Patent Publication Number: US-2021187409-A1

Title: Solar Powered Water Purification System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/496,951, filed May 30, 2012, which is a U.S. National Stage entry of International Application No. PCT/US2010/049603, filed Sep. 21, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/244,314, filed Sep. 21, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/363,877, filed Jul. 13, 2010, the entire disclosures of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed to a solar powered water purification system and, more particularly, is directed to a high efficiency water purification system that is powered by concentrated solar generated thermal energy. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Conventional systems for producing potable drinking water from salt water by means of solar distillation typically include a material transparent to solar radiation disposed over a pool of salt water in such a fashion as to allow the radiant energy to heat and vaporize the salt water. The resulting vapor subsequently condenses and coalesces into a body of distilled potable water. Other conventional systems for producing potable drinking water include a receptacle for containing a quantity of liquid to be distilled, such as salt water or brine, and a covering made of a material transparent to solar radiation that is suspended over the liquid. The covering typically includes portions sloping downwardly toward the side surfaces of the receptacle and is adapted to permit the passage of solar radiation into the receptacle in order to raise the temperature of the salt water or brine to vaporize the liquid. However, conventional systems are largely inefficient and slow to operate making them inadequately adapted for large-scale implementation. 
     Sufficient potable drinking water is not currently available to more than half of the world&#39;s population. However, as most of the world&#39;s population has access to vast sources of impure or non-potable water, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, wells, or other underground water sources, a need exists for a distillation system that utilizes an available source of non-potable water and a renewable solar energy source to provide, in an efficient manner, potable drinking water for large-scale implementation. 
     As a significant portion of the world&#39;s population suffers from a lack of potable water, a further need exists for a distillation system that provides an affordable, easy-to-use, highly reliable and convenient way to purify non-potable sources of water. Existing water purification technologies, including reverse osmosis and mechanical filtration, are expensive and require significant energy resources to operate, as well as continual maintenance. Accordingly, a further need exists for a distillation system that reduces associated maintenance, costs, and related operational expenses. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a distillation unit includes a heating chamber having a first end and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation. The distillation unit also includes a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the condensing portion disposed over the first end of the heating chamber, wherein the first end of the heating chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion are provided in fluid-transfer communication. The distillation unit further includes a pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein. The first surface of the pre-heat jacket is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the condensing portion, with the pre-heat jacket defining an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The distillation unit further includes a trough adjacent the first open end of the heating chamber for receiving a potable liquid therein. 
     At least a portion of the heating chamber may be adapted to receive heat from concentrated solar energy. In certain configurations, at least a portion of the heating chamber is adapted to transfer heat received from concentrated solar energy to the non-potable liquid contained therein, with the heating chamber vaporizing at least a portion of the non-potable liquid to form a purified vapor. The inner surface of the condensing portion may be adapted to receive the purified vapor thereon and to condense the purified vapor into the potable liquid. The potable liquid may be directed into the trough for expelling the potable liquid from the distillation unit. 
     In one configuration, the non-potable liquid disposed within the interior of the pre-heat jacket has a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the outer surface of the condensing portion. The heating chamber may further include a vapor directional structure having a first portion in communication with the non-potable liquid, and a second portion adjacent the inner surface of the condensing portion for directing at least a portion of the purified vapor to the inner surface of the condensing portion. The heating chamber may also include a waste outlet for expelling a portion of the non-potable liquid therefrom. 
     The pre-heat jacket of the distillation unit may further include an inlet in fluid communication with a source of non-potable liquid. The first surface of the pre-heat jacket may be adapted to receive excess heat from the outer surface of the condensing portion and to transfer the excess heat to the non-potable liquid disposed within the interior of the pre-heat jacket. The transfer of excess heat to the non-potable liquid disposed within the interior of the pre-heat jacket may increase the rate of condensation of the purified vapor of the inside surface of the condensing portion. As the non-potable liquid disposed within the pre-heat jacket approaches the boiling point, it may be directed through the access entry. 
     In certain configurations, the distillation unit may further include a second pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive a non-potable liquid for distillation therein. The first surface may be disposed adjacent the second surface of the pre-heat jacket. The second pre-heat jacket may define a second access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The second pre-heat jacket may be adapted to capture excess heat from the pre-heat jacket and to transfer the excess heat to the non-potable liquid disposed within the interior of the second pre-heat jacket. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a distillation unit includes a heating chamber having a first end and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation. The distillation unit also includes a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the condensing portion disposed over the first end of the heating chamber. The first end of the heating chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion may be provided in fluid-transfer communication. The distillation unit further includes a pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the outer surface of the condensing portion. The pre-heat jacket may define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The distillation unit may also include a second dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the second condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber. Further the distillation unit may also include a second pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and adjacent the outer surface of the second condensing portion. The second pre-heat jacket may define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The distillation unit may also include a trough adjacent the first open end of the heating chamber for receiving a potable liquid therein. 
