Atmospheric water generator system and method

Abstract

Atmospheric water generators, systems and methods are presented involve user authentication, recording and tracking of water volumes dispensed by respective users over periods of various lengths, controlling component noise level and timing, and cleaning, heating and cooling the collected water more efficiently. The generators may be placed in network communication with other such generators to exchange water availability information therewith, or may communicate with a central server element by way of LAN, Internet, cell tower, peer-to-peer mesh or satellite. Information is conveyed to the user regarding the amount of water they consume from the water generators, and their resulting positive impact on the environment. Water dispensing data may be shared on the users' social media accounts, or used as inputs for competitions or games in order to further engage the user. User authentication may be accomplished by way of biometrics or an RFID/NFC tag embedded in the user's water vessel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A portable atmospheric water generator for operating in an environment with ambient air and generating potable water therefrom, the portable atmospheric water generator comprising:
 (a) a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water;   (b) at least one tap element being in water receiving communication with the water production element and being user-actuatable between an open state and a closed state, the at least one tap element being configured to allow water to be dispensed therefrom when in its open state and to prevent water from being dispensed therefrom when in its closed state, wherein:
 (i) actuation periods are respectively defined by each length of time the at least one tap element is continuously in its open state, and 
 (ii) actuated volumes of water are respectively defined by the volume of water dispensed during each actuation period; and 
   (c) a computer element configured to:
 (i) register one or more registered users of the generator; 
 (ii) record the actuated volumes dispensed by respective registered users; 
 (iii) for each registered user, sum the respective actuated volumes dispensed throughout respective user dispensing periods, thereby defining respective user aggregate volumes; and 
 (iv) convey respective user aggregate volumes to one or more of the registered users. 
   
     
     
         2 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  in which the user aggregate volumes are conveyed in the form of at least one of:
 (a) one or more standard units of volume measurement; 
 (b) a degree of progress toward a pre-set goal of the respective registered user; 
 (c) a degree of progress toward a pre-set group goal of a group of the respective registered users; and 
 (d) a number of hypothetical plastic containers of pre-determined volumetric capacity which are collectively volumetrically equivalent to the respective user aggregate volume. 
 
     
     
         3 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  in which the computer element includes a display screen, and the conveying of user aggregate volumes is completed at least by way of displaying the respective aggregate volumes on the display screen. 
     
     
         4 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 3  in which the display screen is a touch screen interface. 
     
     
         5 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  further comprising one or more sensor elements configured to measure one or more of the ambient temperature, ambient pressure and ambient humidity;
 wherein the computer element is in data communication with the one or more sensor elements and is configured to:
 (a) calculate from the data a current rate at which the generator is able to produce liquid water from the ambient air; and 
 (b) display the rate on a display screen. 
 
 
     
     
         6 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  further comprising a network interface configured to enable the computer element to communicate with at least one of a local area network, a wide area network, a cellular network, a peer-to-peer mesh and a satellite. 
     
     
         7 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 6  in which the communication is or includes wireless communication. 
     
     
         8 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 6  in which the computer element includes a display screen and is configured to receive by way of the network interface for display on the display screen at least one or more of:
 (i) educational or motivational messages relating to water use; 
 (ii) educational or motivational messages relating to water conservation; 
 (iii) graphics, messages or promotions relating to a brand; and 
 (iv) service notifications. 
 
     
     
         9 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 6  in which the conveyed user aggregate volumes are accessible by social media accounts of respective registered users. 
     
     
         10 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 6  in which the conveyed user aggregate volumes are conveyable as data inputs to at least one of:
 (a) a computer-based game playable by one or more registered users wherein the respective aggregate volumes at least one of:
 (i) trigger events within the game; and 
 (ii) represent parameters within the game; and 
 
 (b) a computer-based competition between registered users wherein the respective aggregate volumes of the competitors are used as a basis of mutual performance comparison. 
 
     
     
         11 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 6  in which the conveyed user aggregate volumes are accessible by mobile computing devices of respective registered users. 
     
     
         12 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 11  in which the accessibility is by way of an intermediate server element. 
     
     
         13 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  in which at least one of the user dispensing periods is the portion of the current calendar day which has elapsed as of the latest dispensing by the respective registered user. 
     
