Apparatus for the production of freshwater from extremely hot and humid air

• US 6,684,648 B2
• Filed: 02/21/2001
• Issued: 02/03/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fakieh Research & Development Center
• Original Assignee: Fakieh Research & Development Center
• Inventors: Faqih, Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Kader M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tanner, Harry B.
• Application Number:
  US09/788,370
• Publication Number:
  US 20020046569A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,077 Days
• Field of Search: 62/93, 622/72, 621/50, 622/91, 622/88, 622/85, 62/34, 622/71, 623/89, 623/91, 623/90
• US Class Current: 62/93
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 5/009 Collecting, removing and/or treatment of the condensate
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/283 using coal, charred products, or inorganic mixtures containing them
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/32 with ultraviolet light
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/42 by ion-exchange ion-exchange in general B01J
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/68 by addition of specified substances, e.g. trace elements, for ameliorating potable water medicinal water A61K
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/76 with halogens or compounds of halogens C02F1/4674 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/78 with ozone C02F1/4672 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 9/20 Portable or detachable small-scale multistage treatment devices, e.g. point of use or laboratory water purification systems
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 3/28 from humid air condensing of vapours in general B01D5/00; dehumidification of air for air-conditioning F24F3/14
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/00 Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/124 Water desalination
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/152 Water filtration
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/208 Off-grid powered water treatment
• CPC Class Codes: Y02W 10/37 using solar energy

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for extraction of freshwater from ambient air in regions of extremely hot and humid climates, for supply of drinking water and freshwater for small to large groups of people in remote and isolated areas or wherever freshwater resources are not conveniently accessible. Compact mobile units are disclosed to provide freshwater and drinking water for resort areas, to passengers on land and sea vehicles, in situations of emergency, and to areas of water shortage. The art of adaptation of commercial dehumidification units is taught in design and construction of apparatus for production of freshwater and drinking water. Preparation of drinking water included ultraviolet disinfection, ozone treatment, and/or chlorine addition; activated carbon and ion exchange filters; and adding of fluorine, air/oxygen to refresh the water storage units, and minerals for taste and health provisions. For energy economy and use of independent electric power supply, the produced water may flow under gravitational forces entirely or with the assistance of small boasting pumps. Lukewarm, hot, cold, and/or cold carbonated drinking water are provided as well as freshwater for other usage.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the production of freshwater and drinking water by condensation of water vapor from high temperature, high humidity ambient air comprising:

a housing;

condensation means for condensing water vapor entrained in humid and high temperature ambient air;

initial transportation means for transporting by gravity the condensate from said water condensation means;

vent means for facilitating water flow in said apparatus by gravity under ambient pressure;

water preparation means for preparing the water for drinking;

water distribution means for distributing drinking water from said water preparation means by gravity;

first control means for controlling the operation of said condensation means; and

electric means for supplying electric power to operate said condensation means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said condensation means comprises:

an air drying unit that operates by a conventional refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant, wherein said air drying unit draws humid and high temperature ambient air from a surrounding environment in an effort to dry said humid and high temperature ambient air in a limited space and exhaust dry air to the outside;

adjusting means for controlling the flow of said humid and high temperature ambient air inside the said air drying unit;

open means for allowing free falling condensate droplets from said air drying unit such that the condensate droplets do not trap volatile organic particulates;

collecting means for receiving and collecting by gravity said condensate droplets from said open means; and

second control means for controlling said air drying unit.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said control means comprises:

first circuit breaker means for interrupting the electric current supplied to said air drying unit;

pressure means for actuating said first circuit breaker means when said collecting means is filled with condensate in an effort to stop said air drying unit and avoid an overflow of condensate inside side collecting means;

lifting means for lifting said collecting means such that physical contact between said collecting means and said first circuit breaker means is avoided when said collecting means is filled with condensate;

first sensor means fastened to said collection means;

floating means that floats on the surface of condensate collected in said collection means in a manner such that said it contacts said first sensor means when the water level in said collection means reaches a preset level to interrupt the electric current supplying said air drying unit; and

isolation means for preventing said floating means from contacting said first sensor means at any time.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said water preparation means comprises:

disinfection means for removing microorganisms and organic and inorganic contaminants from water flowing by gravity from said initial transportation means;

intermediate water transportation means for transferring disinfected water from said disinfection means; and

filtration means for removing suspended contaminants and particulates from disinfected freshwater and produce drinking water.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said disinfection means comprises:

a disinfection chamber through which water flows by gravity from said collection means; and

