Patent Description:
Large areas of the earth's surface, on which hundreds of millions of people live, suffer from a shortage of fresh water. Indeed, the shortage of clean, fresh water is considered by some experts to be the single most important environmental concern. Many solutions to this problem have been proposed, but none have been found to be practical or cost effective on a large scale with current technology. Other approaches are constantly being sought.

One potential source of fresh water that has, perhaps, not attracted the attention it deserves is atmospheric water vapor. The earth's atmosphere is estimated to contain approximately <NUM> X <NUM><NUM> liters of water as vapor, which is continuously replenished and is equivalent to the needs of the earth's entire population for over two and a half years. Furthermore, the capacity of atmospheric air to hold water vapor increases exponentially with temperature. In warmer and more humid geographic areas, air near the earth's surface may hold more than <NUM> grams of water vapor per cubic meter. Recovery of even a small percentage of this vapor as liquid water in the present disclosure would yield enormous benefits. An example of an apparatus for condensing water from atmospheric air is provided in <CIT>.

Broadly, a water vapor condensation apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a condensation module including a housing containing a condensing unit operable to cool moisture-laden atmospheric air below its ambient dew point, thereby condensing the water vapor in the air into liquid water. The condensing unit includes one or more condensing chambers, each comprising a pre-cooling section and a condensing section. Condensed water from the condensing unit is directed to a fresh water collection device, preferably after processing by filtration and/or purification devices. The housing is configured to direct the atmospheric air through the condensing unit in an efficient manner, so as to optimize the condensation effect. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for circulating the cooled and dehumidified air within the housing to maintain the ambient temperature inside the condenser housing within a desired range. The housing may range in size in a variety of configurations from small to very large. In one embodiment, the housing is configured and dimensioned as a standard ship-board cargo container, so as to be compatible with commonly-used container handling and transportation equipment. The housing is advantageously configured for modular assembly into a multi-unit array, whereby the apparatus can be scaled up for larger volumes of fresh water production. The apparatus of the invention is more precisely defined in claim <NUM> and a method of producing water from atmospheric air is defined in claim <NUM> while additional options are defined in the dependent claims.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of water condensation modules, assemblies, and components in accordance with aspects of the disclosed apparatuses and methods, and it is not intended to represent the only forms in which the explicitly and implicitly described components, assemblies, and methods may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and the steps for constructing and using the embodiments of the present components, assemblies, and method in connection with the illustrated embodiments. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

<FIG> shows a water condensation apparatus <NUM>, or water production module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The water condensation module or apparatus <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and one or more condensing units <NUM> located within the housing <NUM> through which warm moist air will pass to be chilled to or below its ambient dew point, causing fresh, liquid water to condense. The condensate will then be directed to storage or filtering and/or processing apparatus for bottling or other similar uses.

The housing <NUM> may advantageously be configured and dimensioned so as to be compatible with common cargo container handling and transportation equipment. The housing <NUM> may, for example, conform to standard sea cargo container dimensions with external dimensions of <NUM> feet (<NUM> meters) wide by <NUM> feet (<NUM> meters) high, and <NUM> to <NUM> feet (<NUM> to <NUM> meters) long, and approximate interior dimensions of <NUM> feet <NUM> inches (<NUM> meters) wide, <NUM> feet <NUM> inches (<NUM> meters) high, and <NUM> feet <NUM> inches (<NUM> meters) long. The housing <NUM> may conform to the standardized Twenty foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) standard container size utilized in international shipping standards. Thus, in accordance with this aspect, the housing <NUM> may be manufactured in any of the facilities already producing standard cargo containers, thereby minimizing fabrication, construction, and handling costs while maximizing compatibility with existing global port infrastructure and transportation configurations. As shown, the housing <NUM> has the shape of a rectangular box.

The housing <NUM>, in the illustrated rectangular embodiment, has a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a rear side, all extending between a first open end <NUM> and an opposite second open end <NUM>. The first open end <NUM> can be a first inlet opening and the second open end <NUM> can be a second inlet opening. In <FIG>, a top side of the housing <NUM> and a front side of the housing <NUM> are removed to better illustrate and describe components located inside the housing <NUM>. A door assembly is advantageously provided at each of the open ends <NUM>, <NUM> to controllably close the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown, each door assembly comprises a pair of doors <NUM> pivotably attached (as by hinges) to opposite sides of the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The doors <NUM> can be operated remotely or automatically by actuator devices <NUM> for transition between an open position and a closed position. The actuator devices can include hydraulic or pneumatic devices, or equivalents. As shown in <FIG>, the doors <NUM>, when in the open position, allow warm moist atmospheric air to be drawn inside the housing <NUM> through the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM> so as to flow through a plurality of condensing units <NUM>. The condensing units <NUM> chill the air to or below its ambient dew point to condense the water vapor in the air into liquid water condensate as it passes through the condensing units <NUM>, or condensation units. As described below, the condensing units <NUM> can be arranged in a variety of configurations, including being arranged perpendicular to or at an acute angle to the air flow into the housing <NUM>. The cooled air is circulated in the housing <NUM> to maintain a desired temperature in the housing <NUM>, and/or it exits the housing <NUM> through an outlet or exhaust tunnel <NUM>, as explained in further detail below. In the closed position, the doors <NUM> close the opposite ends of the housing <NUM>, thereby covering the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM> to protect the condensing units <NUM> and other components inside the housing <NUM> from hazards and environmental conditions when not in use. Although an assembly of two doors <NUM> is shown at each of the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, a single folding door, a roll up door, a sliding door, or other means to cover and protect the open ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be used instead.

The housing <NUM> can be positioned relative to the wind to provide a flow of warm moist air into at least one of the first open end <NUM> and the second open end <NUM>, and out through the outlet <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the outlet <NUM> is centrally located and extends through opposite sides of the housing <NUM> between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the flow of the cooled air out of the housing <NUM> is perpendicular to the flow of warm moist air inside the housing <NUM>. The cooled air can flow in opposite directions out of the housing <NUM> or flow in one direction through an exhaust tunnel forming the outlet <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> is an opening with a cross-sectional area sufficient to exhaust chilled air from which moisture has been condensed. In a specific example, the outlet <NUM> may have a diameter of about <NUM>-<NUM> meters, with a perimeter spaced from a top side and a bottom side of the housing <NUM> to maintain structural rigidity of the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the outlet <NUM> can be U-shaped with vertical sides extending from the bottom side of the housing <NUM> and a semi-cylindrical top portion spaced from the top side of the housing <NUM>.

The condensation apparatus <NUM> can be positioned so that the wind can feed warm moist air into the housing <NUM> through whichever of the openings <NUM>, <NUM> is the inlet, and the cooled air can flow out the other of the openings <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the exhaust outlet <NUM>.

