A heat transfer system includes a conduit having open first and second ends, first and second thermal exchange segments disposed in-between and in fluid communication with the ends, and a means for adding fluid to the first end. The first thermal exchange segment is disposed underneath and in thermal communication with the ground, a body of water, or other location with a different temperature. The first and second ends are arranged above all other section of conduit and relative to one another so that they are communicating vessels and a change in fluid level in one changes the fluid level in the other. The means for adding fluid to the first end of the conduit causes fluid to flow freely from the first end to the second end and fluid level to rise in the second overcoming any hydrostatic pressure in the system without a pump disposed along the conduit.

A heat transfer system includes a conduit having open first and second ends, first and second thermal exchange segments disposed in-between and in fluid communication with the ends, and a means for adding fluid to the first end. The first thermal exchange segment is disposed underneath and in thermal communication with the ground, a body of water, or other location with a different temperature. The first and second ends are arranged above all other section of conduit and relative to one another so that they are communicating vessels and a change in fluid level in one changes the fluid level in the other. The means for adding fluid to the first end of the conduit causes fluid to flow freely from the first end to the second end and fluid level to rise in the second overcoming any hydrostatic pressure in the system without a pump disposed along the conduit.

A system for extracting water from the atmosphere is disclosed. The system has a vapor absorber vessel, an absorption cycle pump, a flash drum vapor desorber, a vapor condenser, an output conduit, and a heat exchanger. The vessel has an atmospheric air inlet and outlet ports, at least one liquid desiccant inlet port, at least two liquid desiccant outlet ports, and a surface on which the liquid desiccant flows between the at least one liquid desiccant inlet port and the at least two liquid desiccant outlet ports. The pump is adapted to circulate a first portion of the liquid desiccant from a first of the outlet ports to the at least one inlet port. The desorber is adapted to receive a second portion of the liquid desiccant from a second of the outlet ports, after passage through an expansion valve, the desorber incorporates a heat exchanger for supplying heat to liquid desiccant therein. The condenser receives desorbed vapor from the desorber, the condenser incorporates condensation surfaces adapted to be cooled to a temperature of less than 20° C., for enabling the condensing of the desorbed vapor to water. The output conduit collects water condensed in the condenser. The heat exchanger is located such that it receives desorbed heated liquid desiccant from the desorber and transfers part of its sensible heat to vapor-charged liquid desiccant passing from the vessel to the desorber.

A system for extracting water from the atmosphere is disclosed. The system has a vapor absorber vessel, an absorption cycle pump, a flash drum vapor desorber, a vapor condenser, an output conduit, and a heat exchanger. The vessel has an atmospheric air inlet and outlet ports, at least one liquid desiccant inlet port, at least two liquid desiccant outlet ports, and a surface on which the liquid desiccant flows between the at least one liquid desiccant inlet port and the at least two liquid desiccant outlet ports. The pump is adapted to circulate a first portion of the liquid desiccant from a first of the outlet ports to the at least one inlet port. The desorber is adapted to receive a second portion of the liquid desiccant from a second of the outlet ports, after passage through an expansion valve, the desorber incorporates a heat exchanger for supplying heat to liquid desiccant therein. The condenser receives desorbed vapor from the desorber, the condenser incorporates condensation surfaces adapted to be cooled to a temperature of less than 20° C., for enabling the condensing of the desorbed vapor to water. The output conduit collects water condensed in the condenser. The heat exchanger is located such that it receives desorbed heated liquid desiccant from the desorber and transfers part of its sensible heat to vapor-charged liquid desiccant passing from the vessel to the desorber.

The apparatus for producing liquid water from ambient air includes a lower frame and an upper cover defining an inner space, and at least one air inlet in the lower frame. An adsorption and desorption module is arranged in the inner space with a bed of adsorbent material. A ventilator varies between a first mode in which it imposes vertical forced circulation of the ambient air, and a second mode in which the upper cover acts as a condenser for the ambient air. A valve is arranged in the upper cover to allow the ambient air to flow from the inner space to the outside environment when the ventilator is in the first mode, the valve being otherwise closed. An electronic unit switches the ventilator selectively into the first mode during a period of night time and into the second mode during a period of day time.

The apparatus for producing liquid water from ambient air includes a lower frame and an upper cover defining an inner space, and at least one air inlet in the lower frame. An adsorption and desorption module is arranged in the inner space with a bed of adsorbent material. A ventilator varies between a first mode in which it imposes vertical forced circulation of the ambient air, and a second mode in which the upper cover acts as a condenser for the ambient air. A valve is arranged in the upper cover to allow the ambient air to flow from the inner space to the outside environment when the ventilator is in the first mode, the valve being otherwise closed. An electronic unit switches the ventilator selectively into the first mode during a period of night time and into the second mode during a period of day time.

Provided herein are refrigerator systems integrated with an atmospheric water harvesting unit, as well as methods using such systems. The atmospheric water harvesting unit serves as a water supply for the refrigerator system by capturing water from surrounding air. For example, the water capture materials may be metal organic frameworks. The systems and methods desorb this water in the form of water vapor, and the water vapor is condensed into liquid water and collected. The liquid water is suitable for use as drinking water.

Provided herein are refrigerator systems integrated with an atmospheric water harvesting unit, as well as methods using such systems. The atmospheric water harvesting unit serves as a water supply for the refrigerator system by capturing water from surrounding air. For example, the water capture materials may be metal organic frameworks. The systems and methods desorb this water in the form of water vapor, and the water vapor is condensed into liquid water and collected. The liquid water is suitable for use as drinking water.

A hydro-enhanced air cleaner is provided as a stand-alone unit or as a component of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning system for a building which cleans and purifies ambient air and is also capable of producing potable water in humid environments. The device includes a dehumidifier which extracts polluted humid air and produces condensate including water and pollutants which adhere to the water. A degasser is connected with the dehumidifier to purify and degas the condensate to produce deionized water and pollutants. A humidifier is connected with the degasser to vaporize at least a portion of the deionized water for delivery to a living space. Excess deionized water may be collected as a potable water supply. In accordance with a method, the apparatus is used to continuously recycle air within a building further continuously clean the air.

A hydro-enhanced air cleaner is provided as a stand-alone unit or as a component of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning system for a building which cleans and purifies ambient air and is also capable of producing potable water in humid environments. The device includes a dehumidifier which extracts polluted humid air and produces condensate including water and pollutants which adhere to the water. A degasser is connected with the dehumidifier to purify and degas the condensate to produce deionized water and pollutants. A humidifier is connected with the degasser to vaporize at least a portion of the deionized water for delivery to a living space. Excess deionized water may be collected as a potable water supply. In accordance with a method, the apparatus is used to continuously recycle air within a building further continuously clean the air.