WO2013084077A1

WO2013084077A1 - Atmospheric water generation system

Info

Publication number: WO2013084077A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/050522
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Earl LAWTON; Robert Raphael LUX; Elton Merrill ARMSTRONG; Paul J. MORTFIELD; Warren TEITELMAN
Original assignee: Altair Water Group, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-12-08
Filing date: 2012-02-06
Publication date: 2013-06-13

Abstract

An atmospheric water generation system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises an evaporator coil for condensing atmospheric water, a water collector for collecting condensed atmospheric water, and a water tank fluidly connected to the water collector for storing the condensed atmospheric water. The water tank is sealed other than an inlet opened at the top surface of the water tank. The system comprises an antimicrobial device installed fluidly between the water collector and the inlet, such that the condensed atmospheric water flows through the antimicrobial device before reaching the water tank. A water router for an atmospheric water generation system, a control system for an atmospheric water generation system and a water heating system are also disclosed.

Description

ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATION SYSTEM

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a water generation system and in particular an atmospheric water generation system for potable water.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Atmospheric water generation systems condense water from air to produce potable water. However, bacteria may grow after water is condensed and collected, rendering the water not potable. An improved system is needed to improve the hygiene of water in such systems. Furthermore, the amount of tubings, water connections, pumps and valves in conventional systems is excessively large, making the system bulky and heavy, while increasing the difficulty of maintenance, and reducing reliability.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0003] In the light of the foregoing background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternate atmospheric water generation system.

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention, in one aspect, is an atmospheric water generation system comprising an evaporator coil for condensing atmospheric water, a water collector for collecting condensed atmospheric water, and a water tank fluidly connected to the water collector for storing the condensed atmospheric water. The water tank is sealed other than an inlet opened at the top surface of the water tank. The system comprises an antimicrobial device installed fluidly between the water collector and the inlet, such that the condensed atmospheric water flows through the antimicrobial device before reaching the water tank.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the antimicrobial device comprises a carbon block with silver threads woven in the carbon block. [0006] In another exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial device comprises a ultraviolet sanitizer having a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes adapted to emit light of wavelength between 250-255nm (a peak at 254nm is most effective).

[0007] In another embodiment, the water tank comprises at least one antimicrobial mesh disposed in at least one predetermined level within the water tank.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a water router is disclosed comprising at least one input valve adapted to fluidly connect to an input port, at least one output valve fluidly connected to the input valve and adapted to fluidly connect to an output port, and a processing unit electrically connected to the input valve and the output valve. A route of water flow from the input port to the output port is controlled through opening and closing of the input valve and the output valve.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, an alternate atmospheric water generation system is described, comprising an evaporator coil adapted to condense atmospheric water. A temperature sensor and a relative humidity sensor are provided to sense a temperature and a relative humidity around the evaporator coil respectively. The system comprises a processing unit for determining a dew point of the environment based on the temperature and the relative humidity, and in turn determining whether the atmospheric water generation system should be operative to condense atmospheric water.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a water heating system is described. The system comprises a hot water tank adapted to heat up water stored therein. A temperature sensor is installed inside the hot water tank, and the hot water tank is fluidly connected to a valve. The temperature sensor and the valve are electrically connected to a processing unit, where the processing unit controls the valve to be at a closed state below a temperature threshold, and controls the valve to be at an opened state above the temperature threshold. A pressure is built up inside the hot water tank when the valve is at the closed state to increase a heating rate of the water, and the pressure built up is released when the valve is at the open state to prevent the pressure to damage the hot water tank. [0011] There are many advantages to the present invention. One example is that by controlling the path of entry of water into the water tank for storage and limiting contact of stored water to the environment, the chance of bacteria entering the water is minimized. The meshes installed inside the water tank can also kill any bacteria that enter the water tank without an active power supply; therefore the water can stay potable even after long periods of idling.

[0012] Also, the water stored in the water tank must be pumped through the filters and sanitizer before reaching the user at the water dispenser. Comparing to conventional systems where the water is only initially filtered during collection but no longer sanitized in storage and dispense, this invention can ensure the dispensed water to be potable.

[0013] The water router of the present invention allows an automated program to easily control the path of water flow based on different operation modes. Different components can be placed upstream or downstream to the valves, and different pipe connections can be installed between different valves to effectively function in different modes without wasting valuable water.

[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is that the cost efficiency of the water generation system can be determined and analyzed, and the system can decide the most cost efficient option for providing water to the user. Such allows the power cost of the system to be minimized, hence saving money for the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0015] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an atmospheric water generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the components between the water collector and the water tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a water router and its surrounding components, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0018] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a control system of the atmospheric water generation system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 5 is a flow chart of a method of controlling the operation of an atmospheric water generation system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 6 is an exemplary embodiment showing the physical structure of the water router.