When no wind is present or the airflow of the warm, moist air passing through the condensing units <NUM> is inadequate, the natural airflow from the wind can be mechanically augmented, or an artificial air flow mechanically created, by one or more ventilation devices, such as fans <NUM>, located within the housing <NUM> and operable to pull the warm moist air into the housing <NUM> and force the warm moist air through the condensing units <NUM>. The fans <NUM> can be located inside the housing <NUM> at or near one, or preferably both, of the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM>, and they can be powered by a power supply (not shown), such as, for example, batteries, an external electrical power supplied to the condensing apparatus <NUM>, an on-board generator or by direct mechanical drives such as belts or pulleys driven by external mechanical means such as wind, wave or internal combustion engine. By pulling the warm, moist air into the housing <NUM> with the fans <NUM> and forcing the air towards the condensing units <NUM>, the warm, moist air between the fans <NUM> and the condensing units <NUM> is under compression, thereby reducing its ability to carry water vapor. Thus, the fans <NUM> can increase the yield of liquid water condensate by not only drawing in warm, moist air through the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM>, but also by compressing the moist air. In one embodiment, the air velocity may be about <NUM>/sec through the condensing units <NUM>. The warm, moist air between the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM> and the condensing units <NUM> may be understood as being upstream of the condensing units <NUM>, while the air that has moved past the condensing units <NUM> in the housing and between the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> may be understood as being downstream of the condensing units <NUM>.

A filter <NUM> may optionally be provided upstream of the fans <NUM> at the first open end <NUM> and second open end <NUM> to prevent debris and other large objects from entering the housing <NUM>, without restricting the flow of moist air into the housing <NUM>. In one example, the filter is a tight mesh like screen arranged just inside or at the first open end <NUM> and the second open end <NUM> so that the debris can drop from the filter under its own weight. Alternatively, the filter and an optional secondary filter (not shown) can be provided between each fan <NUM> and adjacent condensing unit <NUM>. The fans <NUM> may also be operated in reverse periodically or when needed to assist in clearing the debris from the filters.

The condensing units <NUM> are located inside the housing <NUM> between the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>. In one embodiment, the condensing units <NUM> are located between the fans <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>. Said differently, the outlet <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is preferably located between the condensing units <NUM> so that the flow of air passing through the condensing units <NUM> can exit the housing <NUM>.

Each condensing unit <NUM> comprises a pre-cooling section <NUM> and a condenser section <NUM> downstream of the pre-cooling section <NUM>. That is, the pre-cooling section <NUM> of the condensing unit <NUM> is located between the path of the airflow of the moist air between the fan <NUM> and the condenser section <NUM>. Each pre-cooling section <NUM> may advantageously comprise multiple atomizing nozzles (not shown) arranged to spray a mist of cooled water into the incoming air stream to reduce the temperature of the warm, moist air prior to entering the condenser section <NUM>. Pre-cooling the incoming air stream with cooled water materially enhances the efficiency of the condensing section <NUM> by reducing the air temperature and increasing the relative humidity, preferably to or near <NUM>%, thereby reducing the moisture-carrying capacity of the incoming air and increasing condensate yield. The cooled water can be a portion of the condensate produced from the condenser section <NUM> that is recirculated and pumped through the pre-cooling section <NUM>. Thus, the pre-cooling section <NUM> can use recirculated cooled water instead of water pumped from outside of the housing <NUM>. Cooled water recaptured with the newly condensed water and the unused portion of the condensate may be collected and directed into a storage system (not shown) outside of the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, a land-based apparatus (not shown) may pump in cooling water from an external source (not shown), such as a tank or a reservoir.

In one embodiment, each pre-cooling section <NUM> can comprise one or more pipes joined together alongside a perimeter of the condenser section <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). Holes or atomizing nozzles (not shown) may be spaced apart along the pipes and directed for spraying atomized cooled water into the incoming air flow prior to entering the condenser section <NUM> to reduce the temperature and moisture-carrying capacity of the incoming air. In another embodiment, atomizing nozzles can be placed at a top of the housing <NUM>, or they may form a ring adjacent to the entrance to the condenser section <NUM>.

The condenser section <NUM> comprises a plurality of condensers <NUM> each having a plurality of condensing surfaces. The cooling for the condensers <NUM> can be provided by various means including, individually or in combination, modified refrigeration, evaporative cooling, solar heating/refrigeration, and circulating refrigerant, the condensed water, or cold, deep seawater. Heat is removed from the moist air passing over the condensing surfaces, so that the air is cooled below its dew point, thereby causing atmospheric water vapor to condense as liquid water on the condensing surfaces and flow into a specially designed collection apparatus for collection, as discussed further below. In one example, the temperature of the warm moist air entering the apparatus <NUM> can be about <NUM>° C, and cooled to about <NUM>° C or less after passing through the condensers and out the outlet <NUM>, depending on the condenser configuration and the cooling mechanism.

The condensers <NUM> may assume a variety of configurations, such as finned, thermo-syphon, heat pipe, or refrigeration. One exemplary configuration includes an array of fins <NUM> (see <FIG>) and/or tubes as condensing surfaces. The condensing fins or tubes are arranged in a vertical array to promote condensate discharge. In either case, the spacing between the condensing surfaces in the array, and the overall dimensions of the array, are advantageously selected to minimize "blinding" by condensate accumulating between adjacent condensing surfaces, which impedes air flow and thus reduces condensate formation.

With reference to <FIG>, in one embodiment, for example, the condenser <NUM> includes an array of condensation fins <NUM>, wherein the height H of the array of condensation fins <NUM> is preferably not more than about <NUM>-<NUM>, and preferably spaced about <NUM>-<NUM> apart. The overall depth D (front-to-back) of the array is preferably not more than about <NUM>-<NUM> to avoid excessive air flow resistance. In one configuration, the overall width W of the condenser <NUM> may advantageously be slightly more than half the internal width of the housing <NUM>. This will allow several condensers <NUM> to be staggered inside the housing <NUM>, as discussed in detail below with reference to <FIG>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the condensation fins <NUM> are fixed to one or more horizontal cooling tubes or heat pipes <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, through which a coolant fluid, such as a refrigerant or cold water, is circulated. The cooling tubes <NUM> are preferably made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as, for example, copper. The cooling tubes <NUM> may run through the fins <NUM> multiple times by looping back and forth across the width of the condenser <NUM>. Alternatively, the cooling tubes <NUM> may be straight tubes connected together by a connector <NUM>, such as a U-shaped connector <NUM>, attached to an end of two separate cooling tubes <NUM> just outside a side frame portion 55b of a frame <NUM> of the condenser <NUM>. The tubes <NUM> connected to each other by each U-shaped connector <NUM> may be either adjacent to each other or non-adjacent. Thus, the coolant fluid may circulate through one cooling tube <NUM> after another cooling tube <NUM> via the U-shaped connector <NUM>. Two or more cooling tubes <NUM> can thereby be connected in series via the connectors <NUM> to form a single serpentine tube with an inlet end and an outlet end.

With reference to <FIG>, a coolant system <NUM> comprises a supply line 70a supplying coolant fluid to the condensers <NUM>, and a return line 70b returning the coolant fluid after it has circulated through the condensers <NUM>. The supply line 70a is connected to a supply tube <NUM>, which in turn, is connected in parallel to the one or more inlet ends of one or more cooling tubes <NUM> of one or more condensers <NUM>, directly or via a secondary tube (not shown), preferably having an internal diameter between that of the supply tube <NUM> and the one or more cooling tubes <NUM>. Thus, the supply line 70a is able to simultaneously feed coolant fluid to the cooling tubes <NUM> of the condensers <NUM> via the supply tube <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, four condensers <NUM> are stacked on top of one another, although the number and arrangement of the condensers <NUM> may be varied as suitable for each application. Condenser arrangements may vary from nearly perpendicular to the air-flow to acute angles forming a "zig - zag" or chevron array, as further described below with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. Embodiments of a chevron arrangement can increase the condensing surface area and reduce pressure differentials and air flow velocity across the condensing surfaces, thereby increasing production of condensate water as well as increasing structural stability.