     In accordance with certain configurations, the second pre-heat jacket may be adapted to receive excess heat from the pre-heat jacket and to transfer the excess heat to the non-potable liquid disposed within the second pre-heat jacket. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a distillation unit may include a heating chamber having a first end and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation. The distillation unit also includes a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the condensing portion disposed over the first end of the heating chamber, with the first end of the heating chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer communication. The distillation unit further includes a second dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the second condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber. The distillation unit may further include means for introducing non-potable liquid to at least one of the condensing portion and the second condensing portion, and a trough adjacent the first open end of the heating chamber for receiving a potable liquid therein. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a distillation system includes a concentrator adapted to receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun and capture heat therefrom, with the concentrator having a focal point. The distillation system also includes a distillation unit positioned at the focal point of the concentrator. The distillation unit includes a heating chamber having a first end and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation, with at least a portion of the heating chamber adapted to receive heat from the concentrator. The distillation unit also includes a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the condensing portion disposed over the first end of the heating chamber, with the first end of the heating chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer communication. The distillation unit also includes a pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the outer surface of the condensing portion. The pre-heat jacket may define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The distillation unit may also include a trough adjacent the first open end of the heating chamber for receiving a potable liquid therein. 
     At least a portion of the heating chamber may be adapted to transfer heat to the non-potable liquid contained therein, with the heating chamber vaporizing at least a portion of the non-potable liquid to form a purified vapor. The inner surface of the condensing portion may be adapted to receive the purified vapor thereon and to condense the purified vapor into the potable liquid. The potable liquid may be directed into the trough for expelling the potable liquid from the distillation unit. 
     Optionally, the distillation system may also include a sun tracking system for determining the relative position of the sun and means for directing the concentrator toward the sun. The concentrator may also include a solar receiver for converting solar radiation into heat integrated into a portion of the heating chamber. In certain configurations, the distillation unit may also include a second dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the second condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber. The distillation unit may further include a second pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and adjacent the outer surface of the second condensing portion. The second pre-heat jacket may define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The second pre-heat jacket may be adapted to receive excess heat from the pre-heat jacket and to transfer the excess heat to the non-potable liquid disposed within the second pre-heat jacket. 
     Alternatively, the distillation unit may include a second dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the second condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber, and a second pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface, with the first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and adjacent the outer surface of the second condensing portion. The distillation unit may also include means for introducing non-potable liquid to at least one of the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and the second surface of the second pre-heat jacket, and means for directing non-potable liquid from at least one of the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and the second surface of the second pre-heat jacket to the heating chamber. 
     The distillation system may further include a concentrator that is formed of a plurality of segments. The concentrator may be formed of a plurality of interlocking segments. Optionally, the segments may be formed of a supportive dish segment and a reflective surface segment. The reflective surface segment may be back-coated by aluminized vapor deposition. 
     In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a distillation system includes a concentrator adapted to receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun and capture heat therefrom, the concentrator having a focal point, and a distillation unit remote from the focal point of the concentrator. The distillation unit includes a heating chamber having a first end and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation. The distillation unit also includes a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the condensing portion disposed over the first end of the heating chamber. The first end of the heating chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion are provided in fluid-transfer communication. The distillation unit also includes a pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the outer surface of the condensing portion. The pre-heat jacket may define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The distillation unit may also include a trough adjacent the first open end of the heating chamber for receiving a potable liquid therein, and a thermal transfer system at least partially positioned at the focal point. The thermal transfer system may be adapted for receiving solar radiation from the sun and converting the solar radiation into heat, storing at least a portion of the heat, and directing a portion of the stored heat to the heating chamber. 
     The distillation system may also include a sun tracking system for determining the relative position of the sun and means for directing the concentrator toward the sun. The thermal transfer system may include at least one of a sodium vapor receiver and a hot oil system for converting solar radiation into heat and storing at least a portion of the heat. The thermal transfer system may further include a reservoir for storing the heat, and a circulation loop for transferring the stored heat to the heating chamber. 
     Optionally, the distillation unit of the distillation system may include a second dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the second condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber. The distillation system may also include a second pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and adjacent the outer surface of the second condensing portion. The second pre-heat jacket may define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The second pre-heat jacket may be adapted to receive excess heat from the pre-heat jacket and to transfer the excess heat to the non-potable liquid disposed within the second pre-heat jacket. 
     Alternatively, the distillation unit of the distillation system may include a second dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the second condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber. The distillation unit may further include a second pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and adjacent the outer surface of the second condensing portion. The distillation unit may also include means for introducing non-potable liquid to at least one of the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and the second surface of the second pre-heat jacket, and means for directing non-potable liquid from at least one of the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and the second surface of the second pre-heat jacket to the heating chamber. 
     The distillation system may further include a concentrator that is formed of a plurality of segments. The concentrator may be formed of a plurality of interlocking segments. Optionally, the segments may be formed of a supportive dish segment and a reflective surface segment. The reflective surface segment may be back-coated by aluminized vapor deposition. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a concentrator is formed of a plurality of interlocking segments, wherein the segments are formed of a supportive dish segment and a reflective surface segment. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a distillation system includes a concentrator adapted to receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun and capture heat therefrom, the concentrator defining a center hole therein and having a focal point coincident with the center hole, and a distillation unit positioned at the focal point of the concentrator. 