[0021] Fig. 7a is a front view showing the spatial arrangement of an atmospheric water generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 7b is a left side view of the atmospheric water generation system of Fig. 7a.

[0023] Fig. 7c is a right side view of the atmospheric water generation system of Fig. 7a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] As used herein and in the claims, "comprising" means including the following elements but not excluding others.

[0025] As used herein and in the claims, "couple" or "connect" refers to electrical coupling or connection either directly or indirectly via one or more electrical means unless otherwise stated. "Intermediate" refers to fluidly in communication between two components unless otherwise stated.

[0026] Unless specified otherwise, "system" refers to atmospheric water generation system.

[0027] Referring now to Fig. 1, the first embodiment of the present invention is an atmospheric water generation system 20 comprising an evaporator coil 22, a condenser coil 24 and a compressor 26 connected to each other forming a refrigerant loop (shown in dashed lines). The above components form a water generation engine 21. A refrigerant is provided flowing within the loop. The evaporator coil 22 has a larger cross-sectional area than the condenser coil 24, and the compressor 26 is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown). A water collector 28 is disposed physically below the evaporator coil 22, the water collector 28 being fluidly connected to a water tank 30 physically below the water collector 28. The water tank is connected to a water pump 32 which is in turn connected to a water router 34. The water router 34 is fluidly connected to at least one output port 56, where the output port 56 is fluidly connected to a water dispenser 38 for example. The different outputs of the water router 34 will be described in more detail below.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment as shown in Fig. 2, the water tank 30 is sealed from the environment except for an inlet 40 opened at a top surface thereof. The inlet 40 is fluidly connected to a bottom surface of the water collector 28. A carbon block 42 is disposed at the bottom surface of the water collector 28, covering the connection to the inlet 40 of the water tank 30. The carbon block 42 acts as an antimicrobial device or filter by for example having silver threads 43 incorporating silver ions in a zeolite carrier woven throughout the carbon block 42.

[0029] In operation of the system, the evaporator coil 22 absorbs heat from the air in the environment when the refrigerant flows from the condenser coil 24 to the evaporator coil 22 due to the increased cross-sectional area. Water molecules are present in the air, and the water molecules will condense into liquid water when the air is cooled below a threshold known as dew point. Such water condensed from air is called atmospheric water. The condensed atmospheric water drips from the evaporator coil 22 to the water collector 28 due to gravity. Atmospheric water then drips from the water collector 28 to the inlet 40 of the water tank 30, via the carbon block 42 covering the flow path.

[0030] Atmospheric water, while may be free of impurities, can still contain bacteria. For example, the bacteria may be present in the environmental air that is being cooled, the evaporator coil 22, or in the air contacting the water collector 28. If such bacteria are allowed to enter the water tank 30 alive, the bacteria may contaminate the water inside. Also, conventional water tanks have an open top surface, meaning that the possible area of contact to bacteria in the air is large.

[0031] In this embodiment, the water tank 30 is sealed except at the inlet 40, where the carbon block 42 is disposed along the flow path to the inlet 40. That means water entering the water tank 30, and air leaving the water tank 30 can only go through the inlet 40 and also the carbon block 42. The carbon block 42 with the silver threads can effectively inhibit the growth of the bacteria when water flows therethrough, so the bacteria population is controlled at the time it enters the water tank 30. The carbon block 42 also acts as a sediment or particulate filter, preventing small particles from entering the water tank 30.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, an ultraviolet sanitizer 44 is provided intermediate the carbon block 42 and the inlet 40. The ultraviolet sanitizer 44 emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 254nm, which is the wavelength that can effectively kill the bacteria. The ultraviolet sanitizer 44 comprises a pipe which is fluidly connected to the carbon block 42 at one end and the inlet 40 at the other end, and an ultraviolet light source insulated against the pipe using a layer of material transparent to ultraviolet light such as quartz glass.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the ultraviolet light source is a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes, arranged in a linear array fashion. The power output of the ultraviolet source and the length of the pipe are determined to be sufficient for a certain percentage of the bacteria to be killed during the time the water flows through the pipe and exposed to the ultraviolet light. In an embodiment, a reflective material is coated at a side of the water pipe opposite to the side where the ultraviolet light source is located, in order to increase the amount of ultraviolet light passing through the pipe.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, an antimicrobial device is also disposed inside the water tank 30 for inhibiting growth of the bacteria and/or killing the bacteria inside the water tank 30. Such antimicrobial device is important because the water may remain in the water tank 30 for a long period of time, and the bacteria population will go out of control if such antimicrobial device is not installed. Usually, bacteria will grow on the surface of the water from contact between water and air inside the water tank 30. The bacteria will continue to reproduce until the biomass is sufficiently large for the bacteria to fall from the surface of the water to the bottom of the water tank 30, where the bacteria will stay permanently and continue to grow if unattended to.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial device disposed inside the water tank 30 comprises at least one antimicrobial mesh 46 as shown in Fig. 3. Each antimicrobial mesh 46 is disposed at a different height inside the water tank 30. The mesh size of the antimicrobial mesh 46 is fine enough to ensure contact with the bacteria while not impeding water flow from the water tank 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial mesh is made of plastic coated with a silver zeolite coating, which is the same material as the threads in the carbon block 42.