The supply tube <NUM> may extend vertically adjacent the stack of condensers <NUM>, with hard or flexible couplings connected to the one or more inlet ends of each of the condensers <NUM>. Alternatively, the supply tube <NUM> can be fixed to the one or more inlet ends of the cooling tubes <NUM> of each of the condensers <NUM> by welding. The supply tube <NUM> may have an interior cross-sectional size or interior diameter equal to or greater than an interior cross-sectional size or interior diameter of a single cooling tube <NUM>.

After the coolant fluid in the condensers <NUM> has drawn heat away from the fins <NUM> to condense water from the warm, moist air, the warmer coolant fluid returns to the return line 70b of the coolant system <NUM> through a return tube <NUM>, which is connected in parallel to the one or more outlet ends of the one or more cooling tubes <NUM> of the one or more condensers, directly or via a secondary tube (not shown), preferably having an internal diameter at least equal to that of the supply tube <NUM>. Thus, the returning coolant fluid may be removed from multiple condensers <NUM> simultaneously. The return tube <NUM> may extend vertically adjacent the stack of condensers <NUM> with hard or flexible couplings connected to the one or more outlet ends of the cooling tubes <NUM> of each of the condensers <NUM>. Alternatively, the return tube <NUM> can be fixed to the one or more outlet ends of each of the condensers <NUM> by welding. The return tube <NUM> may have a larger interior cross-sectional size or interior diameter equal to or greater than the interior cross-sectional size or interior diameter of a single cooling tube <NUM>. The return tube <NUM> can be positioned adjacent to the supply tube <NUM>, but it advantageously may be spaced sufficiently far from the supply tube <NUM> to prevent (or at least minimize) heat transfer from the return tube <NUM> to the supply tube <NUM>.

The condensers <NUM> can be any suitable apparatus known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the condenser <NUM> or heat exchanger may include thermo-siphons or heat pipes which may be advantageously oriented in the air flow, and may be configured as individual tubular pipes or alternatively as loops. The heat pipes and thermo-syphons may be oriented in a variety of positions ranging from vertical through horizontal and all angles between. Closely spaced fins preferably oriented vertically or nearly so, may be attached to the heat pipes / thermo-syphons to increase the cooling and condensing areas. In one embodiment, the vertically oriented tubular or loop heat pipes or thermo-syphons comprise tubing of about <NUM>-<NUM> in diameter, with a flattened or ovoid cross-section however other shapes are contemplated, and may be straight, formed in a helix, twisted or other advantageous shape with spacing about <NUM>-<NUM>, in offset rows no more than about <NUM> high and a working air flow area no more than about <NUM> in depth. The upper end of the heat pipes are embedded in a suitable heat sink which may advantageously consist of a number of materials and configurations including but not limited to a finned metallic heat sink with high thermal conductivity that is cooled by a constant flow of air or water, or in another configuration the upper end of each heat pipe or thermo-syphon is inserted in a container through which a stream of coolant is circulated which may be water or other liquid or gas. The warm moist air flow transfers heat to the heat pipe or thermo-syphon causing the working fluid to vaporize, the vapor then rising to the upper portion of the heat pipe or thermo-syphon where the heat is transferred to the heat sink, causing the working fluid to condense and flow down the tube until it is again vaporized.

In another contemplated configuration, heat pipes or thermo-syphons may be advantageously configured as a loop with any of multiple cross sections, geometric shapes and configurations with the evaporating section of the loop advantageously placed in the flow of warm moist air and the condensing section configured to dissipate heat into a heat sink as previously described or the passing cooled airstream with the evaporation portion of the loop oriented from vertical to horizontal. In one contemplated configuration the loop may be oriented with the evaporator section in a horizontal position, one end of the loop advantageously attached to, or inserted in a suitable heat sink as previously described. Vertically oriented cooling fins may advantageously be employed to increase the cooling and condensing area much in the same manner as the heat exchanger described above. Like the tubular heat pipe or thermo-syphon the loop heat pipe or thermo-syphon removes heat from the passing air stream through the constant evaporation and condensation of a suitable working fluid, transferring the heat to the working fluid for removal. The working fluid within the heat pipes or thermo-syphons can be any of a number of non-corrosive liquids including but not limited to distilled water, a suitable refrigerant or an azeotrope contained at an appropriate pressure or vacuum to facilitate the requisite evaporation and condensation of the working fluid. One non-corrosive positive azeotrope is <NUM>% ethanol and <NUM>% water.

In a refrigeration configuration (not shown), oriented refrigerated condensing coils pass through close-spaced fins or plates arranged vertically within the airflow. The condensing coils, in some embodiments, may be elongate ovals with long straight sides and short curves arranged in a closely spaced arrangement and/or augmented with additional cooling fins or plates arranged to promote the natural flow of condensate to the collection apparatus. The working fluid within the refrigeration coils or plates is a refrigerant.

Hydroscopic coating can be applied on the condensing surfaces to promote water discharge and enhance water production by removing the insulating effect of the condensed water more rapidly. The tubing and cooling surfaces can be made of copper-bismuth alloy to provide the greatest thermal coefficient and chemical resistance. Copper, aluminum, stainless steel and other highly conductive materials may also be used. A very hydroscopic, corrosion resistant "diamond like" carbon can be used as a coating. Diamond-like carbon can reduce friction and provide corrosion and wear resistance.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a frame <NUM> surrounding the condenser <NUM> can serve as a collection apparatus for collecting and directing flow of the condensate. To minimize corrosion, the frame <NUM> can be made of, or coated with, an appropriate corrosion resistant material. Each condenser <NUM> can act as a principal collection point for the produced condensate. Furthermore, the frame <NUM> can provide for easy installation, maintenance, removal, and replacement of the condenser <NUM>. In a number of embodiments, the frame <NUM> may comprise a bottom frame portion 55a, a pair of side frame portions 55b, and a top frame portion 55c that collectively form a rectangular frame <NUM>.

The condenser <NUM> may include one or more horizontal collection channels <NUM>, each with an opening facing upward to collect the condensate flow from the condenser surfaces of the condenser <NUM> into the collection channel under gravity. The side frame portions 55b can form an outwardly-facing vertical channel. When placed against a wall of the housing <NUM>, the side frame portions 55b of each of the condensers <NUM> stacked on top of one another can collectively form a rectangular collection passage or channel <NUM> running vertically along the side of the housing <NUM>. An alternative configuration utilizing a zig-zag pattern arrangement can have a suitable end-cap (not shown) placed over the converging ends of the condenser to form a similar collection passage as further described below with respect to <FIG>. The top frame portion 55c can form an upwardly-facing channel. The bottom frame portion 55a may also form an upwardly-facing collection channel to direct the flow of condensate through a plurality of collection ports <NUM> (as described below) into a collection passage <NUM> or conduit defined between the stacked side frame portions 55b and the wall of the housing <NUM>. The channel of the top frame portion 55c can be slightly wider than the bottom frame portion 55a, so that when one condenser <NUM> is stacked atop another condenser <NUM>, the bottom frame portion 55a of a first condenser <NUM> can nest inside the channel of the top frame portion 55c of a second condenser <NUM> to form a multi-condenser array, as shown, for example, in <FIG> and <FIG>. The sides of the channel of the bottom frame portion 55a may be flared outwardly at <NUM>°-<NUM>° with respect to the channel bottom. This allows the bottom frame portion 55a to form an interference fit with the top frame portion 55c when stacking the condensers. Thus, the bottom frame portion 55a can be wedged inside the top frame portion 55c.

