CA1197210A - Solar distillation apparatus - Google Patents
Solar distillation apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1197210A CA1197210A CA000437904A CA437904A CA1197210A CA 1197210 A CA1197210 A CA 1197210A CA 000437904 A CA000437904 A CA 000437904A CA 437904 A CA437904 A CA 437904A CA 1197210 A CA1197210 A CA 1197210A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- water
- container
- cover
- plate
- collector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/02—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating
- C02F1/04—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating by distillation or evaporation
- C02F1/14—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating by distillation or evaporation using solar energy
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/20—Controlling water pollution; Waste water treatment
- Y02A20/208—Off-grid powered water treatment
- Y02A20/212—Solar-powered wastewater sewage treatment, e.g. spray evaporation
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Heat Treatment Of Water, Waste Water Or Sewage (AREA)
- Vaporization, Distillation, Condensation, Sublimation, And Cold Traps (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The conventional solar distillation apparatus includes a container, a clear transparent cover so that water in the container can be heated, and at least one collector at the junction between the container and cover for collecting water which evaporates from the container, and condenses and runs down the cover. By adding inclined plates to the water in the container, i.e. by partially immersing heat conducting plates in the water, the rate of evaporation or distillation is increased substantially.
The conventional solar distillation apparatus includes a container, a clear transparent cover so that water in the container can be heated, and at least one collector at the junction between the container and cover for collecting water which evaporates from the container, and condenses and runs down the cover. By adding inclined plates to the water in the container, i.e. by partially immersing heat conducting plates in the water, the rate of evaporation or distillation is increased substantially.
Description
119~2~V
This invention relates to a solar distillation apparatus.
Solar stills or distillation apparatus have not changed substantially ~or decades. A study of the patent literature in the field discloses that the basic still includes a container for water, a cover on which the water condenses and a collector for receiving the condensed water. Such devices are not parti-cularly efficient, and consequently are seldom employed. More-over, if such devices are used to collect clean water, because they are inefficient, a large area must be covered with collectors in order to collect sufficient quantities of water.
It is readily apparent that a need exists for a more efficient solar still, particularly in arid climes or in areas where the only available water is salt or brackish water.
The ob~ect of the present invention is to meet such need by providing a relatively efficient solar distillation apparatus, which is capable of providing relatively large volumes of clean water in a short period of time. Bv clean water is meant water which has been evaporated and condensed on a clean surface.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a solar distillation apparatus comprising:
(a) heat conducting plate means for partial i~mersion in a body of water;
(b) cover means for location above said plate means for condensing water evaporated from the area of said plate means; and (c) collector means for collecting water condensed ~er on said platc means.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate ~97210 preferred embodiments of the present invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view from above and one end of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 is an end view of the apparatus of Fig. 4, taken from the righthand end of Fig. 4.
With reference to the Figure 1, the basic apparatus of the invention includes a container generally indicated at 1, a clear cover 2 for the container 1, inclined plates 3 and a pair of collectors 4. The container 1 is rectangular, and is defined by a bottom wall (not shown), side walls 5 and end wall 6.
The container 1 can be constructed of any suitable material such as metal or plastic. The cover 2 may be glass or a clear plastic and completely covers the container 1. The cover 2 is clear and transparent, so that sunlight readily passes to the interior of the container. The cover 2 includes sloping sides 8, so that any water evaporating from the con~ainer 1 and condensing on the cover 2, flows down such sides 8 to the collectors 4. The collectors 4 are merely elongated, semi-cylindrical troughs mounted on the inner bottom edges o~ the sides 8 for collecting water flowing down the sides 8 of the cover 2. The water can be discharged from one or both ends of the cover 2.
The main elements of the apparatus of the present invention are the plates 3 which are partially immersed in 1iL~7Z10 water in the container. The plates are formed of heat conducting metal, ceramic, glass or plastic. ~1hile the plates 3 are immersed, the depth of immersion is not critical. The plates can be supported by the side walls 5 of the container 1, or can be connected to each other and to the end walls 6 by a rod (not shown). It is merely necessary that the plates be maintained partially immersed in the water and at an angle with respect to the surface of the water, i.e. not floating in the water. If there is a temperature difference between the plates and the water, evaporation will occur. The plates 3 can be rectangular or virtually any other shape. It is even possible to use hollow plates containing pebbles or another heat retain-ing material.