[0036] In operation, the water level inside the water tank 30 continuously changes due to atmospheric water entering the water tank 30 from the evaporator coil 22, and also water leaving the water tank 30 to the water dispenser 38 for example. As such, the level of the water surface, where the bacteria are usually located, is constantly moving relative to the antimicrobial mesh 46. When the water surface passes through an antimicrobial mesh 46, growth of the bacteria is inhibited by the antimicrobial mesh 46 through the silver ions released from the silver zeolite. There are multiple antimicrobial meshes 46 disposed in the water tank 30 to increase the chance where the water level passes through one of the antimicrobial meshes 46.

[0037] Even if growth of bacteria at the water surface is not inhibited due to the water level not passing through the antimicrobial meshes 46, when the bacteria continues to grow, the mass of the bacteria will continue to increase, and will eventually be too heavy to be floating on water surface and thus will fall to the bottom of the water tank 30. When the bacteria are falling from the water surface to the bottom of the water tank 30, the bacteria will pass through at least one antimicrobial mesh 46.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, there are around three to four antimicrobial meshes 46 disposed in the water tank 30. The lowest antimicrobial mesh 46 is disposed at around 25% of the height of the water tank 30, and the other antimicrobial meshes 46 are disposed at around 50% and 90% of the height of the water tank 30 for example. In general, this level is chosen such that the water level is expected to be higher than this level in a substantial period of time.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, a top cover of the water tank 30 is removable, allowing access to the antimicrobial meshes 46. This allows the antimicrobial meshes 46 to be replaced, as the silver ions in the mesh will eventually be used up. When the top cover is attached to the water tank 30, the water tank 30 is sealed with the opening 40 being the only inlet to the water tank 30 as described above. In an embodiment, the opening 40 is provided at the top cover.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, a defrost mode is provided for the system 20. A coil temperature sensor is provided at the evaporator coil 22. When the environmental temperature is low, ice will start to build up at the evaporator coil 22, preventing the evaporator coil 22 to cool the environmental air to generate water. To prevent this situation, the defrost mode is activated when the coil temperature sensor senses a temperature lower than a first predetermined threshold. When the defrost mode is activated, hot gas generated when the gas passes through the condenser coil 24 is bypassed to the evaporator coils 22 to melt the ice built up on the evaporator coil 22. The defrost mode stops when the temperature sensed is higher than a second predetermined threshold, indicating that the ice is melted.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, a water chilling mode is provided for the system. A water temperature sensor is installed inside the water tank 30. When water chilling mode is active, refrigerant flows to a set of water chilling coils contained inside the water tank 30 to chill the water stored therein instead of to the evaporator coils 22. When the temperature of the water is sensed to reach a cool water threshold, such as 44^°F, the water chilling mode stops. In an exemplary embodiment, the water chilling mode has the highest priority, followed by the defrost mode, and normal water generation mode.

[0042] In another aspect of the invention, a water router 34 is described. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, the water router 34 comprises a plurality of input valves 52 fluidly connected to an input port 54 at a first end thereof. The water router 34 also comprises a plurality of output valves 56 each being fluidly connected to an output port 58 at a first end thereof either directly or indirectly through one or more components or structures. An opposite second end of the input valves 52 is fluidly connected to an opposite second end of the output valves 56 either directly or indirectly through one or more components or structures. The input valves 52 and the output valves 56 are all electrically connected to a processing unit 60 for controlling the state of the valves, for example an OPEN state or a CLOSED state. In an exemplary embodiment, the input port 54 is fluidly connected to a water pump 62, which is in turn fluidly connected to the water tank 30 at the lower portion thereof. For the purposes of illustration, two input valves 52, namely VI 52a and V2 52b, and two output valves 56, namely V3 56a and V4 56b, are used in this example. It is obvious that any number of input valves 52 and output valves 56 are possible and is immaterial to the present invention. [0043] By controlling the states of the input valves 52 and the output valves 56, the route of water flow from the input port 54 to the at least one output port 58 can be controlled by an automated system based on sensor output or user instructions. There is a plurality of modes of operation for the water router 34 based on different states of the valves and also the connections of the input port 54 and the output port 58, the details of which is described below.

