cylinder with a tangential inlet port/jet near the top of the cylinder and an axial outlet port at the base. The manner in which vortex system 34 operates to remove certain undesirable elements from the flow of liquid water within the system is described in more detail below.

[0029] From vortex system 34 the pressurized flow of water is conducted through vortex outlet tube 36 and then up to a pair of further purification devices positioned near the top of water collection unit 10. Vortex outlet tube 36 initially conducts the flow of water to charcoal filter 38 which, by way of interconnect tube 40, thereafter conducts the flow of water to ultraviolet (UV) light tube 42. The flow of water from these two purification units is then directed by way of chiller inlet tube 44 to static chiller 46. Static chiller 46 then cools the liquid water before it is directed by way of chiller outlet tube 48 to water spigot 50 which is fixed through the wall of water collection unit 10. Water spigot 50 is positioned at an appropriate operating height and is situated over water tray 52 which is designed and configured to catch any residual water not carried in a container away from the unit. [0030] Other internal components shown in Fig. 1 include compressor 54 which serves to operate the refrigerant circulation system in conjunction with condenser assembly 14. Compressor 54 and on-demand pump 26 are supported on compressor/pump shelf 56. Static chiller 46 is supported on a partially insulated static chiller shelf 58. In the base of water collection unit 10 can be seen power box 60 for providing electrical power (AC to DC typically) to the solid state Peltier device of static chiller 46.

[0031] Reference is now made to Fig. 2 for a view orthogonal to that shown in Fig. 1 disclosing in detail the various components of the system of the present invention as arranged in a water cooler sized embodiment. Whereas Fig. 1 is a side view (with unit side panels removed), Fig. 2 is a back view from a direction opposite the side on which the collected water is dispensed through water spigot 50. In Fig. 2 water collection unit 10 is shown to again include unit frame 12 which retains, positions, and supports the various components of the system. Condenser assembly 14 is shown in a profile view disclosing the multitude of cooling fins and coils associated with such assemblies. The fan assembly is not seen in this view positioned as it is behind condenser assembly 14.

[0032] Water catchment tray 18 is positioned below and partially supports condenser assembly 14. Collected liquid water drains from water catchment tray 18 by way of water catchment drain tube 20. The collected water is then retained in holding tank 22 as described above. On-demand pump 26 is positioned to withdraw the collected water from holding tank 22 by way of pump inlet tube 24. In this view, on-demand pump 26 can be seen to direct a pressurized flow of liquid water through pump outlet tube 28 through flow switch 30 and then into vortex system 34 by way of vortex inlet tube 32. [0033] The pressurized liquid water flow continues from vortex system 34 through vortex outlet tube 36 and up to the filtration devices positioned near the top of water collection unit 10. Vortex outlet tube 36 conducts the pressurized flow of water into charcoal filter system 38 which is connected by way of interconnect tube 40 through to UV light tube 42. Chiller inlet tube 44 then conducts the flow of purified water to static chiller 46 and then through chiller outlet tube 48 to the water spigot (not shown in this view).

[0034] Also shown in the view of Fig. 2 are the compressor/pump shelf 56 and static chiller shelf 58 which support their respective named components. Also shown is power box 60 for providing the electrical power to static chiller 46.

[0035] The arrangements of the described components shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are conducive to the flow of both ambient air and the collected liquid water according to the method of the present invention. In other words, those components necessary for directing the flow of ambient air are positioned in an elevated placement within the unit in order to avoid proximity to the floor on which the unit is positioned. Likewise, the water catchment tray and the holding tank which are gravity fed are positioned beneath the condenser assembly where the liquid water condenses. The balance of the filtration and purification components are operable under the pressurized flow of water and therefore do not require specific placement for gravity feed. Vortex system 34 does require specific orientation as gravity plays some part in its operation. However, since the inlet to vortex system 34 is a pressurized flow of liquid water, alternate placements of the system (still vertically oriented) are anticipated.