A second embodiment of the invention intended for use in an open body of water, e.g. an ocean or lake includes an annular body 10 formed of styrofoam or another buoyant material, and a clear, trans arent, conical cover 11. The inner surface 12 of the body 10 includes a shoulder 13, and an annular flange 14 extends around the inner edge to form an annular recess 0 15 with the shoulder 13. The recess 15 acts as a collector or any water condensed on the cover 11. A plurality of inclined plates 16 extend across the interior of the body 10, so that when the body 10 is floating on the water the plates are partly immersed.
Referring to Fig. 3, a third embodiment of the invention includes a container 18 with a clear, transparent top or cover 19. A dish generally indicated at 20 is provided in the container 18. The dish 20 includes a bottom wall 21, a pair of ends 22 (one shown), inclined sides 23 extending between such ends, and partitions 24 extending between the ends in parallel relationship to the sides 23. The sides 23 and partitions 24 perform the same f~nction as the plates of the other embodiments of the invention, i.e. promote the evaporation of water in the dish. Water evaporated from the dish 20 condenses on the cover 19 and is collected in the container 18 on either side of the dish 2Q.
With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, another embodiment of the invention includes a container 25 defined by an elongated semi-cylindrical body, and a collector 26 defined by a larger semi-cylindrical body which is co-axial with the container 25.
A rectan~ular plate 27 defines one end of the container 25 and the collector 26, interconnecting the two elements. Water is introduced into the container 25 through an inlet duct 28 in the plate 27. A similar rectangular plate 29 closes the other end of the container 25 and the collector 26. I~ater is discharged from the container 25 through an outlet duct 30 in the plate 29. Water entering the collector 26 is discharged through a second outlet duct 31 (Fig. 5) in the plate 29. A
clear, transparent cover 32 of triangular cross section rests on the container 25. A plurality of inclined plates 33 extend between the sides of the container 25 for promoting the evapor-ation of water. In practice, the apparatus of Figs. 4 and 5 would be quite long. The container 25 and the collector 26 are inclined slightly from the inlet end to the outlet end to promote the flow of water through the container and collector.
Preferably the flow of water through the container 25 is controlled by heat actuated valves (not shown), e.g. bimetallic plates, so that the flow can be accurately maintained. A
flow-through version of the apparatus is required when distilling salt water.
It has been found that the use of the apparatus of the present invention results in a much greater rate of distilla-tion than a similar device without the plates. It is the opinion of the inventor that a capillary action occurs at the contact points between the water and the plates. Natural air convection occurs near the plates, which promotes the flow of water vapour upwardly to the cover. The heated plates heat water near the plates. Some heat is retained after sunset which lengthens the process.
The apparatus described hereinbefore can be used to distill virtually any water, and relies on the surprising discovery that the use of at least one plate partially i~mersed in the liquid to be evaporated results in an increase in the rate of evaporation.
This invention relates to a solar distillation apparatus.
Solar stills or distillation apparatus have not changed substantially ~or decades. A study of the patent literature in the field discloses that the basic still includes a container for water, a cover on which the water condenses and a collector for receiving the condensed water. Such devices are not parti-cularly efficient, and consequently are seldom employed. More-over, if such devices are used to collect clean water, because they are inefficient, a large area must be covered with collectors in order to collect sufficient quantities of water.
It is readily apparent that a need exists for a more efficient solar still, particularly in arid climes or in areas where the only available water is salt or brackish water.
The ob~ect of the present invention is to meet such need by providing a relatively efficient solar distillation apparatus, which is capable of providing relatively large volumes of clean water in a short period of time. Bv clean water is meant water which has been evaporated and condensed on a clean surface.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a solar distillation apparatus comprising:
(a) heat conducting plate means for partial i~mersion in a body of water;
(b) cover means for location above said plate means for condensing water evaporated from the area of said plate means; and (c) collector means for collecting water condensed ~er on said platc means.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate ~97210 preferred embodiments of the present invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view from above and one end of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 is an end view of the apparatus of Fig. 4, taken from the righthand end of Fig. 4.
