U.S. patent application number 17/193893 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-24 for solar powered water purification system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Epiphany Solar Water Systems. Invention is credited to Matthew Carter, Thomas A. Joseph, III, Charles Christopher Newton, Henry Maurice Wandrie, III.
Application Number | 20210187409 17/193893 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005436431 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210187409 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Joseph, III; Thomas A. ; et
al. |
June 24, 2021 |
Solar Powered Water Purification System
Abstract
A distillation unit for producing potable water using solar
radiation is disclosed. The distillation unit includes a heating
chamber defining an interior chamber adapted to contain a
non-potable liquid for distillation, and a dome-shaped condensing
portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the
condensing portion disposed over the heating chamber such that the
heating chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion are
provided in fluid-transfer communication. The distillation unit
also includes a pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second
surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive
non-potable liquid for distillation therein. The first surface is
disposed adjacent the outer surface of the condensing portion, and
the pre-heat jacket defines an access entry for introducing
non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the
heating chamber. The distillation unit also includes a trough
adjacent for receiving a potable liquid therein.
Inventors: |
Joseph, III; Thomas A.;
(Pittsburgh, PA) ; Newton; Charles Christopher;
(Lompoc, CA) ; Wandrie, III; Henry Maurice;
(Irvine, CA) ; Carter; Matthew; (Aurora,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Epiphany Solar Water Systems |
New Castle |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005436431 |
Appl. No.: |
17/193893 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13496951 |
May 30, 2012 |
10953341 |
|
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PCT/US2010/049603 |
Sep 21, 2010 |
|
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17193893 |
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61244314 |
Sep 21, 2009 |
|
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61363877 |
Jul 13, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02W 10/37 20150501;
B01D 5/0066 20130101; C02F 1/14 20130101; C02F 2103/08 20130101;
Y02A 20/212 20180101; B01D 1/0035 20130101; B01D 1/16 20130101;
Y02A 20/124 20180101; Y02A 20/211 20180101; B01D 3/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01D 1/00 20060101
B01D001/00; B01D 1/16 20060101 B01D001/16; C02F 1/14 20060101
C02F001/14 |
Claims
1. A distillation system, comprising: a parabolic dish concentrator
adapted to receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun and
capture heat therefrom; and a separate water distillation unit
positioned at or remote from the focal point of the
concentrator.
2. The distillation system of claim 1, wherein the concentrator is
formed of a plurality of segments.
3. The distillation system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of
segments are interlocking segments which are engaged to form the
concentrator.
4. The distillation system of claim 1, wherein the concentrator has
a circular outer perimeter.
5. The distillation system of claim 1, wherein the focal point of
the concentrator is coincident with the center of the circular
perimeter.
6. The distillation system of claim 1, wherein the concentrator is
formed of a plurality of interlocking segments.
7. The distillation system of claim 1, wherein the concentrator
comprises a supportive dish segment and a reflective surface
segment.
8. The distillation system of claim 7, wherein the reflective
surface segment is back-coated by aluminized vapor deposition.
9. The distillation system of claim 1, wherein the separate water
distillation unit comprises: a heating chamber having a first end
and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an
interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation;
a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an
outer surface, the condensing portion disposed over the first end
of the heating chamber, wherein the first end of the heating
chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion are
provided in fluid-transfer communication; a pre-heat jacket having
a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined
therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation
therein, the first surface disposed adjacent the outer surface of
the condensing portion, the pre-heat jacket defining an access
entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the
interior of the heating chamber; and a trough adjacent the first
open end of the heating chamber for receiving a potable liquid
therein.
10. The distillation system of claim 1, further comprising a
thermal receiver adapted for receiving solar radiation from the sun
and converting the solar radiation into heat at least partially
positioned at a focal point of the concentrator and separate from
the concentrator; a thermal storage reservoir separate from the
heating chamber; a heating circuit extending between the thermal
receiver and the thermal storage reservoir, wherein a heat transfer
medium circulated through the heating circuit is heated by the
solar radiation received by the thermal receiver and heat from the
heated heat transfer medium is stored in the thermal storage
reservoir; and a heat transfer circuit extending between the
thermal storage reservoir and the heating chamber, whereby stored
heat from the thermal storage reservoir is transferred to the
non-potable liquid contained in the heating chamber.
11. A distillation system, comprising: a concentrator adapted to
receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun and capture
heat therefrom, the concentrator defining a center hole therein and
having a focal point coincident with the center hole; and a water
distillation unit positioned at the focal point of the
concentrator.
12. The distillation system of claim 11, wherein the concentrator
is formed of a plurality of segments.
13. The distillation system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of
segments are interlocking segments which are engaged to form the
concentrator.
14. The distillation system of claim 11, wherein the concentrator
has a circular outer perimeter.
15. The distillation system of claim 14, wherein the focal point of
the concentrator is coincident with the center of the
perimeter.
16. The distillation system of claim 11, wherein the concentrator
is formed of a plurality of interlocking segments.
17. The distillation system of claim 11, wherein the concentrator
comprises a supportive dish segment and a reflective surface
segment.
18. The distillation system of claim 17, wherein the reflective
surface segment is back-coated by aluminized vapor deposition.
19. The distillation system of claim 11, wherein the separate water
distillation unit comprises: a heating chamber having a first end
and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an
interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation;
a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an
outer surface, the condensing portion disposed over the first end
of the heating chamber, wherein the first end of the heating
chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion are
provided in fluid-transfer communication; a pre-heat jacket having
a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined
therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation
therein, the first surface disposed adjacent the outer surface of
the condensing portion, the pre-heat jacket defining an access
entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the
interior of the heating chamber; and a trough adjacent the first
open end of the heating chamber for receiving a potable liquid
therein.
20. The distillation system of claim 11, further comprising a
thermal receiver adapted for receiving solar radiation from the sun
and converting the solar radiation into heat at least partially
positioned at a focal point of the concentrator and separate from
the concentrator; a thermal storage reservoir separate from the
heating chamber; a heating circuit extending between the thermal
receiver and the thermal storage reservoir, wherein a heat transfer
medium circulated through the heating circuit is heated by the
solar radiation received by the thermal receiver and heat from the
heated heat transfer medium is stored in the thermal storage
reservoir; and a heat transfer circuit extending between the
thermal storage reservoir and the heating chamber, whereby stored
heat from the thermal storage reservoir is transferred to the
non-potable liquid contained in the heating chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/496,951, filed May 30, 2012, which is a
U.S. National Stage entry of International Application No.