     
         14 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  in which the computer element includes a machine counter which is configured to be reinitialized, at least one of the user dispensing periods being equivalent to the time which has elapsed since latest reinitialization. 
     
     
         15 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  in which at least one of the user aggregate volumes corresponds to the dispensing by all users of the portable atmospheric water generator. 
     
     
         16 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  in which the water production element comprises a dehumidification subsystem. 
     
     
         17 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  in which the water production element comprises a desiccant subsystem or an adiabatic subsystem. 
     
     
         18 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  further comprising a flow measurement element for use in determining the actuated volumes of water. 
     
     
         19 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 18  in which the flow measurement element is comprised of one or more flow sensors or flow meters respectively disposed in fluid communication between the one or more tap elements and one or more corresponding potable water tanks. 
     
     
         20 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  wherein the computer element is configured to be placed in network communication with computer elements of one or more additional said generators located at other locations, each of the computer elements being configured to receive respective potable water availability data from each of the other generators, and indicate potable water availability and location information corresponding to each of the other generators. 
     
     
         21 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 1  in which the registering of one or more registered users enables the registered users to create respective user hydration profiles with associated user names, each user hydration profile including respective user hydration data which:
 (a) is accessible by the respective registered user by logging into their hydration profile using a unique authentication ID, and 
 (b) tracks respective user aggregate volumes conveyed in the form of at least one of:
 (i) one or more standard units of volume measurement; 
 (ii) a degree of progress toward a pre-set goal of the respective registered user; and 
 (iii) a number of hypothetical plastic containers of pre-determined volumetric capacity which are collectively volumetrically equivalent to a respective user aggregate volume. 
 
 
     
     
         22 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 21  in which the authentication ID is readable by the computer element by way of the respective user's entry of a passcode. 
     
     
         23 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 21  in which the authentication ID is readable by the computer element by way of biometric sensing. 
     
     
         24 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 21  in which the authentication ID is readable by the computer element by way of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or near field communication (NFC) tag. 
     
     
         25 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 24  in which the RFID or NFC tag is embedded or contained in a drinking vessel of the respective user. 
     
     
         26 . A portable atmospheric water generator for operating in an environment with ambient air and generating potable water therefrom, the portable atmospheric water generator comprising:
 a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water; and   a computer element;   wherein:
 (a) the portable atmospheric water generator includes one or more dynamic components; 
 (b) each of the one or more dynamic components having a respective active state which results in a respective acoustic signature audible to humans; and 
 (c) the computer element is programmable with a noise control schedule, the noise control schedule being configured to include times when one or more of the dynamic components are automatically maintained in a respective reduced activity state or inactive state. 
   
     
     
         27 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 26  in which the one or more dynamic components are one or more of a fan element, a compressor element and a pump element. 
     
     
         28 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 26  wherein the noise control schedule is user-modifiable by way of a touch screen interface. 
     
     
         29 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 26  wherein the computer element is configured to be placed in network communication with a calendaring program operating from another node in the network, the noise control schedule being modifiable by way of the calendaring program. 
     
     
         30 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 29  in which:
 (a) the network is a LAN of an office environment, and 
 (b) when a meeting scheduled in the calendaring program to take place in a room in which the portable atmospheric water generator is located, one or more of the dynamic components are automatically placed in their respective reduced activity state or inactive state for the duration of the scheduled meeting. 
 
     
     
         31 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 26  wherein the computer element is configured to be placed in network communication with an automated home appliance control scheduler, the noise control schedule being modifiable by way of the home appliance control scheduler. 
     
     
         32 . A portable atmospheric water generator for operating in an environment with ambient air and generating potable water therefrom, the portable atmospheric water generator comprising:
 (a) a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water; and   (b) a computer element programmable with an energy control schedule, the energy control schedule being configured to include times when one or more electrical energy consuming components of the portable atmospheric water generator are automatically maintained in a respective reduced power state or off state.   
     
     
         33 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 32  in which the computer element is configured:
 (a) to be placed in network communication with an electric utility company for receiving therefrom periodic or real-time power grid demand data indicating high-demand times; and 
 (b) to modify the energy control schedule to reduce the amount of time one or more of the electrical energy consuming components are in their active state during the indicated high-demand times. 
 