     The concentrator of the distillation unit may be formed of a plurality of segments. The distillation unit may also include a heating chamber having a first end and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation, with at least a portion of the heating chamber adapted to receive heat from the concentrator. The distillation unit may also include a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the condensing portion disposed over the first end of the heating chamber, wherein the first end of the heating chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion are provided in fluid-transfer communication. The distillation unit may further include a pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the outer surface of the condensing portion, the pre-heat jacket defining an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic front view of a distillation unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the distillation unit of  FIG. 1  taken along line C-C in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial schematic cross-sectional side view of the distillation unit of  FIG. 1  taken along line C-C showing fluid movement within the system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial schematic cross-sectional side view of a distillation unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic front view of a two-stage distillation unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the two-stage distillation unit of  FIG. 5  taken along line D-D in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a two-stage distillation unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a two-stage distillation unit in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a photographic representation of a perspective view of a pre-heat jacket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a photographic representation of the top view of the pre-heat jacket of  FIG. 9  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a photographic perspective representation of the pre-heat jacket of  FIGS. 9-10  disposed over a condensing portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a photographic perspective representation of a distillation unit including the pre-heat jacket and condensing portion of  FIG. 11  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a photographic side view representation of a condensing portion and a second condensing portion of a distillation unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a photographic side view representation of a pre-heat jacket and a second pre-heat jacket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a photographic side view representation of the pre-heat jacket of  FIG. 14  disposed over the condensing portion of  FIG. 13  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a photographic side view representation of the pre-heat jacket of  FIG. 14  disposed over the condensing portion of  FIG. 13  with the second pre-heat jacket of  FIG. 14  disposed over the second condensing portion of  FIG. 13  with the second condensing portion of  FIG. 13  disposed over the pre-heat jacket of  FIG. 14  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a photographic perspective representation of a distillation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic representation of a distillation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic representation of a distillation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective front view of a fully formed segment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20A  is a perspective view of a supportive dish segment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20B  is a perspective view of a reflective surface segment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20C  is a perspective view of the combination of the supportive dish segment of  FIG. 20A  with the reflective surface segment of  FIG. 20B  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20D  is a perspective view of the supportive dish segment and reflective surface segment of  FIG. 20C  as a fully formed segment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20E  is a perspective view of a plurality of interlocking segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20F  is a perspective view of a collector formed of a plurality of interlocking segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective rear view of a collector formed of a plurality of fully formed segments of  FIG. 20  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective side view of the collector of  FIG. 21  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is perspective front view of an assembled collector of  FIGS. 21-22  and distillation unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. 
     The distillation unit  30  of the present invention is intended to distill non-potable water into potable drinking water through an innovative distillation unit  30  powered by solar energy. Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a distillation unit  30  having a heating chamber  32 , a condensing portion  34 , a pre-heat jacket  36 , and a trough  38  is shown. The heating chamber  32  has a first end  40  and a second end  42  with a sidewall  44  extending therebetween defining an interior  46 . The interior  46  of the heating chamber  32  is adapted to contain a volume of liquid, such as a non-potable liquid  48  therein. In one embodiment, the non-potable liquid  48  may be brine, salt water, or other liquid including a salinized component. The non-potable liquid  48  may be provided from an ocean or other natural body of water, or commercial or industrial waste stream. In a further embodiment, the non-potable liquid  48  may include a 3.5% brine, such as typical ocean water. 
     The second end  42  of the heating chamber  32  may have any suitable shape appropriate to contain a volume of liquid therein. In one configuration, shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the second end  42  may include an enlarged portion  42 A, such as a bulbous profile, having increased surface area for application of heat thereto. In another configuration, shown in  FIG. 4 , the second end  42  may include an enlarged portion  42 B, having at least one dimension that is increased with respect to a corresponding dimension of the first end  40 , having increased surface area for application of heat thereto. As will be discussed herein, the second end  42  of the heating chamber  32  is adapted to receive applied heat and to transfer the heat applied thereto to the non-potable liquid  48  contained within the interior  46  of the heating chamber  32 . Accordingly, the second end  42  may include an enlarged portion  42 A,  42 B having a profile which increases the surface area of the second end  42  to provide increased distribution of heat there-across. In one embodiment, the heat applied to the second end  42  of the heating chamber  32  may be heat generated from concentrated solar energy, as will be described herein. In another configuration, the heat may be provided fully or partially from other conventional sources, such as natural gas, coal, or electricity. In a further configuration, the first end  40  of the heating chamber  32  may include a generally cylindrical section  40 A having a reduced diameter as compared to the second end  42 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4 , a condensing portion  34  may be provided adjacent the heating chamber  32 , such as adjacent the first end  40  of the heating chamber  32 . In one embodiment, the condensing portion  34  has a generally dome-shaped profile having an apex  56 . As used herein, the term “dome-shaped” includes any profile having a curvature and/or any profile defining an apex from a plurality of segmented sections. In one configuration, the condensing portion  34  includes an inner surface  50  and an outer surface  52 , with the inner surface  50  disposed at least partially over the first end  40  of the heating chamber  32 . In a further configuration, at least a portion of the first end  40  of the heating chamber  32  is disposed within or surrounded by a distal end  54  of the condensing portion  34 . 
