Patent•
Atmospheric moisture harvesting
09 Jun 2009-
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed an approach to increase the efficiency of atmospheric moisture harvesting and maintain the ability to access water obtained by the atmospheric moisture harvester from inside the building, thereby fostering ease of use.
Abstract: The invention relates to atmospheric moisture harvesting. In particular, the invention capitalizes on the recognition that the air outside of a building usually has higher relative humidity than the air inside of the building. Therefore, the present invention relocates and/or modifies the configuration of an atmospheric moisture harvester such that more-moisture- laden, higher-relative-humidity outdoor air flows over the cooled water condensation surface of the atmospheric moisture harvester as the source for water to be delivered and consumed safely inside a dwelling or building. This increases the efficiency of atmospheric moisture harvesting and, at the same time, maintains the ability to access water obtained by the atmospheric moisture harvester from inside the building, thereby fostering ease of use.
Citations
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Patent•
08 Oct 2014
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an authentication, recording and tracking of water volumes dispensed by respective users over periods of various lengths, controlling component noise level and timing, and cleaning, heating and cooling the collected water more efficiently.
Abstract: Atmospheric water generators, systems and methods are presented involve user authentication, recording and tracking of water volumes dispensed by respective users over periods of various lengths, controlling component noise level and timing, and cleaning, heating and cooling the collected water more efficiently. The generators may be placed in network communication with other such generators to exchange water availability information therewith, or may communicate with a central server element by way of LAN, Internet, cell tower, peer-to- peer mesh or satellite. Information is conveyed to the user regarding the amount of water they consume from the water generators, and their resulting positive impact on the environment. Water dispensing data may be shared on the users' social media accounts, or used as inputs for competitions or games in order to further engage the user. User authentication may be accomplished by way of biometrics or an RFID/NFC tag embedded in the user's water vessel.
22 citations
Patent•
21 Sep 2017
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an authentication, recording and tracking of water volumes dispensed by respective users over periods of various lengths, controlling component noise level and timing, and cleaning, heating and cooling the collected water more efficiently.
Abstract: Atmospheric water generators, systems and methods are presented involve user authentication, recording and tracking of water volumes dispensed by respective users over periods of various lengths, controlling component noise level and timing, and cleaning, heating and cooling the collected water more efficiently. The generators may be placed in network communication with other such generators to exchange water availability information therewith, or may communicate with a central server element by way of LAN, Internet, cell tower, peer-to-peer mesh or satellite. Information is conveyed to the user regarding the amount of water they consume from the water generators, and their resulting positive impact on the environment. Water dispensing data may be shared on the users' social media accounts, or used as inputs for competitions or games in order to further engage the user. User authentication may be accomplished by way of biometrics or an RFID/NFC tag embedded in the user's water vessel.
1 citations
References
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Patent•
19 Nov 1985
TL;DR: In this paper, an air flow rate sensor and throttle valve are provided in a control duct between a supply chamber utilizing double ceilings and the air diffusers in the supply chamber, which can be equalized or can be set to the desired values.
Abstract: An air flow rate sensor and throttle valve which controls the opening of a duct in accordance with the detection signals from the air flow rate sensor are provided in a control duct between a supply chamber utilizing double ceilings and the air diffusers in the supply chamber. The quantities of air fed from the respective air diffusers can be equalized or can be set to the desired values. In this case, since the air blowing can be automatically controlled for each diffuser, it is not necessary to individually adjust the quantities of air for the respective air diffusers after the installation of the air conditioner, thereby eliminating the adjusting works of the air diffusers.
803 citations
Patent•
05 Apr 1997
TL;DR: In this paper, a portable, potable water generator for producing high-purity liquid water by condensation of dew from ambient air is described, which employs filtration subsystems to remove particulates and aerosols from the incoming air.
Abstract: A portable, potable water generator for producing high-purity liquid water by condensation of dew from ambient air is described. The generator employs filtration subsystems (38) to remove particulates and aerosols from the incoming air. An enclosed heat absorber (22) cools the filtered air below its dew point and collects (25) droplets of condensate into a closed system (26). The collected liquid dew is further continually treated in a bacteriostat loop (29, 31) to destroy adventitious living organisms and to filter out undesirable and dangerous contaminants. All the subsystems are failsafe-interlocked to disable the generator immediately and prevent delivery of water if any one of them stops functioning within predetermined safe limits. Hybrid embodiments of the water generator attached to or integrated with refrigeration-type appliances such as water coolers, refrigerators, freezers, icemakers and air-conditioners are illustrated.
475 citations
Patent•
27 Nov 2002
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an approach for extracting potable drinking water from moisture-laden atmospheric air through the use of a refrigeration system. But, they do not specify the type of water to be extracted from the air.
Abstract: Apparatus and method for extracting potable drinking water from moisture-laden atmospheric air through the use of a refrigeration system. A compact housing contains a compressor, an evaporator unit, fan unit, condenser unit, and a reservoir which may contain a secondary evaporator unit and condenser unit. The fan pulls a stream of atmospheric air through a filter and through the evaporator to clean and cool the air and exhausts cooled air through the condenser. The water is collected as condensation by the evaporator and directed to the reservoir through a filter system and a water seal. The reservoir may have separate compartments for holding cool or warm water. The secondary evaporator is submersed in the cool water compartment for cooling the water collected in the reservoir and the secondary condenser is submersed in the warm water compartment for heating the collected water. Operation of the system is controlled by a control module which may also contain a microprocessor for assuring maximum condensation and a removable I.C. program module to alter the operation for specific conditions. A humidistat may also be provided to maximize efficiency of atmospheric condensation throughout various times of day or night and in various climates.
143 citations
Patent•
19 Mar 2001
TL;DR: In this article, the authors disclosed systems and methods for extracting freshwater from atmospheric humidity in extremely hot and humid climates and supplying freshwater to a small group of people, a building, a farm, or forestation area.
Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for extracting freshwater from atmospheric humidity in extremely hot and humid climates and supplying freshwater to a small group of people, a building, a farm, or forestation area. The freshwater is treated to provide drinking water by disinfecting to eliminate microorganisms and filtration to remove suspended particulates from air, erosion or corrosion products, and disinfected waste. Compact units provide drinking water for individuals, passengers in cars, vans, trucks, or recreational boats, or crewmembers on a seagoing cargo ship whether from atmospheric humidity or from moisture-laden gases. Furthermore, systems are disclosed for the ample supply of freshwater with minimal treatment for small- to large-sized buildings in a manner that alleviates the heat load on buildings. Collection of freshwater from hot humid ambient air is also provided for other uses, such as irrigation and farm animal drinking. Various methods are used for condensation of water vapor suspended in the air as alternative to conventional refrigeration cycles using CFC refrigerants. Devices are disclosed using naturally occurring brackish cold water, circulation of cooling water cooled by thermoelectric cooling or thermoacoustic refrigeration as well as evaporative cooling and transpiration cooling. Water produced by the systems may flow under gravitational forces entirely or with the assistance of boasting pumps.
141 citations
Patent•
21 Feb 2001
TL;DR: In this article, the art of adaptation of commercial dehumidification units is taught in design and construction of apparatus for production of freshwater and drinking water for small to large groups of people in remote and isolated areas or wherever freshwater resources are not conveniently accessible.
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.
140 citations