[0044] In the embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, water dispense filters are provided between a V2 52b and the output valves 56. In an exemplary embodiment, the water dispense filters comprise a carbon filter 64 and a mineral filter 66 connected in series. The carbon filter 64 includes antimicrobial material for killing microbes that may be present in the water, and can be for example made of the same material as the carbon block 42 as mentioned above, i.e. carbon with silver zeolite threads woven through. The mineral filter 66 is provided to add a characteristic taste to the water when water flows therethrough. Examples of mineral filter 66 include Calcite or Corosex filter, which contains calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide respectively, but any kind of mineral filter 66 can be used as the user desires. The mineral filter 66 can also adjust the pH value of the water dispensed.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, a high power ultraviolet sanitizer 70 is provided between the input valves 52 and the output valves 56. The high power ultraviolet sanitizer 70 is located such that the water must flow therethrough before reaching the output valves 56, and cannot be bypassed by opening or closing the input valves 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the high power ultraviolet sanitizer 70 has a higher power output than the ultraviolet sanitizer 44 such that microbes in the water can be effectively killed even at a much higher water pressure, meaning higher flow speed and thus less time stayed inside the high power ultraviolet sanitizer 70.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, a system sanitize filter such as a sediment filter 72 is disposed intermediate V3 56a and the water tank 30. The sediment filter 72 is provided to physically block the killed microbes or biomass to enter the water tank 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the sediment filter 72 has a hole size of 1 micron, meaning that microbes over this size are blocked.

[0047] A first mode of operation of this routing system is a water dispense mode. In this mode, V2 52b is OPEN and VI 52a is CLOSED, while V4 56b is OPEN and V3 56a is CLOSED. The water pump 62 pumps water from the water tank 30 through V2 52b to the carbon filter 64, mineral filter 66 and the high power ultraviolet sanitizer 70. The water then flows through V4 56b to the water dispenser 38 and the water is dispensed thereat. In an exemplary embodiment, this mode is activated by a user pressing a water dispense button.

[0048] An important shortcoming of conventional systems is that the water is stored in a storage tank after initial filtering right after collection. The water is not filtered again and microbes will grow in the water if the water is not dispensed for a substantial period of time. When the water is finally dispensed, the water may not be hygienic enough for consumption. In this invention, the water is pumped through the filters every single time water is dispensed, thus ensuring the water dispensed is clean enough for consumption.

[0049] Another mode of operation for the water router 34 is a water sanitize mode. In this mode, VI 52a is OPEN and V2 52b is CLOSED, while V3 56a is OPEN and V4 56b is CLOSED. Water is pumped from the water tank 30 through the high power ultraviolet sanitizer 70, bypassing the carbon filter 64 and the mineral filter 66. The water then flows through the sediment filter 72 and finally back to the water tank 30. In an exemplary embodiment, this mode of operation is periodically active, for example for 20 minutes in every 2 hours, or at preset times throughout the day, but interrupted by the water dispense mode.

[0050] This operation mode is provided for cleaning and sanitizing the water stored in the water tank 30 even if water is not dispensed. Any microbes that are alive are killed in the high power ultraviolet sanitizer 70, and all dead microbes are trapped by the sediment filter 72 to prevent it from entering the water tank 30 again. The carbon filter 64 and the mineral filter 66 is bypassed in this mode as these filters will wear off with water flow, and taste is not needed when the water eventually flows back to the water tank 30.

[0051] In an embodiment, when water sanitize mode is interrupted by for example the water dispense mode, the remaining active time for the water sanitize mode is stored in a processing unit. When water sanitize mode is resumed, the operation will be active for the remaining time.

[0052] Another mode of operation of the water router 34 is a water dispense filter flush mode. In this mode, VI 52a is CLOSED and V2 52b is OPEN, while V3 56a is OPEN and V4 56b is CLOSED. The water is pumped from the water tank 30 through the water dispense filters, the high power ultraviolet sanitizer, and the sediment filter 72, and finally back to the water tank 30. In an exemplary embodiment, this operation mode is automatically activated when the processing unit determines that a water dispense filter is replaced.

[0053] Usually, a water dispense filter is not readily useable for drinking water dispense at the time of installation, since there may be loose carbon or mineral particles in the carbon filter 64 and the mineral filter 66 respectively. The loose carbon or mineral particles have to be removed from the filters before the water can be dispensed for drinking. In conventional systems, a large amount of water, such as around 10 gallons, is needed for the loose carbon or mineral particles to be completely removed from the filters. Such water is not potable and is disposed from the system and thus wasted. This operation mode enables the loose carbon and mineral particles to be removed from the filters without wasting the water, as any loose carbon and mineral particles are trapped by the sediment filter 72 while the water, now free of the loose carbon and mineral particles, flows back to the water tank 30 for future dispense.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the water dispense filter flush mode is of higher priority than the water sanitize mode, as water dispense filter flush mode also kills microbes through the high power ultraviolet sanitizer 70 in addition to cleaning the loose carbon and mineral particles. [0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the water router 34 further comprises at least one accessory output valve 74 such as HI 74a, II 74b and PI 74c, each fluidly connected to an accessory output port 76, parallel to the output valves 56. The accessory output port 76 can be fluidly connected to optional modules for the atmospheric water generation system 20, including a water heating system 78, an ionizer module 80 or can be fluidly connected to a pure water port 82 for supplying pure water to other devices or water systems, for example a coffee maker or an ice maker in a refrigerator.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the water heating system 78 comprises a pressure reducer 84 and a hot water tank 86 adapted to heat up water stored therein. The hot water tank 86 is fluidly connected to the water tank 30 through a hot water circulation valve 88, and also fluidly connected to the water dispense 38 through a hot water dispense valve 90.

