Patent
Conductive membrane and their Stacking for Enhanced Interfacial Evaporation (SiEVA) for Desalination, Water Recycling, and Near Zero Liquid Discharge Systems
Abstract
- This invention used the laser-induced graphene (LIG) based Joule heaters for efficient water evaporation.
- It Addresses limitations of solar-driven interfacial evaporation: dependency on sunlight intensity and issues with salt deposition.
It Investigates the impact of voltage on evaporation rates and benefits of stacking Joule heaters.
Key findings:
- Stacked heaters significantly enhance evaporation rates and reduce spatial footprint and thermal losses.
- Achieves up to 5 kg/m²/h evaporation rate at 10V, performs effectively even with seawater and exhibits self-cleaning properties to prevent salt buildup. Proposes a compact, efficient system for both small- and large-scale applications, integrating renewable energy sources.
Type of IP
Faculty
Category of Patent
Societal Impact
- Enhances Water accessibility: Provides clean water in scarce regions.
- Environmental Sustainability: renewable energy for sustainable water treatment.
- Cost-effective healthcare: Reduces costs with efficient sterilization.
Salient technical features and Advantages of the Technology
- Container-Based System: A liquid vapor generation system in a container, using an insulator member (foam or polyester sponge) and a wick (folded tissue paper).
- Stacked Heaters: Multiple heaters stacked on the wick, made from single or double- sided filters, and powered by an electrical source to control evaporation rate based on liquid weight loss.
- Stacked Configuration: Includes various configurations like SLIG (Single Laser- Induced Graphene), LILI (LIG-Insulator-LIG-Insulator) double stacking, LIIL (LIG- Insulator-Insulator-LIG) double stacking, DLIG (Double-sided Laser-Induced Graphene), and LILILI (LIG-Insulator-LIG-Insulator-LIG-Insulator) triple stacking for enhanced performance.
- Conductive Filters: Filters coated with conductive materials such as LIG, carbon cloth, or thin-film electrically conductive surfaces, created using specific laser techniques.
- Single-Sided Filter Fabrication: Single-sided filters made by lasing one side with a CO2 laser system.
- Double-Sided and Metal-Doped Filters: Double-sided filters created by casting a thin PES film and lasing both sides, and metal-doped filters made by incorporating nanoparticles into a polymer solution and lasing.
- Dual Heating Mechanism: Combines Joule heating and solar energy, enabling effective water evaporation under varying environmental conditions.
- Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG): Utilizes LIG for efficient, localized heating, a novel application in water treatment.
- Stacked Configuration: Innovative stacked heater design significantly enhances evaporation rates compared to single-layer systems.
- Self-Cleaning Property: Exhibits good salt resistance and self-cleaning capabilities, reducing maintenance in high-salinity environments.
- Adjustable Heating Power: Allows fine-tuning of Joule heating to compensate for solar intensity variations, ensuring consistent performance.
Technology readiness level
6
Current Status of Technology
Early prototype development is in process
Relevant Industries
Healthcare, Waste water Plant, Desalination Plant, Pollution control
Applications or Domain
- Healthcare: Provides efficient steam-based sterilization of medical equipment.
- Desalination Plants: Enhances seawater desalination efficiency.
- Wastewater Treatment: Improves industrial and municipal wastewater management.
- Power Generation: Boosts steam generation efficiency in power plants.