U.S. patent application number 14/586633 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for purification system.
This patent application is currently assigned to GLOBAL SOLAR WATER POWER SYSTEMS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is GLOBAL SOLAR WATER POWER SYSTEMS, INC. Invention is credited to Mark E. Snyder.
Application Number | 20150239753 14/586633 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45560083 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150239753 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snyder; Mark E. |
August 27, 2015 |
PURIFICATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A system and method is provided for filtration and purification
of a liquid. A purification system can be used for filtration and
purification of water. A system can include a raw water treatment
system, an ultra filtration system, a reverse osmosis purification
system, and a solar power system. A purification system can include
hardware and controls for decreasing energy use and system
inefficiency by monitoring and controlling temperatures of
individual components, of the system, or of the purified liquid. A
purification system can include a wetted ground and ground
monitoring system control or improve the effectiveness of a
ground.
Inventors: |
Snyder; Mark E.; (Poway,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GLOBAL SOLAR WATER POWER SYSTEMS, INC |
Poway |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GLOBAL SOLAR WATER POWER SYSTEMS,
INC.
|
Family ID: |
45560083 |
Appl. No.: |
14/586633 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13757484 |
Feb 1, 2013 |
8920140 |
|
|
14586633 |
|
|
|
|
PCT/US2011/046671 |
Aug 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
13757484 |
|
|
|
|
61389636 |
Oct 4, 2010 |
|
|
|
61400957 |
Aug 4, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/652 ; 210/85;
418/126; 418/133 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 30/40 20180501;
C02F 1/006 20130101; C02F 2209/008 20130101; C02F 2303/10 20130101;
F24S 25/10 20180501; Y02W 10/37 20150501; B01D 61/10 20130101; C02F
1/441 20130101; B01D 61/025 20130101; B01D 2313/243 20130101; C02F
1/001 20130101; F04C 2/16 20130101; B01D 2313/36 20130101; Y02W
10/30 20150501; C02F 1/008 20130101; Y02A 20/212 20180101; C02F
2303/16 20130101; F24S 10/00 20180501; C02F 2209/006 20130101; C02F
2201/008 20130101; C02F 2201/009 20130101; C02F 2103/007 20130101;
C02F 1/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C02F 1/44 20060101
C02F001/44; C02F 1/00 20060101 C02F001/00; F04C 2/16 20060101
F04C002/16; B01D 61/02 20060101 B01D061/02 |
Claims
1. A pump unit configured for use with a high pressure reverse
osmosis system, the pump unit configured for generating at least
100 pounds per square inch of pressure, the pump unit comprising: a
helical rotor pump; wherein the helical rotor pump receives solar
direct power from at least one solar panel; and, a shroud extending
over at least a portion of an outside circumferential edge of the
helical rotor pump, wherein the shroud further comprise at least
one channel configured for through-flow of process fluid; wherein
the pump unit is configured for the through-flow of process fluid
through the shroud, the channel, and the helical rotor pump, the
process fluid cooling the pump unit.
2. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising a pump unit
wherein the shroud covers the outside circumferential edge of the
process fluid pressurizing components of the pump.
3. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising an array of
solar panels configured to generate a desired range of electrical
power.
4. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising powering
the pump unit with one of at least one generator, at least one
battery, or electricity from at least one electric grid.
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. A method of purifying water using a solar-powered reverse
osmosis system, the method comprising: heating process liquid by
passing the liquid through a pump unit, the pump unit comprising a
helical rotary pump and a shroud, the shroud further comprising
channels configured for flow of the process liquid around the pump,
wherein the efficiency of the pump unit increases by transferring
heat from the pump unit to the process liquid; heating process
liquid by passing the liquid through a heat transfer device in
thermal communication with a pump controller, wherein the
efficiency of the pump controller increases by transferring heat
from the pump controller to the process liquid; and, purifying the
process liquid by diffusing a portion of the process liquid through
at least one reverse osmosis membrane, wherein the pressure
differential across the membrane required to diffuse a portion of
the process liquid is decreased by the increased temperature of the
process liquid.
14. The method of claim 13, the method further comprising heating
process liquid by passing the liquid through a heat transfer device
configured for transferring ambient heat to the process liquid.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein a thermostat is coupled to the
heat transfer device to maintain a range of designated temperatures
of the process liquid.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the heat transfer device
comprises a solar water-heating panel.
17. The method of claim 13, the method further comprising
transferring heat through a heat transfer device from the process
liquid to the interior of a housing surrounding the reverse osmosis
membrane.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein a thermostat is coupled to the
heat transfer device to maintain a range of designated temperatures
within the housing.
19. A purification system comprising: a raw water delivery system
comprising: a straw having an opening sized and shaped to allow
water to pass into the straw and to prevent objects larger than the
opening from passing into the straw; a first filter, wherein the
first filter is sized and configured to remove particulates of a
first desired dimension from the water; and, a submerged pump; a
water filtration system comprising: a second filter, wherein the
second filter is sized and configured to remove particulates of a
second desired dimension from the water; a filter membrane; and, a
control system configured to monitor and manipulate the raw water
temperature; a reverse osmosis purification system comprising: a
pump having a shroud extending over at least a portion the outside
circumferential edge of pump, wherein the pump is configured to
generate sufficient pressure to process fluid at the desired rate;
and, a reverse osmosis membrane; and, a power system configured to
provide electrical power to the purification system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT Application No.
PCT/US2011/046671, filed Aug. 4, 2011, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Patent Application No. 61/400,957, filed Aug. 4, 2010, and
U.S. Patent Application No. 61/389,636, filed Oct. 4, 2010, the
entirety of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The specification relates generally to the field of
purification and filtration.
SUMMARY
[0003] In some embodiments, a pump unit can be configured for use
with a high pressure reverse osmosis system. The pump can be
further configured, for example, to generate a desired pressure to
allow processing of a fluid. In some aspects, for example, the pump
can be configured to generate at least 10 pounds per square inch of
pressure, 25 pounds per square inch of pressure, 50 pounds per
square inch of pressure, 100 pounds per square inch of pressure, or
any other desired pressure. In some embodiments, the pump unit can
include, for example, a rotor pump, a helical rotor pump, or any
other pump configured to generate a desired pressure to allow
processing of a fluid, such as, at least 10 pounds per square inch
of pressure, 25 pounds per square inch of pressure, 50 pounds per
square inch of pressure, 100 pounds per square inch of pressure, or
any other desired pressure. Additionally, the pump can be
configured to receive solar direct power from at least one solar
panel. A pump unit can further include a shroud extending over at
least a portion of an outside circumferential edge of the pump. The
shroud can further include at least one channel configured for
through-flow of process fluid. Additionally, in some embodiments,
the pump unit can be configured for the through-flow of process
fluid through the shroud, the channel, and the pump, the process
fluid cooling the pump unit.
[0004] In some embodiments, the shroud can cover the outside
circumferential edge of the process fluid pressurizing components
of the pump. In additional embodiments, a pump unit can further
include at least one or an array of solar panels configured to
generate a desired range of electrical power. In further
embodiments, the pump unit can receive power from one of at least
one generator, at least one battery, or electricity from at least
one electric grid.
[0005] An alternate embodiment of a system for purification of
water can include a pump configured to generate sufficient pressure
to process fluid at the desired rate. The pump can include a shroud
extending over the outside circumferential edge of pump and the
shroud can further include channels configured for through-flow of
process fluid. Additionally, the pump can be configured for the
through flow of process fluid to cool the pump. In some
embodiments, the system can further include a pump controller
configured to receive power from at least one solar panel, and can
be further configured to control a pump by regulating power from
the at least one solar panel to the pump. In some embodiments, the
pump controller can be thermally connected to a pump controller
radiator, and can include channels configured for the through-flow
of process fluid. Additionally, in some embodiments, the radiator
can transfer heat from the pump controller to the process fluid. In
some additional embodiments, the shroud and the pump controller
radiator can be configured to decrease the pressure differential
across the reverse osmosis membrane required to purify process
liquid by heating the process liquid.
[0006] In some embodiments, the system further can include a heat
transfer device configured to collect ambient heat to additionally
transfer heat to the process fluid. In other embodiments, the heat
transfer device can be configured to transfer heat to the reverse
osmosis system. In some embodiments, the heat transfer device can
include a water heating solar panel.
[0007] In some embodiments, the system can include an array of
solar panels configured to generate a desired range of electrical
power. The system can further include, in some embodiments,
powering the system with at least one generator, at least one
battery, or electricity from at least one electric grid.
[0008] In some embodiments, the process fluid can be pre-filtered.
In other embodiments, the process fluid can be raw.
[0009] One embodiment of a method of purifying water using a
solar-powered reverse osmosis system can include heating process
liquid by passing the liquid through a pump unit. Additionally, in
some embodiments, the pump unit can include a helical rotary pump
and a shroud. In some embodiments, the shroud can include channels
configured for flow of the process liquid around the pump. In some
embodiment the efficiency of the pump unit can increase by
transferring heat from the pump unit to the process liquid. In some
embodiments the method further can include heating process liquid
by passing the liquid through a heat transfer device in thermal
communication with a pump controller. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the efficiency of the pump controller can increase by
transferring heat from the pump controller to the process liquid.
Additional embodiments of the method can include purifying the
process liquid by diffusing a portion of the process liquid through
at least one reverse osmosis membrane. In some embodiments, the
pressure differential across the membrane required to diffuse a
portion of the process liquid can be decreased by the increased
temperature of the process liquid.
[0010] In some embodiments, the method can further include heating
process liquid by passing the liquid through a heat transfer device
configured for transferring ambient heat to the process liquid. In
other embodiments, a thermostat can be coupled to the heat transfer
device to maintain a range of designated temperatures of the
process liquid. The heat transfer device can further include a
solar water-heating panel. Additional embodiments of the method can
further include transferring heat through a heat transfer device
from the process liquid to the interior of a housing surrounding
the reverse osmosis membrane. In other embodiments, a thermostat
can be coupled to the heat transfer device to maintain a range of
designated temperatures within the housing.
[0011] Some embodiments of a method of using solar panel generated
electricity to purify liquid with a reverse osmosis system can
include generating electricity with at least one solar panel,
wherein the solar panel can be mounted on a passive tracker base.
Some embodiments of a method additionally can include controlling
electricity sent directly to a pump from the solar panel with a
pump controller, and the pump controller can, in some embodiments,
regulate the amount of power sent to the pump to match purified
process liquid needs. Additional methods of using solar power
generated electricity to purify liquid can include cooling the pump
or the pump controller by transferring heat from the pump or the
pump controller to the process water through at least one heat
exchanger in thermal connection with either the pump or the pump
controller. Additionally, the transfer of heat from the pump or the
pump controller can, in some embodiments, decrease the required
pressure differential to diffuse a portion of the process water
through the reverse osmosis membrane.
[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one solar panel mounted on
the tracker base can be positioned towards the sunrise in advance
of the sunrise.
[0013] Some embodiments of a pump unit configured for use in
pumping fluids can include a pump configured to pump fluid at the
desired rate. Additional embodiments of a pump unit can include a
shroud extending over at least a portion of an outside
circumferential edge of the pump. In some embodiments, the shroud
can include at least one channel configured for through-flow of
process fluid. Additionally, in some embodiments, the pump unit can
be configured for the through-flow of process fluid through the
shroud, the channel, and the pump, the process fluid cooling the
pump unit.
[0014] Some embodiments disclose a purification system. A
purification system can include, for example, a water delivery
system. A water delivery system can deliver water, including raw or
unprocessed water. In some embodiments, a water delivery system can
deliver fluids other than water, or in addition to water. A water
delivery system can have straw with an opening or apertures on the
opening that is sized and shaped to allow water to pass into the
straw and to prevent object larger than the opening from passing
into the straw. A water deliver system can include a first filter
that is sized and configured to remove particulates of a first
desired dimension from the water. The first filter can be a variety
of types of filters, including a natural filter or a synthetic
filter, an aggregate filter, a membrane filter, or any other type
of filter. A water delivery system can include a submerged
pump.
[0015] A purification system can include a water filtration system.
A water filtration system can have a second filter that is sized
and configured to remove particulates of a second desired dimension
from the water. The second filter can be a variety of types of
filters, including a natural filter or a synthetic filter, an
aggregate filter, a membrane filter, or any other type of filter. A
water filtration system can include a filter membrane and a control
system that monitors and manipulates the water temperature.