PCT/US2010/049603, filed Sep. 21, 2010, which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/244,314, filed Sep. 21, 2009
and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/363,877, filed Jul. 13,
2010, the entire disclosures of each of which are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to a solar powered water
purification system and, more particularly, is directed to a high
efficiency water purification system that is powered by
concentrated solar generated thermal energy.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Conventional systems for producing potable drinking water
from salt water by means of solar distillation typically include a
material transparent to solar radiation disposed over a pool of
salt water in such a fashion as to allow the radiant energy to heat
and vaporize the salt water. The resulting vapor subsequently
condenses and coalesces into a body of distilled potable water.
Other conventional systems for producing potable drinking water
include a receptacle for containing a quantity of liquid to be
distilled, such as salt water or brine, and a covering made of a
material transparent to solar radiation that is suspended over the
liquid. The covering typically includes portions sloping downwardly
toward the side surfaces of the receptacle and is adapted to permit
the passage of solar radiation into the receptacle in order to
raise the temperature of the salt water or brine to vaporize the
liquid. However, conventional systems are largely inefficient and
slow to operate making them inadequately adapted for large-scale
implementation.
[0004] Sufficient potable drinking water is not currently available
to more than half of the world's population. However, as most of
the world's population has access to vast sources of impure or
non-potable water, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, wells, or other
underground water sources, a need exists for a distillation system
that utilizes an available source of non-potable water and a
renewable solar energy source to provide, in an efficient manner,
potable drinking water for large-scale implementation.
[0005] As a significant portion of the world's population suffers
from a lack of potable water, a further need exists for a
distillation system that provides an affordable, easy-to-use,
highly reliable and convenient way to purify non-potable sources of
water. Existing water purification technologies, including reverse
osmosis and mechanical filtration, are expensive and require
significant energy resources to operate, as well as continual
maintenance. Accordingly, a further need exists for a distillation
system that reduces associated maintenance, costs, and related
operational expenses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
distillation unit includes a heating chamber having a first end and
a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an
interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation.
The distillation unit also includes a dome-shaped condensing
portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the
condensing portion disposed over the first end of the heating
chamber, wherein the first end of the heating chamber and the inner
surface of the condensing portion are provided in fluid-transfer
communication. The distillation unit further includes a pre-heat
jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior
defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for
distillation therein. The first surface of the pre-heat jacket is
disposed adjacent the outer surface of the condensing portion, with
the pre-heat jacket defining an access entry for introducing
non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the
heating chamber. The distillation unit further includes a trough
adjacent the first open end of the heating chamber for receiving a
potable liquid therein.
[0007] At least a portion of the heating chamber may be adapted to
receive heat from concentrated solar energy. In certain
configurations, at least a portion of the heating chamber is
adapted to transfer heat received from concentrated solar energy to
the non-potable liquid contained therein, with the heating chamber
vaporizing at least a portion of the non-potable liquid to form a
purified vapor. The inner surface of the condensing portion may be
adapted to receive the purified vapor thereon and to condense the
purified vapor into the potable liquid. The potable liquid may be
directed into the trough for expelling the potable liquid from the
distillation unit.
[0008] In one configuration, the non-potable liquid disposed within
the interior of the pre-heat jacket has a temperature that is lower
than the temperature of the outer surface of the condensing
portion. The heating chamber may further include a vapor
directional structure having a first portion in communication with
the non-potable liquid, and a second portion adjacent the inner
surface of the condensing portion for directing at least a portion
of the purified vapor to the inner surface of the condensing
portion. The heating chamber may also include a waste outlet for
expelling a portion of the non-potable liquid therefrom.
[0009] The pre-heat jacket of the distillation unit may further
include an inlet in fluid communication with a source of
non-potable liquid. The first surface of the pre-heat jacket may be
adapted to receive excess heat from the outer surface of the
condensing portion and to transfer the excess heat to the
non-potable liquid disposed within the interior of the pre-heat
jacket. The transfer of excess heat to the non-potable liquid
disposed within the interior of the pre-heat jacket may increase
the rate of condensation of the purified vapor of the inside
surface of the condensing portion. As the non-potable liquid
disposed within the pre-heat jacket approaches the boiling point,
it may be directed through the access entry.
[0010] In certain configurations, the distillation unit may further
include a second pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a
second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to
receive a non-potable liquid for distillation therein. The first
surface may be disposed adjacent the second surface of the pre-heat
jacket. The second pre-heat jacket may define a second access entry
for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the
interior of the heating chamber. The second pre-heat jacket may be
adapted to capture excess heat from the pre-heat jacket and to
transfer the excess heat to the non-potable liquid disposed within
the interior of the second pre-heat jacket.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a distillation unit includes a heating chamber having a
first end and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween
defining an interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for
distillation. The distillation unit also includes a dome-shaped
condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface,
with the condensing portion disposed over the first end of the
heating chamber. The first end of the heating chamber and the inner
surface of the condensing portion may be provided in fluid-transfer
communication. The distillation unit further includes a pre-heat
jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior
defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for
distillation therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the
outer surface of the condensing portion. The pre-heat jacket may
define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for
distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The
distillation unit may also include a second dome-shaped condensing
portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the
second condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer communication
with the heating chamber. Further the distillation unit may also
include a second pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a
second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to
receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein, with the first
surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pre-heat jacket
and adjacent the outer surface of the second condensing portion.
The second pre-heat jacket may define an access entry for
introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior
of the heating chamber. The distillation unit may also include a
trough adjacent the first open end of the heating chamber for
receiving a potable liquid therein.
[0012] In accordance with certain configurations, the second
pre-heat jacket may be adapted to receive excess heat from the
pre-heat jacket and to transfer the excess heat to the non-potable
liquid disposed within the second pre-heat jacket.