With reference to the Figure 1, the basic apparatus of the invention includes a container generally indicated at 1, a clear cover 2 for the container 1, inclined plates 3 and a pair of collectors 4. The container 1 is rectangular, and is defined by a bottom wall (not shown), side walls 5 and end wall 6.
The container 1 can be constructed of any suitable material such as metal or plastic. The cover 2 may be glass or a clear plastic and completely covers the container 1. The cover 2 is clear and transparent, so that sunlight readily passes to the interior of the container. The cover 2 includes sloping sides 8, so that any water evaporating from the con~ainer 1 and condensing on the cover 2, flows down such sides 8 to the collectors 4. The collectors 4 are merely elongated, semi-cylindrical troughs mounted on the inner bottom edges o~ the sides 8 for collecting water flowing down the sides 8 of the cover 2. The water can be discharged from one or both ends of the cover 2.
The main elements of the apparatus of the present invention are the plates 3 which are partially immersed in 1iL~7Z10 water in the container. The plates are formed of heat conducting metal, ceramic, glass or plastic. ~1hile the plates 3 are immersed, the depth of immersion is not critical. The plates can be supported by the side walls 5 of the container 1, or can be connected to each other and to the end walls 6 by a rod (not shown). It is merely necessary that the plates be maintained partially immersed in the water and at an angle with respect to the surface of the water, i.e. not floating in the water. If there is a temperature difference between the plates and the water, evaporation will occur. The plates 3 can be rectangular or virtually any other shape. It is even possible to use hollow plates containing pebbles or another heat retain-ing material.
A second embodiment of the invention intended for use in an open body of water, e.g. an ocean or lake includes an annular body 10 formed of styrofoam or another buoyant material, and a clear, trans arent, conical cover 11. The inner surface 12 of the body 10 includes a shoulder 13, and an annular flange 14 extends around the inner edge to form an annular recess 0 15 with the shoulder 13. The recess 15 acts as a collector or any water condensed on the cover 11. A plurality of inclined plates 16 extend across the interior of the body 10, so that when the body 10 is floating on the water the plates are partly immersed.
Referring to Fig. 3, a third embodiment of the invention includes a container 18 with a clear, transparent top or cover 19. A dish generally indicated at 20 is provided in the container 18. The dish 20 includes a bottom wall 21, a pair of ends 22 (one shown), inclined sides 23 extending between such ends, and partitions 24 extending between the ends in parallel relationship to the sides 23. The sides 23 and partitions 24 perform the same f~nction as the plates of the other embodiments of the invention, i.e. promote the evaporation of water in the dish. Water evaporated from the dish 20 condenses on the cover 19 and is collected in the container 18 on either side of the dish 2Q.
With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, another embodiment of the invention includes a container 25 defined by an elongated semi-cylindrical body, and a collector 26 defined by a larger semi-cylindrical body which is co-axial with the container 25.
A rectan~ular plate 27 defines one end of the container 25 and the collector 26, interconnecting the two elements. Water is introduced into the container 25 through an inlet duct 28 in the plate 27. A similar rectangular plate 29 closes the other end of the container 25 and the collector 26. I~ater is discharged from the container 25 through an outlet duct 30 in the plate 29. Water entering the collector 26 is discharged through a second outlet duct 31 (Fig. 5) in the plate 29. A
clear, transparent cover 32 of triangular cross section rests on the container 25. A plurality of inclined plates 33 extend between the sides of the container 25 for promoting the evapor-ation of water. In practice, the apparatus of Figs. 4 and 5 would be quite long. The container 25 and the collector 26 are inclined slightly from the inlet end to the outlet end to promote the flow of water through the container and collector.
Preferably the flow of water through the container 25 is controlled by heat actuated valves (not shown), e.g. bimetallic plates, so that the flow can be accurately maintained. A
flow-through version of the apparatus is required when distilling salt water.