an ultraviolet source that emits continuous ultraviolet light to expose the water in said chamber to ultraviolet radiation to kill the microorganisms and oxidize the majority of organic and inorganic contaminants present in the water.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said filtration means comprises:

a filtration column comprising a mixture of activated carbon and ion exchange resin to clarify disinfected water from organic and inorganic particulates and oxidized waste from flowing from said disinfection means and to improve water taste; and

third water transportation means for transferring filtered water by gravity.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said water distribution means comprises:

storage means for storing drinking water;

overflow prevention means for preventing the overflow of water in said storage means; and

water drawing means for dispensing water on demand from said storage means by gravity.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said overflow prevention means comprises:

second sensor means fastened to said storage means;

a level floating means that floats at the surface of the drinking water in said storage means, said level floating means contacting said second sensor means when the water level in said storage means reaches a preset level; and

second circuit breaker means for interrupting a electric current supplied to said electric means when said level floating means contacts said second sensor means.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said water drawing means comprises a faucet to provide the user with drinking water at ambient temperature on demand.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a filling means for filling containers with drinking water produced by said apparatus.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said water drawing means comprises:

an ultraviolet sterilization means for sterilizing product water;

a polishing filter for retaining sterilization solid waste from sterilized product water; and

a faucet to provide the user with sterilized pyrogen-free water at ambient temperature on demand, for medical usage.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said water distribution means comprises:

first transfer means for transferring drinking water by gravity;

drawing means for drawing drinking water from said main drinking water storage means on demand by gravity;

first directing means for directing the flow of access water from said main drinking water storage means;

secondary storage means for storing drinking water, having the same capacity as said main drinking water storage means;

secondary directing means for directing the flow of access water from said secondary drinking water storage means; and

access water transport means for transporting the drinking water outside said apparatus proper by gravity and including a pipe for transporting drinking water outside said apparatus proper by gravity and a replaceable water tank.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said freshwater transport means comprises:

flow means to allow flow of freshwater by gravity from said collection means;

diversion means for diverting freshwater from flowing to said water preparation means and directing it to said flow means;

a mobile water tank for storage of freshwater;

second transfer means for transferring freshwater to said mobile water tank; and

access water drainage means for draining access freshwater for different uses.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said access water drainage means comprises:

second directing means for directing access freshwater by gravity;

fourth transport means for transporting access water outside said apparatus; and

external flow means for directing access water for desired use outside of said housing.

15. An apparatus for producing freshwater and drinking water from high temperature, high humidity atmospheric air flowing by natural air convection inside an area comprising:

condensation means, contained within a box with inlet air ducts and outlet air ducts for passage of a directed draft of high temperature, high humidity ambient air; and

including a cold condensation surface for producing water condensate from water vapor contained in said high temperature, high humidity ambient air when said high temperature, high humidity ambient air is in contact with said cold condensation surface, said water condensate falling by gravity to a condensate collection means;

an air blowing means for creating a turbulent flow of high temperature, high humidity ambient air through said inlet air ducts of said condensation means;

an air directing means for drawing high temperature, high humidity ambient air blown by said air blowing means through said inlet ducts after filtering by an air filter means, and for directing said high temperature, high humidity ambient air to flow inside said condensation means to cool and dry in contact with said cold condensation surface and exit as dry air out of said outlet air ducts;

a freshwater directing means for directing the flow of freshwater from said condensate collection means to two streams, a first stream for supply of freshwater and a second stream for processing of potable water;

a freshwater supply means to supply said first freshwater stream to users;

a potable water processing means to process said second potable water stream;

a potable water dispensing means to supply potable water to users on demand;

a pressure balance means to allow water to flow by gravity throughout said apparatus; and

an electric means to supply of electric power to operate said apparatus.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said condensation means comprises a conventional refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said conventional refrigeration cycle comprises a large capacity commercial dehumidifier for drying of ambient air in closed spaces.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said conventional refrigeration cycle comprises:

a compressor means to compress said refrigerant in gaseous form;

a condenser means to condense said refrigerant gas;

a cooling means to cool said condenser means;

a control means to adjust the flow of, and replenish said refrigerant; and

an evaporation means to transfer heat from said high temperature, high humidity ambient air to said cold condensation surface to said refrigerant in liquid form to heat it and evaporate it;

said cold condensation surface is specially designed and manufactured to provide a large surface contact with said high temperature, high humidity ambient air to condensate the largest possible quantity of water-vapor from said high temperature, high humidity ambient air.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said evaporation means comprises:

a metallic flat surface formed from a flat thin sheet and dense multitude of fins forming the largest possible condensation surface that can occupy a limited space wherein said high temperature, high humidity ambient air blows after being forced to enter said condensation means from said inlet air ducts and flow in contact with said metallic flat surface; and

a bundle of closely packed connected coils in union with said metallic flat surface, through which said refrigerant flows under high pressure, and the finishing of the surface of said union promotes drop wise condensation of said water vapor entrained in said high temperature, high humidity ambient air as it passes in contact with the surface of said union causing the condensate to flow by gravity into said condensate collection means.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said evaporation means comprises:

a vertically oriented metallic cylindrical surface formed from a thin sheet and dense plurality of fins forming the largest possible condensation surface that can occupy a limited space wherein said high temperature, high humidity ambient air blows after being forced to enter said condensation means from said inlet air ducts and flow in contact with both sides of said vertical metallic cylindrical surface; and

a bundle of closely packed connected coils, through which said refrigerant flows under high pressure, said bundle of closely packed coils is in union with said metallic cylindrical surface, and the finishing of the surface of said union enhances drop wise condensation of said water vapor entrained in said high temperature, high humidity ambient air as it passes by the surface of said union of vertical structure and causes the condensate to fall freely into said condensate collection means.

21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said condensation means comprises

a thermo-acoustic refrigeration unit;

using air as refrigerant, cooling a stream of fresh water flowing through a first group of coils, and then pumped for forced circulation in a second group of packed water tubing in the form of coils;

a first flat metallic surface forming an integral structure with said first group of coils, the finishing of the surface of said structure enhances drop wise condensation of water vapor entrained in said high temperature, high humidity ambient air and causes the condensate to flow to said condensate collection means; and

a second flat metallic surface forming with said second group of coils a second integral structure, the finishing of which enhances drop wise condensation of water vapor entrained in said high temperature, high humidity ambient air as it passes by said second integral structure and causes the condensate to flow to said condensate collection means.

22. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said control means comprises:

an absolute humidity measurement means to determine the absolute humidity of said high temperature, high humidity ambient air at said inlet air ducts of said condensation means;

a calibrated limiting means set at a predetermined limit of absolute humidity at which the water-vapor condensation process should stop; and

an integrated circuit to control the operation of said condensation means;

said air blowing means; and

said air directing means shutting off their electric supply whenever the absolute humidity indicated by said absolute humidity measurement means goes below the predetermined limit specified by said calibrated limiting means, and starting the said electric supply system, once the absolute humidity indicated by said absolute humidity measurement means reaches or goes above the said predetermined limit.

23. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said control means comprises:

a temperature sensor means to measure the temperature of said high temperature, high humidity ambient air at said inlet air ducts of said condensation means;

a relative humidity sensor means to measure the relative humidity of said high temperature, high humidity ambient air at said inlet air ducts of said condensation means;

an absolute humidity indication means to use the reading of said temperature sensor means and said relative humidity sensor means to determine the water vapor content of said hot humid ambient air at said inlet air ducts of said condensation means;

a temperature calibrated scale means to display an ambient air temperature limit above which the absolute humidity is high enough to make the water-vapor condensation economically feasible, said temperature calibrated scale means is connected to said temperature sensor means, said relative humidity sensor means, and said absolute humidity indication means; and

an electronic switching circuit activated by said temperature calibrated scale to shut off the electric supply of said condensation means;

said air blowing means; and

said air directing means whenever the ambient air temperature drops below the said limit specified by said temperature calibrated scale, and starting said electric supply, once the ambient air temperature reaches or goes above said limit.

24. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said freshwater supply means comprises:

a freshwater drawing means to draw the first freshwater stream from said freshwater directing means;

a holding tank means to store freshwater; and

an on-demand faucet means to supply users with freshwater on demand.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising removable water storage bottles to be filled by said on-demand faucet means whenever needed.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said freshwater drawing means further comprising an activated carbon filter means for removal of suspended particles from the freshwater stream drawn from said freshwater directing means.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said holding tank means further comprising a means for precipitation and removal of solid particulates before dispensation through said on-demand faucet means.

28. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said freshwater supply means comprises:

a freshwater drawing means to draw the first freshwater stream from said freshwater directing means;

an open spout means;

removable freshwater storage bottles to be filled by said open spout means whenever needed; and

an open tank means to be fed by said open spout means with a continuous freshwater supply for use by animals for drinking or in small scale plant watering.

29. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said potable water processing means comprises:

a treatment means to remove contaminants from the second freshwater stream from said freshwater directing means, to assure the safety of potable water before dispensation to the consumers;

a main potable water holding tank to store water flowing from said preliminary treatment means;

a taste enhancement means to improve the taste of potable water and enhance its benefits; and

a dispensation means to supply potable water to consumers on demand.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said treatment means comprises:

a disinfection means for removal of microorganisms;

a filtering means to filter dust, sand and suspended particulates; and

a means to enhance precipitation of suspended particulates in said main potable water holding tank.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said disinfection means comprises:

a preliminary disinfection chamber through which the second freshwater stream flows by gravity from said freshwater directing means for processing of potable water;

a preliminary disinfection ultraviolet source to radiate on the freshwater in said preliminary disinfection chamber to remove microorganisms and oxidize organic particulates;

a final disinfection chamber for the water flow to said dispensation means; and

a final disinfection unit providing ultraviolet radiation on water flowing through said final disinfection chamber to further remove microorganisms and oxidize organic particulates contained in the water as it flows through piping and contained in said main potable water holding tank before supplying the potable water to consumers.

32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said disinfection means comprises:

an air pump to collect and supply ambient air to an ozone generator and pumps ozone through an air piping means to said main holding tank;

a dispersing means to release ozone gas and distribute it in said main holding tank; and

a means to release residual ozone from said main holding tank.

33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said disinfection means comprises:

a chlorine storage means;

a water flow measurement means to monitor the movement of drinking water from said main holding tank;

a dosing pump to release chlorine spikes into said main holding tank according to a predetermined dosage of chlorine in proportion to the water flow measured by said water flow measurement means, said dosing pump substantially eliminating microorganisms forming within and intruding from outside of said main holding tank, said predetermined dosage of chlorine addition being determined by water standards in the country of use or by World Health Organization standards; and

a means to dispose of the exhaust of chlorine from said main holding tank.

34. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said filtering means comprises:

a preliminary filter to hold sand and dust that escape said air filter means and suspended particulates released by erosion and corrosion during the condensation of water vapor;

a final polishing filter to filter the sediments from water disinfection and suspended particulates released by erosion and corrosion during the flow of water in connection pipes.

35. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said preliminary filter comprises a filtration column containing a mixture of ion exchange resin and activated carbon.

36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said preliminary filter comprises a plurality of cation exchange, anion exchange and activated carbon columns.

37. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said potable water taste improvement means comprises:

an aeration means to bubble air in the potable water stored in said main holding tank; and

a mineral dosing unit to add beneficial minerals to the potable water stored in said main holding tank.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said aeration means comprises:

an air filtration means to filter inlet air;

an air blower means to pump air into said main holding tank;

an air dispersion means to release incoming filtered air from said air blower means into said main holding tank as a continuous stream of bubbles; and

a vent means for release of bubbled air from said main holding tank.

39. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said aeration means comprises:

an air filtration means to filter inlet air;

an air blower means;

an oxygen separator to extract oxygen from ambient air;

an oxygen pump to drive oxygen into said main holding tank;

an oxygen dispersion means to release oxygen from said oxygen pump into said main holding tank as a continuous stream of oxygen bubbles; and

a vent means for release of bubbled oxygen from said main holding tank.

40. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said mineral dosing unit comprises:

a conductivity sensor to determine the conductivity of the potable water stored in said main holding tank and to indicate the mineral content in said potable water;

a calibrated conductivity means to fix the level of concentration of natural minerals required and to adjust the mineral content in the potable water;

a mineral storage means to store a concentrated solution of natural minerals for addition to the potable water;

a needle valve to release droplets of said mineral solution into said main holding tank from said mineral storage means;

a dosing pump to deliver doses of said mineral solution through said needle valve according to the mineral concentration level fixed by said calibrated conductivity means; and

a control means to control the flow of said mineral solution through said needle valve to said main holding tank.

41. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said potable water processing means comprises:

a fluoride addition means to add fluoride to the potable water;

a cooling means to supply cold potable water; and

a carbonated water production means to supply cold carbonated potable water.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said fluoride addition means comprises:

a fluoride storage means;

a water flow measurement means to monitor the movement of drinking water from said main holding tank;

a means to pump a pre-measured quantity of fluoride in said main holding tank proportionate to fresh water addition to said main holding tank according to the reading of said water flow measurement means of potable water movement;

said pre-measured quantity of fluoride addition is determined by water standards in the country of use or by World Health Organization standards; and

a release means to dispose of fluoride residuals from said main holding tank.