[0013] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a distillation unit may include a heating chamber having
a first end and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween
defining an interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for
distillation. The distillation unit also includes a dome-shaped
condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface,
the condensing portion disposed over the first end of the heating
chamber, with the first end of the heating chamber and the inner
surface of the condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer
communication. The distillation unit further includes a second
dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer
surface, with the second condensing portion provided in
fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber. The
distillation unit may further include means for introducing
non-potable liquid to at least one of the condensing portion and
the second condensing portion, and a trough adjacent the first open
end of the heating chamber for receiving a potable liquid
therein.
[0014] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a distillation system includes a concentrator adapted to
receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun and capture
heat therefrom, with the concentrator having a focal point. The
distillation system also includes a distillation unit positioned at
the focal point of the concentrator. The distillation unit includes
a heating chamber having a first end and a second end and a
sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to
contain a non-potable liquid for distillation, with at least a
portion of the heating chamber adapted to receive heat from the
concentrator. The distillation unit also includes a dome-shaped
condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface,
the condensing portion disposed over the first end of the heating
chamber, with the first end of the heating chamber and the inner
surface of the condensing portion provided in fluid-transfer
communication. The distillation unit also includes a pre-heat
jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior
defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for
distillation therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the
outer surface of the condensing portion. The pre-heat jacket may
define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for
distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The
distillation unit may also include a trough adjacent the first open
end of the heating chamber for receiving a potable liquid
therein.
[0015] At least a portion of the heating chamber may be adapted to
transfer heat to the non-potable liquid contained therein, with the
heating chamber vaporizing at least a portion of the non-potable
liquid to form a purified vapor. The inner surface of the
condensing portion may be adapted to receive the purified vapor
thereon and to condense the purified vapor into the potable liquid.
The potable liquid may be directed into the trough for expelling
the potable liquid from the distillation unit.
[0016] Optionally, the distillation system may also include a sun
tracking system for determining the relative position of the sun
and means for directing the concentrator toward the sun. The
concentrator may also include a solar receiver for converting solar
radiation into heat integrated into a portion of the heating
chamber. In certain configurations, the distillation unit may also
include a second dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner
surface and an outer surface, with the second condensing portion
provided in fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber.
The distillation unit may further include a second pre-heat jacket
having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined
therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation
therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the second
surface of the pre-heat jacket and adjacent the outer surface of
the second condensing portion. The second pre-heat jacket may
define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for
distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The second
pre-heat jacket may be adapted to receive excess heat from the
pre-heat jacket and to transfer the excess heat to the non-potable
liquid disposed within the second pre-heat jacket.
[0017] Alternatively, the distillation unit may include a second
dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer
surface, with the second condensing portion provided in
fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber, and a second
pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface, with
the first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the
pre-heat jacket and adjacent the outer surface of the second
condensing portion. The distillation unit may also include means
for introducing non-potable liquid to at least one of the second
surface of the pre-heat jacket and the second surface of the second
pre-heat jacket, and means for directing non-potable liquid from at
least one of the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and the
second surface of the second pre-heat jacket to the heating
chamber.
[0018] The distillation system may further include a concentrator
that is formed of a plurality of segments. The concentrator may be
formed of a plurality of interlocking segments. Optionally, the
segments may be formed of a supportive dish segment and a
reflective surface segment. The reflective surface segment may be
back-coated by aluminized vapor deposition.
[0019] In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present
invention, a distillation system includes a concentrator adapted to
receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun and capture
heat therefrom, the concentrator having a focal point, and a
distillation unit remote from the focal point of the concentrator.
The distillation unit includes a heating chamber having a first end
and a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an
interior adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation.
The distillation unit also includes a dome-shaped condensing
portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the
condensing portion disposed over the first end of the heating
chamber. The first end of the heating chamber and the inner surface
of the condensing portion are provided in fluid-transfer
communication. The distillation unit also includes a pre-heat
jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior
defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for
distillation therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the
outer surface of the condensing portion. The pre-heat jacket may
define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for
distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The
distillation unit may also include a trough adjacent the first open
end of the heating chamber for receiving a potable liquid therein,
and a thermal transfer system at least partially positioned at the
focal point. The thermal transfer system may be adapted for
receiving solar radiation from the sun and converting the solar
radiation into heat, storing at least a portion of the heat, and
directing a portion of the stored heat to the heating chamber.
[0020] The distillation system may also include a sun tracking
system for determining the relative position of the sun and means
for directing the concentrator toward the sun. The thermal transfer
system may include at least one of a sodium vapor receiver and a
hot oil system for converting solar radiation into heat and storing
at least a portion of the heat. The thermal transfer system may
further include a reservoir for storing the heat, and a circulation
loop for transferring the stored heat to the heating chamber.
[0021] Optionally, the distillation unit of the distillation system
may include a second dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner
surface and an outer surface, with the second condensing portion
provided in fluid-transfer communication with the heating chamber.
The distillation system may also include a second pre-heat jacket
having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined
therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation
therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the second
surface of the pre-heat jacket and adjacent the outer surface of
the second condensing portion. The second pre-heat jacket may
define an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for
distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The second
pre-heat jacket may be adapted to receive excess heat from the
pre-heat jacket and to transfer the excess heat to the non-potable
liquid disposed within the second pre-heat jacket.
[0022] Alternatively, the distillation unit of the distillation
system may include a second dome-shaped condensing portion having
an inner surface and an outer surface, with the second condensing
portion provided in fluid-transfer communication with the heating
chamber. The distillation unit may further include a second
pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface, the
first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pre-heat
jacket and adjacent the outer surface of the second condensing
portion. The distillation unit may also include means for
introducing non-potable liquid to at least one of the second
surface of the pre-heat jacket and the second surface of the second
pre-heat jacket, and means for directing non-potable liquid from at
least one of the second surface of the pre-heat jacket and the
second surface of the second pre-heat jacket to the heating
chamber.
[0023] The distillation system may further include a concentrator
that is formed of a plurality of segments. The concentrator may be
formed of a plurality of interlocking segments. Optionally, the
segments may be formed of a supportive dish segment and a
reflective surface segment. The reflective surface segment may be
back-coated by aluminized vapor deposition.
