CPC E03B 3/28 (2013.01) [B01D 5/0051 (2013.01); B01D 5/0075 (2013.01); B01D 53/0438 (2013.01); B01D 53/0446 (2013.01); B01D 53/0454 (2013.01); B01D 53/261 (2013.01); B01D 53/265 (2013.01); B01D 2257/80 (2013.01); B01D 2259/4009 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A system for generating liquid water from a process gas comprising:
a solar thermal unit configured to absorb thermal energy, the solar thermal unit comprising a top cover opposite a regeneration inlet port, a regeneration outlet port, a process inlet port and a process outlet port;
the solar thermal unit being configured to, during a loading operational mode, capture water vapor from the process gas flowing in a process flow path from the process inlet port, through the solar thermal unit, and to the process outlet port;
the solar thermal unit being further configured to, during a release operational mode, transfer heat and water vapor to a working gas flowing in a regeneration flow path from the regeneration inlet port, through the solar thermal unit, and to the regeneration outlet port;
a lower housing assembly comprising:
a condenser configured to condense water vapor from the working gas flowing in the regeneration fluid path through the condenser to produce liquid water during the release operational mode; and
a controller configured to operate the system between the loading operational mode and the release operational mode;
wherein the regeneration flow path flows through the solar thermal unit and the condenser in a closed-loop regeneration flow path during the release operational mode.
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13. A method for operating a system for generating liquid water from air comprising:
flowing a process gas, during a loading operational mode to a process inlet port of a solar thermal unit, through a process flow path of the solar thermal unit and to a process outlet port of the solar thermal unit;
wherein the solar thermal unit captures water vapor from the process gas upon flowing therethrough;
transitioning from the loading operational mode to a release operational mode;
sealing the process inlet port and the process outlet port of the solar thermal unit during the release operational mode;
flowing a working gas, during the release operational mode, to a regeneration inlet port of the solar thermal unit, through a regeneration flow path of the solar thermal unit and to a regeneration outlet port of the solar thermal unit; wherein the working gas accumulates heat and water vapor from the solar thermal unit upon flowing therethrough;
flowing the working gas from the regeneration outlet port of the solar thermal unit through the solar thermal unit and a condenser in a closed-loop regeneration flow path during the release operational mode; and
condensing, via the condenser, water vapor from the working gas to produce liquid water.
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