System, and associated method, for recovering water from air

摘要

A system for condensing water from air includes a column having a substantially non-reflective surface effective for absorbing heat energy from the sun and transferring the heat to air in the interior of the column. A condenser is secured within the column, and includes a channel having a condensing surface with a thermoelectric or natural gas cooler positioned thereon for cooling the condensing surface. A collector is positioned within the column for collecting water that condenses on and flows through the channel, and an accumulator is coupled in fluid communication with the collector for accumulating the water.

主权项

1. A system for recovering water from air, the system comprising:
a column, at least a portion of which comprises a substantially non-reflective surface effective for absorbing heat energy from the sun and transferring the heat to air in the interior of the column, the column further defining a lower end and an upper end; at least one first sheet of thermally conductive material secured within the column; at least one second sheet of material secured within the column and positioned substantially parallel to and spaced from the at least one first sheet to define a flow channel between the at least one second sheet and a condensing surface of the at least one first sheet, wherein the at least one first sheet includes an upper portion bent over a top edge of the at least one second sheet and extends to the wall of the column to direct additional air through the flow channel; at least one thermoelectric cooler (TEC) having during operation a cool side and a warm side, the cool side being positioned on the at least one first sheet, not in the flow channel, for cooling the at least one first sheet, the at least one first sheet defining the condensing surface opposite the surface on which the TEC is positioned; an electrical power source coupled for providing electrical power to the at least one thermoelectric cooler; an accumulator coupled in fluid communication with the flow channel for collecting and accumulating water that condenses on and flows through the flow channel; and a cover positioned atop the column, the cover being configured for preventing debris in the air from falling into the condenser and accumulator.