[0024] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a concentrator is formed of a plurality of interlocking
segments, wherein the segments are formed of a supportive dish
segment and a reflective surface segment.
[0025] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a distillation system includes a concentrator adapted to
receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun and capture
heat therefrom, the concentrator defining a center hole therein and
having a focal point coincident with the center hole, and a
distillation unit positioned at the focal point of the
concentrator.
[0026] The concentrator of the distillation unit may be formed of a
plurality of segments. The distillation unit may also include a
heating chamber having a first end and a second end and a sidewall
extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to contain a
non-potable liquid for distillation, with at least a portion of the
heating chamber adapted to receive heat from the concentrator. The
distillation unit may also include a dome-shaped condensing portion
having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the condensing
portion disposed over the first end of the heating chamber, wherein
the first end of the heating chamber and the inner surface of the
condensing portion are provided in fluid-transfer communication.
The distillation unit may further include a pre-heat jacket having
a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined
therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation
therein, with the first surface disposed adjacent the outer surface
of the condensing portion, the pre-heat jacket defining an access
entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the
interior of the heating chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a distillation unit in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
distillation unit of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a partial schematic cross-sectional side view of
the distillation unit of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C showing fluid
movement within the system in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a partial schematic cross-sectional side view of a
distillation unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a two-stage distillation
unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
two-stage distillation unit of FIG. 5 taken along line D-D in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a
two-stage distillation unit in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a
two-stage distillation unit in accordance with yet another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a photographic representation of a perspective
view of a pre-heat jacket in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a photographic representation of the top view of
the pre-heat jacket of FIG. 9 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a photographic perspective representation of the
pre-heat jacket of FIGS. 9-10 disposed over a condensing portion in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a photographic perspective representation of a
distillation unit including the pre-heat jacket and condensing
portion of FIG. 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a photographic side view representation of a
condensing portion and a second condensing portion of a
distillation unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a photographic side view representation of a
pre-heat jacket and a second pre-heat jacket in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 15 is a photographic side view representation of the
pre-heat jacket of FIG. 14 disposed over the condensing portion of
FIG. 13 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 16 is a photographic side view representation of the
pre-heat jacket of FIG. 14 disposed over the condensing portion of
FIG. 13 with the second pre-heat jacket of FIG. 14 disposed over
the second condensing portion of FIG. 13 with the second condensing
portion of FIG. 13 disposed over the pre-heat jacket of FIG. 14 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 17 is a photographic perspective representation of a
distillation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a distillation
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of a distillation
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 20 is a perspective front view of a fully formed
segment in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0047] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a supportive dish segment
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 20B is a perspective view of a reflective surface
segment in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0049] FIG. 20C is a perspective view of the combination of the
supportive dish segment of FIG. 20A with the reflective surface
segment of FIG. 20B in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0050] FIG. 20D is a perspective view of the supportive dish
segment and reflective surface segment of FIG. 20C as a fully
formed segment in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 20E is a perspective view of a plurality of
interlocking segments in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0052] FIG. 20F is a perspective view of a collector formed of a
plurality of interlocking segments in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 21 is a perspective rear view of a collector formed of
a plurality of fully formed segments of FIG. 20 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 22 is a perspective side view of the collector of FIG.
21 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 23 is perspective front view of an assembled collector
of FIGS. 21-22 and distillation unit in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms
"upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top",
"bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", and derivatives thereof shall
relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.
However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume
various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to
the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the
invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not
to be considered as limiting.
[0057] The distillation unit 30 of the present invention is
intended to distill non-potable water into potable drinking water
through an innovative distillation unit 30 powered by solar energy.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a distillation unit 30 having a heating
chamber 32, a condensing portion 34, a pre-heat jacket 36, and a
trough 38 is shown. The heating chamber 32 has a first end 40 and a
second end 42 with a sidewall 44 extending therebetween defining an
interior 46. The interior 46 of the heating chamber 32 is adapted
to contain a volume of liquid, such as a non-potable liquid 48
therein. In one embodiment, the non-potable liquid 48 may be brine,
salt water, or other liquid including a salinized component. The
non-potable liquid 48 may be provided from an ocean or other
natural body of water, or commercial or industrial waste stream. In
a further embodiment, the non-potable liquid 48 may include a 3.5%
brine, such as typical ocean water.
[0058] The second end 42 of the heating chamber 32 may have any
suitable shape appropriate to contain a volume of liquid therein.
In one configuration, shown in FIGS. 1-3, the second end 42 may
include an enlarged portion 42A, such as a bulbous profile, having
increased surface area for application of heat thereto. In another
configuration, shown in FIG. 4, the second end 42 may include an
enlarged portion 42B, having at least one dimension that is
increased with respect to a corresponding dimension of the first
end 40, having increased surface area for application of heat
thereto. As will be discussed herein, the second end 42 of the
heating chamber 32 is adapted to receive applied heat and to
transfer the heat applied thereto to the non-potable liquid 48
contained within the interior 46 of the heating chamber 32.
Accordingly, the second end 42 may include an enlarged portion 42A,
42B having a profile which increases the surface area of the second
end 42 to provide increased distribution of heat there-across. In
one embodiment, the heat applied to the second end 42 of the
heating chamber 32 may be heat generated from concentrated solar
energy, as will be described herein. In another configuration, the
heat may be provided fully or partially from other conventional
sources, such as natural gas, coal, or electricity. In a further
configuration, the first end 40 of the heating chamber 32 may
include a generally cylindrical section 40A having a reduced
diameter as compared to the second end 42.
[0059] Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, a condensing portion 34 may be
provided adjacent the heating chamber 32, such as adjacent the
first end 40 of the heating chamber 32. In one embodiment, the
condensing portion 34 has a generally dome-shaped profile having an
apex 56. As used herein, the term "dome-shaped" includes any
profile having a curvature and/or any profile defining an apex from
a plurality of segmented sections. In one configuration, the
condensing portion 34 includes an inner surface 50 and an outer
surface 52, with the inner surface 50 disposed at least partially
over the first end 40 of the heating chamber 32. In a further
configuration, at least a portion of the first end 40 of the
heating chamber 32 is disposed within or surrounded by a distal end
54 of the condensing portion 34.