     The first end  40  of the heating chamber  32  and the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34  are provided in fluid-transfer communication. As used herein, the term “fluid-transfer communication” means that liquid contained within the heating chamber  32  may be expelled from the heating chamber  32  through the first end  40  to contact the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34 . In one embodiment, the non-potable liquid  48  within the heating chamber  32  may be heated until at least a portion of the liquid vaporizes and contacts the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34  in the form of purified vapor or steam. Upon contact with the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34 , the steam condenses and/or coalesces into potable water droplets. Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , the flow of vapor from the second end  42  of the heating chamber  32  up through the first end  40  and out of the heating chamber  32  is shown. This vapor impinges on the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34  which is provided at a temperature below that of the steam. Accordingly, the vapor is cooled and condenses on the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34  in the form of potable liquid. The inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34  may include a curvature  58  sufficient to direct the potable liquid along the inner surface  50  in a downward direction and into a trough  38  adapted to receive potable liquid therein. 
     In one embodiment, the trough  38  is provided adjacent the first end  40  of the heating chamber  32  such that potable liquid contacting the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34  may drip from the distal end  54  of the condensing portion  34  into the trough  38  to direct the potable liquid from the distillation unit  30  to a useable location, such as a spigot or collection container (not shown). In one embodiment, the trough  38  may be annularly disposed about the condensing portion  34  such as in the form of a substantially circular trough. 
     Referring once again to  FIGS. 1-4 , the distillation unit  30  also includes a pre-heat jacket  36  disposed at least partially adjacent the outer surface  52  of the condensing portion  34 . The pre-heat jacket  36  may include a first surface  60  and a second surface  62  defining an interior  64  therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid therein. In one embodiment, the pre-heat jacket  36  may include a first surface  60  and a second surface  62  each in the form of a continuous curved sheet having substantially the same curvature and dimensioned to closely mimic the profile of the outer surface  52  of the condensing portion  34 . In this configuration, the interior  64  may take the form of a continuous pocket adapted to contain non-potable liquid. Alternatively, the interior  64  may include a plurality of segmented pockets defined between the first surface  60  and the second surface  62 . In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the pre-heat jacket  36  may include a plurality of linked hollow tubes  70 , as shown in  FIGS. 9-10 , joined at a common apex  72  and surrounding perimeter  74 . The linked tubes  70 , common apex  72 , and surrounding perimeter  74  may be provided in fluid communication therewith for receiving non-potable liquid therein. In this configuration, the linked tubes  70  each include a first surface  60 A and a second surface  62 A, taken collectively as the first surface  60  and the second surface  62  of the pre-heat jacket, respectively. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4 , the first surface  60  of the pre-heat jacket  36  may be disposed at least partially adjacent the outer surface  52  of the condensing portion  34 . In one configuration, the first surface  60  of the pre-heat jacket  36  may be disposed immediately adjacent the outer surface  52  of the condensing portion  34 , such that a portion of the condensing portion  34  extends within a portion of the pre-heat jacket  36 . In use, excess heat transferred to the condensing portion  34  by the vapor may be transferred to the pre-heat jacket  36  to increase the temperature of the non-potable liquid contained within the interior  64  of the pre-heat jacket  36 . As shown specifically in  FIGS. 3-4 , the pre-heat jacket  36  may include an access entry  56  for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation from the interior  64  of the pre-heat jacket  36  into the interior  46  of the heating chamber  32 . In this configuration, the temperature of the non-potable liquid entering the heating chamber  32  is elevated and thus requires less applied heat to the heating chamber  32  to generate vapor as described above. 
     In a further embodiment, as shown specifically in  FIG. 2 , in order to further increase the efficiency of the heat applied to the heating chamber  32 , a plurality of heat fins  76  may be disposed within the interior  46  of the heating chamber  32  to improve heat retention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-4 , during use a non-potable liquid may be introduced to the distillation unit  30  through an entry  78  in the pre-heat jacket  36 . The non-potable liquid may have an increased salinity, such as sea water having a 3.5% brine. The non-potable liquid may pass through the interior  64  of the pre-heat jacket  36  and through the access entry  56  into the interior  46  of the heating chamber  32 . In one configuration, a substantially cylindrical tube  80  may be disposed between the access entry  56  and the interior  46  of the heating chamber  32  adjacent the second end  42  to direct the flow of non-potable liquid into the interior  46  of the heating chamber  32 . Heat, such as from concentrated solar radiation, is applied to the second end  42  of the heating chamber  32  which is transferred to the non-potable liquid contained therein. The applied heat raises the temperature of the non-potable liquid to the point of boiling, resulting in a purified vapor component being released as potable water. 
     The purified vapor contacts the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34  which is provided at a temperature less than the temperature of the vapor, resulting in condensation of the purified vapor on the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34 . In one embodiment, as shown specifically in  FIG. 3 , a vapor directional structure  82  may be provided for directing the purified vapor toward the condensing portion  34 . The vapor directional structure  82  may include a first portion  84  in communication with the non-potable liquid and a second portion  86  adjacent the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34  for directing at least a portion of the purified vapor to the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34 . The condensed purified vapor in the form of potable liquid is directed down the sidewall of the condensing portion  34  and is directed into an annular trough  38  provided adjacent an upper portion of the heating chamber  32  and adjacent a lower portion of the condensing portion  34 . The potable liquid is directed through the trough  38  and expelled from the distillation unit  30  to a collection and/or usage location. 
