Abstract:
An apparatus and method for generating water from an air stream is disclosed. The apparatus has an inlet for receiving an air stream, a condensing element located in the air stream, a collector for gathering water vapor condensate that is formed on the condensing element when the condensing element temperature drops below the dew point temperature of the ambient air stream, and an ozone generator that precisely generates ozone required to disinfect the water vapor condensate. In some embodiments of the invention, the ozone is also added to the air stream for disinfecting the air stream and associated elements of the apparatus.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/814,884 filed on Jun. 20, 2006.  
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates generally to generating water from water vapor in ambient air, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for generating water from water vapor in ambient air using an ozone generator for disinfection.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     Water may be generated from ambient air by condensing water vapor. In general, ambient air may contain contaminants, including particulate matter, moulds, spores, mites, volatile organic compounds, and other such contaminants. If these contaminants are not removed from the air or the generated water, the resulting water product that has been generated from ambient air may be contaminated.  
         [0006]     One particular challenge in operating any practical water generation system is to combat the growth of biological contaminants that may not have been removed by filtering or other treatment processes. In particular, some water generation systems suffer from formation of black mould in water reservoirs and tubing.  
         [0007]     In highly developed countries, the quality of drinking water has become of increasing concern to the population, and there is a demand for high quality potable water that is free of contaminants and other impurities.  
         [0008]     In less developed countries, the water supply is often rudimentary or even non-existent and diseases are commonly spread through contaminated drinking water.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, there remains a need for water generation system that generates a potable water product that is substantially free of contaminants.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for generating water from an air stream, the apparatus comprising an inlet for receiving an air stream, a condensing element located in the air stream, the condensing element capable of reaching a temperature that is less than or equal to a dew point temperature of the air stream, a collector for gathering water vapor condensate that forms on the condensing element, an ozone generator that uses a portion of the water vapor condensate to generate ozone, and a reservoir for mixing the generated ozone with the water vapor condensate. In some embodiments of the invention, the ozone is also added to the air stream for disinfecting the air stream and associated elements of the apparatus.  
         [0011]     The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the following claims.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for generating water in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for generating water in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3A  is a side cross-sectional view of a re-humidifier element for use in the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3B  is a top cross sectional view of the re-humidifier element taken along the line  3 B- 3 B as shown in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a PEM cell for use in the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram of a controller for use with the apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for generating water in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a humidifier element for use in the apparatus of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an ozonation/ionization electrode for use in the apparatus of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8B  is a graph of a high voltage waveform for driving the ozonation/ionization electrode shown in  FIG. 8A ; and  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a partially cut away perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a humidifier element for use in the apparatus of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
       [0024]     The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by this specification and the appended claims.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0025]     For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements.  
         [0026]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an apparatus  12  for generating water from an air stream is depicted. The apparatus  12  includes a condensing element  14  located in proximity to the air stream  10 . The condensing element may be a refrigeration component that uses the thermodynamic process of compression and expansion of a coolant. Such condensing elements are common in modern day refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and the like. The condensing element  14  is operated such that the condensing element temperature is less than or equal to a dew point temperature of the air stream  10 . This technique causes moisture to be removed from the air stream  10 .  
         [0027]     The apparatus  12  also includes a collector  16  in communication with the condensing element  14 . The collector  16  is configured below the condensing element  14  such that it will collect water vapor condensate from the condensing element  14 . The collector may be made from a plastic, a metal, fiberglass, or another material that would be apparent to those skilled in the art.  
         [0028]     The apparatus  12  further includes a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) cell  18 . A polymer electrolyte membrane cell is an electrochemical device, generally termed a fuel cell. The device typically uses hydrogen as fuel in the presence of a platinum catalyst to generate electricity. PEM cells may also be used in reverse from the norm, breaking water into constituent components when electricity is applied to the PEM cell. Such a process may be used in the present invention to generate ozone. In operation, the PEM cell  18  receives at least a portion of the condensate water from the collector  16  generates ozone from the condensate water at a first outlet  20 . A first portion of the generated ozone becomes entrained in the condensate and disinfects the condensate.  