[0016] A purification system can include a reverse osmosis
purification system. A reverse osmosis purification system can have
a pump with a shroud that extends over at least a portion the
outside circumferential edge of pump. In some aspects, the pump can
generate sufficient pressure to process fluid at the desired rate.
A pump can, for example, generate pressures between 25 and 500
pounds per square inch, or any pressure therebetween. A pump can be
configured to generate pressures to deliver fluid at any desired
rate. For example, fluid can be delivered at rates between
one-tenth of a gallon per minute to one thousand five hundred
gallons per minute. A reverse osmosis purification system can
include a reverse osmosis membrane.
[0017] Some embodiments of a purification system can include a
power system that provides electrical power to the other systems of
the purification system.
[0018] Some embodiments disclose a method of generating electricity
to purify liquid with an ultra filtration and reverse osmosis
system. The method can include, for example, generating electricity
with at least one solar panel that is mounted on a passive tracker
base. The passive tracker base can include a first chamber in a
first position on a passive tracker base that is in fluid
communication with a second chamber in a second position on the
passive tracker base. The different positions of the first and
second chambers can provide for differential heating of the two
chambers based on the position of the sun relative to the passive
tracker base that results in the movement of a material or between
the two chambers, and thereby results in the movement of the solar
panel. The material or substance, for example, can be a solid, a
liquid, a gas, a plasma, or any other phase of material. The
passive tracker base may include a heating element attached to the
first chamber that heats the first chamber and thereby moves the
solar panel. The method may include controlling electricity sent
directly to a pump from the solar panel with a pump controller, for
example, a controller that matches the amount of power sent to the
pump to purified liquid needs.
[0019] Some embodiments disclose a fluid delivery system, for
example, an unprocessed or a raw water delivery system. For
convenience it will be described as a "raw water" delivery system,
although other fluids can be delivered. A raw water delivery system
may include a straw that has an opening sized and shaped to allow
water to pass into the straw and to prevent objects larger than the
opening or apertures on the openings from passing into the straw. A
raw water delivery system can include a filter that is sized and
configured to remove particulates of a first desired dimension from
the water and a perforated air tube that is connected to a source
of pressurized gas to thereby allow delivery of pressurized gas to
the raw water delivery system to clean the first filter and the
opening on the straw, and a submerged raw water delivery pump.
[0020] Some embodiments disclose a method of controlled grounding
of an electrical system. A method of controlled grounding of an
electrical system may include, for example, one or more of
inserting a ground into a grounding material, delivering a desired
quantity of water to the grounding material around the ground,
measuring the flow rate of the water, measuring a parameter of the
grounding material proximate to the ground, varying the water flow
rate based on the measured parameter, and signaling an alarm when
the measured parameter is outside an acceptable range. An alarm can
be signaled, for example, when the resistance of the grounding
material exceeds a threshold, such as, 1 ohm, 5 ohms, 10 ohms, 100
ohms, or any other resistance, or when the water flow rate falls
below a threshold, such as, for example, 100 gallons per day, 50
gallons per day, 25 gallons per day, 10 gallons per day, 5 gallons
per day, one gallon per day, or any other rate.
[0021] The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity,
simplifications, generalization, and omissions of detail;
consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices
and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will
become apparent in the teachings set forth herein. The summary is
provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form
that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This
summary is not intended to identify key features or essential
features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be
used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure
will become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several
embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be
considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described
with additional specificity and detail through use of the
accompanying drawings.
[0023] FIG. 1 depicts an example of one embodiment of a solar
powered reverse osmosis system.
[0024] FIG. 2a is an example of a side view one embodiment of a raw
water delivery sub-system.
[0025] FIG. 2b is an example of a cross-sectional view of one
embodiment of a raw water delivery sub-system.
[0026] FIG. 3a is an example of a side view of one embodiment of a
water filtration system.
[0027] FIG. 3b is an example of a side view of one embodiment of a
water filtration system
[0028] FIG. 3c is an example of a hydraulic schematic of one
embodiment of a water filtration system.
[0029] FIGS. 3d-3i depict embodiments of a housing.
[0030] FIGS. 3j-3k depict embodiments of a ground point.
[0031] FIG. 4 is an example of a perspective view of an embodiment
of a radiator.
[0032] FIG. 5 is an example of a perspective view of one embodiment
of a pump bypass system.
[0033] FIG. 6 an example of is a side-view of one embodiment of a
reverse osmosis purification system.
[0034] FIG. 7a is an example of a cross-section view of one
embodiment of a pump for a reverse osmosis purification system.
[0035] FIG. 7b is an example of a zoomed cross-section view of one
embodiment of a pump for a reverse osmosis purification system
[0036] FIG. 8 is an example of a schematic of one embodiment of a
pump controller system with cooling device.
[0037] FIG. 9 is an example of a schematic of one layout of an
electrical control system.
[0038] FIG. 10 is an example of a schematic of one layout of a
junction box.
[0039] FIG. 11a is an example of top view of one embodiment of a
tracker base.
[0040] FIG. 11b is an example of a side view of one embodiment of a
tracker base.
[0041] FIGS. 12a-12g depict aspects of some embodiments of a
reverse osmosis system and/or an ultra filtration system mounted on
a single trailer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood
that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described
herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged,
substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make
part of this disclosure.
[0043] Some embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to solar
powered reverse osmosis systems and methods of making and using
such systems. Also, some embodiments relate to the individual
components and subparts of the systems described herein, as well
methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments a solar
powered reverse osmosis system may be configured for purification
of fluids, for example water. Additionally, such a system may
include, for example, one or more of a raw water delivery
sub-system, a water filtration sub-system, a reverse osmosis
system, or a solar energy sub-system. For example, without being
limited thereto, the systems and methods can be used for reverse
osmosis purification of water from rivers, streams, lakes, oceans,
estuaries, flood zones, waste water containment structures, wells,
and the like. In other embodiments, a solar powered reverse osmosis
system may include, for example, additional or fewer sub-systems or
be configured for purification of substance other than water.
However, a person skilled in the art, having the instant
specification, will appreciate that the solar powered reverse
osmosis systems and methods of use of such systems disclosed herein
can be applied to purification of a wide range of substances in a
variety of states.
[0044] The following descriptions refer to several features of a
reverse osmosis system. Several of the features are described in
association with one particular sub-system of the reverse osmosis
system. A person skilled in the art will recognize that these
general features can be incorporated into any sub-system of the
reverse osmosis system to achieve results similar to those achieved
in connection with use of the feature with another sub-system.
[0045] FIG. 1 depicts an example of one embodiment of a solar
powered reverse osmosis system 100. The solar powered reverse
osmosis system 100 depicted in FIG. 1 is configured for water
purification. Additionally, the solar powered reverse osmosis
system 100 includes separate systems, namely, a raw water delivery
system 200, a water filtration system 300, a reverse osmosis
purification system 400, and a solar energy system 500. A person
skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of a solar
powered reverse osmosis system may include additional systems not
depicted in FIG. 1. Similarly, other embodiments of a solar powered
reverse osmosis system may not include one or more of the separate
systems depicted in FIG. 1. It should be noted that although the
systems, subsystems and components herein generally are described
in connection with their application to and use with water, the
systems, subsystems and components may be used with other fluids in
addition to or besides water.
Raw Water Delivery System
[0046] A raw water delivery system 200 delivers raw water from the
raw water source 110 to the ultra filtration unit 300. Although
this system is described in connection with delivering water, it
also may be used for delivery of other fluids and substances. By
"raw" water, it is meant that the system can deliver water that is
still to go through the filtration process. The raw water may
include other substances and fluids, for example, impurities,
substances and fluids that are to be filtered out by the system
100.
[0047] In one preferred, non-limiting embodiment of a raw water
delivery system 200, the system delivers pre-filtered water to the
ultra filtration unit 300. In another embodiment of a raw water
delivery system 200, the system includes a pump configured to pump
water from the raw water source through the ultra-filtration unit
300. Further, a raw water delivery system 200 may include
insulation to protect the raw water from exposure to light and
heat.
[0048] FIGS. 2a-2b depict elements of examples of one embodiment of
a raw water delivery device 200. FIG. 2a is a side view of one
embodiment of a raw water delivery system 200. The raw water
delivery system 200 may include, for example, a tube or pipe that
is referred to as a "straw" 202. It should be understood that the
"straw can have a variety of geometric shapes and orientations.
Generally, the straw can be configured for gathering and/or
transporting fluid to other subsystems or parts of the system. A
straw can include, for example a portion or volume for collecting a
fluid such as raw water. This portion or volume can be defined by a
wall having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to flow
into the straw. While the straw can have any shape or orientation,
generally, in some embodiments a straw includes a lumen through
which the fluid, such as the raw water, can pass, be transported or
be delivered, for example. A straw 202 can include or be made of a
variety of materials including, for example, metal, plastic,
composites, or ceramics. In preferred embodiments, a straw 202
comprises a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe and can, in some
preferred embodiments, have a length of 20 feet. It should be noted
that various sizes, lengths and shapes of straw can be used. The
length can be any range that is desired and can be determined based
upon the desired length to be able to access the desired fluid that
is to be filtered. For example, the length can be between about 10
feet and 200 feet, more preferably, about 15 feet to 100 feet, or
20-50 feet. The diameter can be any suitable diameter that will be
sufficient for the filtration requirements and needs. The diameter
can range for example from about 1 inch up to 100 inches, for
example. Preferably the straw has a size or diameter of about 5
inches to about 40 inches, more preferably about 10-30 inches. The
shape can be tubular with a circular cross section, it can have a
geometric cross section (e.g., octagonal, rectangular, square,
etc.). The straw can have a non-tubular shape, such as, for
example, a spherical shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular
pyramidal shape, or any other desired shape. Furthermore, the
depicted straw has a cross sectional shape that is circular or
round. It should be appreciated that a straw can have other cross
section geometries. For example, a straw can have a triangular,
rectangular, square, oval, or any other cross sectional shape. The
straw can be made of any suitable material. It can be at least
partially made of a collapsible material, a rigid material, a
flexible material, an expandable material, and combinations of the
same, etc.
[0049] FIG. 2a depicts an embodiment in which the straw 202
comprises an elongated tube having an inlet end 204, into which
fluid enters the water delivery device 200. The straw 202 further
includes an outlet end 206. The outlet end 206 further comprises an
opening through which a water/fluid line 208 passes which
water/fluid line 208 carries water to the filtration unit. One or
both of the inlet and outlet ends 204, 206 can be covered by a cap
210. The straw 202 further may include openings 212 allowing the
passage of water from outside the straw 202 to inside the straw
202. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2a, openings 212 include
multiple series of circumferentially extending slits referred to as
"gill slits." A gill slit may be sized, for example, based on the
specific water production needs for the solar powered filtration
system 100 and on the maximum allowable size of particulate
entering into the straw 202. In preferred embodiments, a straw
having a diameter of between about 5 inches and 40 can include gill
slits that are approximately six to eight inches long and between
one-quarter and one-half inch wide. Similarly, one or several sets
of gill slits are sized according water production needs for the
solar powered filtration system 100. A person skilled in the art,
having the instant specification, will recognize that a variety of
shaped vessels may be used as a straw 202 and that a straw 202 may
be used with or without caps 210. A person skilled in the art will
further recognize that openings 212 are not limited to gill slits,
but that this disclosure includes all shapes of opening, including
for example, holes of various shapes (circles, ovals, squares,
rectangles, etc.).
[0050] FIG. 2b is a cross section view of the embodiment of a raw
water delivery system 200 depicted in FIG. 2a. As shown in FIG. 2b,
bolt 214 can pass through the straw 202 in proximity to the inlet
end 204. In some embodiments, one or more cables can be affixed to
the ends of the bolt 214. In preferred embodiments a single
jacketed cable, for example, a one-quarter inch jacketed cable, can
be attached to each end of the bolt 214. Advantageously, these
cables can enable fixing the position of the straw in a body of
water.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 2b, a gravel pack 216 is inserted into the
straw 202. FIG. 2b depicts a gravel pack 216 comprising an elongate
tube. The gravel pack 216 may be sized to slidably fit within the
straw 202, and to rest on top of the bolt 214. A submersible pump
218, sized to fit within the gravel pack 216, is inserted into the
gravel pack 216. In preferred embodiments, the submersible pump 218
may include, for example, a Grundfos.RTM. pump controlled by a
separately located Grundfos.TM. controller. In some embodiments of
a raw water delivery system 200, a cable can be affixed to one end
of the pump enabling the removal of the pump from the straw without
removing the straw from the water.
