Atmospheric water generator system and method

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed which enable an atmospheric water generator to measure a variety of water quality parameters throughout its subsystems and conduits, and implement corresponding response protocols when the measurements deviate from their normal ranges. The ranges may be reprogrammable locally at the generator or remotely from the generator. The response protocols may include self-cleaning regimes to help quickly and efficiently bring deviant measurements back into their normal ranges. Generator notification, alarm and shutdown protocols may be implemented when the measurements reach unsafe values, in order to protect the consumer and ensure their ongoing confidence in the quality of the water dispensed from the generator. Subsystems are also described which improve the operational efficiency of the generator, keep the cold dispensing line clear of bacteria, and maximize the useful life of UV bulbs within the water collection and cold storage tanks.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . An atmospheric water generator for operating in an environment with ambient air and generating potable water therefrom, the atmospheric water generator comprising:
 (a) a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water;   (b) a collection tank for collection and storage of the liquid water;   (c) a dispense outlet section for outputting dispensed volumes of the liquid water;   (d) two or more water quality meters disposed in water-measurement communication between the collection tank and water outlet section; and   (e) a processor element configured to
 (i) compare measured values from each water quality meter to corresponding programmed acceptable ranges, thereby identifying any measured value falling outside of its respective programmed acceptable range; 
 (ii) determine which one or more of at least two distinct response protocols is to occur based on which measured value falls outside of its corresponding programmed acceptable range; and 
 (iii) cause the atmospheric water generator to perform at least one of the response protocols when measured values from one or more of the water quality meters falls outside of the respective programmed acceptable range. 
   
     
     
         28 . An atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 27  wherein one of the response protocols includes triggering a filter-change alert. 
     
     
         29 . An atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 27  wherein one of the response protocols includes preventing the atmospheric water generator from dispensing liquid water. 
     
     
         30 . An atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 27  wherein one of the response protocols includes a self-cleaning response, duration and intensity of the self-cleaning response being dependent upon one or both of
 (a) which of the water quality meters is generating the measured value falling outside of the respective programmed acceptable range; and 
 (b) degree to which the measured value falls outside of the respective programmed acceptable range. 
 
     
     
         31 . An atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 30  wherein the self-cleaning response includes a water recirculation regimen. 
     
     
         32 . An atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 31  wherein the recirculation regimen involves the introduction of ozone into the recirculated water. 
     
     
         33 . An atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 27  wherein the programmed acceptable ranges are locally modifiable by way of a graphic user interface of the atmospheric water generator or remotely modifiable by way of network connection with the atmospheric water generator. 
     
     
         34 . An atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 27  comprising a top tank disposed above the collection tank and configured to receive liquid water therefrom, wherein at least one of the water quality meters is a UV meter for measuring the intensity of UV light emitted within the top tank. 
     
     
         35 . An atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 27  comprising a water filter element having an upstream side and a downstream side, wherein at least one of the water quality meters is a water pressure meter for measuring water pressure at the downstream side of the water filter element. 
     
     
         36 . An atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 27  comprising a top tank disposed above the collection tank and configured to receive liquid water therefrom, wherein at least one of the water quality meters is selected from the group consisting of
 (a) a pH meter for measuring an acidity level of the liquid water stored in the collection tank; 
 (b) an ORP meter for measuring a dissolved oxygen level of liquid water within the top tank; and 
 (c) a TDS meter for measuring total dissolved solids in liquid water flowing from the top tank to a dispense valve.