         [0029]     The apparatus  12  may further includes a vent  22 , located in proximity to the air stream  10  and upstream from the condensing element  14 . The vent  22  in operation receives a second portion of the ozone generated in the PEM cell  18 . The ozone mixes with the air stream  10  to treat the air stream and to prevent biological contamination of the apparatus  12 .  
         [0030]     In one embodiment the apparatus  12  also includes a first reservoir  30  having a first opening  32 , located at a low point in the first reservoir. The first opening  32  is in communication with the first outlet  20  of the PEM cell  18  through a water supply line  24  for receiving treated condensate. The treated condensate includes water (H 2 O), oxygen (O 2 ) and ozone (O 3 ). The first reservoir  30  receives the treated water condensate, which mixes with and treats the condensate in the first reservoir. The outlet  20  of the PEM cell is also in communication with the vent  22 , and a second portion of gaseous ozone from the outlet of the PEM cell, which is not entrained in the condensate, is received at the vent  22  and is operable to treat the air stream  10  and prevent biological growth in the apparatus.  
         [0031]     The first reservoir  30  may further include a spigot  34  for dispensing water from the first reservoir. In some embodiments the first reservoir  30  may also include a heater/cooler element  36 . In some embodiments the element  36  may be configured to cool the condensate in the first reservoir  30 , before dispensing as potable water through the spigot  34 . In other embodiments the element  36  may be configured to heat the condensate or alternatively, a second element  36  may be provided, such that the apparatus  12  is capable of dispensing both cooled and heated condensate.  
         [0032]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an apparatus for generating water from an ambient air stream  10  in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention  60  is shown. The apparatus  60  includes a de-humidifier  62 , a collector  63 , a first reservoir  64 , a condensate conditioner  66 , a second reservoir  68 , and a PEM cell  18 .  
         [0033]     The de-humidifier  62  includes an air stream inlet  70  for receiving the air stream  10 , a filtration section  72 , a dehumidification chamber  74 , and an air outlet  76 . The air inlet  70  is in communication with the filtration section  72 , and includes a temperature sensor for producing a signal representing the temperature of the incoming air stream.  
         [0034]     In this embodiment the filtration section  72  includes a plurality of particulate filtration stages  80 . A first filtration stage  82  may include, for example, a polyethylene mesh filter media for removing insects, mites, etc from the incoming air stream  10 . A second filtration stage  84  may include a polycarbonate or polyethylene mesh filter media, which is effective at removing hair, for example. A third filtration stage  86  may include, for example, a 20 um to 50 um polyester spun fiber mesh filter media, which is effective in removing smoke, pollen, dust, and some spores from the air stream. The particulate filtration stage  80  may further include a filtration stage  88 , including, for example, a 1 um-15 um filtration element for removing minute spores and other small airborne contaminants from the incoming air stream. The particulate filtration stage  80  may include further filtration media  90 - 94 , depending on the contaminants present in the air stream where the apparatus  60  is to be operated. While a plurality of filters are shown, a subset of these or similar types of filters may be used depending on the quality of the air received at the air inlet  70 . In some embodiments of the present invention the filtration section  72  further includes an electrostatic precipitator filter  96 , which imparts a negative charge to airborne particulate matter in the air stream emanating from the filtration stages  80 , causing the particulate matter to become ionized. The electrostatic precipitator filter includes positively charged plates (or ground potential plates (not shown)), to which the ionized particles are attracted, and thus removed from the air stream. The filtration section  72 , in some embodiments of the present invention, further includes a volatile organic compound (VOC) filtration element  98 , which typically includes a carbon impregnated foam filtration media for removing the volatile organic compounds from the incoming air stream  10 .  
         [0035]     The dehumidification chamber  74  includes the condensing element  14  as also shown in  FIG. 1 , and further includes a heat pump  100  that cools the condensing element. The heat pump  100  includes a condenser coil  104  and an evaporator coil, which in  FIG. 2  is depicted as the condensing element  14 . The evaporator coil and the condenser coil  104  are in communication with a compressor  106 . In operation the heat pump  100  cools the condensing element  14  through evaporation of refrigerant in the heat pump  100 , while the condenser coil  104  is heated. The term “condensing element” is used to refer to an element that may be cooled to facilitate condensation of water vapor thereon.  