[0052] In preferred embodiments of a raw water delivery system 200,
the location and size of sets of openings 212 in the straw 202 may
correspond to the size and longitudinal position within the straw
of the gravel pack 216. In preferred embodiments, the gravel pack
216 and the sets of openings 212 may be sized and located such that
water flowing through the openings 212 flows first through the
gravel pack 216 before reaching the pump 218. More specifically, a
gravel pack of preferred embodiments rests on top of the bolt 214
and is between three and four feet long. Similarly, the sets of
gill slits of preferred embodiments start at the outlet end side of
the bolt and extend the same length as the gravel pack.
[0053] Additional embodiments of raw water delivery system 200
further can include one or more bodies extending through the outlet
end of the straw and into the straw. In some embodiments this body
may include a water/fluid line 208 that leads water from the pump
in the straw to the filtration system 300. This body can further
include an electric cable for providing power and control to the
water pump 218. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2b, the electric
cable is integral with the water line. In a further embodiment,
this body can also comprise one or more tubes. This can include an
air tube 220 having a perforated end 222 or a vacuum tube (not
shown) extending to the inlet end of the straw. Advantageously,
inclusion of a perforated air tube may enable users of the straw
202 to clean the gravel pack 216 and the straw 202 by blowing
compressed air out of the tube 220 and through the gravel pack 216
and openings. This removes accumulations from the gravel pack 216
and straw 202 and enables more efficient filtration by decreasing
the frequency of necessary filter shutdown for straw 202 and gravel
pack 216 cleaning and by decreasing the flow resistance caused by a
dirty gravel pack 216. The inclusion of a vacuum tube similarly
increases the efficiency of filter operation by decreasing the
frequency of straw 202 cleaning by allowing the user to suck
particulate accumulations out of the straw 202 without removing the
straw 202 from the water.
[0054] The use of the raw water delivery system 200 can provide
several significant and surprising benefits. Surprisingly, the use
of the straw 202 can decrease the size of the pump 218 and other
filtration components required to process an equal amount of water.
These size decreases result in greater energy and weight savings.
Additionally, the use of a raw water delivery system 200 can
significantly increase the life of the pump 218 and any other pump
in the system (e.g., a pump for the reverse osmosis system such as
pump 402 described below). Testing indicates that this increase can
be up to between ten and fifteen times the normal pump life.
Finally, use of preferred embodiments of the raw water delivery
system 200 can provide significant advantages in placement of a
pump 218 in a body of water 110. At the time of insertion,
preferred embodiments of the raw water delivery system 200 can be
air filled. As such, they have a degree of buoyancy which enables
easy placement of the raw water delivery system 200. Additionally,
as the raw water delivery system 200 is buoyant, the raw water
delivery system 200 is not placed by pushing the raw water delivery
system 200 across the bottom of a body of water, which pushing can
significantly increase the amount of particulate suspended in
water. However, as the raw water delivery system 200 contains
openings, the raw water delivery system 200 can slowly sink into
the water, for example, completely submerging the pump 218. Thus,
use of the raw water delivery system 200 can provide the advantages
of buoyant positioning and the benefits of a completely submerged
pump 218.
Filtration System
[0055] FIG. 3a depicts one embodiment of a filtration system 300,
for example, for filtering water or other fluids.
[0056] In one embodiment, the filtration system 300 receives raw
water and processes it through several filtration media, producing
potable water. Additionally, a variety of other processes can be
used to prepare or to assist in preparing the water, including for
example, UV light treatment and chemical treatment. In preferred
embodiments of a filtration system, mechanical filters and UV light
may be used to purify water. However, a person skilled in the art
will recognize, particularly in view of the instant specification
that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular method
of water purification but rather encompasses a broad range of
purification methods.
[0057] A filtration system can provide a range of filtering to a
process fluid, for example, ranging from filtration of large
particulate to filtration of fine particulate or to the elimination
of bacteria, fungus, viruses, spores, or other undesirable
life-forms.
[0058] As depicted in FIG. 3b, in some embodiments the systems and
methods can be used to treat fluid from a subterranean source, such
as a well 301 or spring. In such embodiments, a filtration system
300 may include, for example, one or more of a 5 micron filter (or
other suitable size for the desired use), ultra violet treatment,
and a sand trap. In some embodiments, the degree of filtration can
be configured to match the needs of the water user and the state of
the available filterable-fluid. In other embodiments of a
filtration system configured for filtering fluid from a surface
source, a filtration system may include, for example, a 0.2 micron,
or smaller; filter, ultra violet treatment; one or more sand traps;
one or more strainers; and/or one or more media filters. A person
skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is
not limited to the above outlined specific filtration
configuration, but encompasses a range of filtering configuration.
In some aspects the devices can exclude one or more of the
above-mentioned components of the systems.
[0059] FIG. 3c is a hydraulic schematic of an example of one
embodiment of a filtration system 300 connected to raw water supply
system 100. The filtration system 300 includes a raw water line 302
and a treated water line 304. The raw and treated water lines 302,
304 are connected by a hydraulic flow path 306 that directs process
fluid through various steps of the filtration process. The
filtration system additionally includes a first drain line 308 and
a second drain line 310. In some embodiments, one or both of the
first or second drain lines 308, 310 can drain fluid around a
grounding point, thereby wetting the grounding point and increasing
conductivity between the ground and the ground point. Additionally,
in some embodiments, wetting of the area around the grounding point
can advantageously create a wetted volume of grounding material
underneath the area around the grounding point. In some
embodiments, a grounding material can, for example, be earth, sand,
gravel, stone, water, or any other material used as a ground. In
some embodiments, this wetted volume can penetrate the grounding
material to a sufficient depth to effectively connect the ground to
the grounding plane. This advantageously increases the
effectiveness of the ground by connecting the grounding rod to a
portion of the grounding material having increased conductivity. As
depicted in FIGS. 3j and 3k, the ground point 380 may be improved
by creating depression 382 around the ground point 380, the
depression 382 configured to catch and store liquid from the drain
line 308. This depression can, for example, cylindrically shaped
and be twelve inches deep and twelve inches in diameter. The
dimensions of the depression can vary based on a variety of
factors, including, for example, local climate, climate zone,
current temperatures, or soil conditions. Thus, a depression in a
cold climate, or in a region with near-surface permafrost, may have
different dimensions than a depression in an arid region. In some
embodiments, the depression 380 can be lined with plastic,
concrete, metal, wood, or other material. In some embodiments with
a lined depression 380, the liner 384 can include an orifice 386
through which a grounding rod 388 may be passed, the orifice 386
also allowing water to pass from the depression 380 into the ground
around the grounding rod 388. In further embodiments, the drain
lines can be configured to provide approximately one gallon per
hour to the depression to maintain adequate moisture and
conductivity at the grounding point. A person skilled in the art
will recognize that a similar ground technique may be used in
connection with any of the sub-systems of the reverse osmosis
system, an ultra filtration system, a pump system, a solar
photovoltaic system, a solar thermal system, an electrical system,
an electrical subsystem, a transport system for liquid or gaseous
agents, such as, for example natural gas, water, or oil, a lighting
system, a cathotic protection system, a safety system, or any other
system capable of use with a ground. In light of the above
disclosure, a person of skill in the art will recognize that a
fluid for wetting the grounding point can come from a variety of
sources, including a reverse osmosis system or an ultra filtration
system, but can also include any water source, and any water type,
such as, for example, culinary water, grey water, or irrigation
water. It should be noted that one or more of the above-listed
components can be specifically excluded from some embodiments.
[0060] In some embodiments, the ground point can be monitored. In
some embodiments, for example, one or more of the conditions of the
ground, the condition of the ground wiring, the conductivity of the
ground point, or other factors or parameters relative to the ground
can be monitored. In some embodiments, one or more of the
aforementioned can be specifically excluded. In some embodiments
having a wetted ground, the moisture content of the wetted ground,
water flow, or other factors relative to the wetted ground can be
monitored. In some embodiments, these factors can be, for example,
locally monitored. In some embodiments, these factors can be, for
example, remotely monitored. Factors relative to the ground, or
relative to any aspect, or sub-system, of one of the raw water
treatment system, ultra filtration system, or reverse osmosis
system can be locally or remotely monitored. In some embodiments,
monitoring can be performed locally, and signals indicative of the
measured factors can be transmitted, for example, wirelessly, via
satellite, via a wired network, or any other form of transmission.
These signals can be received, for example, by cell phone, smart
phone, computer, a supervisory control and data acquisition system,
smartmeter, datalogger, or any other data display, tracking, or
recording system. In some embodiments, a controller can alter a
system parameter such as, for example, water flow rate to the
grounding point to thereby maintain at least one parameter relative
to the ground within a desired range. In one embodiment, for
example, the water flow rate can be increased, for example, by
approximately 1 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, 25 percent, 50
percent, 100 percent, or any other value in response to a measured
increase in the resistance of the grounding material or to a
decrease in the water content of the grounding material. In some
embodiments, a monitoring device can be configured, for example, to
activate an alarm when received signals are not within acceptable
limits. In some embodiments, for example, an alarm may be
activated, when a resistance greater than 5 ohms, 10 ohms, 20 ohms,
or 50 ohms is measured at 120 watts, when a resistance greater than
5 ohms, 10 ohms, 25 ohms, 50 ohms, or 100 ohms is measured at 500
watts, or when resistance is greater than any other desired level.
In some embodiments, an alarm may be activated, for example, when
water flow is less than 100 gallons per day, less than 10 gallons
per day, less than five gallons per day, or less than one gallon
per day.
[0061] The embodiment of a filtration system depicted in FIG. 3c
further includes a check valve 312, a strainer 314, sand traps 316,
a media filter 318, a filter 320, one or more filtration membranes
322, a pressure tank 324, an ultra violet lamp 326, and solenoid
valves 328. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the
present disclosure is not limited to the above listed specific
features of a filtration system 300 but can comprise a variety of
elements, features, and connections. It should be noted that one or
more of the above-listed components can be specifically excluded
from some embodiments.
[0062] In some embodiments of a filtration system 300, the check
valve 312 is configured to allow unidirectional flow into and
through the filtration system while preventing reverse flow. The
strainer 312 and sand traps 316 can be configured to remove
particulate matter from the process water, in some embodiments, the
particulate matter being progressively removed from the water in a
range of two-hundred to seventy-five microns. The media filter and
the filter remove further particulate ranging, in some embodiments,
down to 5 microns, or smaller. The filtration membrane 322 can be
configured to remove particulate from the water down to 0.2 microns
or smaller, for example.
[0063] The pressure tank 324 can be configured to store water and
pressure in preparation for a backwash of the filtration system. A
backwash may be initiated at any desired time by any suitable
methodology. For example, a backwash can, in some embodiments, be
initiated by a timer. In other embodiments, a backwash can be
initiated, for example, in response to differential pressure. A
person skilled in the art will recognize that a backwash can be
initiated using a variety of techniques and that the present
disclosure is not limited to any particular technique of initiating
a backwash.
[0064] As described in further detail below, a backwash can be
initiated by filling and pressurizing the pressure tank 324. Once a
predetermined pressure is reached, the solenoid valves 328 can be
opened simultaneously or in a predetermined order to allow flow to
the first drain line 308. Fluid from the pressure tank 324 flushes
through the ultra filtration module 322, the filter 320, the media
filter 318, the sand traps 316, and the strainer 314, cleaning the
components and flushing impurities from the filtration system 300
to the first drain line 308. Advantageously, opening of the
solenoid valves 328 in a predetermined order can progressively
flush different components of a filtration system 300. During the
backwash, the check valve 312 prevents backwash fluid from flowing
out of the filtration system via the raw water line 302.
[0065] In preferred embodiments a water filtration system 300 can
be mounted on a trailer 330 and covered by a housing or skin 332.