The collection ports <NUM> at a bottom or end of each frame <NUM> direct the flow of condensate from the collection channels <NUM> into the collection passage or conduit, through which the condensate flows (either gravitationally, or by means of a pump, not shown) to a collection tray (See <FIG>, condensate collection tray <NUM>) which serves to collect condensate and direct it via porting and plumbing to one or more collection tanks or reservoirs. The collection ports <NUM> can be drilled or milled through the side frame portions 55b to direct the condensate flow into the collection passage or conduit. Air pressure from incoming air flow can assist in moving the condensate through the collection ports <NUM> and into the collection passage or conduit.

With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, several condensers <NUM> may be mounted together to form a bank <NUM> of condensers <NUM> stacked on top of one another. For example, in one specific exemplary embodiment, the bank <NUM> of condensers may be a stack four condensers high, with two banks arranged side by side spaced from each of the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Rather than abutting the two banks <NUM> end to end or in a planar orientation, the banks <NUM> of condensers <NUM> may be arranged such that the leading side of the condenser <NUM> on one side of the bank <NUM> of condensers <NUM> sits directly behind the trailing side of an adjacent bank <NUM> of condensers <NUM> on the other side of the condenser <NUM> to provide flexibility in the manufacturing and assembly of the banks <NUM>, and flexibility during storage, transit, and operation of the banks <NUM> inside the housing <NUM>. The banks <NUM> can be arranged in a staggered arrangement. This allows the vertical supply tube <NUM> and the vertical return tubes to be assembled close to the longitudinal center plane of the housing.

Embodiments of the banks <NUM> of condensers <NUM> can be arranged in a chevron arrangement, wherein a bank of condensers is at an oblique angle relative to an adjacent bank of condensers. In this way, the chevron arrangement provides for an accordion type arrangement, or an arrangement similar to the folds in a coffee filter. A chevron arrangement can increase the effectiveness of the condensers. Additional details of embodiments of the chevron arrangement are described below with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the various arrangements of the condenser section <NUM>, the banks of condensers can be mounted on collection pans or trays, which can serve to collect condensate, direct condensate into collection channels, support condenser banks, provide critical space and access for piping and plumbing, and assist in controlling air flow.

The bank <NUM> of condensers <NUM> can be mounted on rails (not shown) for easy accessibility to the condensers <NUM> for maintenance, removal, and replacement. Advantageously, in some embodiments, each bank <NUM> of condensers <NUM> may be located approximately <NUM> from an end of the housing <NUM>, and about <NUM> from the exhaust tunnel or outlet <NUM>. The banks <NUM> may be removably fixed to the housing <NUM> by brackets or stabilizing rails (not shown) on the interior of the bottom side or floor of the housing <NUM> and the interior of the front and rear sides of the housing <NUM>. The brackets may also serve to align the banks <NUM> inside the housing <NUM>. For example, the brackets can be L-shaped brackets with holes or slots to fasten the bracket to an inside floor of the housing <NUM>. The brackets may then be fastened to the bank <NUM>, or the bank <NUM> may be sandwiched between two brackets to secure the bank to the floor and front/back side of the housing <NUM>.

The above-described coolant system <NUM> for supplying cooling fluid to the condensers <NUM> and returning warmed fluid from the condensers <NUM> may advantageously comprise both rigid and flexible plumbing elements (e.g., tubes and conduits). Rigid plumbing elements, such as metal or PVC pipes, can be placed inside the housing <NUM> close to a centerline of the housing <NUM> to save piping and plumbing costs, and to protect the coolant system from damage. A combination of rigid plumbing and flexible plumbing, including pipes, hoses, and quick disconnect couplings, can be placed outside the housing connecting to the rigid plumbing inside the housing <NUM>. Pumps (not shown) can be provided inside or outside of the housing <NUM> to circulate the cooling fluid into the housing <NUM> to the bank <NUM> of condensers <NUM>, and then back out the housing <NUM>.

A collection piping system <NUM> (see <FIG>), serving as a condensate outlet, may also comprise rigid and flexible plumbing elements to deliver condensate out of the housing <NUM> and into a storage unit (not shown), such as a tank or reservoir. In some embodiments, the condensate may be directed to a purification apparatus or device (not shown) before entering the storage tank or reservoir. Rigid plumbing elements (e.g., metal or PVC pipes) can be provided inside the housing <NUM>, and a combination of hard plumbing and flexible plumbing, comprising pipes, hoses, and quick disconnect couplings can be provided outside the housing <NUM>. Pumps (not shown) can be located inside or outside the housing <NUM> to pump the condensate out of the housing <NUM> to a water storage facility or a water-using system or apparatus.

Electrical power to operate the condensing units (pumps, fans <NUM>, pre-cooling sections <NUM>, diagnostic equipment, and other equipment) can be provided by renewable energy sources, including wind, photo-voltaic elements, ocean current, and ocean thermal energy conversion. Alternatively, as mentioned above, batteries and/or generators can be used instead of, or as supplements to, the renewable energy sources.

As will be appreciated from the above, the apparatus of the present disclosure is advantageously configured as a self-contained water condensation module that lends itself for installation in a multi-module array or combination, as shown in <FIG>. Thus, a plurality of water condensation modules <NUM> can be arranged individually or in a matrix or array stacked vertically or side-by-side, on land or on a marine vessel or platform. When stacked side-by-side, the exhaust tunnels <NUM> of the separate modules are advantageously aligned with each other, as shown.

As noted above, the water condensation apparatus <NUM>, either singly or in a modular array as shown in <FIG>, can be installed on a marine vessel, which can be a conventional container ship, holding up to its TEU capacity. For example, a common Panamax class container vessel has a capacity to carry <NUM>-<NUM> containers, which, under typical conditions, may be able to produce over <NUM> million gallons of water condensate per day.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary schematic cut away showing a partial view of the water condensation module <NUM>, showing a plurality of fans 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d at each of the open ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For the sake of clarity, <FIG> does not show the condensing section <NUM> or coolant system <NUM> components of the module, which are shown and described with respect to <FIG> below. <FIG> shows the fans <NUM> mounted on a pair of pivoting fan mounting panels <NUM> at each end <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, two fans <NUM> are fixed to each fan mounting panel <NUM>, an embodiment of which is further described below with respect to <FIG>. In this way, servicing can be done by removal of a pair of fans attached to a single fan mounting panel <NUM>, rather than by removing all the fans at one end simultaneously, or by removing a single large fan at each end.

The pivoting fan mounting panels <NUM> can each be rotatably attached to the housing <NUM> by way of a mounting bar <NUM>, as further described below with respect to <FIG>. The mounting bar <NUM> can be fixed to the housing <NUM>, such that the fan mounting panel <NUM> can be rotatable relative to the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, as described further below with respect to <FIG>, the mounting bar <NUM> can be rotatably mounted to the housing <NUM>. In such a case, the mounting bar <NUM> and the fan mounting panel <NUM> can be rotatable relative to the housing <NUM>.