[0057] In an embodiment, the hot water circulation valve 88 is provided to heat up the water stored in the water tank 30. In a hot water prime mode, water flows to the hot water tank 86 until a hot water tank level sensor installed inside the hot water tank 86 (not shown) detects that the hot water tank is full, the water is then heated up there. The hot water circulation valve 88 acts as a vent to the water tank 30 to allow air to escape as the hot water tank 86 is filled with water. Alternatively, in a hot water heat mode, the water currently in the hot water tank 86 is heated up but no water is pumped to the hot water tank 86. During the heating process, a hot water tank temperature sensor installed inside the hot water tank 86 (not shown) is used to determine the current temperature of the water in the hot tank 86. The hot water circulation valve 88 is kept closed to allow the hot water tank to build pressure; this pressure allows the system to heat water more rapidly. At a temperature threshold of ~70C, the hot water circulation valve 88 is opened to allow additional pressure to release, as the water is heated to a target temperature of 84C to 96C.

[0058] In operation of the water heating system 78, when a user presses a hot water dispense button, water is pumped from the water tank 30 through the water dispense filters and the high power ultraviolet sanitizer 70. Comparing to the water dispense mode, HI 74a is OPEN while V3 56a and V4 56b are CLOSED, in addition hot water circulation valve 88 is CLOSED and hot water dispense valve 90 is OPEN. Water then flows to the pressure reducer 84, which the water pressure and flow speed is reduced for the hot water tank 86 to heat up the water sufficiently. The water is then heated up at the hot water tank 86, and dispensed at the water dispense 38 through the hot water dispense valve 90.

[0059] In another embodiment, the water heating system 78 comprises the pressure reducer 84 and a heating unit surrounding a length of water pipe, with the water pipe fluidly connected to valve HI 74a at one end and fluidly connected to the water dispenser 38 at the opposite end. The hot water tank 86, the hot water circulation valve 88 and the hot water dispense valve 90 are all eliminated. A hot water temperature sensor is installed downstream of the water pipe to monitor the temperature of the water after flowing through the heating unit.

[0060] In operation, water flows through the valve HI 74a to the pressure reducer 84 for slowing the flow rate thereof. The water then flows to the water pipe, where the water will be heated therein by the action of the heating unit. The water is continuously flowing in the pipe and is not stopped at any point of the time, in comparison to the previous embodiment where the water is stored inside the hot water tank 86 for heat up operation. The heated water is then directly output at the water dispenser 38.

[0061] As the hot water tank 86 is not used in this embodiment, the hot water circulation valve 88 is not needed for releasing pressure due to heating of water in a closed space, and the hot water dispense valve 90 is also not needed for distinguishing between multiple operation modes that involves the water heating system 78, as there is only a single operation mode for this embodiment, combining heat and dispense modes. The pressure reducer 84 slows down the rate of water flow, where it has an added advantage of allowing the water to stay in the water pipe to be heated up for a longer period of time.

[0062] In an embodiment, the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the processing unit 60, which is in turn electrically connected to the heating unit or the heating element of the hot water tank 86. The temperature sensor is used for maintaining the heated water at a desired temperature. When the temperature sensor indicates the temperature of the hot water is below the desired temperature, the processing unit 60 will control the heating unit or the heating element to further heat up the water to the desired temperature. The control can be switching on the heating element (with hot water tank 86) or increasing the power output of the heating unit (without hot water tank 86).

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the ionizer module 80 comprises an ionizer 92 fluidly connected to II 74b and a check valve 94 intermediate the ionizer 92 and the water dispenser 38. In operation of the ionizer module 80, water is pumped to the ionizer 92 through the water dispense filters and the high power ultraviolet sanitizer 70. The water will be ionized to form an acidic component and an alkaline component in the ionizer 92. As the pressure in the ionizer 92 may be increased, the check valve 94 is used for prevent backflow of water into the ionizer 92.