For example, see FIG. 3a. The depicted embodiment has a
housing/skin that is made of metal. In other embodiments a housing
may be made of other materials including plastic, woods,
fiberglass, or composites. A housing may be further configured to
be weather resistant, and may, in some embodiments include
insulation. In some further embodiments, a housing may include an
integrated sun-shade. A person skilled in the art will recognize
that the skin can include any material capable of covering the
filtration system, and that some embodiments of the filtration
system may include a partial housing or it may include no housing
at all. Similarly, a person skilled in the art will recognize that
the scope of this disclosure is not limited to filtration systems
300 located on a trailer, but rather includes a variety of
filtration system bases.
[0066] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3a, the water filtration
system 300 further includes a treated fluid/water line 304 for
carrying treated water from the filtration system 300 to a desired
destination, which is depicted in FIG. 3 as storage tank 336. In
some embodiments of a filtration system 300, filtered water can be
delivered directly to users in response to demand for water. In
some preferred embodiments of a filtration system 300, processed
water is delivered to a storage tank 336. A person skilled in the
art will recognize that a variety of natural and manmade containers
can be used as a storage tank 336 and that the present disclosure
is not limited to use of a specific form of container as a storage
tank. In some embodiments of a filtration system 300 in which
processed water is stored in a storage tank 336, a float system can
communicate water levels in the storage tank 336 to the filtration
system controller. The filtration system controller can then, based
on signals received from the float system in the storage tank 336,
start or stop the pumping and processing of water through the
filtration system 300. The stored water can be put to immediate use
or can be delivered from the tank for further processing (e.g.,
further purification such as reverse osmosis purification). In some
embodiments, the filtration system can deliver the filtered fluid
directly to a further purification system, for example, to a
reverse osmosis system as described herein.
[0067] FIGS. 3d-3i illustrate examples of skin or housing
configurations that may be utilized. The skin or housing can be
configured to enclose some or all of the features of the filtration
system 300. In some embodiments, the skin or housing can include,
one or more joined planar elements, whereas, in other embodiments,
the skin or housing can include, for example, one or more joined
non-planar elements. A person skilled in the art will recognize
that the present disclosure is not limited to a specific shape or
size of the skin or housing and that the design of the skin or
housing can encompass a wide range of shapes, size, and features
depending on the environment in which the filtration system 300 is
placed.
[0068] Some embodiments of a water filtration system 300 include a
raw water line that delivers raw water to the filtration unit (raw
water line not shown in FIG. 3). In some preferred embodiments, the
raw water line transports water from the raw water delivery system
200 to the water filtration system 300. The raw water line can
include, for example, a hose. In preferred embodiments, the hose
may be, for example, an insulated hose, the insulation shielding
the raw water from extreme temperatures and exposure to light. In
some preferred embodiments, the filtration system can receive water
or fluid from a water delivery system as described above in
connection with the raw water delivery system and FIGS. 2a and 2b.
In further preferred embodiments, the insulation can be covered by
protective layer to protect the insulation from exposure to
sunlight. In other embodiments, the hose can be buried under a
layer of earth to protect and insulate the hose and the raw water
flowing through the hose. In some aspects of a buried hose, the
hose can be covered by at least twelve inches of earth.
[0069] Some embodiments of the housing of the water filtration
system 300 can enclose several components in addition to the above
discussed hydraulic components, including a charge controller,
inverter, a pump disconnect, batteries, and wiring. Each of these
components will be discussed in greater detail in relation to the
electrical systems used in connection with the filtration system.
However, these components, the filter membranes, and other
components within the filtration system can be sensitive to
temperatures inside and outside the housing. Some embodiments of a
housing of a water filtration system include a radiator system to
maintain temperatures in an ideal range within the housing of the
filtration system. FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of a radiator 350,
which can include channels 352 for process liquid to pass through
and features to encourage heat transfer between the housing and its
contents and the process fluid. The channels 352 can further
include inlet and outlet channels (not shown) to allow fluid to
flow into and out of the channels 352 in the radiator 350. In some
embodiments, the radiator system can include fins and a fan 354. In
some preferred embodiments, the fan 354 can comprise a direct
current (DC) fan. The fan 354 can be configured to assist in
passing air over electronic components of the filtration system,
thus facilitating the transfer of heat between the components and
the air. The fan 354 can be further configured to assist in passing
air over the radiator channels 352, thus facilitating the transfer
of heat between the air and the radiator channels 352. The fan 354
can be configured to enter air into the radiator 350 through an air
inlet 356, and after having passed the air over the channels 352,
exit the air from the radiator 350 through an air outlet 358.
Advantageously, inclusion of a radiator system 350 in a filtration
system can assist in maintaining the ideal temperature of the
components of the filtration system, and thus can increase the
efficiency of those components.
[0070] In some embodiments, a water filtration system 300 may
include a thermostat for monitoring heat and a radiator for
dissipating heat. In some embodiments, a thermostat can be
configured to maintain a temperature under approximately
one-hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit, and in some embodiments ranging
from eighty to one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit, or from eighty-five
to ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit. In one preferred embodiment, raw
water flowing to the water filtration system 300 flows through the
radiator, thus absorbing excess filter heat, before beginning the
purification process. Advantageously, running water through the
radiator and absorbing the excess filter heat can assist in
maintaining a preferred filter membrane temperature as well assist
in maintaining a preferred water temperature. In other embodiments,
raw water passing through the radiator can serve to increase the
temperature of the filtration system to prevent freezing.
Maintenance of temperatures in an ideal range can improve the
versatility of the filtration unit in that the filtration unit can
be used in more extreme temperature regions of the earth, and can
improve the efficiency of the filtration unit as it has been
surprisingly discovered that water filtration requires
significantly less energy when both the filtered liquid and the
membrane temperatures are within some preferred ranges. Some
non-limiting examples of preferred temperature ranges include
seventy-three to one-hundred six degrees Fahrenheit, from
seventy-five to one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit, and from
seventy-seven to ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit. A person skilled
in the art will, however, recognize that the present disclosure is
not limited to filtration systems including thermostats or
radiators, or to systems in which the membrane and filtered liquid
temperatures are maintained in an ideal range, but rather includes
a broad range of filtration systems.
[0071] Preferred embodiments of a filtration system may include a
controller. The controller can regulate the filtration system,
controlling functions such as a filter backwash, UV light
treatment, and receiving signals relating to water production
needs. Advantageously, use of a filter backwash can facilitate
cleaning of the filtering membranes, and thus can increase the
efficiency of the filtration system.
[0072] However, when using some pumps, such as for example
Grundfos.RTM. pumps, the implementation of the backwash can result
in lost production time. In order to run the backwash, the pump may
be temporarily shutdown. This pump stoppage can require pump
restart procedures. In order to avoid lost production time,
preferred embodiments of a filtration system of a solar powered
filtration system 100 can include a pump bypass system linking the
input fluid or raw water line to a drain line to prevent passage of
fluid or water through the filtration unit 300.
[0073] In preferred embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 5, a pump
bypass system may include, for example, a solenoid valve 328
connected to the filtration system controller, a check valve 312,
and a bypass line 360 connecting raw water line 208 to the drain
line 362. In some embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 3c, the
drain line 362 may be the second drain line 310, whereas in other
embodiments, the drain line 362 may be a combined first and second
drain line 308, 310. In embodiments in which the drain line 362 is
a combined first and second drain line 308, 310, the drain line 362
can hydraulically connect with hydraulic components of the
filtration system 300 inside or outside of the housing.
[0074] Some embodiments of a pump bypass system may additionally
include a solenoid valve 364 connected to the raw water line 208
and the bypass line 360. Surprisingly, embodiments of a filtration
system that include a bypass system can experience higher
efficiency than filtration systems without a bypass system. In some
non-limiting embodiments, a system 300 that utilized a bypass
system as illustrated resulted in up to fifteen percent greater
water output compared to systems that did not utilize a bypass.
[0075] In some aspects, the controller can initiate a backwash by
filling a pressure tank 324 with high pressure liquid. Once the
pressure tank 324 is full, the controller signals the begin of the
backwash, which signal opens the solenoid valve 328, allowing raw
water to flow from the raw water line 208 through the bypass line
360, and out the drain line 362. Additionally, the check valve 312
which is located downstream of the bypass line 360 on the raw water
line 208, can prevent further flow of raw water into the filtration
system 300. In some additional embodiments, the bypass system may
be controlled by a microprocessor in the controller.
Reverse Osmosis Purification System
[0076] FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a reverse osmosis
purification system 400. In one embodiment of a reverse osmosis
purification system 400, the system can include a pump 402, the
pump further comprising a pump controller, and a reverse osmosis
unit 404 comprising reverse osmosis membranes. In one embodiment,
the reverse osmosis purification system 400 receives raw water (or
other fluid) and processes it through reverse osmosis membranes. In
other embodiments, the reverse osmosis purification system receives
pre-filtered water (or other fluid) and processes the water through
reverse osmosis membranes. In some preferred embodiments, the
reverse osmosis purification system 400 can receive water that has
been processed by an ultra-filtration system and then process that
water through reverse osmosis membranes. For example, the reverse
osmosis system 400 can received pre-filtered water or fluid from
the filtration system described above (e.g., system 300) and
elsewhere herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize that
the present disclosure is not limited to the processing of water of
any specific level of pre-filtration, but that the present
disclosure includes processing of liquids of all levels of
pre-filtration.
[0077] A person skilled in the art will further realize that the
selection of the level of pre-filtration for water being processed
by a reverse osmosis purification system in the design of a reverse
osmosis system can depend on a variety of factors including the
amount of power available, access to pre-filtration equipment,
quality of the raw water, and available space.
[0078] As depicted in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, a reverse
osmosis system can be mounted on a trailer 406 (or other mobile
device such as a vehicle, etc.) and shielded by a housing 408. In
other embodiments, the reverse osmosis unit 404 can be mounted on a
platform, a foundation, or on the ground and include or exclude a
housing 408. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the
means of supporting the reverse osmosis unit 404 are not restricted
to the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification.
[0079] As further depicted in FIG. 6, a reverse osmosis filtration
system can comprise an inlet hose 410 and an outlet hose 412. The
inlet house can be placed directly in a raw water source or it can
be contacted with a pre-filtered source of water or fluid. In some
embodiment of a reverse osmosis filtration system, the inlet house
can be connected directly to a filtration unit, for example, a
system as described herein (e.g., system 300). In other embodiments
of a reverse osmosis filtration system, and as depicted in FIG. 6,
the ultra-filtration unit discharges processed water into a storage
tank 336 as discussed above. An inlet hose can be place in the
storage tank 336 to enable the reverse osmosis filtration system to
withdraw ultra-filtration system processed water from the storage
tank for purification through the reverse osmosis filtration
system. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the inlet hose 410 of
the reverse osmosis filtration system can be attached to an opening
in storage tank 336, for example as depicted, at the bottom portion
of the storage tank 336. The outlet 412 as depicted discharges
filtered fluid into receptacle 440.
[0080] FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a pump 402 for use in
connection with a reverse osmosis purification system 400. A pump
402 can be located or mounted on or near the opening in the bottom
portion of the storage tank 336 as depicted in FIG. 6. In other
embodiments, the pump 402 can be located at various positions
throughout the reverse osmosis purification system 400.
[0081] In some embodiments, a pump 402 configured for use in
connection with a reverse osmosis purification system 400 can be
configured for generation of sufficient pressure to process a
predetermined volume of liquid. In some embodiments, without being
limited thereto, a pump can be configured to provide generation of
between one-tenth of a gallon per minute and one thousand five
hundred gallons per minute. In some non-limiting embodiments of a
reverse osmosis purification system 400, the pressure for
generation of an adequate volume of liquid can range from
approximately 25-500 pounds per square inch (psi), or greater,
these pressures depending on the hydraulic resistance of the
reverse osmosis membranes and purification system. A person skilled
in the art will recognize that the scope of the present disclosure
is not limited to purification systems operation at pressures
between 25-500 psi, but includes all operating pressures.
[0082] A pump 402 can be created using a variety of techniques
known in the art, construction of the pump 402 and pump type
selection being constrained by price, size, weight, power
consumption, and pressure requirements. In one preferred embodiment
depicted in FIG. 6, a pump 402 can comprise a helical rotary pump.