     Excess heat from the condensing portion  34  may be transferred to the non-potable liquid contained within the pre-heat jacket  36  to increase the rate of condensation of the purified vapor on the inner surface  50  of the condensing portion  34 . The excess heat transferred to the non-potable liquid within the pre-heat jacket  36  also raises the temperature of the non-potable liquid directed into the heating chamber  32  toward the boiling point, thereby reducing the amount of externally applied heat required to raise the temperature of the non-potable liquid to the boiling point. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , as a result of the production of purified vapor, impurities and salt content from the non-potable liquid remain within the interior  46  of the heating chamber  32  in an increasing quantity. Accordingly, a waste outlet  88  may be provided in fluid communication with the interior  46  of the heating chamber  32  to flush an amount of non-potable liquid having increased impurities and/or salt content therefrom. In one embodiment, non-potable liquid having a 3.5% brine is introduced into the distillation unit  30  at a rate of 4.83 L/min (1.28 gal/min). After operation of the distillation unit  30 , potable liquid may be expelled from the distillation unit  30  at a rate of 3.14 L/min (0.83 gal/min) and a non-potable liquid having increased impurities, such as a 10% brine, may be drawn from the waste outlet  88  at a rate of 1.69 L/min (0.45 gal/min). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , a distillation unit  30 A may include a structure substantially identical to the structure of the distillation unit  30  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , with the exception of a second pre-heat jacket  100  applied thereto. In this configuration, the distillation unit  30 A includes a heating chamber  32 A, a condensing portion  34 A, a pre-heat jacket  36 A, and a trough  38 A, as similarly described above. The pre-heat jacket  36 A includes a first surface  51 A and a second surface  52 A, as similarly described above. A second pre-heat jacket  100  includes a first surface  102  and a second surface  104  and an interior  106  defined therebetween adapted to receive a non-potable liquid for distillation therein, as similarly described with reference to the pre-heat jacket  36  of  FIGS. 1-4 . The second pre-heat jacket  100  may include an entry  108  for receiving non-potable liquid therein, and an access entry  110  for directing non-potable liquid into the interior  46 A of the heating chamber  32 A, as similarly described above. The first surface  102  of the second pre-heat jacket  100  may be disposed adjacent the second surface  52 A of the pre-heat jacket  36 A for the purpose of transferring excess heat from the pre-heat jacket  36 A to the non-potable liquid contained within the second pre-heat jacket  100 , thereby further increasing the efficiency of the distillation unit  30 A. 
     In a further configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , the distillation unit  30 A may include a second condensing portion  120  having an inner surface  122  and an outer surface  124 , with the second condensing portion  120  provided in fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber  32 A. The second pre-heat jacket  100  may be disposed adjacent the second condensing portion  120  such that the first surface  102  of the second pre-heat jacket  100  is provided adjacent the outer surface  124  of the second condensing portion  120  for transferring excess heat from the second condensing portion  120  to the non-potable liquid within the second pre-heat jacket  100 , thereby further increasing the efficiency of the distillation unit  30 A. It is noted herein, that a second substantially cylindrical tube  80 A may be disposed between the access entry  110  and the interior  46 A of the heating chamber  32 A adjacent the second end  42 A to direct the flow of non-potable liquid into the interior  46 A of the heating chamber  32 A, as similarly described above. It is also noted herein that a vapor directional structure  82 A may be provided for directing the purified vapor toward the condensing portion  34 A. The vapor directional structure  82 A may include a first portion  84 A in communication with the non-potable liquid and a second portion  86 A adjacent the inner surface  50 A of the condensing portion  34 A for directing at least a portion of the purified vapor to the inner surface  50 A of the condensing portion  34 A. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-8 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a distillation unit  30 B may include a plurality of liquid jets  200  adjacent the condensing portion  202  and/or the second condensing portion  204 . In this configuration, non-potable liquid  48  is misted onto at least a portion of the condensing portion  202  and/or the second condensing portion  204 . In one configuration, a pre-heat jacket and/or a second pre-heat jacket may include the liquid jets  200  to distribute mist onto the condensing portion  202  and/or the second condensing portion  204 . The misted non-potable liquid is vaporized by the excess heat passed through a condensing portion  206  and/or a second condensing portion  208 , as previously described herein. It is contemplated herein that excess non-potable liquid that is not vaporized, and/or includes increased impurities or saline content, is passed through drains  212  to a heating chamber  210 . As the heating chamber  210  is heated, the non-potable liquid vaporizes producing a purified potable liquid which condenses on the condensing portion  202  and/or second condensing portion  204 , with the non-potable liquid misting on the upper surfaces of the condensing portion  202  and second condensing portion  204  to increase the rate of condensation thereon. The potable liquid is directed to a trough  220  for expelling potable liquid from the distillation unit  30 B. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-16 , representations of various components of a distillation unit  30 ,  30 A,  30 B are shown. Referring to  FIG. 12 , during procedural testing, a distillation unit  30  having a single condensing portion  34 , i.e., “single stage” is shown. The distillation unit  30  was tested on a propane burner, at approximately 17,000 BTUs (5 kW), to simulate the energy that is obtained from the application of concentrated solar energy, such as by the use of a 10-foot (3-meter) parabolic solar concentrator. An initial test was performed with a 5% salt water solution (4.375-lbs of water and 0.22-lbs of salt by weight) as a non-potable liquid introduced into the distillation unit  30 . The non-potable liquid is contained in a boiling chamber  32  with the single stage internal unit mounted above it. Non-potable liquid is misted on the condensing portion  34  through the pre-heat jacket  36  with the system diagram above. 
     For the single stage distillation unit  30 , the system operates by the application of heat energy to the heating chamber  32 , causing the non-potable liquid therein to boil. The purified vapor or steam rises into the condensing portion  34 , or lower cone, leaving the contaminants behind in the heating chamber  32 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , incoming non-potable contaminated water is misted or sprayed on the lower ring  205  and down-comers  207 . In certain configurations, the second condensing portion  204  or upper cone protects the condensing portion  202  or lower cone from the spray, keeping the steam vapor in the lower cone from condensing before it reaches the cap. Once the steam vapor enters the cap, it follows the path of least resistance, and flows into the down-comers. The water misted onto the down-comers  207  and the lower ring  205  removes the heat from the steam vapor contained within the tubes, causing it to condense. The resultant product is distilled potable water. This same process is repeated for multiple stages, recovering the excess energy from stage to stage. As shown in  FIGS. 13-16 , a condensing portion  300  and a second condensing portion  302  may be combined with a pre-heat jacket  304  and a second pre-heat jacket  306 , to produce a multi-stage system shown in  FIG. 16  and described in detail above. 
     As shown below in Table 1, the possible amount of distilled water production, from an analytical standpoint, from a multi-staged unit is presented. For the initial design, a heat/energy pass-through of 86% was assumed. For comparison reasons, Table 1 shows the theoretical amount of water that can be distilled from a single stage unit to a 15-stage unit for an 86% and 96% heat capture. For a 10% increase in heat recapture (86% to 96%) on a multi-stage unit, there is an approximate 55% increase in the amount of distilled water that is capable of being produced. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Theoretical amount of distilled water that can be produced by a solar thermal 
               
