Patent · US Expired

Mountain cloudwater

US7404837B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
1References
28Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 27, 2004
Grant dateJul 29, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 27, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE03B3/28
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A method and apparatus for completing a natural solar distillation cycle (comprised of maritime trade winds being elevated over mountain formations to form orographic clouds) includes enabling the low cost harvesting of freshwater during time periods when weather conditions permit, despite the absence of rain. The cloud-catching wind management structures preferably incorporate minimal pressure drop gas cyclones to centrifuge condensate particles out of the air stream, and jet pump-like flow guide structures to help overcome pressure drop, for efficient, energy-passive production of freshwater utilizing only the stagnation pressure of natural wind velocity. The permanence (design and anchoring against natural disasters) of the structures provides for incorporation of water treatment means, and connection with permanent collection reservoirs and distribution systems, for large volume supply of potable freshwater for public and industrial use.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.