[0060] The first end 40 of the heating chamber 32 and the inner
surface 50 of the condensing portion 34 are provided in
fluid-transfer communication. As used herein, the term
"fluid-transfer communication" means that liquid contained within
the heating chamber 32 may be expelled from the heating chamber 32
through the first end 40 to contact the inner surface 50 of the
condensing portion 34. In one embodiment, the non-potable liquid 48
within the heating chamber 32 may be heated until at least a
portion of the liquid vaporizes and contacts the inner surface 50
of the condensing portion 34 in the form of purified vapor or
steam. Upon contact with the inner surface 50 of the condensing
portion 34, the steam condenses and/or coalesces into potable water
droplets. Referring specifically to FIG. 3, the flow of vapor from
the second end 42 of the heating chamber 32 up through the first
end 40 and out of the heating chamber 32 is shown. This vapor
impinges on the inner surface 50 of the condensing portion 34 which
is provided at a temperature below that of the steam. Accordingly,
the vapor is cooled and condenses on the inner surface 50 of the
condensing portion 34 in the form of potable liquid. The inner
surface 50 of the condensing portion 34 may include a curvature 58
sufficient to direct the potable liquid along the inner surface 50
in a downward direction and into a trough 38 adapted to receive
potable liquid therein.
[0061] In one embodiment, the trough 38 is provided adjacent the
first end 40 of the heating chamber 32 such that potable liquid
contacting the inner surface 50 of the condensing portion 34 may
drip from the distal end 54 of the condensing portion 34 into the
trough 38 to direct the potable liquid from the distillation unit
30 to a useable location, such as a spigot or collection container
(not shown). In one embodiment, the trough 38 may be annularly
disposed about the condensing portion 34 such as in the form of a
substantially circular trough.
[0062] Referring once again to FIGS. 1-4, the distillation unit 30
also includes a pre-heat jacket 36 disposed at least partially
adjacent the outer surface 52 of the condensing portion 34. The
pre-heat jacket 36 may include a first surface 60 and a second
surface 62 defining an interior 64 therebetween adapted to receive
non-potable liquid therein. In one embodiment, the pre-heat jacket
36 may include a first surface 60 and a second surface 62 each in
the form of a continuous curved sheet having substantially the same
curvature and dimensioned to closely mimic the profile of the outer
surface 52 of the condensing portion 34. In this configuration, the
interior 64 may take the form of a continuous pocket adapted to
contain non-potable liquid. Alternatively, the interior 64 may
include a plurality of segmented pockets defined between the first
surface 60 and the second surface 62. In accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention, the pre-heat jacket 36 may
include a plurality of linked hollow tubes 70, as shown in FIGS.
9-10, joined at a common apex 72 and surrounding perimeter 74. The
linked tubes 70, common apex 72, and surrounding perimeter 74 may
be provided in fluid communication therewith for receiving
non-potable liquid therein. In this configuration, the linked tubes
70 each include a first surface 60A and a second surface 62A, taken
collectively as the first surface 60 and the second surface 62 of
the pre-heat jacket, respectively.
[0063] Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the first surface 60 of the
pre-heat jacket 36 may be disposed at least partially adjacent the
outer surface 52 of the condensing portion 34. In one
configuration, the first surface 60 of the pre-heat jacket 36 may
be disposed immediately adjacent the outer surface 52 of the
condensing portion 34, such that a portion of the condensing
portion 34 extends within a portion of the pre-heat jacket 36. In
use, excess heat transferred to the condensing portion 34 by the
vapor may be transferred to the pre-heat jacket 36 to increase the
temperature of the non-potable liquid contained within the interior
64 of the pre-heat jacket 36. As shown specifically in FIGS. 3-4,
the pre-heat jacket 36 may include an access entry 56 for
introducing non-potable liquid for distillation from the interior
64 of the pre-heat jacket 36 into the interior 46 of the heating
chamber 32. In this configuration, the temperature of the
non-potable liquid entering the heating chamber 32 is elevated and
thus requires less applied heat to the heating chamber 32 to
generate vapor as described above.
[0064] In a further embodiment, as shown specifically in FIG. 2, in
order to further increase the efficiency of the heat applied to the
heating chamber 32, a plurality of heat fins 76 may be disposed
within the interior 46 of the heating chamber 32 to improve heat
retention.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, during use a non-potable liquid may
be introduced to the distillation unit 30 through an entry 78 in
the pre-heat jacket 36. The non-potable liquid may have an
increased salinity, such as sea water having a 3.5% brine. The
non-potable liquid may pass through the interior 64 of the pre-heat
jacket 36 and through the access entry 56 into the interior 46 of
the heating chamber 32. In one configuration, a substantially
cylindrical tube 80 may be disposed between the access entry 56 and
the interior 46 of the heating chamber 32 adjacent the second end
42 to direct the flow of non-potable liquid into the interior 46 of
the heating chamber 32. Heat, such as from concentrated solar
radiation, is applied to the second end 42 of the heating chamber
32 which is transferred to the non-potable liquid contained
therein. The applied heat raises the temperature of the non-potable
liquid to the point of boiling, resulting in a purified vapor
component being released as potable water.
[0066] The purified vapor contacts the inner surface 50 of the
condensing portion 34 which is provided at a temperature less than
the temperature of the vapor, resulting in condensation of the
purified vapor on the inner surface 50 of the condensing portion
34. In one embodiment, as shown specifically in FIG. 3, a vapor
directional structure 82 may be provided for directing the purified
vapor toward the condensing portion 34. The vapor directional
structure 82 may include a first portion 84 in communication with
the non-potable liquid and a second portion 86 adjacent the inner
surface 50 of the condensing portion 34 for directing at least a
portion of the purified vapor to the inner surface 50 of the
condensing portion 34. The condensed purified vapor in the form of
potable liquid is directed down the sidewall of the condensing
portion 34 and is directed into an annular trough 38 provided
adjacent an upper portion of the heating chamber 32 and adjacent a
lower portion of the condensing portion 34. The potable liquid is
directed through the trough 38 and expelled from the distillation
unit 30 to a collection and/or usage location.