[0036] The placements of charcoal filter system 38 and UV light tube system 42 are made primarily for purposes of access as replacement of the filtration media for the charcoal filter (as an example) will eventually be required. The placement of UV light tube system 42 is determined to some degree by the desire to allow the small amount of heat generated by the device to rise out from the enclosure without elevating the temperature of any of the other components within the system that are designed to cool the flow of water.. [0037] Reference is now made to Fig. 3 for a brief description of the components positioned near the top of water collection unit 10 as viewed with a top panel removed from the unit frame 12. In Fig. 3 the arrangement of primary fan assembly 16 is shown positioned so as to draw air into the cabinet unit. This airflow is directed through the condenser assembly 14 which in Fig. 3 is represented by its component devices, condensing coils 70 and evaporating coils 72. Also shown in the view in Fig. 3 is secondary fan assembly 74 positioned between condensing coils 70 and evaporating coils 72. Under some operating conditions (low humidity and/or high temperatures) it is preferable to facilitate the airflow by supplementing the action of primary fan assembly 16, especially within the tighter airflow confines of the condenser coils and evaporating coils of the condenser assembly 14. Secondary fan assembly 74 provides the supplemental airflow that may be required under such circumstances. [0038] Also shown in Fig. 3, and hidden from view in Figs. 1 and 2, is air filtration system 76. In the preferred embodiment air filtration system 76 comprises an electrostatic filtration system that provides the initial manner of removing particulates from the air flow. These particulates would not only serve to degrade the flow characteristics through the condenser assembly but could also become part of the liquid water flow as such particulates frequently provide a source of condensation for water droplets, which then carry the particulates into the collected water stream. Air filtration system 76 may also be a washable type filter system and may include an anti-microbial coating. Air filtration system 76 therefore provides an initial manner for purifying the air flow and thereby purifying the liquid water flow of the system. [0039] Also shown in Fig. 3 are the placement and positioning of charcoal filter system 38 and ultraviolet (UV) light system 42. These two devices are positioned on a platform shelf above condenser assembly 14 in a manner that allows them to be easily accessed by the user.

In addition, as indicated above, UV light tube 42 produces a minimal amount of heat which is preferably allowed to be directed upward and out from the unit as opposed to being directed to the balance of the components within the system. Placement of these two components near the top of the unit for the above reasons facilitates both the efficient operation of the system and the maintenance of the unit.

[0040] Also seen in the view of Fig. 3 is the top of compressor 54 positioned on a shelf as described above. Further shown is chiller outlet tube 48 which extends up from below the compressor/pump shelf 56 through the front wall of the unit frame 12 to water spigot 50 positioned above water tray 52.

[0041] Reference is now made to Figs. 4 and 5 for a description of more generalized schematic drawings of the basic components of the system of the present invention and the manner in which air flow and liquid water flow are carried out within the system. Fig. 4 represents (in schematic form) the flow of water from the collection tray 18 through to water spigot 50. Fig. 5 represents the flow of ambient air within the system for the purposes of extracting and collecting water.

[0042] In Fig. 4 water is first collected in collection tray 18 as described above. Water catchment drain tube 20 directs this water into holding tank 22 where it is retained until on- demand pump 26 is activated to withdraw the collected water through pump inlet tube 24. Pump outlet tube 28 provides the point in the system at which the flow of liquid water is under pressure. This flow through flow switch 30 serves to electrically activate UV light tube 42 by means of an electrical connection 33. Although most of the components within the system may operate on a continuous basis or on a timed basis, it is preferable that the UV light operate only when flow through the system occurs. As indicated above, UV light tube 42 generates an amount of heat and also consumes electricity in such a manner that it is desirable to deactivate the device when flow is not specifically occurring through the system. [0043] From flow switch 30 the liquid water flow leaves through vortex inlet tube 32 into vortex system 34. The functionality of vortex system 34 serves to oxygenate the water and to remove both certain mineral particulates and heavier elements within the liquid water flow. The vortex system 34 has also been shown to reduce the levels of anaerobic bacteria that may have formed within the liquid water conduit system and the holding tank. [0044] From vortex system 34 liquid water (under pressure) flows through vortex outlet tube 36 up into charcoal filter system 38. In a preferred embodiment charcoal filter system 38 is an activated charcoal filter system preferably constructed of coconut shell charcoal material. Liquid water flows from charcoal filter system 38 through interconnect tube 40 into the adjacently positioned UV light tube 42. The use of ultraviolet light is known to facilitate the killing of bacteria (and some viruses) within liquid water streams. Again, however, it is desirable not to activate UV light tube 42 except when water flow is actually occurring within the system. Therefore the activation and de-activation of the UV light tube 42 is controlled by flow switch 30 as indicated above. Flow of the liquid water (still under pressure) from UV light tube 42 is by way of chiller inlet tube 44 which directs the liquid water (now purified) into static chiller 46. Static chiller 46 is an optional component in the preferred embodiment and may typically be a Peltier based solid state cooling element that, by means of an electric current, produces a temperature differential that serves to cool the flow of water from the UV light tube 42 through chiller inlet tube 44 into static chiller 46. Static chiller 46 in the preferred embodiment comprises a Peltier based cooling system that is constructed to provide increased surface area contact between the Peltier element (typically a plate) within the device and a looped or coiled flow of liquid water in a conduit in direct contact with the temperature differential plate. Flow of liquid water out from static chiller 46 is by way of chiller outlet tube 48 which directs the flow of purified and chilled water up to water spigot 50 as shown in Fig. 4.