[0064] In another aspect of the invention, a system for controlling the operation of an atmospheric water generator is disclosed. As shown in Fig. 4, an exemplary embodiment of the control system 96 comprises an environmental temperature sensor 98 and a relative humidity sensor 99 both electrically connected to a processing unit 60. The processing unit 60 is in turn connected to all active components of the atmospheric water generation system, including but not limited to the compressor 26, the water pump 62, all input valves 52 and output valves 56, and the ultraviolet sanitizers. In one embodiment, the hot water tank 86, the hot water circulation valve 88, and the sensors associated thereto are also electrically connected to the processing unit 60. On the other hand, the filters and the antimicrobial devices are passive devices so are not directly controlled by the processing unit 60. The processing unit 60 controls the activation of different operation modes of the water router 34 and also the evaporation coil 22 based on user instruction or data received from different sensors as explained above.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 60 calculates a dew point of the environment based on the temperature and the relative humidity. The dew point 7j is

Τ_ύ = ' ' ; ^' .₇( , RH) = + In (H///100) defined by the equation ^{!i ~} 71 ^ : "^■" }, where h -+- 1 ^' ,

T is the temperature, RH is the relative humidity, a = 17.271 and b = 237.7^°C. This expression is based on the August-Roche-Magnus approximation for the saturation vapor pressure of water in air as a function of temperature. This is valid for 0^°C < T < 60^°C, 1% < RH < 60%, and 0^°C < T_d < 50^°C.

[0066] In general, as the dew point decreases, more power is needed in order to extract atmospheric water from the air. Thus, by continuously monitoring the dew point, a power consumption of the atmospheric water generation system can be estimated, and in turn a cost efficiency of running the system can be estimated.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the water tank 30 of the atmospheric water generation system is fluidly connected to an external water source such as municipal water source in addition to the water collector 28. The control system 96 then determines which water source should be used, for example based on the power efficiency of the atmospheric water generation system.

[0068] In one embodiment, a dew point threshold is preset in the processing unit 60 for determining whether the atmospheric water generation system should generate water. In an exemplary embodiment, the dew point threshold is 6 ^° C. In another exemplary embodiment, a water level sensor is provided inside the water tank 30.

[0069] Fig. 5 shows a flow chart for determining whether the atmospheric water generation system should generate water. The method starts at step 500, where the water level is below a predetermined water level threshold, for example 25%. At step 502, the processing unit 60 checks whether an external water source is connected to the atmospheric water generation system. If such a water source is connected, the external water source is opened to fill up the water tank 30 with external water at step 504 until the water tank 30 is filled up as the water level sensor indicates, otherwise the system will do nothing and the method ends at step 506. After the water tank 30 is filled up, the method goes to step 508 where the dew point of the environment is below the dew point threshold. If the dew point is below the dew point threshold, the method goes to step 510 where the atmospheric water generation system does not resume water generation. Otherwise, the method goes to step 512 where the water generation system resumes water generation and the method ends. If the dew point is below the dew point threshold, the method goes back to step 508 to continuously monitor the dew point until the dew point rises above the dew point threshold, where the method goes to step 512 and ends.

[0070] In an embodiment, the control system 96 further comprises a wireless communication module (not shown). The wireless communication module is adapted to obtain power cost information based on the location of the system including power cost based on time of day. The system can use this information to determine the most cost efficient time of day to generate water. The wireless communication module can also communicate with suppliers without attention of the users if any of the components is not working properly or needs replacement.

[0071] During transportation of the system, the system has to be first drained of all water stored inside, or bacteria may grow inside since power is turned off during transportation. In an exemplary embodiment, the system uses a pump-powered drain design. A drain port is provided for the water tank 30, the hot water tank 86 and/or the ionizer 92 which is fluidly connected to a drain pump for pumping water away from these components.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the drain system can be gravity-fed if power is not available for the drain pump. That means that water will leave the system by leaving the system at a predetermined orientation, usually vertical, for a predetermined period of time.

[0073] In one embodiment, the water level sensor provides indication on five different water levels. A low water level indicates that the amount of water stored in the water tank 30 is not enough for the water sanitation and water dispense. The processing unit 60 will disable activation of water sanitize mode and water dispense mode if this low water level is indicated. The remaining water levels are 1/4 full, 1/2 full, 3/4 full and full. The 1/4 full sensor is used to determine if sufficient water is in the water tank to cover the water chilling coils (mentioned in [0041]) to allow the system to provide chilled water and the full water level is used to determine that water generation is not currently required, and the water generation engine may be turned off to conserve power. The 1/2 full and 3/4 full water levels are used for alerting the user, but do not affect the operation of the system. [0074] The present water router 34 results in a much smaller size occupied than conventional systems while performing the same function or even improved function. In an exemplary embodiment, the water router 34 is physically installed at a substantially same horizontal plane. This greatly improves the ease of maintenance of the water router as the pipes and the valves are all concentrated together instead of spread around the whole system. The water router 34 is also specifically designed to cast into a single molded assembly containing all of the input valves 52, output valves 56 and 74, the connections for the filters 64,66, 72, and all of the associated tubes and connections involved. The resulting water router assembly creates a much simpler water control system to facilitate ease of service, and improve reliability, by eliminated many tubing connections. Fig. 6 shows an example of the physical structure of the water router 34. Fig. 6 is a top view of the water router 34, meaning that each component of the water router 34 is provided at substantially the same horizontal plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the water router 34 is located at the top of the system 20. This configuration reduces the number of water pump 62 needed to a minimum, as the water pump 62 only needs to pump the water up to the water router 34, and all subsequent flowing, e.g. to the water dispenser 38 or accessory port 76, are managed by the water router and the control system 60. In this embodiment, only a single water pump 62 is needed.