It has been found that the use of the apparatus of the present invention results in a much greater rate of distilla-tion than a similar device without the plates. It is the opinion of the inventor that a capillary action occurs at the contact points between the water and the plates. Natural air convection occurs near the plates, which promotes the flow of water vapour upwardly to the cover. The heated plates heat water near the plates. Some heat is retained after sunset which lengthens the process.
The apparatus described hereinbefore can be used to distill virtually any water, and relies on the surprising discovery that the use of at least one plate partially i~mersed in the liquid to be evaporated results in an increase in the rate of evaporation.
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A solar distillation apparatus comprising:
(a) heat conducting plate means for partial immersion in a body of water;
(b) cover means for location above said plate means for condensing water evaporated from the area of said plate means; and (c) collector means for collecting water condensed on said cover means.
(a) heat conducting plate means for partial immersion in a body of water;
(b) cover means for location above said plate means for condensing water evaporated from the area of said plate means; and (c) collector means for collecting water condensed on said cover means.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, including container means for holding water and said plate means partially immersed in the water, said container means being adapted to support said cover means and said collector means.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, including float means for carrying said plate means partially immersed in an open body of water with said cover means mounted on said float means.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said plate means includes a plurality of plates inclined with respect to the surface of the water.
5. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said container means includes inlet means for introducing water into said container means; and outlet means for discharging water from the container means, whereby only a portion of the water is evaporated during passage through said container means.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said container means and said collector means include inner and outer co-axial shells, the inner shell containing said plate means and receiving water to be evaporated, and the outer shell de-fining said collector means.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, including an outlet in one end of said outer shell for discharging clean water from the apparatus.
8. An apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 wherein said inner and outer shells are semi-cylindrical.
9. An apparatus according to claim 2, including dish means in said container means, said dish means including a base, end walls, and inclined side walls extending between said end walls, said side walls defining said plate means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000437904A CA1197210A (en) | 1983-09-29 | 1983-09-29 | Solar distillation apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000437904A CA1197210A (en) | 1983-09-29 | 1983-09-29 | Solar distillation apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1197210A true CA1197210A (en) | 1985-11-26 |
Family
ID=4126190
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000437904A Expired CA1197210A (en) | 1983-09-29 | 1983-09-29 | Solar distillation apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1197210A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2472590A (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2011-02-16 | Rosemary Jones | Solar desalination, cooking and boiling device |
-
1983
- 1983-09-29 CA CA000437904A patent/CA1197210A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2472590A (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2011-02-16 | Rosemary Jones | Solar desalination, cooking and boiling device |
| GB2472590B (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2013-06-12 | Rosemary Jones | A concentrated solar boiling water lid and container |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US20080078670A1 (en) | Double action solar distiller | |
| US4010080A (en) | Solar powered distilling device | |
| AU700912B2 (en) | A device for recovering water from a humid atmosphere | |
| US2843536A (en) | Solar still with means to clean evaporator surface | |
| US3655517A (en) | Molded plastic solar still | |
| US3400515A (en) | Production of water from the atmosphere | |
| US4267021A (en) | Method and apparatus for solar distillation | |
| US6116034A (en) | System for producing fresh water from atmospheric air | |
| US5421962A (en) | Desalination plant for salt water using solar energy | |
| JP2001514573A (en) | Equipment for desalting or distilling seawater or brackish water using solar energy | |
| US7328584B2 (en) | Fresh water extraction device | |
| US5094721A (en) | Multiple-effect evaporation system and process | |
| CA2098288A1 (en) | Distillation apparatus | |
| US3801474A (en) | Process and apparatus for solar distillation utilizing cellular ceramic nodules to improve the evaporation rate | |
| JPS56124483A (en) | Desalinating apparatus for sea water | |
| US4578898A (en) | Solamar water recovery | |
| CA1197210A (en) | Solar distillation apparatus | |
| ES8203230A1 (en) | Solar distillation apparatus | |
| US20240002259A1 (en) | Water distiller | |
| US4498959A (en) | Cooling attachment for solar distiller | |
| US3167488A (en) | Solar evaporator | |
| US10898825B2 (en) | Passive solar water distiller | |
| IL183317A (en) | Water reclamation systems | |
| US3703443A (en) | Solar still | |
| JP2000070921A (en) | Desalter and drinking water producing device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |