Apparatus and method for harvesting atmospheric moisture
AssigneeMarine Desalination Systems, L.L.C.
InventorMichael D. Max
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A condensation panel to be used for harvesting water from atmospheric moisture during those times of the diurnal cycle when relative humidity is at or near 100% utilizes very localized cooling to optimize condensation on a surface whose materials promote the condensation and collection of the water. The panel is passive in the sense that it can be deployed and left in an unmaintained condition for considerable periods of time. At least one time each day, almost certainly in the morning, water harvested by the process of assisted condensation can be collected for use.
Claims7
A moisture-harvesting panel assembly for harvesting atmospheric moisture, comprising:
- an energy-gathering panel which gathers energy during daylight hours;
- an energy-storing member which stores energy gathered by said energy-gathering panel during daylight hours;
- and a cooling panel having a condensation surface on which atmospheric moisture can condense, said cooling panel having a coolant system that is powered by said energy-storing member and that cools said condensation surface;
- wherein said energy-storing member powers said coolant system to cool said condensation surface during periods in the diurnal cycle during which relative humidity is increased, whereby condensation of atmospheric moisture on said condensation surface is enhanced and water formed thereby can be gathered.
A method of harvesting atmospheric moisture, said method comprising:
- collecting and storing solar energy during daylight hours, when relative humidity is relatively low;
- during periods in the diurnal cycle during which relative humidity is increased, using said stored solar energy to cool a condensation surface, whereby condensation of atmospheric moisture on said condensation surface is enhanced;
- and
- collecting water resulting from condensation of atmospheric moisture on said condensation surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.