As discussed above, the doors <NUM>, operated by the actuator devices <NUM>, are movable between an open position and a closed position. With the doors <NUM> open, air flow AF can enter the housing <NUM> from one or both of the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM> towards the center of the housing <NUM>. At least a portion of the air flow AF can then exit through at least one outlet <NUM> on the front or the back side of the housing <NUM>, after having been cooled by condenser section <NUM> as described above.

In some embodiments of the actuator devices <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>, the actuator devices <NUM> may have to cross a plane defined by the pivoting fan mounting panels <NUM>. In order to maximize efficiency of the water condensation apparatus <NUM> and prevent leakage of cooled air out towards the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, the fan mounting panels <NUM> can each have a cut out and a flexible seal or boot (not shown) to allow the actuator device <NUM> to pass through while maintaining a seal between the fan mounting panels <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The flexible boot can allow for sufficient movement for the actuator devices <NUM> to operate between the open position and the closed position of the doors <NUM> while maintaining a comparatively air tight seal.

Embodiments using a plurality of relatively small fans 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d at each of the ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be advantageous in certain situations. Besides potentially lowering initial construction costs compared to larger fans, and allowing continued operation of the apparatus in the event of a fan failure, other possible advantages include a smaller power draw on start-up compared to a singular large fan at each end of the housing <NUM>, and reduced repair and maintenance costs. In some embodiments, the use of eight or more small or moderately-sized fans (i.e., four or more fans at each end of the housing) can allow for the use of <NUM>/<NUM> horsepower (hp) electric motors for each fan, compared to, for example, <NUM> hp motor for one or two large fans at each end. Additionally, smaller fans may allow for the use of <NUM> volt single phase electricity instead of less common <NUM> volt or <NUM> volt three phase electricity. However, this does not preclude the ability to use large fans on <NUM> volt single phase electricity, such as with the fans shown in the embodiment of <FIG>.

Smaller fans may also be advantageous from a cost perspective. Smaller fans may be significantly less expensive than large fans for various manufacturing reasons. In cases where smaller fans are less expensive, the usage of the small fans can provide for reduced initialization costs by lowering the capital expense requirement to purchase and install the water condensation apparatus <NUM>. For example, it may be that an embodiment utilizing eight fans-four at each end-lowers the cost of the fans by <NUM>% compared to an embodiment with two large fans-one at each end-for a standard ship-board cargo container dimensioned housing. Four or more small fans at each end can be contemplated in order to balance airflow and cost requirements.

The usage of smaller fans can also provide for easier repair or replacement of fan components. Replacement parts, including an entire fan or fan assembly, can be easier to source and install. In the case of a single large fan, it may be necessary to use specialized equipment such as a forklift to move the entire fan from the housing. In contrast, smaller fans may be lighter in weight such that they can be moved by a hoist or crane, or even potentially by hand. The smaller fans can also make it easier to keep replacement parts stored on hand for quick repairs.

Additionally, in some embodiments, multi-speed or variable speed motors can be used for the plurality of fans 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. With variable speed motors, the fan speeds can be set to accommodate changes in operating conditions. Accordingly, the plurality of fans can be operated at the same speed or operated independently at different speeds. The use of smaller fans with variable speed motors compared to a large fan can allow for faster adjustments to operating conditions with faster rotational spin-up and spin-down times of the smaller fans.

Additionally, by mounting the fans 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d to fan mounting panels, it can easier to move the fans by moving the fan mounting panel to access the other components within the housing <NUM>. The decreased weight of the fan mounting panel and smaller fans may also significantly lower the cost of transportation as well as increase the options for transportation of replacement components, especially in remote locations.

In some embodiments, the fan mounting panels can be sized to each only hold one fan, in which case there can be four air doors for the four fans on one end of the housing. Alternatively, the pivot can be mounted across the top and bottom of the housing, such that the fan mounting panels are oriented as a top panel and a bottom panel, rather than side by side with the vertical pivots.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a fan mounting panel <NUM> in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure. The fan mounting panel <NUM> can include an opening <NUM> sized and shaped for the fan mounting panel <NUM> to couple with a fan mounting bracket <NUM> and a fan 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivoting fan mounting panel can have two openings <NUM> to accommodate two fans 30a, 30b. The fan mounting panel <NUM> can be made from a suitable material chosen from metal, wood, or composite to support the fans. For example, the fan mounting panel <NUM> can be substantially made from steel sheet. Alternatively, the fan mounting panel <NUM> can include a frame structure, made of metal, wood, or composite, and a door skin covering the frame structure.

The dimensions of the fan mounting panel <NUM> of <FIG> can correspond to approximately half of the cross section of the housing <NUM>. In this way, instead of needing to remove the entire weight of the assembly of a single large fan dimensioned for the housing <NUM>, servicing can be done by removal of an individual fan mounting panel and its associated fans. By doing so, the weight of the components can be less than having to remove four or more fans simultaneously, or one large fan. The fan mounting panel <NUM> may be further reduced in size to decrease the weight for removal and servicing of fans. For example, the fan mounting panel <NUM> shown in <FIG> can be further divided into two pivoting panels, each holding one fan. In such an embodiment, there can be four panels with one panel for each fan, each panel corresponding to approximately a quarter of the cross section of the housing <NUM>.

In other embodiments, where other numbers of a plurality of fans are provided, the fan mounting panel <NUM> can be sized to mount one or more fans per fan mounting panel <NUM> as suitable for weight limitations for servicing. By decreasing the size of the fan mounting panel <NUM> and the fans, the weight of the components can be reduced such that heavy machinery is not needed for servicing. With heavier components, it may be necessary to use a forklift or other machine, whereas a smaller assembly may be removable from the housing <NUM> manually or with simple machines.

<FIG> illustrates a side plan view of the pivoting fan mounting panel as described with respect to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the fans 30a, 30b can be mounted to one side of the fan mounting panel <NUM> by way of the fan mounting bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a mounting bar <NUM> or hinge for pivotably mounting the fan mounting panels <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. The mounting bar <NUM> can comprise first and second opposed end sections <NUM>, each of which is configured to fix the mounting bar <NUM> to the housing. The mounting bar <NUM> can be mounted to the housing at the first and second end sections <NUM> through conventionally known components. For example, the housing may have a protrusion sized and shaped to accept and retain one of the first and second end sections <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and second end sections <NUM> can include a flange mounting plate (not shown) for mating and fastening to the housing, such as by way of adhesive or fasteners.

In some embodiments, the mounting bar <NUM> can be a solid, integrally-formed piece. The mounting bar <NUM> can be sized to fit in a corresponding location in the housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, the mounting bar <NUM> can be made of at least two telescoping rod sections. With the at least two telescoping rod sections, the mounting bar <NUM> can be easily adjusted by being extended or shortened for installation inside a housing <NUM> even if there are dimensional tolerance differences between various housings <NUM>.

