Patent Publication Number: US-2023158423-A1

Title: Atmospheric water generator apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. Continuation-in-Part patent application Ser. No. 16/587,269, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/371,508 which is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/774,536, filed Dec. 3, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Federally Sponsored Research or Development 
     Not applicable. 
     2. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an atmospheric water generator apparatus in order to condense and extract water from the atmosphere. In particular, the present invention is directed to an atmospheric water generator apparatus having a water condensing surface thermally connected to a fluid cooling device for providing water for drinking, irrigation or other purposes. 
     3. Description of the Related Art 
     Over time, fresh water supplies have diminished while the population continues to grow. Water is an essential element for drinking purposes, for agriculture, and for food production for both humans and animals. 
     In addition to the increasing need for fresh water, it would be desirable to collect water closer to where the water is needed in order to reduce energy consumption and costs associated with transporting the water. 
     It would also be desirable to increase the water supply in areas where fresh water is scarce. 
     There is also a need for a water condensing apparatus providing maximum condensation and extraction of water vapor from ambient air. 
     Various proposals have been made in the past to generate water from condensation. Castanon Seaone (Pat. Publ. No. WO2013026126) discloses a Peltier device with rigid corrugated condenser plates. A shaker array system removes water condensation. 
     Max (U.S. Pat. No. 6,828,499) discloses a photovoltaic panel with an energy storage component attached to a cooling panel which can be made of either a miniaturized refrigeration or a Peltier device. 
     Zhang (U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,849) discloses an automatic flower watering device using a Peltier device connected to a finned condenser and includes an automatic wiper to remove water from a condenser surface. 
     Hatamian et al. (U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2007/0261413) discloses a Peltier device for drinking water and includes a filtration system and capillary tubes for filtration and extraction. 
     In addition, Applicant&#39;s prior U.S. Pat. No. 10,113,777) discloses a Peltier device for ambient water condensing, which is incorporated herein and made a part hereof. 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, there remains a need for an economic and efficient atmospheric water condensing apparatus. 
     In addition, there have been various proposals in the past to alter water condensing surfaces, such as hydrophobic surfaces, superhydrophobic surfaces, hydrophilic surfaces, and zo superhydrophilic surfaces. Examples include Bormashenko et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 9,587,304), Schoenfisch (U.S. Pat. No. 9,675,994), Simpson (U.S. Pat. No. 10,150,875), Osaka (U.S. Pat. No. 9,534,132), de Zeeuw et al. (U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2017/0073539), and Jing et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 9,556,338). Notwithstanding the foregoing, there remains a need to optimize the water condensing surface for an atmospheric water generator. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an atmospheric water generator apparatus for condensing and extracting water from the atmosphere. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a fluid heating device to heat or warm a refrigerant liquid or gas fluid. The warm refrigerant fluid is passed through an air-cooled heat rejection device which may take the form of fins extending from a tube or tubes. The refrigerant fluid is thereafter directed to a fluid cooling device. 
     The fluid cooling device is a part of or is in fluid communication with a water condensing surface. The water condensing surface may include a plurality of fins extending from a tube conveying the refrigerant fluid therethrough. Alternatively, the water condensing surface may include a plate in communication with a tube or tubes conveying the refrigerant liquid therethrough. Ambient air is forced over the fins or the plate by forced air from a fan, resulting in water condensation. 
     The refrigerant fluid thereafter is cycled back to the fluid heating device and the process continues in a continuous loop. 
     The fins or the plate of the water condensing surface may comprise a superhydrophobic condensing surface, a highly hydrophobic condensing surface, a superhydrophilic condensing surface, a highly hydrophilic condensing surface, or a combination thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate schematic diagrams of a first preferred embodiment of an atmospheric water generator apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIGS.  3  and  4    illustrate schematic diagrams of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  5  and  6    illustrate schematic diagrams of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  7  and  8    illustrate schematic diagrams of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS.  9  and  10    illustrate schematic diagrams of a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use the invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope. 
     While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be noted that many modifications may be made in the details of the invention&#39;s construction and the arrangement of its components without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail,  FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate simplified schematic diagrams of a first preferred embodiment  10  of the apparatus of the present invention utilizing vapor compression. A fluid heating device  12  is utilized to heat or warm a refrigerant liquid or gas fluid. Non-limiting examples of a fluid refrigerant are R-134A, R-22, R-410A, HFE-7100, and R-600. 