A person skilled in the art will recognize that the present
disclosure is not limited to helical rotor pumps, but includes a
broad range of pump types.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 7a, one embodiment of a helical rotor pump
420 can include a housing 422, a drive shaft 424, a rotating
helical pump member 426, a mating fixed pump member 428, and a
motor 430.
[0084] In one embodiment of a helical rotor pump 420, the housing
422 includes shroud 432. As used herein, "shroud" refers to a
partial or complete covering of a pump housing 422. In some
aspects, as partial shroud can cover, for example, 10 percent to
approximately 99 percent of the pump 420 or pump housing 422. In
some aspects the shroud is a partial or complete covering that
helps maintain a desired temperature for the pump by, for example,
heating, cooling, or insulation. For example, the shroud can be a
partial or complete covering that cools the pump. The shroud 432
can comprise a variety of configurations in a variety of dimensions
and shapes, and of a variety of materials. In one embodiment, and
as depicted in FIG. 7b, the shroud 432 can be configured to
radially extend from the outer circumferential side-walls of the
mating fixed pump member 428 and to longitudinally extend along,
and beyond the outer circumferential side-walls of the mating fixed
pump member 428. The use of a shroud can provide improved
efficiency by maintaining the pump at a desired temperature, for
example as disclosed elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, a
shroud can be made of metal, composite, polymer, fabric, wood,
rock, or any other material, natural or man-made.
[0085] Additionally, some embodiments include the use of a shroud
432 that defines or includes channels 434 for fluid flow. It should
be noted that in some embodiments the pump 420 can include channels
434 for fluid flow without a shroud. For examples, the channels can
be in the form of closed tubes or pipes that contact the pump 420
at one or more locations, for example, as illustrated in the FIG.
7b (but without the shroud) and as described below. In some
embodiments of channels 434, the channels 434 can be configured to
receive water that has already passed through the pump or water
that has not yet passed through the pump. In other embodiments of
the shroud 432, the channels 434 can be connected to a cooling
system and configured to receive coolant from the cooling system
and to return heated coolant back to the cooling system. A person
skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is
not limited to application with helical rotor pumps or to specific
liquids flowing through the pump or the shroud.
[0086] Embodiments of a pump 420 and/or a shroud 432 comprising
channels 434 can have or include a variety of channel
configurations and channel paths. In some embodiments of a channel
434, the channel 434 can pass over all or selected portions of the
outer circumferential side-walls of the mating fixed pump member
428 once or several times. Advantageously, the different
embodiments of the channel 434 can provide varying degrees of pump
cooling and fluid heating. Selection of a specific desired channel
configuration thus can include evaluation of fluid heat and/or pump
cooling needs, size, weight, and cost constraints. The use of the
channels 434 with or without the shroud can provide improved pump
efficiency and can provide energy transfer to and from the
fluid.
[0087] Further embodiments of a shroud 432 comprising channels 434
can include the use of material or structural features to increase
structural strength or heat transfer between the pump and the
working fluid. Thus, some embodiments may include the use of
materials readily adapted to the transfer of heat from the pump to
the working fluid. Additionally, some embodiments can include
structural features to improve heat transfer such as fins, posts,
or specific surface finishes. Additionally, some embodiments of a
shroud 432 comprising channels 434 can include features to create a
desired rigidity, strength, or weight of the shroud 432 and pump.
These structural features can be advantageously combined with heat
transfer features to maximize pump efficiency. Thus, in some
embodiments, fins, posts, or other heat transfer features can alter
structural features of the shroud 432. A person skilled in the art
will realize that the selection of the shroud 432 and pump
material, as well as the design for strength and heat transfer, are
not limited by the specific disclosures of this specification.
[0088] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7b the shroud 432 defines
a channel 434 completely circumferentially encompassing the mating
fixed pump member 428. In the particular embodiment depicted in
FIG. 7b, the channel 434 of the shroud 432 passes twice over the
outer circumferential side-walls of the mating fixed pump member
428 before the fluid enters into the pump 420.
[0089] Advantageously, embodiments of a pump 420 comprising a
shroud 432 with channels 434 can be configured to maintain an ideal
working temperature for the pump 420 as well as to contribute in
heating the working fluid to an ideal temperature for purification
processes. In some embodiments of a pump 420 comprising a shroud
432 with channels 434, as depicted in FIG. 7b, temperature of a
working fluid can be increased by between two and fifteen degrees
Fahrenheit as determined by measuring temperature of water flowing
to the pump/shroud and water flowing from the pump/shroud.
Additionally, in embodiments of a pump 420 comprising a shroud 432
with channels 434, as depicted in FIG. 7b, the temperature of the
pump 420 can be decreased by ten to sixty degrees Fahrenheit as
compared to a similar pump without such a shroud 432 with channels
434. Additionally, in embodiments of a pump 420 comprising a shroud
432 with channels 434, as depicted in FIG. 7b, a helical rotor pump
420 running at one-thousand eight-hundred to three-thousand
six-hundred revolutions per minute (rpm) and pumping fluid at flow
rates of one-tenth to one-thousand five-hundred gallons per minute
can be maintained at a temperature under one-hundred six degrees
Fahrenheit and in some embodiments ranging from forty-five to
one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit or from seventy-seven to ninety-five
degrees Fahrenheit. A person skilled in the art will recognize that
the present disclosure is not limited to pumps running at a
specific rpm, pump flow at a specific flow rate, or maintaining a
temperature within a specific range.
[0090] Surprisingly, embodiments of a pump 420 comprising a shroud
432 and/or channels 434 can synergistically improve the efficiency
of a reverse osmosis purification system 400 and thus decrease the
amount of energy required to process fluid by increasing pump
efficiency and decreasing hydraulic resistance. Increasing the
temperature of the working fluid decreases the amount of hydraulic
resistance in the membranes. This decrease in hydraulic resistance
in the membrane decreases the pressure required to process fluid,
thus decreasing the pressure output requirements for the pump 420.
Simultaneously, the cooling of the pump 420 by transferring heat
from the pump 420 to the working fluid increases the efficiency of
the pump 420. This results in the pump 420 consuming less power in
pressurizing the reverse osmosis purification system for processing
fluid. Thus, a pump 420 comprising a shroud 432 with channels 434
increases processing efficiency by decreasing the pressure
requirements for fluid processing while also increasing pumping
efficiency.
[0091] Advantageously, a pump 420 comprising a shroud 432 can be
used in a variety of applications other than in connection with a
reverse osmosis purification system 400. In some embodiments, a
pump 420 comprising a shroud 432 can be used, for example, for
pumping liquid, such water, into a water tower; pumping liquid from
one point to another; pumping liquid through a pipe-line; or for
pumping liquid from one elevation to another. Advantageously, in
some aspects a shroud, such as shroud 432, can cool the pump and
increases pump efficiency, enabling the pump to be run at a higher
speed without over-heating the pump. In some embodiments, the use
of such shrouded pumps can permit pumps that normally are
temperature limited to speeds between seven-hundred fifty to
one-thousand seven-hundred fifty revolutions per minute (rpm) to
run at speeds of, for example, one-thousand eight-hundred to
three-thousand six-hundred revolutions per minute (rpm). This can
decrease the size and number of pumps required in the pumping
application.
[0092] Some embodiments of a reverse osmosis filtration system can
include a pump controller to control the pump. A pump controller
can receive signals, for example, relating to availability of water
for processing, the need for processed water, and power available
to the purification system, and control the pump in view of these
signals. In one embodiment, a signal indicating a need for
processed water could lead the pump controller to signal the pump
to pump water through the reverse osmosis filtration system. In
some embodiments, a pump controller can further comprise features
to enable heat transfer from the pump controller to process liquid,
including channels for the process liquid and structural features
to encourage heat transfer.
[0093] As depicted in FIG. 8, an example of one embodiment of a
liquid cooler 450 configured to transfer heat from a pump
controller 452 to process liquid, a liquid cooler 450 can include
an inlet pipe 454 and an outlet pipe 456. In the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 8, the inlet pipe 454 directs process liquid into
radiator 458 comprising thermal conductive material. A person
skilled in the art will recognize that a radiator can include a
variety of channels, pipes, or other features configured for fluid
flow through the radiator 458. In some embodiments, the channels,
pipes, or other features configured for fluid flow can be
configured for desired process fluid flow rate, desired heat
transfer rate, desired cooled temperature change, or desired
temperature change of the process fluid. After passing through the
channels, pipes, or other fluid flow features, the fluid can exit
the radiator 458 through the outlet pipe 456. A person skilled in
the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited
to any specific pipe, channel, or fluid flow features.
Advantageously, embodiments of a heat controller including features
to transfer heat from the pump controller to the process fluid can
further assist in raising the temperature of the process liquid to
an ideal range, while simultaneously decreasing the temperature,
and thus increasing the efficiency, of the pump controller. A
person skilled in the art will further recognize that other sources
of heat can also be utilized in connection with process fluid to
simultaneously cool the heat generating component and to heat the
process fluid.
[0094] Referring again to FIG. 6, a reverse osmosis filtration
system can, in some embodiments, deliver purified processed water
directly to users. For example, in some aspects, the reverse
osmosis system can deliver the treated water or other fluid into a
plurality of storage containers having any desired size. For
example, the containers can range in size from one pint, one liter,
two liters, one gallon, 10 gallons, 20 gallons, 50 gallons or more
for example. In other embodiments of a reverse osmosis purification
system, purified processed water can be discharged to a storage
receptacle 440. A person skilled in the art will recognize that a
variety of natural and manmade containers can be used as a storage
receptacle 440 and that the present disclosure is not limited to
use of a specific form of container as a storage receptacle 440. In
some embodiments of a reverse osmosis filtration system 400 in
which processed water is stored in a storage receptacle 440, a
float system can communicate water levels in the storage receptacle
440 to a controller. A controller can then, based on signals
received from the float system in the storage receptacle 440, start
or stop the pumping and processing of water through the reverse
osmosis filtration system 400
[0095] In further embodiments of a reverse osmosis filtration
system 400, the reverse osmosis filtration system 400 can be
connected to a first float located in the ultra-filtration system
storage tank 336 and a second float located in the reverse osmosis
filtration system storage receptacle 440. The first float comprises
a low-level float, sending a signal to the reverse osmosis
filtration system 400 when the fluid level in the storage tank 336
drops below a pre-specified level. The second float comprises a
high-level float, sending a signal to the reverse osmosis
filtration system 400 when the fluid level in the storage
receptacle 440 exceeds a pre-specified level. It should be
appreciated that the use of one or more floats is not meant to be
limiting. Other configurations can be utilized which provide a
signal to the reverse osmosis system 400 indicating the level of
the input or output sources.
[0096] Some embodiments of a reverse osmosis filtration system
further comprise a solar exterior radiator. A solar exterior
radiator can comprise an inlet port for allowing process water to
flow into the radiator and an outlet port to allow water to flow
out of the radiator. The solar exterior radiator can also comprise
channels connecting the inlet port to the outlet port. A person
skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions of the
channels are dependent on the desired flow rate of process water
through the solar exterior radiator and the desired degree of heat
transfer from the radiator to the water. A solar exterior radiator
can further comprise features to assist in the transfer of energy
and heat to the process water. In some embodiments, a solar
exterior radiator can comprise features configured to use solar
energy to heat water. These can include water-heating solar panels,
black paint on the radiator, or a combination of mechanical
features configured to absorb heat. Some embodiments of a solar
exterior radiator can further include a thermostat and other
features to maintain a temperature of process liquid exiting the
radiator in a desired range, including, for example a fan. In some
embodiments fluid exiting the solar exterior radiator can include
fluid temperatures ranging from seventy-three to one-hundred six
degrees Fahrenheit, from seventy-five to one-hundred degrees
Fahrenheit, and from seventy-seven to ninety-five degrees
Fahrenheit. A person skilled in the art will, however, realize that
the scope of a solar exterior radiator is not limited to the method
of transferring heat and energy to the water.
[0097] The use of a solar exterior radiator can further assist in
maintaining an ideal temperature of process liquid to increase the
efficiency of the reverse osmosis purification process.