[0075] Water is allowed to either flow through VI 52a or V2 52b after entering the water router 34 at the input port 54. V2 52b forces the water to flow through the filters 64 and 66, while VI 52a bypasses the filters to the ultraviolet sanitizer 70 directly. The accessory output port 76 is provided at the output of the ultraviolet sanitizer 70. Otherwise, the water either flows through V3 56a through the sediment filter 72 to the water tank, or through V4 56b towards the water dispenser 38, each through a corresponding output port 58.

[0076] Figs. 7a-7c shows an exemplary embodiment of the entire atmospheric water generation system 20. For the purposes of illustration, all water pipes or tubings, as well as refrigerant pipes, are not shown in these figures. The atmospheric water generation system 20 can be roughly divided into four levels from top to bottom. The top level, or the fourth level, comprises the water router 34 as described above. The ultra-violet sanitizer 70 is horizontally disposed at the left side of the water router 34, and the water pipes or tubings, the input ports 54 and output ports 58, as well as the input valves 52 and output valves 56, are all provided at this level. The processing unit (not shown) is mounted behind user interface panels which are disposed on a front housing outside the water router 34.The third level, which is the level right below the top level, comprises the water dispenser 38 at the front side below the user interface, and the filters including the carbon filter 64, the mineral filter 66 and the sediment filter 72 at the back side. User interface for operating the system 20 is provided on the housing (not shown) at this level. The water dispenser 38 is fluidly connected to an output port of the water router 34. Any accessory units, such as the water heating system 78 or the ionizer module 80 is disposed between the water dispenser 38 and the filters, where they are fluidly connected to an accessory output port 74 of the water router 34 above, and also fluidly connected to the water dispenser 38. Also, a drip tray (not shown) is provided on the front side below the water dispenser 38 to catch any runoff during water dispense.

[0077] The next level, which is the second level, comprises most components of the water generation engine 21, such as the evaporator coil 22, the condenser coil 24, and also the fan assembly 31. The evaporator coil 22 is exposed to the environment through the left side of the system 20 for input of air. The condenser coil 24 is immediately adjacent to the evaporator coil 22 at one side and immediately adjacent to the fan assembly 31 at an opposite side. The fan assembly 31 has an outlet that faces the rear end of the system 20, thereby changing the direction of air flow. The valve for hot gas bypass is also found at this level.

[0078] The lowest level, which is the first level, comprises the remaining parts including the water collector 28, the water tank 30, the compressor 26, and the water pump 62. The water collector 28 is disposed directly below the evaporator coil 22, and the water tank 30 is directly below the water collector 28. The carbon block 42 and the ultra-violet sanitizer 44 is provided between the water collector 28 and the water tank 30. The water tank 30 is placed at the left side of the system 20, occupying about half of the width of the system 20, and the entire depth of the system 20. The antimicrobial meshes 46, as well as various sensors for monitoring the status of the water in the water tank 30, are also present at this level. The right side of the system 20 contains the compressor 26 and the water pump 62. As stated above, this configuration allows a single water pump 62 to complete the whole operation of the system 20, as this is the only place where water flow is against gravity.

[0079] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are thus fully described. Although the description referred to particular embodiments, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with variation of these specific details. Hence this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0080] Although not mentioned above, it is known that an air filter can be installed on the way to the evaporation coil 22 to filter out dust or other particles. For example, the air filter can include an electrostatic mesh filter, a plasma grid, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter or a combination of the above. Also, it is obvious that an air fan is provided in the system for drawing air from the environment to the evaporator coil 22 for condensation.

[0081] It is obvious to one skilled in the art that any number of input valves 52 and output valves 56 are possible in the water router 34, and the fluid connections can be arbitrary designed as the user desires. For example, there can be alternate ultraviolet sanitizers provided in the system where one or more sanitizer can be active at any time. There can also be an additional layer of valves if more combinations of filters are desired. For example, one may choose different carbon filters and mineral filters using two layers of input valves.

[0082] The processing unit 60 can also be scheduled to operate at preset times of the day, for example, based on water demand from the users. A user interface panel can be provided on the system for the user to adjust the schedule.