[0067] Excess heat from the condensing portion 34 may be
transferred to the non-potable liquid contained within the pre-heat
jacket 36 to increase the rate of condensation of the purified
vapor on the inner surface 50 of the condensing portion 34. The
excess heat transferred to the non-potable liquid within the
pre-heat jacket 36 also raises the temperature of the non-potable
liquid directed into the heating chamber 32 toward the boiling
point, thereby reducing the amount of externally applied heat
required to raise the temperature of the non-potable liquid to the
boiling point.
[0068] Referring again to FIG. 3, as a result of the production of
purified vapor, impurities and salt content from the non-potable
liquid remain within the interior 46 of the heating chamber 32 in
an increasing quantity. Accordingly, a waste outlet 88 may be
provided in fluid communication with the interior 46 of the heating
chamber 32 to flush an amount of non-potable liquid having
increased impurities and/or salt content therefrom. In one
embodiment, non-potable liquid having a 3.5% brine is introduced
into the distillation unit 30 at a rate of 4.83 L/min (1.28
gal/min). After operation of the distillation unit 30, potable
liquid may be expelled from the distillation unit 30 at a rate of
3.14 L/min (0.83 gal/min) and a non-potable liquid having increased
impurities, such as a 10% brine, may be drawn from the waste outlet
88 at a rate of 1.69 L/min (0.45 gal/min).
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 5-6, a distillation unit 30A may include
a structure substantially identical to the structure of the
distillation unit 30 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4,
with the exception of a second pre-heat jacket 100 applied thereto.
In this configuration, the distillation unit 30A includes a heating
chamber 32A, a condensing portion 34A, a pre-heat jacket 36A, and a
trough 38A, as similarly described above. The pre-heat jacket 36A
includes a first surface 51A and a second surface 52A, as similarly
described above. A second pre-heat jacket 100 includes a first
surface 102 and a second surface 104 and an interior 106 defined
therebetween adapted to receive a non-potable liquid for
distillation therein, as similarly described with reference to the
pre-heat jacket 36 of FIGS. 1-4. The second pre-heat jacket 100 may
include an entry 108 for receiving non-potable liquid therein, and
an access entry 110 for directing non-potable liquid into the
interior 46A of the heating chamber 32A, as similarly described
above. The first surface 102 of the second pre-heat jacket 100 may
be disposed adjacent the second surface 52A of the pre-heat jacket
36A for the purpose of transferring excess heat from the pre-heat
jacket 36A to the non-potable liquid contained within the second
pre-heat jacket 100, thereby further increasing the efficiency of
the distillation unit 30A.
[0070] In a further configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, the
distillation unit 30A may include a second condensing portion 120
having an inner surface 122 and an outer surface 124, with the
second condensing portion 120 provided in fluid-transfer
communication with the heating chamber 32A. The second pre-heat
jacket 100 may be disposed adjacent the second condensing portion
120 such that the first surface 102 of the second pre-heat jacket
100 is provided adjacent the outer surface 124 of the second
condensing portion 120 for transferring excess heat from the second
condensing portion 120 to the non-potable liquid within the second
pre-heat jacket 100, thereby further increasing the efficiency of
the distillation unit 30A. It is noted herein, that a second
substantially cylindrical tube 80A may be disposed between the
access entry 110 and the interior 46A of the heating chamber 32A
adjacent the second end 42A to direct the flow of non-potable
liquid into the interior 46A of the heating chamber 32A, as
similarly described above. It is also noted herein that a vapor
directional structure 82A may be provided for directing the
purified vapor toward the condensing portion 34A. The vapor
directional structure 82A may include a first portion 84A in
communication with the non-potable liquid and a second portion 86A
adjacent the inner surface 50A of the condensing portion 34A for
directing at least a portion of the purified vapor to the inner
surface 50A of the condensing portion 34A.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 7-8, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention, a distillation unit 30B may
include a plurality of liquid jets 200 adjacent the condensing
portion 202 and/or the second condensing portion 204. In this
configuration, non-potable liquid 48 is misted onto at least a
portion of the condensing portion 202 and/or the second condensing
portion 204. In one configuration, a pre-heat jacket and/or a
second pre-heat jacket may include the liquid jets 200 to
distribute mist onto the condensing portion 202 and/or the second
condensing portion 204. The misted non-potable liquid is vaporized
by the excess heat passed through a condensing portion 206 and/or a
second condensing portion 208, as previously described herein. It
is contemplated herein that excess non-potable liquid that is not
vaporized, and/or includes increased impurities or saline content,
is passed through drains 212 to a heating chamber 210. As the
heating chamber 210 is heated, the non-potable liquid vaporizes
producing a purified potable liquid which condenses on the
condensing portion 202 and/or second condensing portion 204, with
the non-potable liquid misting on the upper surfaces of the
condensing portion 202 and second condensing portion 204 to
increase the rate of condensation thereon. The potable liquid is
directed to a trough 220 for expelling potable liquid from the
distillation unit 30B.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 9-16, representations of various
components of a distillation unit 30, 30A, 30B are shown. Referring
to FIG. 12, during procedural testing, a distillation unit 30
having a single condensing portion 34, i.e., "single stage" is
shown. The distillation unit 30 was tested on a propane burner, at
approximately 17,000 BTUs (5 kW), to simulate the energy that is
obtained from the application of concentrated solar energy, such as
by the use of a 10-foot (3-meter) parabolic solar concentrator. An
initial test was performed with a 5% salt water solution (4.375-lbs
of water and 0.22-lbs of salt by weight) as a non-potable liquid
introduced into the distillation unit 30. The non-potable liquid is
contained in a boiling chamber 32 with the single stage internal
unit mounted above it. Non-potable liquid is misted on the
condensing portion 34 through the pre-heat jacket 36 with the
system diagram above.
[0073] For the single stage distillation unit 30, the system
operates by the application of heat energy to the heating chamber
32, causing the non-potable liquid therein to boil. The purified
vapor or steam rises into the condensing portion 34, or lower cone,
leaving the contaminants behind in the heating chamber 32. As shown
in FIG. 8, incoming non-potable contaminated water is misted or
sprayed on the lower ring 205 and down-comers 207. In certain
configurations, the second condensing portion 204 or upper cone
protects the condensing portion 202 or lower cone from the spray,
keeping the steam vapor in the lower cone from condensing before it
reaches the cap. Once the steam vapor enters the cap, it follows
the path of least resistance, and flows into the down-comers. The
water misted onto the down-comers 207 and the lower ring 205
removes the heat from the steam vapor contained within the tubes,
causing it to condense. The resultant product is distilled potable
water. This same process is repeated for multiple stages,
recovering the excess energy from stage to stage. As shown in FIGS.
