The present invention utilizes mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression integrating compression loops across multiple process stages. A sequential network of compressors is utilized to increase the pressure and condensing temperature of the vapors within each process stage, as intra-vapor flow, and branching between process stages, as inter-vapor flow. Because the vapors available are shared among and between compressor stages, the number of compressors can be reduced, improving economics. Balancing vapor mass flow through incremental compressor stages which traverse multiple process stages by splitting vapors between compressor stages enables the overall vapor-compression system to be tailored to individual process energy requirements and to accommodate dynamic fluctuations in process conditions.

This disclosure provides systems and methods that utilize integrated mechanical vapor or thermal vapor compression to upgrade process vapors and condense them to recover the heat of condensation across multiple processes, wherein the total process energy is reduced. Existing processes that are unable to recover the heat of condensation in vapors are integrated with mechanical or thermal compressors that raise vapor pressures and temperatures sufficient to permit reuse. Integrating multiple processes permits vapor upgrading that can selectively optimize energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, process economics, or a prioritized blend of such goals. Mechanical or thermal vapor compression also alters the type of energy required in industrial processes, favoring electro-mechanical energy which can be supplied from low-carbon, renewable sources rather than combustion of carbonaceous fuels.

The present invention utilizes mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression integrating compression loops across multiple process stages. A sequential network of compressors is utilized to increase the pressure and condensing temperature of the vapors within each process stage, as intra-vapor flow, and branching between process stages, as inter-vapor flow. Because the vapors available are shared among and between compressor stages, the number of compressors can be reduced, improving economics. Balancing vapor mass flow through incremental compressor stages which traverse multiple process stages by splitting vapors between compressor stages enables the overall vapor-compression system to be tailored to individual process energy requirements and to accommodate dynamic fluctuations in process conditions.

A solar distillation system for producing a distillate and providing cooling for a structure or appliance, and a method of using the system to produce a distillate and cool a structure or appliance. The system includes a distillate cooling coil, a secondary cooling coil, an expansion valve which is capable of controlling an amount of a coolant that flows through each of the coils. The system also includes a compressor, a plurality of sensors including a temperature sensor and a distillate flow sensor, and a controller which receives input from the sensors and controls the activity of the compressor and expansion valve. The system is capable of producing distillate at night in the absence of solar radiation.

The present invention provides an industrial wastewater recovery apparatus (100) aiming at Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). The apparatus (100) provides two stages in pre-heating the spiral coil pipe (103) containing wastewater and also conserves the heat by using the two heat exchangers (104, 105). The apparatus (100) agitates the surface wastewater to increase the rate of evaporation for faster heating. The apparatus (100) provides two stages in condensation of distilled water and also provides real-time monitoring of the water quality. The apparatus (100) provides automatic cleaning in the various parts during the operations. Further, a plurality of IoT sensor (201) monitor the real time parameters of the industrial wastewater recovery apparatus (100) and data is available to the user on the electronic display device (204).

A process water distillation system (10) comprises an evaporator (18), a condenser (34), a compressor (28) configured to generate a desired pressure in at least a region of the process water distillation system (10) and to convey steam from the evaporator (18) to the condenser (34) during operation of the process water distillation system (10), an inert gas source (40) configured to supply inert gas to the process water distillation system (10), and a control device (48) configured to control the supply of inert gas from the inert gas source (40) to the process water distillation system (10) in such a way that, at least in certain operating phases of the process water distillation system (10), an oxygen concentration in the process water distillation system (10) does not exceed a permissible maximum value.

A solar distillation system for producing a distillate and providing cooling for a structure or appliance, and a method of using the system to produce a distillate and cool a structure or appliance. The system includes a distillate cooling coil, a secondary cooling coil, an expansion valve which is capable of controlling an amount of a coolant that flows through each of the coils. The system also includes a compressor, a plurality of sensors including a temperature sensor and a distillate flow sensor, and a controller which receives input from the sensors and controls the activity of the compressor and expansion valve. The system is capable of producing distillate at night in the absence of solar radiation.

A fluid vapor distillation system. The system includes a control system for controlling a fluid vapor distillation apparatus including a blow down controller for controlling a blow down valve, a source flow controller for controlling a source flow valve, and a blow down level sensor in communication with a blow down controller and a source flow controller, the blow down level sensor sends signals related to the blow down level to the blow down controller and the source flow controller indicative of the blow down level, wherein the source flow controller actuates the source flow valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, and wherein the blow down controller actuates the blow down valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, whereby the blow down level and the source flow level are maintained using the blow down level sensor signals as input.

A distillation assembly which, with the aid of solar energy, continuously evaporates a feed liquor. The distillation assembly includes a container which contains the feed liquor, a container in which the distillate is collected, these containers being in thermal contact, and a compressor. The compressor compresses the vapor which is produced by boiling the feed liquor using the concentration of solar energy and/or using negative pressure, into the distillate container such that the vapor condenses there, and the evaporation enthalpy and thermal energy is returned to the feed liquor by the thermal contact.

A buoyant apparatus that is capable of floating on liquid surfaces, such as bodies of water filled with waste byproducts. The buoyant apparatus supports a plurality of atomizers via rotatable and flexible arms that can achieve 180 adjustments with the respect to a longitudinal axis of the buoyant apparatus, such that the arms can be parallel to a surface of the body of water in both an extended orientation (with the atomizers deployed over the water surface) and a retracted orientation (with the atomizers stored within the surface area of the platform). In addition, the arms can achieve 360 rotational adjustments about the attachment point of the arms to the platform. The atomizers and arms are powered by low voltage direct current (DC) motors that can utilize solar power via photovoltaic cells such that the apparatus can be employed in remote locations without the need for a centralized power grid.