[0045] Fig. 5, as indicated above, represents in schematic form the flow of ambient air through the system of the present invention. Ambient air 80 in this case enters the system initially through air filtration system 76. The flow is directed by means of primary fan assembly 16 which is positioned at the opposite end of the system of components through which the ambient air flows. Cold air 82 is eventually directed out from primary fan assembly 16 after it has passed through the balance of the components in the system. After being filtered within air filtration system 76 the air passes through evaporating coils 72 which, in the refrigerant circulation system provided in the present invention, is subjected to the greatest cooling effect.

[0046] Reference is now made to Fig. 6 for a brief description of the method steps for implementation of the system of the present invention. Critical to the efficient operation of the water collection and purification unit of the present invention is its proper placement and positioning for use. At Step 100 in Fig. 6 the unit is established in a position or placement such that the water collection and purification unit can efficiently operate with ambient air flow and a reduced exposure to elevated temperatures, dust, debris, etc. The initial step in the actual process of collecting and purifying liquid water from ambient air is carried out at Step 101 wherein a flow of ambient air is directed through the refrigerant cooled components of the water collection and purification unit as described above. Step 104 involves directing the flow of air through an air filtration system to remove particulate matter from the ambient air for the purposes described above (i.e., preventing such from clogging the air flow within the system and to prevent the same from becoming entrained within the liquid water flow of the system). The flow of air is then directed through a cooling coil condenser/evaporator assembly at Step 106 wherein the cooling effect on the ambient air causes water vapor within the flow of air to condense onto the cooling coils at Step 108. This condensed liquid water then falls under the influence of gravity from the cooling coils and at Step 110 is collected in liquid water form in a catchment tray and thereafter stored in a holding tank for use on demand. [0047] It is understood that the process described above in Steps 102 - 110 may be carried out on a continuous basis or on a timed basis. Operation of the system and the electrical components necessary in the steps described above can be carried out at a time of day or time of night that humidity conditions and electrical demand might optimize the operation of the system. Various electronic controllers known in the art may be implemented in conjunction with the system components described in order to optimize this operational efficiency. [0048] The balance of the steps in the methodology (Steps 112 - 122) are implemented in an on-demand basis as water is required and dispensed from the system. The liquid water collected at Step 110 and stored in the holding tank may be pumped from the holding tank into the pressurized liquid conduit system at Step 112. The subsequent pressure within the system from the on-demand pump to the point of the outlet spigot is important in order to maintain the purified state of the liquid water as it progresses through the system to the point of delivery. This closed and pressurized system makes each of the various purification steps not only more efficient but also maintains their effect through to the point of delivering the flow of chilled liquid water.

[0049] After Step 112 the liquid water flowing in the pressurized system is directed through to the vortex separation system at Step 114. As indicated above, the vortex separation system is a device structured to aerate the water and remove certain particulate matter and certain additional contaminant elements from the liquid water that may have accumulated during its collection and retention in the holding tank. These components might include various heavy metal elements as well as anaerobic bacteria that may have formed during the storage of the collected liquid water.