13-16, a condensing portion 300 and a second condensing portion 302
may be combined with a pre-heat jacket 304 and a second pre-heat
jacket 306, to produce a multi-stage system shown in FIG. 16 and
described in detail above.
[0074] As shown below in Table 1, the possible amount of distilled
water production, from an analytical standpoint, from a
multi-staged unit is presented. For the initial design, a
heat/energy pass-through of 86% was assumed. For comparison
reasons, Table 1 shows the theoretical amount of water that can be
distilled from a single stage unit to a 15-stage unit for an 86%
and 96% heat capture. For a 10% increase in heat recapture (86% to
96%) on a multi-stage unit, there is an approximate 55% increase in
the amount of distilled water that is capable of being
produced.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Theoretical amount of distilled water that
can be produced by a solar thermal distillation unit. This table is
calculated for use of a 10-ft (3-m) diameter concentrator with an
approximate reflectivity of 92%. Theoretical Distilled Water
Production in Gallons per Day* Energy Input: 5-kW Energy Input:
4.2-kW # Of Heat Pass-Through Heat Pass-Through Stages 86% 96% 86%
96% 1 16.9 16.9 14.35 14.35 2 31.4 33.13 26.68 28.12 3 43.9 48.7
37.29 41.34 4 54.7 63.6 46.42 54.03 5 63.9 78.03 59.26 66.2 6 71.89
91.81 61.02 77.91 7 78.7 108.04 66.82 89.14 8 84.6 117.7 71.81
99.92 9 89.7 129.94 76.1 110.27 10 94 141.6 79.8 120 11 97.8 152.8
82.97 129.75 12 100.98 163.67 95.7 138.9 13 103.79 179.03 99.05
147.69 14 106.13 183.97 90.07 156.13 15 108.18 193.97 91.8 164.23
*Day = 8-hrs at Peak Energy Input
[0075] The initial tests were performed with the stage internals
being open to ambient conditions, thus losing a large amount of
heat to the surroundings. These initial tests resulted in an
average output of 2-oz. per minute. The theoretical value, for a
well-insulated system, with very little heat loss, is approximately
3.83-oz. per minute. With a well-insulated housing around the
stage, the output of a distillation unit should easily come within
10% of the projected output. As was mentioned previously, the
influent water for these initial tests was a 5% salt water solution
by weight. The effluent water from the single stage test was of the
purest form. There was no visible by-product, discoloration, odor,
or taste in the effluent catch container.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, a distillation system 400 is
shown including a distillation unit 30, 30A, 30B, as described
above. With reference to FIGS. 17-18, a concentrator 402 is adapted
to receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun 404 and
capture heat therefrom. In one embodiment, the concentrator 402 is
a reflective dish having a mirrored or other reflective surface
oriented to concentrate radiation impinging thereon to a focal
point 406. As shown in FIGS. 17-18, the distillation unit 30 may be
positioned at the focal point 406, such that the second end 42 of
the heating chamber 32 is adapted to receive the heat from the
concentrated solar radiation focused at the focal point 406.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 20A-20F, in certain embodiments, the
concentrator 402 may include a plurality of individual dish
segments 500 which may be joined to form a concentrator 402. In
this embodiment, the segments 500 may have any shape, such that
when the segments 500 are joined, a concentrator 402 capable of
focusing solar radiation is formed. In certain embodiments, the
concentrator 402 may be substantially circular having a convex
curvature. It is noted that any number of segments 500 may be
joined to form the fully formed concentrator 402. In certain
embodiments, the number of segments 500 may correspond generally
with the overall diameter of the concentrator 402. For example, a
concentrator 402 having an overall diameter of about 2.4 meters may
have six segments 500 which are engageable to form the concentrator
402.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 20A, the individual dish segments may
include a supportive dish section 502 formed of a generally rigid
material, such as a generally rigid metal, polymeric composition,
or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the dish segments 502
may be formed of thin walled steel, fiberglass, polymeric or metal
mesh, and the like. Each dish segment 502 may have a generally
convex arcuate shape, as shown in FIG. 20A.
[0079] Referring now to FIG. 20B, the supportive dish segments 502
may be provided to support a corresponding reflective surface
segment 504. The reflective surface segment 504 may be formed by
any suitable reflective surface formation process and may be formed
of or coated with any suitably reflective material. Typically, the
reflective surface segment 504 may be provided in thin sheet over
the supportive dish segment 502. In one embodiment, the reflective
surface segment 504 may be formed by a thermoforming process in
which a polymeric material, such as polyacrylic, may be formed to
the shape and curvature of the supportive dish segment 502 and
back-coated by aluminized vapor deposition to impart a reflective
surface to the reflective surface segment 504. In other
embodiments, the reflective surface segment 504 may be formed by
front-coating the segment and subsequently providing a protective
transparent coating thereover. In other configurations, other
coatings and deposition techniques may be used, such as sputtering
over a metallic substrate. Alternatively, the reflective surface
segment 504 may be provided as one of multiple layers, such as one
of multiple laminated layers. In certain configurations, the
reflective surface segment 504 may be one of multiple laminated
layers in a laminated plastic film. In still other embodiments, the
reflective surface segment 504 may be provided by spraying,
rolling, or dipping the reflective coating onto a supporting
substrate. In still other embodiments, silver, or other metallic
and/or reflective components may be used to form the reflective
surface segment 504.
[0080] In certain configurations of the present invention, the
reflective surface segment 504 may be first formed and subsequently
coated. In other configurations of the present invention, the
reflective surface segment 504 may be formed of a pre-formed
reflective material and subsequently formed into a desired shape.
In one embodiment, the reflective surface segment 504 may be formed
of a reflective coated film and subsequently formed into the
desired shape.