The mounting bar <NUM> can have at least one pivot portion <NUM> for rotatably mounting a fan mounting panel <NUM> to it. The pivot portion <NUM> can include a conventional door hinge type connection or other conventionally known hinging components. In some embodiments, the pivot portion <NUM> can comprise a portion of the mounting bar <NUM> having a larger cross-sectional diameter than a second portion of the mounting bar <NUM>. The fan mounting panel <NUM> can have a corresponding through-bore near one of its edges that is sized and shaped to accept the mounting bar <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the fan mounting panel <NUM> can accept the mounting bar <NUM> through the through-bore prior to fitment of the mounting bar <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. These embodiments can allow for rotation of the fan mounting panels <NUM> about the mounting bar <NUM> and relative to the housing <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, the mounting bar <NUM> can have three pivot portions <NUM> for coupling with the fan mounting panel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the mounting bar <NUM> can be made of <NUM> inch (<NUM>) outer diameter tubing. The pivot portion <NUM> can be tubing having an inner diameter slightly larger than <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to rotate around the mounting bar <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pivot portion <NUM> can be welded or integrally portioned with the fan mounting panel <NUM>, such that the fan mounting panel can be rotatably mounted to the mounting bar <NUM> through the pivot portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first and second end sections <NUM> can include a portion having an inner diameter sized to allow for the mounting bar <NUM> to rotate about the first and second end sections <NUM>, which are fixed to the housing <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the mounting bar <NUM> can be fixed relative to the fan mounting panel <NUM> such that both the mounting bar <NUM> and the fan mounting panel <NUM> rotate about the first and second end sections <NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the mounting bar <NUM> can include a retaining component (not shown) to prevent the fan mounting panel <NUM> from moving slidingly along the length of the mounting bar <NUM>. The retaining component may be configured as a clamp, detent, or clip to maintain the position of the fan mounting panel <NUM> to prevent unexpected movement of the mounting bar <NUM> if a fan mounting panel <NUM> is removed from the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a fan mounting bracket <NUM> for mounting a fan 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d to a fan mounting panel <NUM>. The fan mounting bracket <NUM>, which may advantageously be made of a durable metal, such as aluminum or a corrosion-resistant steel alloy, can be sized and shaped to fit with an opening <NUM> in the fan mounting panel <NUM>. The fan mounting bracket <NUM> can also be sized and shaped to accommodate fitment of a fan 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. As such, the fan 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d can be substantially smaller in outer diameter than a diameter of the opening <NUM> of the fan mounting panel <NUM>. The fan mounting bracket <NUM> can be sized to mate with both the fan mounting panel <NUM> and the fan 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. In this way, fan mounting brackets <NUM> can be produced to accommodate different size fans for any given diameter opening <NUM> of the fan mounting panel <NUM>. This can allow for easy modularization and replacement of the fans without the need to modify the fan mounting panel <NUM>.

In embodiments, the fan mounting bracket <NUM> can have an outer edge and an inner edge defining an outer shape and an inner opening respectively. In some embodiments, the inner opening may be of a non-circular shape in order to mount fans with non-circular casings. The fan mounting bracket <NUM> can be attached to at least one of the fans 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d and the fan mounting panel <NUM> by adhesives and/or fasteners.

In some embodiments, the fan mounting bracket <NUM> may comprise a plurality of fan mounting bracket segments 304a, which may advantageously be of substantially equal arcuate length. In other embodiments, the fan mounting bracket <NUM> may comprise a plurality of fan mounting bracket segments 304a of unequal arcuate lengths. For example, the fan mounting bracket <NUM> can comprise three fan mounting bracket segments 304a, wherein one of the segments is roughly half of the arc of the fan, and wherein two of the segments are each roughly a quarter of the arc of the fan. In such embodiments, the half-arc segment can be installed nearest the wall of the housing, with the two shorter segments installed on the edge adjacent to the other fan mounting panel. This allows for removal and replacement of fans by removing only the two short brackets, greatly simplifying installation and removal or maintenance.

In some embodiments, the fan mounting bracket <NUM> can have an exterior shape different from the opening <NUM> of the fan mounting panel <NUM>. For example, the fan mounting bracket <NUM> may be formed of sheet metal and have a generally rectangular shape with two openings for mounting two fans instead of only one. As such, the fan mounting bracket <NUM> may extend over two openings <NUM> of the fan mounting panel <NUM>. This can simplify the mounting process by reducing the number of components needed to mount two or more fans to the fan mounting panel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the fan mounting bracket <NUM> can have a non-circular or non-ring geometric shape to correspond with the opening <NUM> of the pivoting fan mounting panel <NUM>. For example, the opening <NUM> of the pivoting fan mounting panel <NUM> can have a rectangular shape, and the fan mounting bracket <NUM> can also be defined by a corresponding rectangular shape for fitment with the opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the fan mounting bracket <NUM> can comprise a plurality of fastener studs or through holes aligned along a circumference for mating with the fan mounting panel <NUM> and one of the fans 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. In other embodiments, the fan mounting bracket <NUM> can comprise an arrangement of fastener studs or through holes along a first circumference or outline for mating with the fan mounting panel <NUM> and a second circumference or outline for mating with the fan, wherein the first outline and the second outline are offset from one another.

<FIG> illustrates the embodiment of the water condensation apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>, showing the coolant system <NUM>, a lower air control tray <NUM>, a condensate collection tray <NUM>, and a water diversion tray <NUM>, without the condensing section <NUM> described above. The lower air control tray <NUM>, the condensate collection tray <NUM>, and the water diversion tray <NUM> are further described below with respect to <FIG>. Generally, the lower air control tray <NUM>, the condensate collection tray <NUM>, and the water diversion tray <NUM> can be understood as a condensation collection system. The condensation collection system can be sized and shaped to cover a footprint of a condenser section <NUM> such that condensation from the condenser section <NUM> is collected by the condensation collection system. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower air control tray <NUM> is fixed inside the housing <NUM> to the bottom interior surface thereof (or housing "floor"). A bottom side of the condensate collection tray <NUM> can be attached to a top side of the lower air control tray <NUM>. The condensate collection tray <NUM> can be positioned for fitment of the condenser section above the condensate collection tray <NUM>, such that condensate can be collected by a top side of the condensate collection tray <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the water diversion tray <NUM> can be attached to the bottom side of the condensate collection tray <NUM>. The condensate collection tray <NUM> can have a through-hole or port connecting to the water diversion tray <NUM>. The water diversion tray can be connected to the collection piping system <NUM>, such as that shown in <FIG>, serving as a condensate outlet, which may also comprise rigid and flexible plumbing elements to deliver condensate out of the housing <NUM> and into a storage unit, such as a tank or reservoir. In some embodiments, the condensate may be directed to a purification apparatus or device before entering the storage tank or reservoir. Rigid plumbing elements (e.g., metal or PVC pipes) can be provided inside the housing <NUM>, and a combination of hard plumbing and flexible plumbing, comprising pipes, hoses, and quick disconnect couplings can be provided outside the housing <NUM>. Pumps can be located inside or outside the housing <NUM> to pump the condensate out of the housing <NUM> to a water storage facility or a water-using system or apparatus.

