System and method for solar vapor evaporation and condensation
AssigneeThe Research Foundation for The State University of New York
InventorsQiaoqiang Gan, Zongfu Yu, Zhejun Liu, Haomin Song, Matthew Singer, Chenyu Li
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Abstract
A solar vapor generator system and method are provided. In some embodiments, the system has near perfect energy conversion efficiency in the process of solar vapor generation below room temperature. Remarkably, when the operation temperature of the system is below that of the surroundings, the total vapor generation will be higher than the upper limit that can be produced by the input solar energy.
Claims24
A solar vapor generation system, comprising:
- an open-topped vessel for holding a water-based solution;
- a substrate configured to wick solution from the open-topped vessel, wherein the substrate comprises two planar sheets connected to one another along an adjoining edge, and wherein the two planar sheets connect at an angle of between 10.0 and 90.0 degrees;
- and
- a support, configured to support the substrate.
An apparatus for improved salt separation in an evaporation pond, comprising:
- a substrate configured to wick solution from the evaporation pond, wherein the substrate comprises two planar sheets connected to one another along an adjoining edge, and wherein the two planar sheets connect at an angle of between 10.0 and 90.0 degrees;
- a support, configured to support the substrate;
- and
- wherein a temperature of the substrate is maintained substantially at or below an ambient temperature.
A method for solar evaporation, comprising:
- providing a substrate configured to wick solution, wherein the substrate comprises two planar sheets connected to one another along an adjoining edge, and wherein the two planar sheets connect at an angle of between 10.0 and 90.0 degrees;
- exposing the substrate to solar energy;
- and
- maintaining a temperature of the substrate substantially at or below a temperature of the atmosphere.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.