METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING WATER FROM AIR

摘要

The present invention (10) provides a method and apparatus for extracting liquid water from moist air using minimal energy input. The method comprises compressing moist air under conditions that foster the condensation of liquid water. The air can be decompressed under conditions that do not foster the vaporization of the condensate. The decompressed, dried air can be exchanged for a fresh charge of moist air and the process repeated. The liquid condensate can be removed for use. The apparatus comprises a compresser (10), an intake/exhaust valve (20) a relief valve (30), and a condensation medium (40). The compressor (10) comprises a body (11) defining a compression chamber (12) with a piston (13) moveable to the body (11) and varying the volume of the compression chamber (12). An intake port allows moist air into the compression chamber. An exhaust port allows dried air out of the compression chamber. A condensation device fosters condensation at the desired conditions. A condensate removal port allows liquid water to be removed.