43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said cooling means comprises:

a water cooler to supply the user with cold potable water, said water cooler is a thermoelectric cooler;

a water pumping means for increasing the pressure of the dispensing of potable water, said water pumping means connected between said main holding tank to said water cooler;

a water flow control means to adjust the flow of potable water to said water cooler; and

an excess flow means to prevent the overflow of water.

44. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said cooling means comprises:

a heat transfer means to decrease the temperature of the potable water stream;

a heat sink to accumulate the heat withdrawn from the potable water stream; and

a heat exchange means to use the heat from said heat sink to heat a portion of the potable water stream to supply hot water.

45. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said carbonated water production means comprises:

a carbon dioxide storage means to store carbon dioxide under pressure;

a control means to control the release of carbon dioxide from said carbon dioxide storage means;

a meter pump to release the carbon dioxide in the cold potable water stream on demand; and

a mixer means to mix carbon dioxide with the cold potable water stream on demand.

46. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said on demand potable water dispensing means comprises:

a warm water dispensing means to dispense on demand potable water at ambient temperature;

a hot water dispensing means to dispense on demand hot potable water;

a cold water dispensing means to dispense on demand cold potable water; and

a carbonated dispensing means to dispense on demand cold carbonated potable water.

47. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said on demand potable water dispensing means further comprises:

an ultraviolet sterilization means for sterilizing product water;

a polishing filter for retaining sterilization solid waste from said product water; and

a faucet to provide the user with sterilized pyrogen-free water at ambient temperature on demand for medical uses.

48. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said excess flow means comprises:

a diversion means of accumulated cold water using a diversion pump to drive cold water through a first plurality of auxiliary coils within the housing of said condensation means;

a first set of finned surfaces fixed on said first plurality of coils to enhance water vapor from said high temperature and high humidity ambient air during periods of excess accumulation of cold water;

a means of directing high temperature and high humidity ambient air within the housing of said condensation means to blow over said first set of finned surfaces;

a second plurality of auxiliary coils within the housing of said condensation means;

a second set of finned surfaces fixed on said second plurality of coils to enhance water vapor from said high temperature and high humidity ambient air during periods of excess accumulation of cold water;

a means of directing hot humid ambient air blowing over said first set of finned surfaces to blow over said second set of finned surfaces;

a connection means to connect the water outlet of said first plurality of coils to the water inlet of said second plurality of auxiliary coils; and

a return means to return the water exiting said second plurality of auxiliary coils to the water line fed by said water pumping means, said exiting water being filtered and returned to the said water cooler.

49. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said pressure balance means comprises a plastic tube placed at a position above said condensate collection means to allow the water to fall by gravity into said main holding tank.

50. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said electric means comprises an electric connection means for supplying electric power to said apparatus from a central power supply system.

51. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said electric means comprises an electric power supply means.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said electric power supply means comprises a diesel generator producing alternate current.

53. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said electric power supply means comprises rechargeable batteries for producing direct current and a rectifier for converting direct current into alternate current.

54. An apparatus for condensing atmospheric humidity of high temperature and high humidity air to provide potable water to a small group of people, said condensing apparatus comprising:

a modified dehumidifier unit for drying of indoor air, said modified dehumidifier unit is complete with inlet air ducts, outlet air ducts, a fan to draw humid air in through said inlet air ducts and exhaust dry air out through said outlet air ducts to the atmosphere, a water vapor condensing surface, an air filter on said inlet air ducts to filter oncoming ambient air, and a drain for draining water condensate at the bottom of said modified dehumidifier unit;

an air blower to direct a strong stream of hot humid ambient air inside said modified dehumidifier unit through said inlet air ducts, said air blower having a controller for automatically cutting off power to said air blower according to conditions determined by the absolute humidity of said high temperature and high humidity ambient air;

a condesate collection means for collecting the condensate drained from said drain of said modified dehumidifier unit;

a pump for moving the water in said condesate collection means, said pump having a pump controller means for automatically shutting off power to said pump when the water level in said condensate collection means is below a predetermined limit and turning on the power to said pump when the water level in said condensate collection means is above said predetermined limit;

a disinfection means to disinfect the water flowing from said pump;

a filtration means for cleaning disinfected water from suspended;

a water holding tank for storing disinfected and filtrated potable water;

an aeration means for freshening the potable water stored in said water holding tank;

a dispensing means for dispensing the potable water stored in said water holding tank;

a drain means for directing potable water in excess of the capacity of said water holding tank; and

an electric supply means for supplying electric power to said apparatus.