               
                 distillation unit. This table is calculated for use of a 10-ft (3-m) diameter concentrator with an 
               
               
                 approximate reflectivity of 92%. 
               
               
                 Theoretical Distilled Water Production in Gallons per Day* 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Energy Input: 5-kW 
                 Energy Input: 4.2-kW 
               
               
                 # Of 
                 Heat Pass-Through 
                 Heat Pass-Through 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Stages 
                 86% 
                 96% 
                 86% 
                 96% 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 16.9 
                 16.9 
                 14.35 
                 14.35 
               
               
                 2 
                 31.4 
                 33.13 
                 26.68 
                 28.12 
               
               
                 3 
                 43.9 
                 48.7 
                 37.29 
                 41.34 
               
               
                 4 
                 54.7 
                 63.6 
                 46.42 
                 54.03 
               
               
                 5 
                 63.9 
                 78.03 
                 59.26 
                 66.2 
               
               
                 6 
                 71.89 
                 91.81 
                 61.02 
                 77.91 
               
               
                 7 
                 78.7 
                 108.04 
                 66.82 
                 89.14 
               
               
                 8 
                 84.6 
                 117.7 
                 71.81 
                 99.92 
               
               
                 9 
                 89.7 
                 129.94 
                 76.1 
                 110.27 
               
               
                 10 
                 94 
                 141.6 
                 79.8 
                 120 
               
               
                 11 
                 97.8 
                 152.8 
                 82.97 
                 129.75 
               
               
                 12 
                 100.98 
                 163.67 
                 95.7 
                 138.9 
               