     One example of the fluid heating device  12  would be a compressor which raises both the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant fluid. Electric or other power (not shown) may be used to power the compressor. 
     The warm refrigerant fluid is passed via a line  13  to and through an air-cooled heat rejection device  14  which may take the form of fins extending from a tube or tubes. Heat will be rejected to ambient air or to ambient air cooled by a fan  22 . The refrigerant fluid is thereafter directed via a line  15  to a fluid cooling device  16 , such as a vapor compression refrigerator, which may be in the form of a throttle. 
     The fluid cooling device  16  is a part of or is in fluid communication via a line  17  with a water condensing surface. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the water condensing surface includes a plurality of fins  18  that may extend from a tube or tubes conveying the refrigerant fluid therethrough. Ambient air is forced over the fins by force of air from the fan  22 , as illustrated by arrows  26 , resulting in water condensation. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2    utilizing vapor compression, the water condensing surface may be in the form of a plate  20  in communication with a tube or tubes conveying the refrigerant fluid therein. Ambient air is forced over the plate by force of air from the fan  22 , resulting in water condensation. 
     The refrigerant fluid thereafter is cycled back to the fluid heating device  12  via a line  19  and the process proceeds in a continuous loop. 
     The heat in the process may drive the refrigerant fluid through the system or, alternatively, an optional pump (not shown) may be employed. 
     The water condensing surface of either the fins  18  or the plate  20  may include a metallic base material and a coating or coatings and may comprise a hydrophobic condensing surface, a hydrophilic condensing surface, or a combination thereof. It has been found that superhydrophobic surfaces having a contact angle greater than 150 degrees and highly hydrophobic surfaces having a contact angle between 110 and 150 degrees are preferred. 
     A hydrophobic condensing surface enhances the ability of the apparatus  10  to capture water from ambient air. Additionally, the hydrophobic surface enhances drainage of condensed water in the condensing surface. 
     The hydrophobic condensing surface may include nanopatterned surfaces created through chemical etching. In addition, the hydrophobic condensing surfaces may include nanoroughened surfaces created through chemical etching. Additionally, the hydrophobic condensing surface may include nanostructured surfaces created through deposition of nanoscale structures. 
     Hydrophobic surfaces can be applied via a variety of different techniques: spray coating with a high velocity low pressure jet, dip coating, and dip coating with sonication. One coating is a nano-scale organometallic coating capable of adhesion to most surfaces made of solids suspended in an isopropanol solvent. The coating can be applied such that the thickness is controlled from 5-100 nm. The coating results in a structured surface with extremely small surface features on the order of nanometers. 
     Another approach is to create a hydrophobic powder derived from diatomaceous earth (DE), which is porous, by coating the DE with a hydrophobic layer that is preferably a self-assembled monolayer. The powder can then be applied to the surface by placing the DE powder in a suspension and then coating on the surface using a suitable binder (such as polysytene or polyacrylate) for adhesion to nearby particles and the surface. Depending on the base particle, thickness of application, mass fraction of particles in suspension, and processing conditions the contact angle and wettability can be controlled. 
     The use of a hydrophilic condensing surface results in increased condensate formation. It has been found that superhydrophilic surfaces having a contact angle of less than 10 degrees and highly hydrophilic surfaces having a contact angle of between 10 and 50 degrees are preferred. 
     Hydrophilic (and superhydrophilic) surfaces can be prepared in a variety of methods. One common approach is to treat a polymer with plasma, either microwave or low-pressure plasmas. In the presence of different gases, the chemical properties and wettability of the base polymer is changed. Another approach is to create hydrophilic particles in size ranges from 1 nm to 20 microns with a BET surface area of 50-600 m 2 /g. One particle class is the hydrophobic silicas. 
     The particles are then suspended in a suitable solvent that can then be applied to a surface, typically a mixture of alcohols as the base solvent with dissolved polymer for adhesion. Depending on the base particle, thickness of application, mass fraction of particles in suspension, and processing conditions the contact angle and wettability can be controlled. 