[0098] Some embodiments of a reverse osmosis filtration system can
comprise an interior cabinet radiator. An interior cabinet radiator
can comprise an inlet port for allowing process water to flow into
the radiator and an outlet port to allow water to flow out of the
radiator. The interior cabinet radiator can also comprise channels
connecting the inlet port to the outlet port. A person skilled in
the art will recognize that the dimensions of the channels are
dependent on the desired through flow rate of process water through
the interior cabinet radiator and the desired degree of heat
transfer from the process fluid to the radiator. An interior
cabinet radiator can further comprise structural features
configured to improve heat transfer from process water to the
interior cabinet radiator, including, for example, fins, posts, or
other surface area increasing features. An interior cabinet
radiator can further comprise features to control the degree of
heat transfer from the process fluid to the radiator and from the
radiator to the inside of the cabinet of the reverse osmosis
filtration system, including, for example, a fan. An interior
cabinet radiator can, in some embodiments, be used in a connection
with a thermostat, the thermostat assisting in maintaining an ideal
water and cabinet interior temperature, the thermostat can, for
example, be set to maintain a temperature under ninety degrees
Fahrenheit.
[0099] An interior cabinet radiator can assist in maintaining a
preferred cabinet temperature. In some embodiments the cabinet
temperature can be maintained above freezing and in some further
embodiments, cabinet temperature can be maintained in a range from
seventy to one-hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit, from eighty to
one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit, and from eighty-five to ninety-five
degrees Fahrenheit. Embodiments including an interior cabinet
radiator advantageously enable use of the reverse osmosis
filtration system in a greater variety of climate extremes, for
example, use of an interior cabinet radiator can assist in
preventing the freezing of components of the reverse osmosis
filtration system in cold temperatures. Additionally, an interior
cabinet radiator can further assist in maintaining preferred
membrane temperature as well as ideal temperature for all other
components of the cabinet, thus increasing the efficiency of the
reverse osmosis filtration system. In some embodiments, a preferred
membrane temperature can include temperatures ranging from
seventy-three to one-hundred six degrees Fahrenheit, from
seventy-five to one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit, and from
seventy-seven to ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit, and an ideal
component temperature range can include temperatures ranging from
approximately thirty-five to one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
[0100] In some embodiments of a reverse osmosis filtration system
400, water pre-filtered by the ultra-filtration system is contained
in a storage tank 336. A pump 402 pumps the process water from the
storage tank 336. The water travels through a heat transfer shroud
432 surrounding the pump 402, and then travels through the pump
402, increasing the temperature of the water and simultaneous
cooling the pump 402. The water exits the pump 402, warmed and
pressurized to the desired pressure. The water then travels through
heat transfer features associated with a pump controller, cooling
the pump controller and simultaneously warming the water. The water
then passes to the solar exterior radiator, where the water
temperature is further raised, and then to the interior cabinet
radiator where heat from the water is transferred to the cabinet of
the reverse osmosis filtration system 400. The water is then
brought into contact with the reverse osmosis membranes. A portion
of the water diffuses through the reverse osmosis membranes and can
be discharged from the reverse osmosis filtration system into a
storage receptacle. A portion of the water that does not diffuse
through the reverse osmosis membranes can be rejected and
discharged from the reverse osmosis filtration system. This
rejected, discharged water can contain higher concentrations of
impurities and may not be suitable for consumption. A person
skilled in the art will appreciate that the path of water may
include additional or fewer components than those described above
or components arranged in a different order than those described
above. For example, in some embodiments one or more of the shrouded
pump, the heat transfer features associated with the pump
controller, the solar radiator, can be specifically excluded or
reordered.
[0101] Some embodiments of a reverse osmosis purification system
may include a system controller. The system can control aspects of
the reverse osmosis purification sub-system. In some embodiments,
the controller can be shared with other subsystems of the reverse
osmosis system, including for example the filtration sub-system,
the water supply sub-system, or the solar energy sub-system. The
controller can control functions of the reverse osmosis system such
as, for example, backwash, chemical purification treatment,
lighting control, power management and receiving signals relating
to water production needs. These functions can increase the
efficiency of the filtration system as well as provide other
benefits.
[0102] In some embodiments the controller can be configured to
determine a minimum amount of pressure required to properly run the
reverse osmosis system. In some embodiments, the controller may be
configured to determine the amount of pressure required to properly
purify water with a reverse osmosis purification system. A person
skilled in the art will recognize that this minimum pressure is
system dependent and is usually determined on a system by system
basis comparing output water to water purification or filtration
standards such as the World Health Organization standard for Total
Dissolved Solids.
[0103] A controller can be additionally configured to measure the
amount of solar insolation and therewith determine whether
immediate power production is sufficient to achieve a minimum
pressure for proper liquid purification. The controller can be
configured to request and receive information from an insolation
sensor. In some embodiments, the controller can continuously
request and receive this information from the insolation sensor. In
other embodiments, the controller can request and receive this
information at predetermined intervals. In some embodiments, the
controller can determine the amount of energy that will be produced
by the solar power system with the measured level of insolation. In
some embodiments in which an insufficient amount of solar
insolation is present to maintain a minimum pressure a controller
can be configured to stop water production before water quality
diminishes. In some alternative embodiments, the controller can
also adjust liquid purification rates to maximize usage of
available insolation. In some additional embodiments, a controller
may be connected to a sensor capable of determining the
purification level of the processed liquid. In some embodiments, a
controller can be configured to take remedial action upon detection
of processed liquid that fails to meet the desired purification
level. Remedial action can include, in some embodiments, action
such as notifying a system operator of the water condition, or
backwashing or chemically treating the reverse osmosis system or
component sub-systems.
[0104] In some embodiments, the controller can initiate circulation
of a descalant through the reverse osmosis purification system to
remove mineral and other deposits. In some embodiments, the
descalant can be circulated at times when solar power is minimal,
such as around sunrise or sunset.
Solar Energy System
[0105] Embodiments of a solar powered reverse osmosis system 100
can require electricity to power the sub-systems of the reverse
osmosis system. While solar power is specifically mentioned herein,
it should be noted that in some embodiments, power can be supplied
by other sources, both renewable and non-renewable. For example,
instead of or in addition to solar power, the power can come from
one or more of a power grid, batteries, or from electricity
generation. A person skilled in the art will recognize that a wide
variety of sources of power can be used in connection with a
reverse osmosis system 100 or any of its components and that the
present disclosure is not limited to one specific source of
electric power. Similarly, a person of skill in the art will
recognize that while the present disclosure refers to some
embodiments of components within the reverse osmosis system 100
using alternating or direct current, the present disclosure
includes varying the type of current used to power the components
of the reverse osmosis system 100. Thus, in some embodiments, the
system 100 can exclude the solar power features or include
additional power features along with the solar power.
[0106] In some preferred embodiments, power can be supplied from a
combination of photovoltaic solar panels and batteries. More
specifically, in some embodiments of a solar powered reverse
osmosis system 100, some sub-systems operate using power received
directly from some solar panels and other sub-systems operate using
transformed power received from some solar panels. A person skilled
in the art will recognize that the source of power for different
subsystems can be based on a variety of factors including the
specific power needs of each subsystem, the ability of the solar
panels to generate needed power, and cost considerations.
[0107] In some preferred embodiments, pump systems are powered by
direct current received straight from the solar panels, and
filtration sub-systems are powered by alternating current generated
by the solar panels, and transformed before use by the filtration
subsystems.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 1, a solar energy system 500 generates
electricity for operating the solar powered filtration system 100.
As depicted in FIG. 1, the solar energy system may include, for
example, at least one solar panel 502 and a base 504. The solar
system 500 may include, for example, a variety of types of
electricity generating panels 502. In preferred embodiments the
solar energy system may include a plurality of solar panels 502. In
one preferred embodiment, a solar energy system can include, for
example, six solar panels 502, three panels 502 designated for
generating electricity for the filtration units and three panels
502 designated for generating electricity for the pump units 218,
402. In other preferred embodiments, a solar energy system can
include, for example, nine solar panels 502, three panels 502
designated for generating electricity for the filtration system and
six panels 502 designated for generating electricity for the pump
units 218, 402. Additionally, combinations of multiple arrays can
be used in some embodiments to power a reverse osmosis system 100.
A person skilled in the art will recognize that the amount of solar
power generation capacity required depends on a variety of factors
such a component power consumption and processing rate requirements
and that the present disclosure does not limit reverse osmosis
filtration systems to any specific number of solar panels.
[0109] In some non-limiting aspects, these solar panels 502 can be
175 watt panels. More specifically, in some preferred embodiments,
solar panels 502 generating electricity for the filtration systems
can be connected in parallel, and solar panels 502 generating
electricity for the pump units 218, 402 can be connected in series.
Thus, in some embodiments between 525 and 2100 watts of electricity
can be provided to the pump units 218, 402. A person skilled in the
art will recognize that the distribution of power generated by
panels 502 to the pump units 218, 402 and the filtration systems
can vary depending on the specific power needs of the pump units
218, 402 and/or the filtration systems. A person skilled in the art
will further recognize in view of this disclosure that a variety of
techniques can be used in connecting panels 502 to each other and
to their powered sub-systems and that the scope of the present
disclosure is not limited to a specific method of connection.
[0110] Some preferred embodiments of a power system 520 for
powering the pump units 218, 402 are depicted in FIG. 9. FIG. 9
depicts a power system 520 for supplying power to pump units, for
example pump units 218 and 402 described elsewhere herein, the
power system 520 comprising at least one solar panel 502. In
embodiments in which more than one solar panel 502 is used to
supply power to the pump units, the solar panels 502 can be
connected to each other and to the system using any technique known
in the art. In preferred embodiments of a power system 520, a
plurality of solar panels 502 can be connected in series. In one
preferred embodiment in which solar panels 502 are connected in
series, the panels 502 supply between approximately fifty and
three-hundred volts DC and one-hundred seventy-five to two-thousand
one-hundred watts. A person skilled in the art will however
recognize that a power system 520 for powering pump units 218, 402
is not limited to solar panels 502 connected in series, but that
the present disclosure includes all modes of connection of solar
panels 502.
[0111] Some preferred embodiments of a power system 520 can further
comprise square D breaker 522, the breaker 522 providing a kill
switch for the pump unit sub-system, a pump controller 524, and a
pump 526. In such an embodiment, power can flow from the solar
panel 502, through the breaker 522 to the pump controller 524. The
pump controller 524 regulates the amount of power sent to and the
desired output from the pump 526. In some embodiments, a pump
controller 524 can power the pump 526 when the pump controller 524
receives between fifty and two-hundred thirty volts DC and
one-hundred seventy-five to two-thousand one-hundred watts from the
at least one solar panel 502. In some additional embodiments, the
pump controller 524 can be connected to floats (or other signaling
devices) 528 located in a storage tank (e.g., tank 336) or in a
storage receptacle (e.g., receptacle 440). In these embodiments,
the pump controller 524 receives the signal relating to needs of
processed water and supply of water for processing directly from
the float/signal system as opposed to from the filtration
controller. The pump controller 524 interprets these received
signals and controls the pump 526 in light of water needs and water
availability. Thus, the power directed to the pump 526, passes
through the controller 524 and powers the pump 526.
[0112] Surprisingly, providing direct power to a pump sub-system
from at least one solar panel 502 can increase efficiency of the
pump sub-system by up to between twenty-five and forty percent as
compared to power systems in which power is not directly supplied
to the pump sub-system. This increased efficiency can enable
consumption of less power while processing the same volume of
liquid. This enables the use of less power and fewer power
generation resources, which in turn can permit the creation of a
more compact and lighter weight system.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 9, a power supply system 520 for powering a
filtration system can comprise at least one solar panel 502. This
solar panel can be the same panel supplying power to the pump units
(e.g., pump units 218, 402 described herein), or can be separate
from the panel 502 supplying power to the pump units. In some
embodiments, the solar panel 502 can comprise an array of connected
panels 502. In some embodiments of a power supply system for a
filtration system, solar panels can provide power from twenty-four
to one-thousand volts DC and fifty to thirty-thousand watts. In
embodiments in which more than one solar panel is used to supply
power to the pump system, the solar panels can be connected to each
other and to the system using any technique known in the art. In
preferred embodiments of a power system for a filtration system, a
plurality of solar panels can be connected in parallel. In one
preferred embodiment in which solar panels are connected in
parallel, the panels supply 24 volts DC and between one-hundred
seventy-five to two-thousand one-hundred watts. A person skilled in
the art will however recognize that a power system 520 for
providing power to a filtration system is not limited to solar
panels 502 connected in series, but that the present disclosure
includes all modes of connection of solar panels 502.