     
     
         34 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 32  in which the energy control schedule is user-modifiable by way of a touch screen interface. 
     
     
         35 . A portable atmospheric water generator for operating in an environment with ambient air and generating potable water therefrom, the portable atmospheric water generator comprising:
 (a) a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water; and   (b) a collection reservoir configured to receive liquid water from the water production element and temporarily store a quantity thereof; and   (c) a reservoir UV lamp extending through the collection reservoir and being axially removable therefrom.   
     
     
         36 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 35  in which the reservoir UV lamp is substantially laterally centered within the reservoir. 
     
     
         37 . A portable atmospheric water generator for operating in an environment with ambient air and generating potable water therefrom, the portable atmospheric water generator comprising:
 (a) a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water;   (b) a collection reservoir configured to receive liquid water from the water production element and temporarily store a quantity thereof; and   (c) an ozone generator configured to generate ozone gas routable to the collection reservoir by way of an ozone conduit;   wherein:
 (i) presence of the stored quantity defines a waterline at its upper surface, and 
 (ii) the collection reservoir includes an ozone inlet for receiving the ozone gas from the ozone generator and emitting it within the collection reservoir at a location above the waterline. 
   
     
     
         38 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 37  further comprising a cold water tank in fluid communication with the collection reservoir, the ozone gas being further routable to an upper portion of the cold water tank by way of the ozone conduit. 
     
     
         39 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 38  further comprising a pressure equalization valve for proportioning the ozone gas routed to the collection reservoir and the cold water tank. 
     
     
         40 . A portable atmospheric water generator for operating in an environment with ambient air and generating potable water therefrom, the portable atmospheric water generator comprising:
 (a) a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water;   (b) a collection reservoir configured to receive liquid water from the water production element and temporarily store a quantity thereof; and   (c) an ozone generator configured to generate ozone gas routable to the collection reservoir by way of an ozone conduit;   wherein:
 (i) a waterline limit level is predefined within the collection reservoir, and 
 (ii) the collection reservoir includes an ozone inlet for receiving the ozone gas and emitting it within the collection reservoir at a location above the waterline limit level. 
   
     
     
         41 . A portable atmospheric water generator for operating in an environment with ambient air and generating potable water therefrom, the portable atmospheric water generator comprising:
 a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water;   a collection reservoir configured to receive liquid water from the water production element and temporarily store a quantity thereof;   a cold tank configured to receive water from the collection reservoir;   at least one hot tank configured to receive water from the cold tank, which is connected to a heating element configured to heat the water contained within the hot tank; and   a central processing unit, which is programmable by a user through a control panel, wherein the central processing unit is configured to communicate with the heating element and cause power to be delivered to the heating element according to a defined protocol, wherein said protocol specifies: (i) a frequency and magnitude of pulsed energy to be delivered to the heating element from a power source; and (ii) a set temperature, or a set range of temperatures, for water contained within the hot tank and cold tank.   
     
     
         42 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 41 , wherein the protocol further specifies a rest period, wherein the rest period is a period of time during which the set temperature, or the set range of temperatures, for water contained within the hot tank is reduced relative to a temperature that is associated with a normal operating period of time. 
     
     
         43 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 42 , wherein the protocol further specifies whether:
 (a) the set temperature, or the set range of temperatures, for water contained within the hot tank takes precedence over water contained in the cold tank; or   (b) the set temperature, or the set range of temperatures, for water contained within the cold tank takes precedence over water contained in the hot tank.   
     
     
         44 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 43 , wherein the protocol further specifies a total power usage limitation for the portable atmospheric water generator. 
     
     
         45 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 44 , wherein the total power usage limitation may comprise (a) a specific or maximum amount of energy that may be delivered with each pulse of energy; (b) an aggregated maximum amount of energy that may be delivered over a defined period of time; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). 
     
     
         46 . A portable atmospheric water generator for operating in an environment with ambient air and generating potable water therefrom, the portable atmospheric water generator comprising:
 a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water;   a collection reservoir configured to receive water from the water production element;   a refrigeration compressor; and   a cold tank configured to receive water from the collection reservoir, the cold tank having disposed therein:
 (a) a vertically extending shroud element defining a lateral perimeter of a shrouded volume; 
 (b) a laterally extending baffle element defining an upper perimeter of the shrouded volume; and 
 (c) a refrigerant evaporator coil in fluid communication with the refrigeration compressor and disposed within the shrouded volume. 
   