       FIGS.  3  and  4    illustrate a second preferred embodiment  30  of the apparatus of the present invention to condense and extract water employing magnetic refrigeration. A fluid cooling device  32  is in the form of a magnetic refrigerator. The magnetic refrigerator utilizes the magnetocaloric effect wherein temperature changes are induced through exposing materials to a changing magnetic field. Material would be magnetized, at which point heat is removed through a fluid refrigerant flowing through the materials. 
     Fluid refrigerant is thereafter passed via a line  33  to a water condensing surface. Non-limiting examples of fluid refrigerants would be water, water-glycol mixtures, and glycol. The water condensing surface in the embodiment in  FIG.  3    is in the form of a tube or a series of tubes having fins  34  extending from the tube or tubes conveying the refrigerant fluid therethrough. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  4   , the water condensing surface may be in the form of a plate  36  in communication with a tube or tubes conveying the refrigerant fluid therein. In each case, ambient air is forced over the fins or the plate by forced air from a fan  40 , as illustrated by arrows  42 , resulting in water condensation. 
     The water condensing surface of the fins or the plate may include a metallic base material and a coating or coatings and may comprise a hydrophobic condensing surface, a hydrophilic condensing surface, or a combination thereof. It has been found that superhydrophobic surfaces having a contact angle greater than 150 degrees and highly hydrophobic surfaces having a contact angle between 110 and 150 degrees are preferred. 
     The hydrophobic condensing surface enhances the ability of the apparatus  30  to capture water from ambient air. Additionally, the hydrophobic surface enhances drainage of condensed water in the condensing surface. 
     The use of a hydrophilic condensing surface results in increased condensate formation. It has been found that superhydrophilic surfaces having a contact angle of less than 10 degrees and highly hydrophilic surfaces having a contact angle of between 10 and 50 degrees are preferred. 
     The refrigerant fluid thereafter cycles back via a line  35 . The refrigerant fluid may be warmed by ambient air or by another mechanism. The refrigerant fluid passes through an air-cooled heat rejection device  38  which may take the form of fins extending from a tube or tubes. Heat will be rejected to ambient air or to ambient air cooled by a fan  22 . The refrigerant fluid is thereafter directed back to the magnetic refrigerator  32  via a line  37  and the process proceeds in a continuous loop. 
     The heat in the process may drive the refrigerant fluid through the system or, alternatively, an optional pump (not shown) may be employed. 
       FIGS.  5  and  6    illustrate a third preferred embodiment  60  of the apparatus of the present invention to condense and extract water employing absorption refrigeration. A fluid heating device and a fluid refrigeration device in the form of a thermoelectric device  62  is utilized. A fluid refrigerant is cooled and then passed via a line  63  to a water condensing surface. 
     In the  FIG.  5    embodiment, the water condensing surface is a series of fins  64  that may extend from a tube or tubes conveying the refrigerant fluid therethrough. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   , the water condensing surface may be in the form of a plate  66  in communication with the tube or tubes having refrigerant fluid conveyed therein. In each case, ambient air is forced over the fins or the plate by forced air from a fan  68 , as shown by arrows  56 , resulting in water condensation. 
     Thereafter the refrigerant fluid is cycled back to the thermoelectric refrigerator via a line  65  where the refrigerant fluid is heated. The warm refrigerant fluid is then passed via a line  67  to and through a heat rejection device  61  which may be in the form of a plurality of fins extending from the tube or tubes containing the refrigerant fluid. The refrigerant fluid is thereafter directed back to the thermoelectric device  62  via a line  69  and the process proceeds in a continuous loop. 
     The water condensing surface of either the fins  64  or the plate  66  may include a metallic base material and a coating or coatings and may comprise a hydrophobic condensing surface, a hydrophilic condensing surface, or a combination thereof. It has been found that superhydrophobic surfaces having a contact angle greater than 150 degrees and highly hydrophobic surfaces having a contact angle between 110 and 150 degrees are preferred. 
     The hydrophobic condensing surface enhances the ability of the apparatus  60  to capture water from ambient air. Additionally, the hydrophobic surface enhances drainage of condensed water in the condensing surface. 
