초록

The invention provides machines and methods for extracting water from atmospheric air. Also provided are bladed core heat exchangers.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A machine for removing water from an airflow, the machine comprising a path of air flow extending from an air intake to an air outlet, the machine being configured such that air flowing along the path passes in sequence across a first evaporator, then across a first condenser,

What is claimed is: 1. A machine for removing water from an airflow, the machine comprising a path of air flow extending from an air intake to an air outlet, the machine being configured such that air flowing along the path passes in sequence across a first evaporator, then across a first condenser, and then across a second evaporator, the first evaporator being located closer to the air intake than is the second evaporator, the machine being adapted to maintain the first evaporator at a desired temperature at or below a dew point of air flowing across the first evaporator, said desired temperature being above a freezing point of water contained in the air flowing across the first evaporator, the first condenser being adapted to heat air flowing away from the first evaporator, the machine being adapted to maintain the second evaporator at a temperature at or below a freezing point of water in air flowing across the second evaporator, the first evaporator being adapted to remove a first amount of water from the air flow by condensing liquid water which is then delivered away from the first evaporator, the second evaporator being adapted to remove a second amount of water from the air flow by capturing ice on the second evaporator, the machine being adapted to subsequently melt said ice such that liquid water is then delivered away from the second evaporator.