[0114] Some preferred embodiments of a power system 520 for a
filtration system can further comprise one or more square D
breakers 522, the breaker 522 providing a kill switch for the
filtration sub-system. A power system for a filtration system can
further comprise, for example, a charge controller 540, at least
one battery 542, a circuit breaker panel 544, at least one
lightning arrestor 546, an inverter 548, at least one surge
protector 550, and a microprocessor 552. A charge controller 540
can be included in a power system 520 to facilitate the charging of
batteries 542 by regulating the rate at which charge is added to or
taken from the batteries 542. Advantageously, use of a charge
controller 540 increases the efficiency with which batteries 542
can be recharged and increases the life of the batteries 542.
[0115] A battery 542 can be included in a power system 520 for a
filtration system to power elements of the filtration system after
the solar panel 502 has stopped generating electricity. In some
embodiments, the batteries 542 can be configured to only supply
power to components relating to the filtration system, whereas, in
other embodiments, the batteries 542 can be configured to supply
power to any component in the reverse osmosis filtration system
100. In some embodiments of a power system 520, two sets of
batteries 542 can be used, including a set of four, twelve volt
batteries 542, series-parallel wired to output power at twenty-four
volts, and a set of six, twelve volt batteries 542, similarly
series-parallel wired to output power at twenty-four volts. A
person skilled in the art will recognize that the present
disclosure is not limited to a specific number of batteries 542,
the specific voltage of batteries, or to the specific form of
wiring between the batteries 542 and the power supply system
520.
[0116] Some embodiments of a power system 520 can further include a
circuit breaker panel 546. Similar to the function of the square D
breaker 522, the circuit breakers in the circuit breaker panel 546
can provide a kill switch to different components of the filtration
system. Additionally, the circuit breakers can function to limit
the current flowing to each of the components of the filtration
system. In some preferred embodiments of a power system 520 for a
filtration system, a circuit breaker panel 546 can comprise six
circuit breakers. In some embodiments, circuit breakers can be
assigned to, for example, the charge controller 540, the at least
one battery 542, a vent fan, the inverter, the at least one
lightning arrestor 546, and to an open circuit. A person skilled in
the art will recognize that the scope of the present invention is
not limited to the above listed connections of components to
circuit breakers, but that the scope of the present disclosure
includes a broad variety of components connected to circuit
breakers.
[0117] Some embodiments of a power supply system 520 for a
filtration system can further comprise a lightning arrestor 546
and/or a surge protector 550. In some embodiments, a lighting
arrestor 546 and/or a surge protector 550 can protect wiring and
electrical components from the harmful effects of a power surge. A
person skilled in the art will recognize that the scope of the
present disclosure is not limited to use of at least one lightning
arrestor 546 and/or surge protector 550, but that the scope may
include a power supply system 520 with a wide variety of features,
or absence thereof, to diminish harmful effects of a power
surge.
[0118] Some embodiments of a power supply system 520 for a
filtration system can further comprise an inverter 548. An inverter
548 can be used from converting direct current into alternating
current. In some embodiments of a power supply system, available
electricity can be in direct current. In these embodiments, an
inverter 548 is advantageously included in the power supply system
520 to convert direct current into alternating current so that the
electricity may be used by AC components of the filtration system.
A person skilled in the art will, however, recognize that the scope
of the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments comprising
an inverter 548, but rather realize that the decision to include or
exclude an inverter 548 in a power supply system 520 is based on a
variety of considerations, including, for example, form of
available power and power needs of components of the
sub-systems.
[0119] Some embodiments of a power supply system 520 can further
comprise a microprocessor 552 associated with the filtration
system. As discussed above in the context of the filtration
systems, a microprocessor can control the functions of the
filtration system, including filtering, lighting, temperature
control, back flush and/or system purge, and processing rate. A
person skilled in the art will recognize that the present
disclosure of a microcontroller 552 is not limited to the above
discussed controlled components, but that a microcontroller 552 can
be used to control a variety of components and subsystems relating
to a filtration unit.
[0120] In some embodiments of a power supply system 520 for a
filtration system, power is generated by solar panels 502 and
travels through the square D breaker 522. After passing the square
D breaker 522, the power passes to a charge controller 540 where
the current flow is regulated. Electric current can flow to a
circuit breaker panel 544, from which the electric current can
travel to a variety of components of a filtration system. In some
embodiments, electric current from a circuit breaker panel 544
passes to an inverter 548, where electricity is converted from DC
into AC. The electricity then passes to a microprocessor 552 which
can control components of the filtration system. A person skilled
in the art will, however, recognize that current can be routed
through a broad range of components and subsystems in a power
supply system as desired by the system designer.
[0121] Referring again to FIG. 1, preferred embodiments of a base
504 include a mobile tracker base. A mobile tracker base can
increase solar panel efficiency, by up to approximately forty to
fifty percent, by tracking movement of the sun throughout the day
and thus constantly directing the solar panels at the sun. Some
embodiments of a tracker base include active tracker bases,
chronological tracker bases, and passive tracker bases. Preferred
embodiments of a mobile tracker base comprise a passive tracker
base.
[0122] One embodiment of a passive tracker base comprises two
chambers, gas filling the chambers, connections between the
chambers, and reflectors for directing sunlight onto the chambers.
In this embodiment, sun light is differentially reflected onto the
chambers by the reflectors depending on the angle defined between
the base and the sun. As the sun moves, and this relative angle
changes, one of the chambers receives more sunlight, and thus
achieves a higher temperature. This temperature difference between
the chambers drives gas from one chamber to the other, resulting in
a weight differential between the chambers. This weight
differential results in the movement of the tracker base. Some
aspects can include "shadow plates" that differentially shade or
block light from one or more of the chambers. The light that can be
differentially shaded from the chambers by the shadow plates
depending upon the angle defined between the base and the sun.
[0123] Preferred embodiments of passive trackers additionally may
include a controlled heating device position on the chambers. The
heating device control may be configured so that the heating device
creates a temperature differential in the chambers before sun rise,
the temperature differential resulting in the pre-orientation of
the tracker base towards the position of the sunrise. The heater
can receive energy for heating from a variety of sources including
from batteries, from a power grid, or from any other energy source.
In preferred embodiments, the heating device may include a forty
watt silicon heater. In further preferred embodiments, the heating
device control includes an astronomical timer comprising data
regarding the time of sunrise for each day of the year. In
preferred embodiments, the heating device begins heating of one
chamber approximately one-half to one hour before sun rise.
Advantageously, use of a controlled silicon heater can increase
efficiency of solar energy capture by up to ten percent over
comparable passive tracker bases lacking such a controlled heater.
In light of the above disclosure, a person of skill in the art will
recognize that such a described heater can increase the efficiency
of any solar system utilizing a passive tracker.
[0124] The tracker base further may include, for example, a support
structure 506 and a stand structure 508. The support structure may
include a mast 510, and axel, rails, and truss tubes. The mast, a
feature of both the support structure and the stand structure,
connects the support structure to the stand structure. The axel,
rails, and truss tubes together connect the solar panels to the
mast.
[0125] Support structure can further comprise wiring boxes
configured joining wires from the solar panels to a lifeline,
connecting the solar array to the filtration systems. In some
embodiments, the lifeline can comprise at least four wires, a
positive a negative wire for each of a first array of solar panels
configured for powering the filtration systems and a second array
of solar panels configured for powering the pump systems. FIG. 10
depicts one embodiment of a junction box connecting the solar array
to the filtration systems. A person skilled in the art will further
recognize that a lifeline, the junction box, and the tracker base
and solar panels, as well as the entire reverse osmosis filtration
system can comprise grounds and ground wires. To facilitate the
effectiveness of a ground in a dry ground, and as described in
greater detail above the earth surrounding the ground may be
wetted. In some embodiments, this may be performed manually, while
in other embodiments, a filtration system controller may control
the wetting of the earth surrounding the ground.
[0126] As illustrated in FIGS. 11a and 11b, the stand structure of
a tracker base 600 may include, for example, the mast 602, a
baseplate 604, outriggers 606, and barrel shoes 608. The base plate
604 is configured to be placed on the ground and affixed to the end
of the mast 602. The baseplate 604 supports the mast 602, as well
as the outriggers 606. In preferred embodiments, the baseplate 604
comprises a square steel plate. A person skilled in the arts will
recognize that a baseplate 604 can comprise a broad range of
materials and shapes. The outriggers 606 have a central end and a
circumferential end. The central end is affixed to the mast. The
outriggers further comprise a structural truss. The outriggers can
comprise a variety of trusses, and can be made of a variety of
materials. Preferred embodiments of an outrigger can include, for
example, steel trusses.
[0127] The circumferential end of the outrigger can include, for
example, a barrel shoe 608 configured for placement under a barrel
610. In preferred embodiments, the barrel shoe 608 may be placed
under a 55 gallon barrel 610. The barrel shoe 608 further can
include, for example, a horizontal plate 612 configured to be
positioned under a barrel 610 and a vertical component 614
configured to extend vertically up the side of a barrel 610. In
some embodiments of a tracker base 600, the barrel shoe 608 further
comprises a strap to affix the barrel 610 to the barrel shoe 608.
In some preferred embodiments, this strap may include, for example,
a plastic ratchet strap. Advantageously, upon placement of the
barrel 610 on top of the barrel shoe 608, the barrel can be filled
with material to increase the downward force of the barrel 610 on
the barrel shoe 608. This fill material provides the greatest
benefit when it is a heavy material such as sand, water, rock, or
dirt, but any material may be filled into the barrel to increase
the stability of the solar energy system.
[0128] In some embodiments, a tracker base 600 can be positioned so
that the solar arrays are oriented to true south. This orientation
can be achieved by positioning the outriggers 606 such that each
outrigger extends in a cardinal direction. Advantageously, such
positioning of the outriggers 606 can orient the solar arrays
towards true south, thus maximizing the amount of solar energy
collected by the panel. In some aspects, the solar tilt of the
solar array can be seasonally adjusted to maximize efficiency of
the solar panels. In some embodiments of a solar array, this can
comprise a 15 degree tilt in the summer, a 45 degree tilt in the
winter, and a 32 degree tilt in the spring and fall.
[0129] The efficiency of a reverse osmosis system 100 can be
further improved, in some embodiments, by placing the filtration
system 300 and/or the reverse osmosis purification system 400 in
the shade cone of the solar panel array. In embodiments in which
the outriggers 606 are oriented towards cardinal directions, the
filtration system 300 can be placed in the shade cone of the solar
panel array by placing the filtration system next to the outer end
of the northward facing outrigger 606 of the tracker base 600. A
person skilled in the art will recognize that the scope of the
present disclosure is not limited to the specific orientation of
the tracker base 600 or the placement of the filtration system 300
relative to the tracker base 600.
Reverse Osmosis System
[0130] The reverse osmosis system and sub-systems thereof can be
configured and sized to match the application in which it will be
used. These configurations can include embodiments in which the
reverse osmosis system is capable of producing a broad range of
purified liquid. Additionally, various configurations of a reverse
osmosis system can include locating some or all of the sub-systems,
or components thereof on a single transportation platform or on
multiple transportation platforms. Some further aspects of a
reverse osmosis system can include mounting the sub-systems or
their components on a single or on multiple deployment
platforms.
[0131] FIGS. 12a-12g depict aspects of some embodiments of a
reverse osmosis system in which all of the sub-systems are located
on a single transportation and deployment platform. FIG. 12a
depicts a reverse osmosis system 1200a located on a trailer 1202a.
A person skilled in the art will recognize that the present
disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the trailer
depicted in FIG. 12a, but that the disclosure encompasses a variety
of transportation platforms in a variety of configurations.
[0132] In some embodiments, a reverse osmosis system and a water
filtration system located in a single housing 1204a can be mounted
on the trailer 1202a. In some embodiments, and as depicted in FIG.
12a, the trailer 1202a can be, for example, tire 1216a mounted. As
discussed above, a housing 1204a can be made of a variety of
materials and sized and shaped to match the application in which
the reverse osmosis system 1200a will be used.
