Method and apparatus for collecting atmospheric moisture

Abstract

A number of apparatii for condensing water from the atmosphere are described, whereby atmospheric air is drawn through an enclosed space and moisture condenses on plates or similar contained within the enclosed space and subsequently collected. Most of the apparatii include means to increase the flow of air through the enclosed space to increase the efficiency of moisture collection. A typical apparatus includes a body ( 11 ) supporting condenser plates ( 15 ) of conical or frusto-conical configuration. Extractor fans, the operation of which are controlled by humidity sensing switches and temperature sensors, provide the increased flow. To promote condensation, typically, cooling ducts ( 49 ) are provided through which air-conditioned cool air is passed.

1 : An apparatus for collecting water from the atmosphere, said apparatus including: 
 a body defining an enclosed space;    a plurality of downwardly angled condenser members within said enclosed space upon which moisture can condense, said enclosed space communicating with said atmosphere;    a circulation means for circulating cold air exterior and/or interior to said apparatus, said circulation means including an air-conditioning unit; and    a collection means for collecting thus condensed said moisture    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said cold air is provided through a closed circuit system.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 2  wherein said closed circuit system includes air ducts.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 3  wherein said air ducts include a heat exchange means.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 4  wherein said heat exchange means includes fins.  
   
   
       6 - 7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  which further includes a flow means for increasing flow of air from said atmosphere through said enclosed space, said flow means including a pressure means to alter pressure within said apparatus to increase said flow of air.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 8  wherein said pressure means includes a venturi.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 8  wherein said body is of a substantially inclined configuration when said apparatus is in use.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said condenser members are arranged in rows.  
   
   
       12 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 11  wherein said condenser members in one of said rows are arranged in an opposite inclination to the condenser members in another adjacent row of said rows, the space between said one row and said adjacent row defining a passage though which said thus condensed said moisture can flow.  
   
   
       13 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 11  wherein said rows are concentric.  
   
   
       14 . An apparatus for collecting water from the atmosphere, said apparatus including: 
 a body defining an enclosed space;    a plurality of downwardly angled condenser members within said enclosed space upon which moisture can condense, said enclosed space communicating with said atmosphere; and    collection means for collecting thus condensed said moisture;    characterised in that each of said condenser members is of a configuration selected from the group of conical, frusto-conical, and circular configurations.    
   
   
       15 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 14  wherein said condenser members are supported at spaced apart positions along respective central support members.  
   
   
       18 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 17  wherein each of said support members is hollow to define a flow passage through which said condensed moisture can pass for subsequent collection.  
   
   
       19 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 14  wherein each of said condenser members are downwardly angled 45 degrees.  
   
   
       20 . An apparatus for collecting water from the atmosphere, said apparatus including: 
 an elongated chamber defining an enclosed space, said elongated chamber being inclined to the horizontal when said apparatus is in use;    cooling means to cool said chamber;    a plurality of condenser members upon which moisture can condense within said enclosed space;    an air inlet and an air outlet communicating said chamber with said atmosphere; and    collection means at one end of said chamber for collecting condensed said moisture.    
   
   
       21 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 20  wherein cooling means are also provided to cool said condenser members.  
   
   
       22 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 20  wherein said cooling means include cold air tubes within said chamber.  
   
   
       23 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 22  wherein said cold air tubes are located adjacent to said condenser members.  
   
   
       24 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 22  wherein cold air is supplied to said cold air tubes by an air-conditioning unit.  
   
   
       25 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 24  wherein said cold air is provided through a closed circuit system.  
   
   
       26 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said condenser members are coated with zircon, zeolite or a similar hydrophilic material.