[0050] At Step 116 the flow of liquid water is directed (again under pressure) through a charcoal filtration system. As described above, in the preferred embodiment, this charcoal filtration system may be an activated charcoal system and/or may comprise a charcoal media made of coconut shell materials. At Step 118 the flow of liquid water is directed (again under pressure) through an ultraviolet (UV) light system where additional bacteria is killed

(as known in the art). Again, the critical inclusion of the UV light system in the present invention lies not so much in its usage (which is generally known) as in its appropriate placement within the flow stream and within the cabinet enclosure in a manner that optimizes its operational effect.

[0051] At Step 120 the flow of liquid water, now generally purified, is optionally directed to a static chiller device where the temperature of the water is reduced prior to delivery at Step 122 to the outlet spigot. As it may not be necessary in some environments to provide chilled water, the static chiller of the present invention may be considered an optional component. [0052] Each of the components described in the method above and in the system description previous, is structured so as to allow for a generally rapid flow of liquid water through the system for delivery. None of the components described provide any significant "bottleneck" to an adequate flow that allows for the typical dispensing of water as from a water cooler type device. The vortex separator system, the carbon filtration system, the ultraviolet light system, and the static chiller device are each structured so as to efficiently carry out their function on an instantaneous basis with the flow of water, thereby eliminating the need to store the water thus filtered and purified by the components.

[0053] As can be seen from the above described methodology and the previously described structure of the present invention, there is some significance, not only to the structural placement of the various components within the system, but the order in which they are used in the method of the system to carry out the collection and purification of a potable water stream. For this reason, the methodology is inextricably linked to the structure of the system and can not generally be carried out except in conjunction with a system structured according to the basic principles of the system described. Operation of a system according to the above description results in improved efficiency and, in some cases, simple operational capability in a wide variety of temperature and humidity environments. The Tables that follow provide some indication of the various environments within which the system can operate and the parameters for the various components and structures within the system that provide this optimal efficiency.

[0054] Table 1 provides a chart relating various ambient conditions to the approximate number of hours required to produce a predetermined volume of water. Accordingly, the system according to the present invention can be operated at optimal temperatures and/or humidity to minimize associated energy costs and to increase the efficiency of the process. Accordingly, conventional automatic temperature and humidity sensing controls may be electrically integrated with the system to automatically operate the various components only during optimal conditions. The device may also include a plurality of photovoltaic cells mounted to the cabinet or in a remote location to provide power to the various components via a light source.

[0055] Humidity is the key ingredient to making water. Table 1 provides approximate results to describe how the system of the present invention will work under varying temperature and humidity conditions. Table 2 provides greater detail on the specifications of the system of the present invention.

TABLE 1

TABLE 2 [0001] The present invention is not to be considered as limited to the exact details of construction and arrangement of parts shown and described. In addition, the size, shape, and materials of construction may be varied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in the terms of the foregoing preferred embodiments, this description has been provided by way of explanation only, and is not intended to be construed as a limitation of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize modifications of the present invention that might accommodate specific atmospheric environments and power source availability. Such modifications, as to environment and power supply, where such modifications are coincidental to the type of system being utilized, do not necessarily depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS We Claim:

1. A portable water collection and purification system, the system comprising:

(a) a cabinet having a plurality of air flow vents, the plurality of air flow vents comprising at least one air intake vent;

(b) an air flow induction assembly for directing a flow of air from the at least one air intake vent;

(c) an array of cooling coils positioned within the cabinet in association with the at least one air intake vent, the induced air flow passing through the array of cooling coils, the array of cooling coils serving to condense water vapor within the air flow into liquid water;

(d) a collection reservoir positioned in association with the array of cooling coils for receiving the water condensed from the water vapor within the air flow, the collection reservoir having a flow outlet;

(e) an on-demand pump connected to the flow outlet of the collection reservoir through at least one section of liquid flow conduit;

(f) a vortex water purification module connected in series with the on-demand pump through the at least one section of liquid flow conduit;

(g) a pressurized static chiller positioned in series in the at least one section of liquid flow conduit after the vortex water purification module; and

(h) a dispensing spigot positioned between the interior of the cabinet and the exterior of the cabinet, the spigot connected in series with the pressurized static chiller.

2. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 1 further comprising an air filter assembly positioned in association with the at least one air intake vent, the air filter assembly receiving induced air flow through the at least one air intake vent and serving to remove particulates from the air flow.

3. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 2 wherein the air filter assembly comprises an electrostatic air filter.

4. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 1 further comprising an ultraviolet (UV) light unit positioned in association with the at least one section of liquid flow conduit, at least a portion of the liquid flow conduit being transparent to UV light.

5. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 4 wherein the ultraviolet (UV) light unit is activated by an in-line flow switch positioned in the at least one section of liquid flow conduit, the UV light unit activating when liquid flow occurs through the conduit.

6. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 1 further comprising a charcoal based water filter positioned in series in the at least one section of liquid flow conduit.

7. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 6 wherein the charcoal based water filter comprises an activated charcoal filter.

8. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 6 wherein the charcoal based water filter comprises coconut shell charcoal as a filter media.

9. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 1 wherein the array of cooling coils comprise part of a closed loop compressor based refrigerant circulation system, the compressor based refrigerant circulation system comprising:

(a) a compressor serving to compress and circulate a refrigerant within the closed loop system;

(b) an array of condenser coils positioned within an array of parallel oriented heat transfer fins; and

(c) an array of expansion coils positioned within an array of parallel oriented heat transfer fins.

10. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 1 wherein the air flow induction assembly comprises a primary fan assembly having at least one fan motor and a plurality of fan blades, the primary fan assembly positioned and oriented so as to draw air through the array of cooling coils from the at least one air intake vent.

11. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 9 wherein the air flow induction assembly comprises a primary fan assembly having at least one fan motor and a plurality of fan blades, the primary fan assembly positioned and oriented so as to draw air through the array of cooling coils from the at least one air intake vent.

12. The portable water collection and purification system of Claim 11 wherein the air flow induction assembly further comprises a secondary fan having at least one fan motor and a plurality of fan blades, the secondary fan assembly positioned between the array of condenser coils and the array of expansion coils and oriented so as to draw air through the array of expansion coils from the at least one air intake vent.

13. A portable water collection and purification system, the system comprising:

(b) an electrostatic air filter positioned within the cabinet in association with the at least one air intake vent, the electrostatic filter receiving induced air flow through the at least one air intake vent and removing particulates from the air flow;

(c) an array of cooling coils positioned within the cabinet in association with the electrostatic air filter, the induced air flow passing through the air filter and through the array of cooling coils, the array of cooling coils serving to condense water vapor within the air flow into liquid water;

(g) an ultraviolet (UV) light unit activated by an in-line flow switch positioned in the at least one section of liquid flow conduit, the UV light unit activating when liquid flow occurs through the conduit;

(i) a charcoal based water filter positioned in series in the at least one section of liquid flow conduit after the UV light unit;

(j) a pressurized static chiller holding tank positioned in series in the at least one section of liquid flow conduit after the charcoal based water filter; and

(k) a dispensing spigot positioned between the interior of the cabinet and the exterior of the cabinet, the spigot connected in series with the pressurized static chiller holding tank.

14. A method for collecting and purifying liquid water from a flow of ambient air containing water vapor, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) establishing a flow of the ambient air with a fan assembly;

(b) directing the air flow through an air filtration system to remove airborne particulate matter form the air;

(c) directing the air flow from the air filtration system through a cooling coil condenser/evaporator assembly;

(d) condensing water vapor in the air flow into liquid water, the liquid water condensing on the cooling coil condenser/evaporator assembly;

(e) collecting liquid water into a collection reservoir, the liquid water falling under the influence of gravity from the cooling coil condenser/evaporator assembly into a collection tray, the liquid water being conducted from the collection tray into a closed collection reservoir;

(f) providing on-demand, a pumping of the liquid water from the collection reservoir into a pressurized conduit system to create a pressurized flow of liquid water;

(g) directing the flow of liquid water through a vortex separation system, the vortex separation system separating out undesired elements within the liquid water by means of establishing a vortex flow within an otherwise linear flow of liquid water;

(h) directing the flow of liquid water through a charcoal filter;

(i) exposing the flow of liquid water to an ultraviolet (UV) light source positioned in association with a UV transparent a flow tube;

(j) reducing the temperature of the liquid water by passing the flow of liquid water through a static chiller; and

(k) delivering the flow of chilled liquid water to an outlet spigot.