               
                 13 
                 103.79 
                 179.03 
                 99.05 
                 147.69 
               
               
                 14 
                 106.13 
                 183.97 
                 90.07 
                 156.13 
               
               
                 15 
                 108.18 
                 193.97 
                 91.8 
                 164.23 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Day = 8-hrs at Peak Energy Input 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The initial tests were performed with the stage internals being open to ambient conditions, thus losing a large amount of heat to the surroundings. These initial tests resulted in an average output of 2-oz. per minute. The theoretical value, for a well-insulated system, with very little heat loss, is approximately 3.83-oz. per minute. With a well-insulated housing around the stage, the output of a distillation unit should easily come within 10% of the projected output. As was mentioned previously, the influent water for these initial tests was a 5% salt water solution by weight. The effluent water from the single stage test was of the purest form. There was no visible by-product, discoloration, odor, or taste in the effluent catch container. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17-19 , a distillation system  400  is shown including a distillation unit  30 ,  30 A,  30 B, as described above. With reference to  FIGS. 17-18 , a concentrator  402  is adapted to receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun  404  and capture heat therefrom. In one embodiment, the concentrator  402  is a reflective dish having a mirrored or other reflective surface oriented to concentrate radiation impinging thereon to a focal point  406 . As shown in  FIGS. 17-18 , the distillation unit  30  may be positioned at the focal point  406 , such that the second end  42  of the heating chamber  32  is adapted to receive the heat from the concentrated solar radiation focused at the focal point  406 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20A-20F , in certain embodiments, the concentrator  402  may include a plurality of individual dish segments  500  which may be joined to form a concentrator  402 . In this embodiment, the segments  500  may have any shape, such that when the segments  500  are joined, a concentrator  402  capable of focusing solar radiation is formed. In certain embodiments, the concentrator  402  may be substantially circular having a convex curvature. It is noted that any number of segments  500  may be joined to form the fully formed concentrator  402 . In certain embodiments, the number of segments  500  may correspond generally with the overall diameter of the concentrator  402 . For example, a concentrator  402  having an overall diameter of about 2.4 meters may have six segments  500  which are engageable to form the concentrator  402 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20A , the individual dish segments may include a supportive dish section  502  formed of a generally rigid material, such as a generally rigid metal, polymeric composition, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the dish segments  502  may be formed of thin walled steel, fiberglass, polymeric or metal mesh, and the like. Each dish segment  502  may have a generally convex arcuate shape, as shown in  FIG. 20A . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20B , the supportive dish segments  502  may be provided to support a corresponding reflective surface segment  504 . The reflective surface segment  504  may be formed by any suitable reflective surface formation process and may be formed of or coated with any suitably reflective material. Typically, the reflective surface segment  504  may be provided in thin sheet over the supportive dish segment  502 . In one embodiment, the reflective surface segment  504  may be formed by a thermoforming process in which a polymeric material, such as polyacrylic, may be formed to the shape and curvature of the supportive dish segment  502  and back-coated by aluminized vapor deposition to impart a reflective surface to the reflective surface segment  504 . In other embodiments, the reflective surface segment  504  may be formed by front-coating the segment and subsequently providing a protective transparent coating thereover. In other configurations, other coatings and deposition techniques may be used, such as sputtering over a metallic substrate. Alternatively, the reflective surface segment  504  may be provided as one of multiple layers, such as one of multiple laminated layers. In certain configurations, the reflective surface segment  504  may be one of multiple laminated layers in a laminated plastic film. In still other embodiments, the reflective surface segment  504  may be provided by spraying, rolling, or dipping the reflective coating onto a supporting substrate. In still other embodiments, silver, or other metallic and/or reflective components may be used to form the reflective surface segment  504 . 
     In certain configurations of the present invention, the reflective surface segment  504  may be first formed and subsequently coated. In other configurations of the present invention, the reflective surface segment  504  may be formed of a pre-formed reflective material and subsequently formed into a desired shape. In one embodiment, the reflective surface segment  504  may be formed of a reflective coated film and subsequently formed into the desired shape. 
     The reflective surface segment  504  may be adhered to the upper surface  506  of the supportive dish segment  502 , as shown by the arrows C in  FIG. 20C . In one embodiment, the reflective surface segment  504  may be adhered to the upper surface  506  of the supportive dish segment  502  by adhesive means, such as glues and/or epoxies, or mechanical fastening means, such as rivets, bolts, or other interlocking mechanical fastening systems. 