     
     
         47 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 46  in which the vertically extending shroud element extends vertically from a bottom wall of the cold tank. 
     
     
         48 . A portable atmospheric water generator as defined in  claim 46  further comprising
 (a) a hot tank in fluid receiving communication with the cold tank by way of a first cold tank exit port disposed outside of the shrouded volume; and 
 (b) a cold water tap in fluid receiving communication with the cold tank by way of a second cold tank exit port disposed within the shrouded volume. 
 
     
     
         49 . A system comprising:
 (a) a multiplicity of portable atmospheric water generators for operating in respective environments with ambient air and generating potable water therefrom, the portable atmospheric water generators each comprising:
 (i) a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water; 
 (ii) a flow measurement element for use in determining one or more volumes of potable water dispensed from the portable atmospheric water generator by users during one or more respective dispensing periods; and 
 (iii) a computer element configured to obtain user profile data, dispense data and service data, the user profile data pertaining to one or more respective registered users, the dispense data pertaining to at least one or more of the volumes of potable water dispensed by respective registered users, and the service data pertaining to the operation of one or more components of the portable atmospheric water generator; and 
   (b) a server element in network communication with the computer elements and configured to receive therefrom one or more of the user profile data, dispense data and service data.   
     
     
         50 . A system as defined in  claim 49  in which the server element includes a database element for tracking the respective volumes of potable water dispensed by respective registered users as input to a statistical or game-based competition between competing registered users. 
     
     
         51 . A system as defined in  claim 49  in which the server element runs an application programming interface accessible by mobile computing devices of respective users. 
     
     
         52 . A system as defined in  claim 51  in which the application programming interface makes available to a social network account of one or more of the registered users:
 (a) the dispense data pertaining to the respective registered user; and 
 (b) a respective number of hypothetical plastic containers of pre-determined volumetric capacity which are collectively volumetrically equivalent to each of the one or more volumes of potable water dispensed by the respective registered user. 
 
     
     
         53 . A system as defined in  claim 49  in which:
 (a) the computer elements each include a display screen; and 
 (b) the server element is further configured to send to the computer elements for display on the respective display screens at least one or more of:
 (i) aggregated user data including a total of all of the volumes of potable water dispensed by a respective registered user from all of the respective portable atmospheric water generators during a respective dispensing period; 
 (ii) educational or motivational messages relating to water use; 
 (iii) educational or motivational messages relating to water conservation; 
 (iv) graphics, messages or promotions relating to a brand; and 
 (v) service notifications. 
 
 
     
     
         54 . A system as defined in  claim 49  in which the server element is further configured to send software application updates to the computer elements. 
     
     
         55 . A method of generating potable water from ambient air, the method comprising the steps of
 (a) providing a water production element configured to transform water vapor from the ambient air to liquid water;   (b) furnishing at least one tap element being in water receiving communication with the water production element and being user-actuatable between an open state and a closed state, the at least one tap element being configured to allow water to be dispensed therefrom when in its open state and to prevent water from being dispensed therefrom when in its closed state, wherein:
 (i) actuation periods are respectively defined by each length of time the at least one tap element is continuously in its open state, and 
 (ii) actuated volumes of water are respectively defined by the volume of water dispensed during each actuation period; and 
   (c) selecting a computer element configured for:
 (i) registering one or more registered users of the generator; 
 (ii) recording each actuated volume dispensed throughout respective user dispensing periods; 
 (iii) summing the respective actuated volumes attributable to each registered user, thereby defining respective user aggregate volumes; and 
 (iv) conveying respective user aggregate volumes to one or more of the registered users. 
   
     
     
         56 . A method as defined in  claim 55  further comprising the step of presenting the conveyed user aggregate volumes in the form of at least one of:
 (a) one or more standard units of volume measurement; 
 (b) degree of progress toward a pre-set goal of the respective registered user; and 
 (c) a number of hypothetical plastic containers of pre-determined volumetric capacity which are collectively volumetrically equivalent to the respective user aggregate volume.