         [0036]     In other embodiments of the present invention, the condensing element  14  be cooled by other means, such as, for example, a Peltier cooling device.  
         [0037]     The dehumidification chamber  74  further includes a fan  110  for drawing an air stream into the air inlet  70 , through the filtration section  72 , through the de-humidifier chamber  74 , and discharging the air stream through the air outlet  76 . In the embodiment shown, the air outlet  76  includes a plurality of louvered vanes  112  which are outwardly deflected by the passage of the discharge air stream  78  through the air outlet  76 , and which close under gravitational forces when the fan  110  is deactivated, thus sealing off the air outlet  76 .  
         [0038]     The de-humidifier  62  further includes an ozone sensor  114  located proximate to the air outlet  76  for sensing an ozone level proximate to the air outlet  76  of the de-humidification chamber  74 .  
         [0039]     In this embodiment the de-humidifier  62  further includes an ionization electrode  120 , and a high voltage power supply  123 . The high voltage power supply  123  generates a negative voltage of about 10 kilovolts at the ionization electrode, which functions to generate excess electrons at the ionization electrode  120 . The excess electrons mix with the air stream flowing through the de-humidifier  62 .  
         [0040]     The de-humidifier  62  further includes an ozone vent  124  which is located upstream of the condensing element  14 , and is operable to introduce ozone into the air stream for reducing biological contaminants and inhibiting growth of same in the de-humidification chamber  74 .  
         [0041]     The collector  63  is in communication with the first reservoir  64  and the condensing element  14 , and receives condensed water vapor extracted from the air stream and directs the condensate to the first reservoir  64 . The first reservoir  64  has a first outlet  118 . The apparatus  60  further includes a pump  121 , which is in communication with the first outlet  118  to pump condensate from the first reservoir to the condensate conditioner  66 .  
         [0042]     The condensate conditioner  66  includes a plurality of water conditioning stages. A first water conditioning stage  122  includes a porous ceramic filtration element for removing particulate matter from the condensate received from the pump  121 . A second water conditioning stage  119  includes an activated carbon block filter for removing contaminants such as volatile organic compounds not removed by the volatile organic compound filtration element  98 , from the condensate. A third water conditioning stage  126  may include, in some embodiments of the present invention, re-mineralizing elements such as crushed quartz, granite, anthracite, sand, and the like, which are used to re-mineralize the condensate. A fourth water conditioning stage  128  may include a fiber mesh filter, which inhibits particulates from the re-mineralization element from being introduced into the condensate.  
         [0043]     After being conditioned by the condensate conditioner  66 , the condensate is received at an inlet  134  of the second reservoir  68 . The second reservoir  68  includes the heater/cooler element  36  and the spigot  34  for dispensing heated and/or cooled potable water to a user.  
         [0044]     The first reservoir  64  also includes a second outlet  140  and the PEM cell  18  includes first and second inlets  142  and  146  in communication with the first outlet for receiving a portion of the condensate from the first reservoir  64 . As described above, the PEM cell  18  generates water, oxygen, and ozone at the first outlet  20 . The PEM cell  18  also includes a second outlet  148 , at which the hydrogen (H 2 ), water, and hydronium ions (H 3 O+) are produced. The second outlet  148  of the PEM cell  18  is in communication with the re-humidifier  116  at which water, hydrogen and hydronium are introduced into the air stream.  
         [0045]     Advancing to  FIG. 4 , the PEM cell  18  is shown in greater detail. The PEM cell  18  includes a housing  300 , a cathode water cavity  302  and an anode water cavity  304 . The cathode water cavity  302  includes a water inlet  306 , and the anode water cavity  304  includes a water inlet  308 , both water inlets being located at a lower end of the housing  300 . The cathode water cavity  302  and the anode water cavity  304  are separated by an ion-exchange membrane  310 , which acts as a solid electrolyte in the PEM cell  18 . The ion-exchange membrane is contacted by catalysts  312  and  314 . The PEM cell  18  further includes a cathode electrode  316  and an anode electrode  318 . The catalysts  312  and  314  are chosen to enhance the formation of oxygen and ozone at the anode  318  while also inhibiting reformation of ozone molecules into diatomic oxygen.  