Also, the coolant system <NUM> of the water condensation apparatus <NUM> can include a supply line 70a, a return line 70b, a supply header <NUM>, and a return header <NUM>, as discussed above with reference to <FIG>. The supply header <NUM> can supply coolant fluid from a coolant source to the supply line 70a. The supply header <NUM> can split or branch off into multiple separate connections to connect to multiple supply lines 70a. The supply lines 70a can be connected to the condenser section <NUM>, as shown more clearly in <FIG> and <FIG>. The supply header <NUM> can have a diameter larger than the supply line 70a and the cooling tube <NUM> of the condenser section <NUM>, so as to be able to supply sufficient coolant fluid to the condenser section <NUM>. After the coolant fluid has circulated through the condenser section <NUM>, the coolant fluid is output to the return header <NUM> by way of the return line 70b. The return header <NUM> can have a diameter larger than the return line 70b and the cooling tube <NUM> of the condenser section <NUM>, so as to be able to provide sufficient flow to evacuate or return coolant fluid from the condenser section <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the supply header <NUM> and return header <NUM> are arranged on the floor or bottom side of the housing <NUM>, and they branch out towards supply lines 70a and return lines 70b in an upward direction. By having the supply header <NUM> and the return header <NUM> arranged on the bottom side of the housing <NUM>, the coolant system has a natural state of drainage of the coolant during shut down due to gravity.

In alternative embodiments, the supply header <NUM> and return header <NUM> can be arranged on across a top side of the housing <NUM>, or an overhead position. By suspending the supply header <NUM> and the return header <NUM>, the elevated position can provide increased protection from accidental damage to the supply header <NUM> and the return header <NUM> by maintenance personnel when servicing the water condensation apparatus <NUM>. The overhead position can be less susceptible to contact by the maintenance personnel as well as less susceptible to damage from accidentally dropping service equipment. In order to provide for drainage of the coolant from the supply header <NUM> and the return header <NUM> during shutdown, at least one valve (not shown) to control coolant flow and a drain connection can be provided to the supply header <NUM> and the return header <NUM>.

Furthermore, in embodiments of the coolant system <NUM>, at least one of the supply line 70a, the return line 70b, the supply header <NUM>, and the return header <NUM> can have at least one valve (not shown) to control the flow of coolant through any given portion of the coolant system. In this way, coolant flow can be shut off to specific portions of the condenser section <NUM>. This can allow for a defective portion of the condenser section <NUM> to be isolated without stopping continued operation of the water condenser apparatus <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, the coolant flow can be shut off to specific portions of the supply line 70a, the return line 70b, the supply header <NUM>, and the return header <NUM>, such that a defective portion can be isolated and replaced or repaired.

<FIG> illustrate side, top, and end views of the condensation collection system comprising the lower air control tray <NUM>, the condensate collection tray <NUM>, and the water diversion tray <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates side, top, and end plan views of a lower air control tray <NUM>.

In the exemplary embodiment, the lower air control tray <NUM> is fixed inside the housing <NUM>. A bottom side of the lower air control tray <NUM> can be fixed to the bottom side of the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lower air control tray <NUM> may have a width substantially equal to the width of the interior of the housing <NUM>.

The lower air control tray can be made of a suitable material, including metal, wood, or composite. In some embodiments, the lower air control tray <NUM> can be made from <NUM> gauge stainless steel or galvanized steel sheet coated with corrosion resistant enamel or HDPE coating. In some embodiments utilizing <NUM> gauge stainless steel or galvanized steel sheet, the lower air control tray <NUM> can be formed by folding at least two opposite edge portions of the steel sheet perpendicular to a central portion of the steel sheet, thereby defining a standoff or cavity.

A bottom side of the condensate collection tray <NUM> can be attached to a top side of the lower air control tray <NUM>. Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the water diversion tray <NUM> can be attached to the bottom side of the condensate collection tray <NUM> and can be in the cavity defined by the steel sheet. The condensate collection tray <NUM> can have a through-hole or port connecting to the water diversion tray <NUM>. The water diversion tray can be connected to the collection piping system <NUM>, such as that found in <FIG>, serving as a condensate outlet, which may also comprise rigid and flexible plumbing elements to deliver condensate out of the housing <NUM> and into a storage unit, such as a tank or reservoir.

Although the exemplary lower air control tray <NUM> is rectangular in cross sectional shape when viewed from the top plan view, the lower air control tray <NUM> can be shaped differently to provide a footprint under the condenser section <NUM> to collect condensation.

As such, the lower air control tray <NUM> can control airflow around a base of the condenser section <NUM>. The lower air control tray <NUM> can also provide structural support for the combined weight of the condensing section <NUM>, coolant, plumbing, and other various components. The lower air control tray <NUM> also provides a cavity or space sufficient for the water diversion tray <NUM> and plumbing necessary to transport the produced condensation from the condenser to storage.

<FIG> illustrates side, top, and end plan views of a condensate collection tray <NUM>. A bottom side of the condensate collection tray <NUM> can be attached to a top side of the lower air control tray <NUM>. The condensate collection tray <NUM> can be positioned for fitment of the condenser section of <FIG> and <FIG> above the condensate collection tray <NUM>, such that condensate can be collected by a top side of the condensate collection tray <NUM>.

The condensate collection tray <NUM> can have at least one through-port 92p or through-hole from the top side to the bottom side. In some embodiments, the condensate collection tray <NUM> can provide a non-level top side when fixed to the lower air control tray <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, so that condensation will flow towards the through port 92p. In some embodiments, the through-port 92p is a rectangular slit. Alternatively, the through-port 92p can be one of another geometric shape such as a circle or series of circles. Additionally, the condensate collection tray <NUM> provides additional support for the condenser section <NUM>, and it may collect and direct the produced condensate through ports into the water diversion tray <NUM> underneath the condensate collection tray <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates side, top, and end plan views of a water diversion tray <NUM> that can be attached to the bottom side of the condensate collection tray <NUM>. The condensate collection tray <NUM> can have a through-hole or port connecting to the water diversion tray <NUM>. The water diversion tray <NUM> can be connected to the collection piping system <NUM>, such as that shown in <FIG>, serving as a condensate outlet, which may also comprise rigid and flexible plumbing elements to deliver condensate out of the housing <NUM> and into a storage unit, such as a tank or reservoir.

The water diversion tray <NUM> can comprise a channel portion 94a and a pipe connection portion 94b. The channel portion 94a of the water diversion tray <NUM> can be arranged to capture and direct condensate collected by the condensate collection tray <NUM> and through-ports 92p of the condensate collection tray <NUM>. The channel portion 94a can essentially be a long shallow channel, closed at the ends, with the channel portion 94a in fluid communication with the pipe connection portion 94b to convey condensate from the through-port 92p to the pipe connection portion 94b.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an embodiment of the water condensation apparatus or module <NUM> having a zig-zag or "chevron" arrangement for the condenser section <NUM>. In <FIG>, the water condensation apparatus <NUM> is shown without the coolant system <NUM> components shown and described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, while <FIG> includes the coolant system components. In embodiments including a chevron arrangement of the condenser section <NUM>, a bank of condensers is at an oblique angle relative to an adjacent bank of condensers. In this way, the chevron arrangement provides for an accordion type arrangement, or an arrangement similar to the folds in a coffee filter. A chevron arrangement can increase the effectiveness of the condensers. With the chevron arrangement, the condensing surface area of the condenser section <NUM> can be increased by over <NUM>% compared to a condenser section <NUM> arranged to be planar and perpendicular to the air flow AF. The increase in the condensing surface area can result in a significant increase in condensate production, such as, for example, an increase of <NUM> to <NUM>% or more.