[0081] The reflective surface segment 504 may be adhered to the
upper surface 506 of the supportive dish segment 502, as shown by
the arrows C in FIG. 20C. In one embodiment, the reflective surface
segment 504 may be adhered to the upper surface 506 of the
supportive dish segment 502 by adhesive means, such as glues and/or
epoxies, or mechanical fastening means, such as rivets, bolts, or
other interlocking mechanical fastening systems.
[0082] In yet another configuration, the reflective surface segment
504 and the supportive dish segment 502 may be co-formed or
provided from a single structure to provide a segment 500. In this
embodiment, the segment 500 may be engaged directly with other
segments 500 to form the concentrator 402. Alternatively, the
segment 500 may be engaged with other segments 500 by providing the
segments 500 onto or otherwise engaged with a skeleton frame
structure. The skeleton frame structure may include a plurality of
open frame elements adapted to allow the segments 500 to be placed
directly onto or within in order to form a concentrator 402.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 20D, the segment 500 formed of a combined
reflective surface segment 504 and a supportive dish segment 502
may be combined with other segments 500, as shown in FIG. 20E, to
form a concentrator 402, as shown in FIG. 20F. As shown in FIG.
20E, a first segment 500a may include a first engaging structure
510 and a second segment 500b may include a second engaging
structure 512 adapted to engage the first engaging structure 510.
The first engaging structure 510 may include a recess or other
cavity, and the second engaging structure 512 may include a
protrusion or other raised surface for correspondingly engaging the
first engaging structure 510 to secure the segments 500a, 500b
together. In another embodiment, the first engaging structure 510
and the second engaging structure 512 may include any suitable
fastening system, such as slide locks, press-fit engagements, and
the like. In yet another embodiment, the first engaging structure
510 and the second engaging structure 512 are positioned such that
the convex curvature of the segment 500a corresponds to the convex
curvature of the segment 500b to form a continuous and
substantially uninterrupted curvature spanning both segments 500a,
500b. In yet another embodiment, the segments 500a, 500b are
adapted such that when the segments 500a, 500b are joined, the seam
514 between the segments 500a, 500b is optically minimized such
that the amount of radiation reflected from the upper surfaces
506a, 506b is maximized.
[0084] In one embodiment, a concentrator 402 formed of segments 500
may be appreciably easier to maintain in that a damaged segment may
be easily removed and replaced without necessitating replacement of
the entire concentrator 402. This configuration may be particularly
well suited for use in harsh environments in which sand and/or
other wind blown debris may scratch or otherwise damage the
reflective surface of a collector 402. The labor and material costs
associated with the replacement of a segment 500 may be
significantly less than the labor and material costs associated
with the replacement of an entire collector 402.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 19, in accordance with yet another
embodiment of the present invention, a distillation system 400
includes a distillation unit 30, 30A, 30B, as described above. A
concentrator 402 is adapted to receive and concentrate solar
radiation from the sun 404 and capture heat therefrom. In one
embodiment, the concentrator 402 is a reflective dish having a
mirrored or other reflective surface oriented to concentrate
radiation impinging thereon to a focal point 406. In this
configuration, the distillation unit 30 may be positioned remote
from the focal point 406, and a thermal receiver 408 may be
positioned at the focal point 406 such that the thermal receiver
408 is adapted to receive the heat from the concentrated solar
radiation focused at the focal point 406. The thermal receiver 408
may pass energy to a thermal storage unit 410, such as a molten
salt thermal storage tank, for retaining heat therein. Heat from
the thermal storage unit 410 is directed to the distillation unit
30, such as is directed to the heating chamber of the distillation
unit as described above, and non-potable liquid 416 is introduced
therein, as also described above. In a further embodiment, the
thermal receiver 408 and thermal storage unit 410 form a collective
thermal transfer system 414 adapted to capture, store, and transfer
heat generated from concentrated solar energy to power the
distillation unit 30 of the present invention.
[0086] Referring to FIGS. 20-23, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention, the concentrator adapted to
receive and concentrate solar radiation from the sun may be formed
of a collector 520 having a plurality of segments 500 having a
truncated inner profile 502. In this embodiment, each segment 500
includes first and second contacting surfaces 504, 506 for
adjoining with a second segment 500. In one configuration, the
first contacting surface 504 of a first segment 500 abuts a second
contacting surface 506 of a second segment 500 to form a
substantially circular ring structure such as a doughnut
configuration, as shown in FIG. 21, having a center hole structure
defined therein by the truncated inner profile 502 of each segment
500. As shown in FIG. 22, the collector 520 may have a
substantially curved profile, as described above. Referring again
to FIGS. 21-22, the collector 520 may have an outer diameter
D.sub.O that is greater than an inner diameter D.sub.I along the
center hole structure. In one embodiment, the ratio of
D.sub.O:D.sub.I is adapted to allow for a segment 500 to have no
dimension greater than 48 inches. In another embodiment, the ratio
of D.sub.O:D.sub.I is adapted to allow for a segment 500 to have no
dimension greater than 30 inches. Accordingly, the ratio of
D.sub.O:D.sub.I may be adapted to maximize ease of fabrication such
that a collector 520 of any outer diameter D.sub.O can be formed
while maintaining an easily fabricated segment 500, such as a
segment 500 having no dimension greater than 48 inches.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 23, the collector 520 may be provided with
a distillation unit 540, as described herein. In one configuration,
the distillation unit 540 may be mounted to the collector 520 at or
adjacent the focal point of the collector by a mounting bracket 550
or plurality of mounting brackets 550. In this particular
configuration, the focal point of the collector 520 may coincide
with the center hole structure such that the focal point is located
at an area that is not defined by a reflective surface of a segment
500. The collector 520 of this particular embodiment may have
several advantages including reduced manufacturing costs. As the
collector 520 of the present invention may be intended for
positioning outdoors, the center hole structure of the collector
520 may also allow wind to pass therethrough, reducing the
susceptibility of the collector 520 to be carried by wind currents.
In another configuration, it is intended herein that the center
hole structure of the collector 520 may be adapted with a device
for harnessing wind power directed through the center hole
structure. In another configuration, the mounting of the
distillation unit 540 adjacent the focal point of the collector 520
may provide increased stability and durability.
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