         [0046]     The PEM cell  18  further includes a first outlet  20  in communication with the anode water cavity  304  and a second outlet  148  in communication with the cathode water cavity  302 .  
         [0047]     Water is supplied to the PEM cell  18  at the first and second inlets  306  and  308  and flows through the cell to the first and second outlets  20  and  148 . When an external DC excitation current is applied between the anode  318  and the cathode  316 , a portion of the water at the anode is dissociated into oxygen, ozone, and hydrogen ions. Generation of ozone is enhanced by choosing a catalyst  312  for the anode side that causes the anode  318  to have a high overpotential, thus stimulating a more vigorous dissociation of the water.  
         [0048]     The hydrogen ions are able to selectively move through the ion-exchange membrane  310  to the cathode water cavity  302 , where some of the hydrogen ions combine with electrons provided by the external DC current to form hydrogen gas. The remaining hydrogen ions (H+) form hydronium (H3O+), which causes the water leaving the second outlet to be acidic.  
         [0049]     The water leaving the first outlet  20  includes ozone and oxygen entrained in the water. Advantageously, since the ozone is formed directly in the water, a significant portion of the ozone is dissolved in the water leaving the first outlet  20 .  
         [0050]     Ozone is effective in treating water by killing biological contaminants such as bacteria. Furthermore ozone is effective in chemically reacting with contaminants such as iron, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, nitrites, and complex organics and may also cause some contaminant molecules to agglomerate, thus facilitating filtration. Advantageously, ozone treatment of water does not leave chemical traces in the water (e.g. chlorination), since the ozone dissociates into oxygen over time. However, due to this dissociation over time, a steady state production of ozone is usually desirable for adequate treatment of water.  
         [0051]     The second outlet  148  of the PEM cell  18  is in communication with the re-humidifier  116 . Turning back to  FIG. 3 , the re-humidifier  116  is shown in greater detail in side cross-sectional view. Referring to  FIG. 3A  the re-humidifier  116  includes a liquid reservoir  200 . The liquid reservoir  200  includes an inlet  202 , which is in communication with the PEM cell  18  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) for receiving discharge liquid from the PEM cell. The discharge liquid is acidic due to the presence of the hydronium ions, and also includes dissolved hydrogen. The discharge liquid is generally too acidic to be re-combined with the potable treated condensate, and typically requires some form of neutralization.  
         [0052]     To accomplish neutralization, the de-humidifier  62  includes a re-humidifier  116  that has a spillway  204  and a fiber wick  206 . The fiber wick hangs downwardly from an edge  208  of the spillway  204 , and is fabricated from an acid resistant material such as acid resistant polymer. As best shown in top view in  FIG. 3B , the liquid reservoir  200  includes an air stream aperture  210 , which facilitates air flow (in the direction shown by arrows  207 ) from the de-humidification chamber  74  through the fiber wick  206 .  
         [0053]     The re-humidifier  116  operates by receiving the discharge liquid from the PEM cell  18  which causes a level of the liquid in the liquid reservoir  200  to rise to a level  214 , whereupon the liquid flows over the spillway  204  to the fiber wick  206 , in the direction indicated by arrows  212 . The discharge liquid wets the fiber wick  206 , and the airflow  207  causes the liquid to evaporate from the wick  206  into the air stream  209 , which is exhausted through the air outlet ( 76  in  FIG. 2 ). The evaporated hydronium ions quickly dissociate into water and oxygen ions, and the oxygen ions form diatomic oxygen molecules, thereby rendering the hydronium ions benign. The hydrogen is vented into the atmosphere through the outlet  76 , and in low concentrations presents little or no hazard.  