Additionally, the chevron arrangement of the condenser section <NUM> allows for using lower-power fans, and it may also reduce air friction. At the same time, the zig zag arrangement allows for increasing air volume throughput with lower velocity across the condensing surfaces, thereby increasing available moisture and residence time passing across the condensing surface area. Additionally, due to the condensing surfaces being arranged at an oblique angle relative to the air flow AF, less of the air flow is able to pass through the condenser array without coming into contact with the condensing surfaces; conversely, a higher proportion of the airflow comes into contact with the condensing surfaces. Accordingly, the chevron arrangement provides a higher efficiency than when the condenser section <NUM> is arranged perpendicular to the air flow AF, where the condensing surfaces are inherently parallel to the air flow.

The lower air velocity possible due to the chevron arrangement can also reduce problems with "blinding" or plugging the air passages in the finned heat exchangers as the condensate water flows down the condenser fins and is discharged without being blown to the back (leeward) edge of the fins where it builds up with higher air velocity, forming a ridge due to edge effect and surface tension of the water that can "blind" the lower portion of the individual heat exchanger or condenser panels.

Additionally, the chevron arrangement is also more forgiving of manufacturing variations of the condenser section <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Due to the accordion-like feature of the chevron arrangement, the angles between the condenser sections <NUM> can easily be altered for field fitting to accommodate wider or narrower container housings, variations in condenser section dimensions that may arise in their fabrication, and other unforeseen variables.

Also, the chevron arrangement can increase the structural stability of the condenser section <NUM>. The chevron arrangement can increase structural stability of the entire condenser section <NUM> as compared to a planar wall, similar to the increased stability of paper formed into corrugations found in cardboard. In some embodiments, the various portions of the chevron arrangement can have end caps (not shown) placed over the upwind sides of the condenser section <NUM>, thereby connecting the corrugation structure, or triangular truss, together. This connection can result in significant horizontal and vertical stability and a high tolerance of tangential forces as may be needed in transportation over the road or during severe storm events in marine based applications.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a condensation apparatus <NUM>' having vertical "smoke stack" style arrangement, where air flow is directed through a housing <NUM>' from a top end 20b to a bottom end 20a. In this arrangement, the warm, moist air AF can flow into the top end 20b. At an intermediary position inside the housing <NUM>' can be a condenser section <NUM>'. The condenser section <NUM>' can be arranged nearer to the top end 20b of the housing than the bottom end 20a. Such an embodiment could be used in a factory or power plant smoke stack, or it can be understood as a vertically oriented water condensation apparatus for a smaller footprint.

The condenser section <NUM>' can comprise one or more condensers <NUM>', each having a plurality of condensing surfaces. In some embodiments, the condenser section <NUM>' can be understood as those described above, such as in the embodiments of <FIG>. The condensers <NUM>' may assume a variety of configurations, such as finned, thermo-siphon, heat pipe, or refrigeration.

The condenser section <NUM>' can be arranged as one or more condensers having a rectangular frame <NUM> as described above. The plane defined by the rectangular frame can be arranged to be perpendicular to the air flow AF in the smoke stack. Alternatively, one or more condensers can be arranged in the chevron arrangement similar to the arrangement described above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

An arrangement of one or more fans (not shown) can be positioned between the top end 20b and the condensers <NUM>', inside the housing <NUM>', to draw the air into the housing <NUM>'. Alternatively, the arrangement of fans can be positioned downstream of the condensers <NUM>' to pull air through the housing <NUM>'. As cool air will drop relative to warm air, the smoke stack arrangement can aid in moving the air flow through the housing.

In some embodiments, the smoke stack arrangement can also include a pre-cooling section located between the path of the airflow of the moist air between top end 20b and the condensers <NUM>'. The pre-cooling section can be located between the path of the airflow of the moist air between the top end 20b and the condenser section <NUM>'. The pre-cooling section can comprise multiple atomizing nozzles arranged to spray a mist of cooled water into the incoming air stream AF to reduce the temperature of the warm, moist air prior to entering the condensers <NUM>'. Pre-cooling the incoming air stream with cooled water materially enhances the efficiency of the condenser section <NUM>' by increasing the relative humidity, preferably to or near <NUM>%, thereby reducing the moisture-carrying capacity of the incoming air and increasing condensate yield. The cooled water can be a portion of the condensate produced from the condenser section <NUM>' pumped through the atomizing nozzles using an internal pump. Thus, the pre-cooling section can use recirculated cooled water instead of water pumped from outside of the housing <NUM>.

Alternatively, the smoke stack arrangement can be used to direct flow from a bottom end 20a to a top end 20b, such that warm, moist air enters the bottom end 20a and cool air after passing the condenser section <NUM>' flows out of the top end 20b. In embodiments, this can provide for localized air cooling as the cool air drops back around the housing <NUM>' towards the bottom end 20a after it exits from the top end 20b. Flow of the cool air after passing the condenser section <NUM>' out of the top end 20b can also provide for precooling of surrounding air, thereby reducing the warm, moist air entering the bottom end 20a, reducing the moisture-carrying capacity of the incoming air and increasing condensate yield. Flow of the cool air out of the top end 20b can also provide localized air cooling for persons near the smoke stack.

The present disclosure can further provide a method of assembling a water condensation apparatus. An exemplary method can include deploying a water production module comprising a transportable housing defining a first air inlet, a second air inlet, and an air outlet. The water production module can include first and second doors operable selectively to open and close the first and second air inlets, respectively, and at least one water condensation unit located in the housing between the first air inlet and the air outlet, and between the second air inlet and the air outlet. The housing can be configured so that, when at least one of the first and second air inlets is open, at least a portion of an air flow into the at least one open air inlet is passed through the at least one condensation unit and out the air outlet. The method can include positioning the water production module so that warm, humid atmospheric air is introduced into at least one of the first and second inlets. The method can include directing the atmospheric air to pass through the at least one condensation unit to condense liquid water from the atmospheric air through condensation. The method can include collecting the condensed liquid water. The method can include passing at least a portion of the atmospheric out the air outlet.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for producing liquid water from the condensation of atmospheric water vapor, comprising:
a transportable housing (<NUM>) having an open first end (<NUM>) defining a first air inlet, an open second end (<NUM>) defining a second air inlet, and first and second opposed side walls extending between the first and second open ends (<NUM>, <NUM>), and the housing (<NUM>) has the shape of a rectangular box;
an air outlet opening in at least one of the first and second side walls;
a water condensation unit (<NUM>) located in the housing (<NUM>) and configured to form liquid water from the condensation of water vapor from a flow of air from at least one of the first and second air inlets to the air outlet opening (<NUM>); and
first and second doors (<NUM>) operable selectively to open and close the first and second air inlets, respectively;
wherein the housing (<NUM>) is configured so that, when at least one of the first and second air inlets is open, at least a portion of an air flow into the at least one open air inlet is passed through the water condensation unit (<NUM>) and out the air outlet opening (<NUM>), the water condensing unit (<NUM>) includes one or more condensing chambers, each comprising a pre-cooling section (<NUM>) and a condenser section (<NUM>), the condenser section (<NUM>) is downstream of the pre-cooling section (<NUM>), the pre-cooling section (<NUM>) comprises multiple nozzles arranged to spray cooled water into a stream of incoming air, the condenser section (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of condensers (<NUM>), and each condenser (<NUM>) has a plurality of condensing surfaces.