     In yet another configuration, the reflective surface segment  504  and the supportive dish segment  502  may be co-formed or provided from a single structure to provide a segment  500 . In this embodiment, the segment  500  may be engaged directly with other segments  500  to form the concentrator  402 . Alternatively, the segment  500  may be engaged with other segments  500  by providing the segments  500  onto or otherwise engaged with a skeleton frame structure. The skeleton frame structure may include a plurality of open frame elements adapted to allow the segments  500  to be placed directly onto or within in order to form a concentrator  402 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20D , the segment  500  formed of a combined reflective surface segment  504  and a supportive dish segment  502  may be combined with other segments  500 , as shown in  FIG. 20E , to form a concentrator  402 , as shown in  FIG. 20F . As shown in  FIG. 20E , a first segment  500   a  may include a first engaging structure  510  and a second segment  500   b  may include a second engaging structure  512  adapted to engage the first engaging structure  510 . The first engaging structure  510  may include a recess or other cavity, and the second engaging structure  512  may include a protrusion or other raised surface for correspondingly engaging the first engaging structure  510  to secure the segments  500   a ,  500   b  together. In another embodiment, the first engaging structure  510  and the second engaging structure  512  may include any suitable fastening system, such as slide locks, press-fit engagements, and the like. In yet another embodiment, the first engaging structure  510  and the second engaging structure  512  are positioned such that the convex curvature of the segment  500   a  corresponds to the convex curvature of the segment  500   b  to form a continuous and substantially uninterrupted curvature spanning both segments  500   a ,  500   b . In yet another embodiment, the segments  500   a ,  500   b  are adapted such that when the segments  500   a ,  500   b  are joined, the seam  514  between the segments  500   a ,  500   b  is optically minimized such that the amount of radiation reflected from the upper surfaces  506   a ,  506   b  is maximized. 
     In one embodiment, a concentrator  402  formed of segments  500  may be appreciably easier to maintain in that a damaged segment may be easily removed and replaced without necessitating replacement of the entire concentrator  402 . This configuration may be particularly well suited for use in harsh environments in which sand and/or other wind blown debris may scratch or otherwise damage the reflective surface of a collector  402 . The labor and material costs associated with the replacement of a segment  500  may be significantly less than the labor and material costs associated with the replacement of an entire collector  402 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a distillation system  400  includes a distillation unit  30 ,  30 A,  30 B, as described above. A concentrator  402  is adapted to receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun  404  and capture heat therefrom. In one embodiment, the concentrator  402  is a reflective dish having a mirrored or other reflective surface oriented to concentrate radiation impinging thereon to a focal point  406 . In this configuration, the distillation unit  30  may be positioned remote from the focal point  406 , and a thermal receiver  408  may be positioned at the focal point  406  such that the thermal receiver  408  is adapted to receive the heat from the concentrated solar radiation focused at the focal point  406 . The thermal receiver  408  may pass energy to a thermal storage unit  410 , such as a molten salt thermal storage tank, for retaining heat therein. Heat from the thermal storage unit  410  is directed to the distillation unit  30 , such as is directed to the heating chamber of the distillation unit as described above, and non-potable liquid  416  is introduced therein, as also described above. In a further embodiment, the thermal receiver  408  and thermal storage unit  410  form a collective thermal transfer system  414  adapted to capture, store, and transfer heat generated from concentrated solar energy to power the distillation unit  30  of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20-23 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the concentrator adapted to receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun may be formed of a collector  520  having a plurality of segments  500  having a truncated inner profile  502 . In this embodiment, each segment  500  includes first and second contacting surfaces  504 ,  506  for adjoining with a second segment  500 . In one configuration, the first contacting surface  504  of a first segment  500  abuts a second contacting surface  506  of a second segment  500  to form a substantially circular ring structure such as a doughnut configuration, as shown in  FIG. 21 , having a center hole structure defined therein by the truncated inner profile  502  of each segment  500 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , the collector  520  may have a substantially curved profile, as described above. Referring again to  FIGS. 21-22 , the collector  520  may have an outer diameter D O  that is greater than an inner diameter D I  along the center hole structure. In one embodiment, the ratio of D O :D I  is adapted to allow for a segment  500  to have no dimension greater than 48 inches. In another embodiment, the ratio of D O :D I  is adapted to allow for a segment  500  to have no dimension greater than 30 inches. Accordingly, the ratio of D O :D I  may be adapted to maximize ease of fabrication such that a collector  520  of any outer diameter D O  can be formed while maintaining an easily fabricated segment  500 , such as a segment  500  having no dimension greater than 48 inches. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , the collector  520  may be provided with a distillation unit  540 , as described herein. In one configuration, the distillation unit  540  may be mounted to the collector  520  at or adjacent the focal point of the collector by a mounting bracket  550  or plurality of mounting brackets  550 . In this particular configuration, the focal point of the collector  520  may coincide with the center hole structure such that the focal point is located at an area that is not defined by a reflective surface of a segment  500 . The collector  520  of this particular embodiment may have several advantages including reduced manufacturing costs. As the collector  520  of the present invention may be intended for positioning outdoors, the center hole structure of the collector  520  may also allow wind to pass therethrough, reducing the susceptibility of the collector  520  to be carried by wind currents. In another configuration, it is intended herein that the center hole structure of the collector  520  may be adapted with a device for harnessing wind power directed through the center hole structure. In another configuration, the mounting of the distillation unit  540  adjacent the focal point of the collector  520  may provide increased stability and durability.