         [0054]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , advantageously, the hydronium ions are extremely reactive and are effective in further preventing biological contamination in the area of the air outlet  76 . The evaporated water also partially re-humidifies the air stream before being discharged through the outlet  76 .  
         [0055]     The second reservoir  68  also includes an ozone inlet  152 , which is in communication with the first outlet  20  of the PEM cell  18  for receiving treated condensate including entrained ozone and oxygen. The second reservoir  68  also includes an outlet  154  which is located at a high point of the second reservoir and which is in communication with an ozone inlet  156 , on the first reservoir  64 , for communicating gaseous ozone from the second reservoir  68  to the first reservoir  64 .  
         [0056]     The first reservoir  64  includes an outlet  160  located at a high point in the first reservoir. The outlet  160  is in communication with the ozone vent  124  for introducing ozone into the air stream  10  upstream from the condensing element  14 . In the embodiment shown the apparatus  60  includes a filter  162 . The filter  162  functions to prevent contamination of the first reservoir  64 , in the event of a positive pressure differential occurring between the de-humidification chamber  74  and the first reservoir  64 , which could force air into the reservoir.  
         [0057]     The first reservoir  64  may further include a first float switch  166  for generating a signal when a level of the condensate in the first reservoir reaches a pre-determined level. The second reservoir  68  also may include a second float switch  168  for generating a signal when the condensate level in the second reservoir reaches a pre-determined level.  
         [0058]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment the apparatus  60  further includes a controller  220 . The controller  220  monitors and adjusts various processes of the apparatus  60 . The controller  220  includes a first input  222  for receiving a signal representing a concentration of ozone from the ozone sensor  114 . The controller  220  also includes a second input  224  for receiving the signal from the first float switch  166 , and an input  226  for receiving the signal from the second float switch  168 . The controller  220  further includes an input  227  for receiving a temperature signal from the inlet air temperature sensor  71 .  
         [0059]     The controller  220  also includes an output  228  for producing a signal for controlling an excitation current to the PEM cell  18 . The controller  220  further includes an output  230  for producing a signal for controlling the pump  121 , an output  232  for producing a signal for controlling the heat pump  100 , and an output  234  for producing a signal for controlling the operation of the fan  110 . The controller  220  may include further outputs for activating and de-activating the high voltage supply  123 , which drives the ionization electrode  120 , and/or the electrostatic precipitator filter  96 .  
         [0060]     For a complete understanding of the present invention, the operation of the apparatus  60  is described with reference to  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the fan  110  operates to draw the air stream  10  through the filtration section  72  and the dehumidification chamber  74 , and to discharge the air stream  78  through the air outlet  76 . The incoming air stream  10  is received at the air inlet  70  and passes through the filtration section  72  into the de-humidifier chamber  74 . The filtration section  72  removes most particulate matter, mould, spores, dust, mites, smoke particles, and volatile organic compounds from the incoming air stream  10 .  
         [0061]     The ozone vent  124  introduces ozone into the dehumidification chamber  74  ahead of the condensing element  14 . The ozone is effective in killing biological contaminants, which are not removed by the filtration section  72 . The ozone also prevents growth of biological contaminants in the condensing element  14 , the condenser coils  104 , and the dehumidification chamber  74 .  
         [0062]     Since ozone, above a certain concentration, is considered to be harmful to humans, in one embodiment the ozone concentration may be monitored and controlled by monitoring the signal produced by the ozone sensor  114 . Referring to  FIG. 5  the ozone concentration signal is received from the ozone sensor  114  at the input  222  of the controller  220 . The controller produces the PEM cell control signal at the output  228  in response to the ozone concentration. When the ozone concentration in the outlet discharge air stream  78  increases above a threshold level, the controller reduces the drive current to the PEM cell, thus reducing the generation of ozone at the PEM cell. In this manner, the concentration of ozone vented into the atmosphere though the air outlet  76  may be limited to a safe level.  
         [0063]     When the heat pump  100  is activated by the controller  220  the condensing element  14  is cooled to a temperature at or below the dew point of the incoming air stream  10 , as indicated by the temperature sensor  71 . Water vapor in the air stream  10  condenses onto the condensing element  14 , and drips into the collector  63 . The collector  63  directs the water vapor condensate into the first reservoir  64  and the condensate accumulates in the first reservoir until the level of the water activates the first float switch  166 . The controller  220  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) receives the signal from the first float switch  166  at the inlet  224  and produces an activation signal at the output  230  to activate the pump  121  and cause condensate to be pumped from the first reservoir  64  through the condensate conditioner  66 , and into the second reservoir  68 .  
         [0064]     The condensate conditioner  66  filters the condensate to remove various contaminants as described above, and also may re-mineralize the condensate to improve the taste of the water supplied by the apparatus  60 .  
         [0065]     The condensate is accumulated in the second reservoir  68  until the level of the condensate in the reservoir activates the second float switch  168  such that the controller  220  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) receives a signal at the input  226  indicating that the condensate level in the second reservoir has reached the level of the second float switch  168 . In response the controller produces a signal at the output  234  to deactivate the fan and a signal at the output  232  to deactivate the heat pump, thus discontinuing generation of condensate while the second reservoir is full. The controller may further produce output signals at the outputs  236  and  238  to de-activate the HV ionization supply  123 , and the electrostatic precipitator filter  96  respectively. The controller  220  is further configured to produce signals at the outputs  232  and  234  to activate the heat pump  100  and fan  110  when the condensate level in the second reservoir  68  falls sufficiently to de-activate the second float switch  168 .  
         [0066]     The heater/cooler element  36  cools and/or heats the collected condensate, which may be dispensed as treated potable drinking water through the spigot  34 .  
         [0067]     A portion of the condensate in the first reservoir  64  is diverted through the second outlet  140  to the first and second inlets  142  and  146  of the PEM cell  18 . As described previously the PEM cell  18  generates water, oxygen and ozone at the first outlet  20 . The water, oxygen and ozone are received at the ozone inlet  152  in the second container  68  and bubbles through the second container causing the condensate to re-circulate while simultaneously being treated by the ozone. The ozone in the second reservoir  68  treats the condensate accumulated therein preventing biological growth, and contamination of the condensate in the second reservoir. Advantageously the oxygen entrained in the condensate at the first outlet  20  of the PEM cell  18  oxygenates the condensate in the second reservoir  68 , which further enhances the taste of the water generated by the apparatus  60 .  
         [0068]     A portion of the ozone in the second reservoir  68  diffuses as gaseous ozone from a surface  69  of the condensate accumulated in the second reservoir, and is communicated through the outlet  154  to the ozone inlet  156  of the first reservoir  64 .  
         [0069]     The gaseous ozone received at the first reservoir  64  from the second reservoir mixes and becomes entrained in the condensate accumulated in the first reservoir  64 , thus treating the condensate in the first reservoir. A portion of the ozone also diffuses from the surface  65  of the condensate in the first reservoir  64  and is communicated through the outlet  160 , through the filter  162 , to the ozone vent  124 .  
         [0070]     The re-humidifier  116  receives the discharge liquid from the second outlet  148  of the PEM cell  18 , and causes the hydronium ions in the water to be evaporated and dissociated as described above.  
         [0071]     In one embodiment where the apparatus  60  includes the ionization electrode  120  and high voltage power supply  123 , electrons are generated at the electrode and introduced into the air stream ahead of the condensing element  14 . The electrons are operable to generate anions of oxygen in the air stream and at least a portion of the anions dissolve into the water vapor condensate which collects on the condensing element  14 . It is believed that the oxygen anions are effective in enhancing oxygen retention in the water, thus producing a potable water product which has a high proportion of entrained oxygen.  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an apparatus  340  for generating water from an ambient air stream  10  in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. The apparatus  340  includes several elements in common with the apparatus  60  shown in  FIG. 2 , and accordingly similar elements are numbered using similar reference numerals as in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0073]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the apparatus  340  includes a de-humidifier  342 , and a reservoir  344  and the collector  63 , the condensate conditioner  66 , and the PEM cell  18  shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0074]     In the embodiment depicted, the de-humidifier  342  includes a humidifier element  346 , which is located ahead of the air inlet  70 . The humidifier element  346  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 7 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , the humidifier element  346  includes a housing  380 , which includes a water reservoir  382  at a lower portion thereof. The humidifier element  346  further includes a water inlet  384  which is in communication with the reservoir  382  for receiving untreated (and possibly contaminated) water. The humidifier element  346  further includes a plurality of polyfiber panels  386 , which are suspended from a top portion  388  of the housing  380 . A lower end  390  of each of the polyfiber panels  386  is at least partially immersed in the water accumulated in the reservoir  382 . The humidifier element  346  further includes an airflow aperture  392  for receiving the air stream  10 .  
         [0075]     The humidifier element  346  generally operates by receiving, at the inlet  384 , water which has not been treated, and pre-humidifies the incoming air stream  10  to enhance the water vapor content thereof. For example, the water may be from a ground water supply, a river, a stream, or any other untreated source of water.  
         [0076]     The untreated water is accumulated in the reservoir  382  and sediment and other heavier particulate matter is permitted to settle in the reservoir. This matter may be removed from the reservoir through the drain  383 . The water in the reservoir  382  wicks up and along the polyfiber panels  386  by capillary attraction, and is evaporated into the air stream  10  flowing between the polyfiber panels. The air stream  394  leaving the humidifier element  346  generally has enhanced water vapor content due to the additional water vapor evaporated from the polyfiber panels  386 .  
         [0077]     Advantageously the humidifier element  346  facilitates use of the apparatus  340  in environments where the air stream  10  has relatively low water vapor content.  
         [0078]     Referring back to  FIG. 6 , in this embodiment the de-humidifier  342  further includes an ozonator/ionizer  348 . The ozonator/ionizer  348  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 8 . Referring to  FIG. 8A  the ozonator/ionizer  348  includes a plurality of electrode members  420 , each electrode member including a conductive electrode  424 , which is surrounded by a glass enclosure  422 . Alternating, electrode members  420  are connected to a ground terminal  426  and a high voltage excitation signal terminal  428  respectively. The excitation is provided by a high voltage signal generator (not shown) which is configured to produce a waveform  440  as shown in  FIG. 8B .  
         [0079]     Referring to  FIG. 8B  the waveform  440  generally has the form of a saw-tooth function and includes a rising edge  442  and a falling edge  444 . The rising edge  442  includes a first portion  446 , including voltages up to about 10 kV. The rising edge  442  of the waveform  440  further includes a second portion  448 , including voltages from about 10 kV up to about 12 kV. In one embodiment, the frequency of the saw-tooth waveform may be between 1 kHz and 7 kHz.  
         [0080]     When the voltage is below about 10 kV, the ozonator/ionizer  348  produces a low concentration of ozone and a high concentration of free electrons. As the voltage increases above about 10 kV a corona discharge begins to form between the electrode members  420 , and the ozonator/ionizer  348  produces a higher concentration of ozone and a lower concentration of free electrons. At a voltage of approximately 12 kV the ozonator/ionizer produces predominantly ozone, and the corona discharge may begin to arc across the electrode member  420 , thus short circuiting the high voltage signal generator whereupon the voltage returns to 0V along the falling edge  444 .  
         [0081]     The glass enclosure  422  surrounding each electrode prevents corrosion of the conductive electrodes  424  and also provides an easily cleanable surface. Referring back to  FIG. 6 , the ozonator/ionizer  348  enhances the production of ozone in the de-humidifier  342 , which supplements the introduction of ozone introduced through the ozone vent  124 . The ozonator/ionizer  348  generates both free electrons and ozone, and may be used in co-operation with, or instead of the ozone vent  124  and/or the ionization electrode  120  (shown in  FIG. 2 ).  
         [0082]     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , in this embodiment the first and second inlets  142  and  146  of the PEM cell  18  are directly in communication with the condensate conditioner  66 . The first and second inlets  142  and  146  of the PEM cell  18  are located at a sufficient vertical distance indicated by the arrow  350  from the collector  63 , such that the apparatus  340  is capable of operating by gravity feed alone. In one embodiment the vertical distance  350  is about 30 inches. The first outlet  20  of the PEM cell  18  is in communication with the ozone inlet  152  of the reservoir  344 . The outlet  154  of the reservoir  344  is communication with the ozone vent  124  via the filter  162 .  