[0083] Although the above embodiments showed that the output of the accessory units such as the water heating system 78 or the ionizing module 80 is fluidly connected to the water dispenser 38, it is obvious to one skilled in the art that the accessory units can also be fluidly connected in series, for example the ionizing module 80 may receive heated water from the water heating system 78.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An atmospheric water generation system comprising:

a) an evaporator coil for condensing atmospheric water;

b) a water collector for collecting said condensed atmospheric water;

c) a water tank fluidly connected to said water collector for storing said condensed atmospheric water;

wherein said water tank is sealed other than an inlet opened at a top surface thereof; said system comprises an antimicrobial device installed fluidly between said water collector and said inlet of said water tank, such that said condensed atmospheric water flows through said antimicrobial device before reaching said water tank.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said antimicrobial device comprises a carbon block with silver threads woven in said carbon block.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said antimicrobial device comprises an ultraviolet sanitizer having a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes adapted to emit light of wavelength 254nm.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said water tank further comprises at least one antimicrobial mesh disposed in at least one predetermined level within said water tank.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said water tank further comprises a set of water chill coils for chilling said condensed atmospheric water stored in said water tank.

6. A water router comprising:

a) at least one input valve adapted to fluidly connect to an input port;

b) at least one output valve fluidly connected to said at least one input valve, each said output valve adapted to fluidly connect to an output port;

c) a processing unit electrically connected to said at least one input valve and said at least one output valve; whereby a route of water flow from said input port to said output port is controlled through opening and closing of said at least one input valve and said at least one output valve.

7. The water router according to claim 6, wherein at least one said output valve is fluidly connected to a water dispenser.

8. The water router according to claim 6, wherein said at least one input valve is fluidly connected to a water pump which is in turn fluidly connected to a water tank, said system further comprises a sediment filter intermediate at least one said output valve and said water tank.

9. The water router according to claim 6, further comprising at least one water dispense filter intermediate said at least one input valve and said at least one output valve.

10. The water router according to claim 9, wherein said at least one water dispense filter is selected from a group consisting of carbon filter, mineral filter or a combination thereof.

11. The water router according to claim 9, wherein at least one said output valve is fluidly connected to a water dispenser, said at least one input valve and at least one output valve is controlled such that during water dispense, water flows through said at least one water dispense filter and an ultraviolet sanitizer before reaching said water dispenser.

12. The water router according to claim 6, wherein each component of said system is physically provided substantially at a same horizontal plane.

13. The water router according to claim 6 is designed to be formed into a single molded assembly to facilitate ease of maintenance and improve reliability.

14. An atmospheric water generation system comprising:

a) an evaporator coil adapted to condense atmospheric water;

b) a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the environment around said evaporator coil;

c) a relative humidity sensor for sensing a relative humidity of the environment around said evaporator coil; d) a processing unit for determining a dew point of the environment around said evaporator coil based on said temperature and said relative humidity, and in turn determining whether said atmospheric water generation system should be operative to condense atmospheric water.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein said dew point is compared against a predetermined dew point threshold for said determination.

16. The system according to claim 14, further comprising an external water source fluidly connected to a water tank, said processing unit compares a cost efficiency of operating said atmospheric water generation system and using said external water source.

17. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a communication module adapted for obtaining power cost information for determining the most cost efficient time of day to generate water.

18. The system according to claim 16, wherein said communication module is also adapted for communicating with a supplier for maintenance of said system.

19. A water heating system comprising:

a) a hot water tank adapted to heat up water stored therein;

b) a temperature sensor installed inside said hot water tank;

c) a valve fluidly connected to said hot water tank;

d) a processing unit electrically connected to said temperature sensor and said valve; wherein said processing unit controls said valve to be at a closed state below a temperature threshold sensed by said temperature sensor, and controls said valve to be at an open state above said temperature threshold, whereby a pressure is built up inside said hot water tank to increase a heating rate of said water when said valve is at said closed state, and said pressure built up is released from said hot water tank when said valve is at said open state to prevent said pressure to damage said hot water tank.

20. The water heating system according to claim 19, wherein said valve is a water circulation valve intermediate said hot water tank and a cold water tank.

21. The water heating system according to claim 19, further comprising a water level sensor installed inside said hot water tank, said hot water tank heats up said water upon a water level reaching a water level threshold.

22. A water heating system comprising:

a) a pressure reducer disposed at an input of said water heating system;

b) a length of water pipe downstream of said pressure reducer;

c) a heating unit provided surrounding said length of water pipe for heating up water flowing therethrough;

d) a temperature sensor installed downstream of said length of water pipe;

wherein said pressure reducer controls a flow rate of said water into said water heating system, in turn controlling a time period where said water is flowing through said length of water pipe to be heated up by said heating unit; said temperature sensor controls the operation of said heating unit to maintain a temperature of heated water at a desired value.

<00070944-DL >