[0133] A battery box 1206a and a tracker mast 1208a configured for
connection with a solar power system can also be mounted on the
trailer 1202a in some embodiments of a reverse osmosis system. In
some additional embodiments, the battery box 1206a and the solar
power system can be electrically connected with the water
filtration system and the reverse osmosis purification system.
[0134] A trailer 1202a can additionally include, in some
embodiments, at least one storage container 1210a. FIG. 12a depicts
six storage containers 1210a laterally located adjacent the trailer
1202a. Storage containers 1210a can serve a variety of purposes in
different embodiments of a reverse osmosis system 1200a. In some
embodiments, storage containers 1210a can, for example, ballast the
trailer 1202a. In these embodiments, storage containers can be
filled with any material, including water, sand, earth, rock,
glass, or metal, to ballast, and thereby stabilize, trailer 1202a.
In some embodiments, storage containers 1210a can be barrels,
drums, or any other container, for example.
[0135] In other embodiments, storage containers 1210a can, for
example, store process liquid. Storage containers 1210a can, for
example, all store purified water. Alternatively, storage
containers 1210a can, for example, be divided so that some number
of storage tanks store water that has gone through the complete
purification process and some number of water storage tanks store
water that has only gone through portions of the purification
process.
[0136] The storage tanks 1210a can be fluidly connected to, for
example, the reverse osmosis system 1200a, to the reverse osmosis
purification system, and/or to the water filtration system, or to
the raw water supply. Additionally, the storage tanks 1210a can be
interconnected to each other and thus jointly connected to a water
source, or independently connected to a water source.
[0137] The storage tanks 1210a can also be connected to control
circuitry of a reverse osmosis system 1200a as discussed above. A
person skilled in the art will, however, recognize that the present
disclosure is not limited to a specific number, size, or location
of the storage containers 1210a. A person skilled in the art will
further recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to the
specifically disclosed liquid or control connection of the tanks
1210a to the trailer 1202a or the reverse osmosis system 1200a.
[0138] A trailer 1202a can additionally include, for example, a
tongue and hitch 1212a for towing and a stabilizer 1214a.
[0139] FIG. 1212b depicts a back view of one embodiment of a
reverse osmosis system 1200b mounted on a trailer 1202b. In some
embodiments of a reverse osmosis system 1200b mounted on a trailer
1202b, the trailer 1202b can include at least one tire 1216b and a
stabilization structure 1218b. The stabilization structure 1218b
can extend laterally from the trailer and thereby increase the
lateral stability of the trailer 1202b. In some embodiments, the
stabilization structure can include, for example, a vertical
attachment piece 1220b connected to the trailer 1202b, and a
diagonal support 1222b and a horizontal support 1224b laterally
extending from the vertical attachment piece 1220b. As depicted in
FIG. 12b, the vertical attachment piece 1220b and the diagonal and
horizontal supports 1222b, 1224b can be configured in a triangular
shape. The components of the stabilization can comprise a variety
of geometries and materials. In some embodiments, the components
can comprise, for example, angle iron or steel or aluminum tubing.
A person skilled in the art will recognize that a stabilization
structure is not limited to the specific disclosure contained
herein, but includes a variety of sizes, materials, and
geometries.
[0140] The sub-box of FIG. 12b depicts a partial top view of a
trailer 1202b configured for connection with a stabilization
structure 1218b. As depicted in the sub-box, in some embodiments, a
stabilization structure 1218b can be additionally configured to
connect to storage containers 1210b. A person skilled in the art
will recognize that a variety of techniques can be employed to
connect storage containers 1210b to the stabilization structure
1218b.
[0141] FIG. 12c depicts a second position of a stabilization
structure 1218c. In some embodiments, a stabilization structure
1218c can be configurable into at least two positions. In some
embodiments, a first position of a stabilization structure 1218c
can be a deployed configuration in which the stabilization
structure 1218c is positioned to provide support to the trailer
1202c, and a second position can be an undeployed configuration in
which the stabilization structure 1218c is positioned to prevent
interference with transport of the trailer 1202c. As depicted in
FIG. 12c, a vertical attachment piece 1220c can be moveably
attached to a trailer 1202c. More specifically, a vertical
attachment piece can, in some embodiments, pivotally attach to the
trailer 1202c at a pivot point 1226c. As further depicted in FIG.
12c, a stabilization structure 1218c can be retained in an
undeployed configuration by connecting diagonal support 1222c to
attachment point 1228c. A person skilled in the art will recognize
that a diagonal support can be attached to attachment point 1228c
using a variety of techniques.
[0142] FIG. 12d depicts another embodiment of reverse osmosis
system 1200d located on a trailer 1202d. A person skilled in the
art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to
the specific details of the trailer depicted in FIG. 12d, but that
the disclosure encompasses a variety of transportation platforms in
a variety of configurations.
[0143] In some embodiments, a reverse osmosis purification system
can be located in a housing 1204d and a water filtration system can
be located in a separate housing 1230d, both of which housings
1204d, 1230d can be mounted on the trailer 1202d. In some
embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 12d, the trailer 1202d can be,
for example, stabilizer 1218d mounted. In some embodiments, a
stabilizer can further include shoe and can be used, for example,
in connection with a screw anchor and pin, or other anchoring
method. As discussed above, a housing 1204d can be made of a
variety of materials and sized and shaped to match the application
in which the reverse osmosis system 1200d will be used.
[0144] In some additional embodiments of a trailer 1202d mounted
reverse osmosis system 1200d, an electric cabinet 1206d and a
tracker mast 1208d configured for connection with a solar power
system can also be mounted on the trailer 1202d. In some
embodiments, the electric cabinet 1206d can be configured to hold a
variety of electrical components of the reverse osmosis system
including, for example, at least one battery, at least one charge
controller, at least one inverter, or any other electrical
components. In some additional embodiments, the electric cabinet
1206d and the solar power system can be electrically connected with
the water filtration system and the reverse osmosis purification
system.
[0145] A trailer 1202d can additionally include, for example, a
tongue and hitch 1212d for towing.
[0146] A trailer 1202d can be deployed in a variety of
orientations. In some embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 12d, a
trailer can be oriented so that the tongue and hitch 1212d of the
trailer are pointed north. This orientation can increase the
shading of the reverse osmosis filtration system and the water
filtration system. However, a person skilled in the art will
recognize that a trailer 1202d mounted reverse osmosis system 1200d
can be deployed in a variety or orientations.
[0147] FIG. 12e depicts one embodiment of a solar power system
1232e mounted on a mast 1208e of a trailer 1202e for use in
connection with a reverse osmosis system 1200e. A person skilled in
the art will recognize that the dimensions of the sub-systems and
components of the reverse osmosis system 1200e can be coordinated
so as to enable the non-interfering placement sub-systems and
components on a trailer 1202e. As depicted in the figure, the solar
power system can be pivotally mounted to the mast, having at least
two positions. In a first position, the solar power system 1232e
can be oriented parallel to the top 1234e of the trailer 1202e.
This position can be used in moving the trailer 1202e as the
parallel position decreases the frontal area of the solar power
system 1232e and thereby decreases any aerodynamic forces
experienced by the solar power system 1232e. In some embodiments
the solar power system 1232e can be configured into a second
position. As depicted in FIG. 12e, in some embodiments, a second
position comprises orienting the face of the solar power system
1232e to the south and moving the solar power system 1232e from
parallel with the top 1234e of the trailer 1202e to an angle of
approximately thirty degrees.
[0148] FIG. 12f depicts a side view of one embodiment of a trailer
1202f mounted reverse osmosis system 1200f including an electric
cabinet 1206f, a housing for a filtration system 1230f, a mast
1208f, tires 1216f, stabilizer 1218f, solar power system 1232f, and
tongue and hitch 1212f. FIG. 12f further depicts some examples of
dimensions for some aspects of a trailer 1202f mounted reverse
osmosis system 1200f. A person skilled in the art will recognize
that the present disclosure is not limited to the dimensions or
other aspects depicted in FIG. 12f.
[0149] FIG. 12g depict top and bottom views of one embodiment of a
trailer 1202g mounted reverse osmosis system 1200g including an
electric cabinet 1206g, a supply cabinet 1236g, a housing for a
reverse osmosis purification system and a filtration system 1230g,
a tracker tower base 1208g, tires 1216g, stabilizer 1218g, trailer
structural members 1238g, and tongue and hitch 1212g. FIG. 12g
additionally depicts some embodiments of alternate jack stands that
can be used in connection with the trailer 1202g mounted reverse
osmosis system 1200g. FIG. 12g further depicts some examples of
dimensions of some aspects of a trailer 1202g. A person skilled in
the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited
to the dimensions or other aspects depicted in FIG. 12g.
[0150] Surprisingly, experiments with the reverse osmosis system
100, and subsystems of the reverse osmosis system 100, in which
heat energy is captured, manipulated, and distributed to control
component and system temperatures have resulted in significant
increases in system efficiency as well as in component efficiency.
Thus, the system is able to function at fixed production rates
using less energy or to process liquids at higher rates using the
same amount of energy. In some aspects, this efficiency is the
result of capturing energy from sources that have previously not
been recognized as useful energy sources, and transferring this
energy to aspects of a system in which the energy can be
beneficially used. Also surprisingly, the combination of energy
from these diverse sources results in a synergistic improvement in
efficiency above what would be expected based on the individual
amounts of energy captured from each source. The energy transfer
techniques described herein can be applied to any of the systems,
subsystems, components and subcomponents described herein.
[0151] A person skilled in the art will recognize that each of
these sub-systems can be inter-connected and controllably connected
using a variety of techniques and hardware and that the present
disclosure is not limited to any specific method of connection or
connection hardware.
[0152] The technology is operational with numerous other general
purpose or special purpose computing system environments or
configurations. Examples of well known computing systems,
environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use
with the invention include, but are not limited to, personal
computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices,
multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable
consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe
computers, distributed computing environments that include any of
the above systems or devices, and the like.
[0153] As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented
steps for processing information in the system. Instructions can be
implemented in software, firmware or hardware and include any type
of programmed step undertaken by components of the system.
[0154] A microprocessor may be any conventional general purpose
single- or multi-chip microprocessor such as a Pentium.RTM.
processor, a Pentium.RTM. Pro processor, a 8051 processor, a
MIPS.RTM. processor, a Power PC.RTM. processor, or an Alpha.RTM.
processor. In addition, the microprocessor may be any conventional
special purpose microprocessor such as a digital signal processor
or a graphics processor. The microprocessor typically has
conventional address lines, conventional data lines, and one or
more conventional control lines.
[0155] The system may be used in connection with various operating
systems such as Linux.RTM., UNIX.RTM. or Microsoft
Windows.RTM..
[0156] The system control may be written in any conventional
programming language such as C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, or Java, and
ran under a conventional operating system. C, C++, BASIC, Pascal,
Java, and FORTRAN are industry standard programming languages for
which many commercial compilers can be used to create executable
code. The system control may also be written using interpreted
languages such as Perl, Python or Ruby.
[0157] The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the
systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be
appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing
appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced
in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the
use of particular terminology when describing certain features or
aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to
including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects
of the technology with which that terminology is associated.
[0158] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various modifications and changes may be made without departing
from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and
changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments.
It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts
included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other
embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment can be
included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For
example, any of the various components described herein and/or
depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded
from other embodiments.
[0159] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0160] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein are generally intended as "open" terms
(e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but
not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having
at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes
but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced
claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly
recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such
intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the
following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory
phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be
construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by
the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim
containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments
containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim
includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one"
and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an"
should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used
to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should
typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g.,
the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers,
typically means at least two recitations, or two or more
recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in
general such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system
having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to
"at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least
one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that
have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,
B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that virtually any
disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
[0161] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety. To the extent publications and patents
or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the
disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is
intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such
contradictory material.
[0162] The term "comprising" as used herein is synonymous with
"including," "containing," or "characterized by," and is inclusive
or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements
or method steps.
[0163] All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction
conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are
to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term
"about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the
numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached
claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired
properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the
very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the
doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical
parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant
digits and ordinary rounding approaches.
[0164] The above description discloses several methods and
materials of the present invention. This invention is susceptible
to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as
alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such
modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the invention
disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this
invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein,
but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within
the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the
attached claims.
* * * * *