         [0083]     The operation of the apparatus  340  is described with reference to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 8 . The air stream  10  is received at the humidifier  346 , which humidifies the air stream  10 , prior to passing through the filtration elements  72 . The ozonator/ionizer  348  generates free electrons and ozone in the air stream  10  with the additional ozone generation supplementing the ozone introduced through the ozone vent  124 . The water vapor in the air stream condenses on the condensing element  14 , and is collected by the collector  63 . The collector  63  directs the condensate through the condensate conditioner  66 , which performs the same functions as described above in reference to  FIG. 2 .  
         [0084]     In this embodiment, all of the condensate collected by the collector  63  is passed through the condensate conditioner  66  and through the PEM cell  18 . Furthermore in this embodiment the flow is achieved through gravitational forces alone, thus eliminating the need for a pump and associated controller.  
         [0085]     Ozone and oxygen are generated in the condensate at the first outlet  20  of the PEM cell  18 , and communicated to the ozone inlet  152  in the reservoir  344 , thus treating the condensate accumulated in the reservoir. A portion of the ozone in the condensate accumulated in the reservoir  344  diffuses to the surface  345  and collects above the surface, where it is communicated through the outlet  154 , through the filter  162 , and to the ozone vent  124 , where it treats the air stream and inhibits growth of biological contaminants in the de-humidifier  342 .  
         [0086]     Referring lastly to  FIG. 9 , an alternative embodiment of the humidifier element  480  is depicted. The humidifier element  480  includes a first water container  482  and a second water container  484 . The second container  484  is located above the first container  482 .  
         [0087]     The first container  482  includes an inlet  486  for receiving untreated water, from for example a municipal water supply or a ground water supply. The inlet  486  includes a valve  488  for controlling the supply of water to the first container, and further includes a float switch, which is in communication with the valve  488  for controlling the supply of water to the first container. The first container  482  further includes a pump  494 , which is in communication with an outlet tube  496 .  
         [0088]     The second container  484  includes an inlet  492 , which is in communication with the outlet tube  496  for receiving water from the first container. In the embodiment shown, the pump  494  includes a float switch (not shown) for activating the pump when the water in the first container is at a sufficient level to feed the pump.  
         [0089]     The second container  484  further includes a plurality of outlets  498  for generating a plurality of water streams  500  between the second container and the first container  482 . The humidifier  480  is located in a duct section  502  (only a portion shown), which is configured to receive the air stream  10  and direct the air stream through the plurality of streams  500 .  
         [0090]     In operation, the humidifier  480  receives water at the inlet  486  and the second container  484  is filled until a water level  504  activates the float switch  490 , thus causing the valve  488  to interrupt the flow of water. The float switch activated pump  494  operates whenever there is sufficient water in the first container  482 , and causes water to be pumped from the first container, through the outlet tube  496 , and into the second container  484  through the inlet  492 .  
         [0091]     The water pumped into the second container  484  flows downwardly through the plurality of outlets  498 , forming the plurality of streams  500  which return to the first container  482 . The air stream  10  flows through the plurality of streams  500 , as water in the streams is evaporated, thus humidifying the air stream  10 .  
         [0092]     Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention described above provide for the generation of ozone from the condensate, which is subsequently entrained in the condensate and operable to treat the condensate, thus prevention biological contamination thereof. Diffused ozone gas, collected from the treated condensate, is re-used to treat the air stream components, thus preventing biological contamination thereof. The use of a PEM cell facilitates production of sufficient quantities of ozone and provides oxygen for oxygenating the condensate. If desired, additional ozone may be generated in the air stream, along with the generation of ionizing electrons as described above.  
         [0093]     While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.  
         [0094]     It is therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the various objects of the present invention, an apparatus for generating water from an ambient air stream. While the various objects of this invention have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of this specification and the appended claims.