     The use of a hydrophilic condensing surface results in increased condensate formation. It has been found that superhydrophilic surfaces having a contact angle of less than 10 degrees and highly hydrophilic surfaces having a contact angle between 10 and 50 degrees are preferred. 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    illustrate simplified schematic diagrams of a fourth preferred embodiment  70  of the apparatus of the present invention to condense and extract water. Absorption refrigeration is employed in a heat driven refrigeration cycle utilizing a two-part fluid made up of an absorbent-refrigerant pair. Non-limiting examples include ammonia and water, ammonia and lithium nitrate, water and lithium bromide, water and lithium chloride, water and lithium bromide zo plus sodium formate. In a generator  72 , heat is applied via an electric heater, gas flame, waste heat source, or other form of heat as shown by arrow  71  in order to drive the refrigerant from the fluid solution. From there, the refrigerant flows via a line  73  to and through a condenser  74  where it gives up heat to the surroundings and a refrigerant vapor condenses into a lower temperature liquid. In the embodiment shown, the condenser  74  includes a plurality of fins. From there, the refrigerant is directed via a line  75  to and through a throttling process where the pressure is rapidly dropped and colder refrigerant is created, as shown at expansion valve  76 . 
     Separately, the absorbent is returned to an absorber  80  via a line  83 . 
     The refrigerant thereafter flows via a line  77  to and through an evaporator of the cycle as the cold liquid refrigerant becomes all vapor and delivers cooling. The evaporator in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  7    includes a plurality of extending fins  78 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  8   , the evaporator includes a plate  82  in communication with a tube or tubes. A flat plate  82  of  FIG.  8    or as a series of finned surfaces  78  of  FIG.  7    would be treated for special wettability. This treatment would render the surface with either hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface properties or some combination therein as set forth in detail with respect to the previous embodiments. 
     At this point the refrigerant vapor is mixed with the absorbent in the absorber ( 80 ) (where heat must be removed) to restart the cycle. In this system, the airflow provided by a fan ( 84 ) or through natural convection would flow over the “evaporator” of the refrigeration cycle causing condensation on the fins or plate. This air would be cooled and could be used on the “condenser” of the refrigeration cycle 
     In each case, airflow is provided by a fan  84  or through natural convection flowing over the evaporator, as shown by arrows  86 , causing condensation on the fins or plate. 
     Finally, the refrigerant vapor is directed via line  79  back to the absorber  80  containing absorbent (where heat is removed) to restart the cycle in the generator, as shown by line  81 . 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    illustrate simplified schematic diagrams of a fifth preferred embodiment  90  of the apparatus of the present invention to condense or extract water. Adsorption refrigeration is utilized with a heat driven refrigeration cycle similar in nature to an absorbent refrigeration cycle except that instead of a two-part fluid, a single refrigerant fluid adsorbs and desorbs onto a surface of a solid. Non-limiting examples of a refrigerant fluid are water, ammonia, and methanol. 
     In an adsorbent bed  92 , heat is applied via an electric heater, gas flame, waste heat source, or other form of heat, as shown by arrow  94 , to drive refrigerant (such as water) from the solid sorbent (such as zeolite, carbon, or metal organic framework). From there, refrigerant vapor flows via a line  93  to a condenser  96 . Air is directed past the condenser  96  where the refrigerant gives up heat to the surroundings and the refrigerant vapor condenses into a lower temperature liquid. The condenser may include fins extending from a tube or tubes. The refrigerant is thereafter directed via line  97  through a throttling process which includes an expansion valve  98  where the pressure is rapidly dropped and cold refrigerant is created. 
     Thereafter, the refrigerant flows through an evaporator of the cycle as the cold liquid refrigerant becomes all vapor and delivers cooling. The evaporator of the refrigeration cycle would include a condensing surface for atmospheric water generation. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  9   , the evaporator includes extending fins  100  attached to a tube conveying the cold liquid. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  10   , the evaporator includes a plate  102  attached to a tube conveying cold liquid. In each case, airflow is provided by a fan  88  or through natural convection, as shown by arrows  104 , causing condensation on the fins or plates. 
     The refrigerant vapor is thereafter directed via a line  101  back to the adsorbent bed  92  to restart the cycle. 
     A flat plate  102  of  FIG.  10    or as a series of finned surfaces  100  of  FIG.  9    would be treated for special wettability. This treatment would render the surface with either hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface properties or some combination therein. 
     The refrigerant vapor is adsorbed onto the solid material to restart the cycle. 
     Whereas, the invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope of this invention.