Technical Field

The present invention relates to an air-to-water generation system. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an air-to-water generation system, comprising an air-to-water generator, and a water treatment and dispensing unit.

Background

The provision of water, particularly clean water, is essential in virtually every aspect of life. In regions of adequate rainfall and in developed regions which have access to piped water this is normally not a problem. However, many regions of the world have inadequate rainfall and are often great distances from water sources. In addition, the much-reported changes in global climate have further reduced rainfall in many regions, often in regions which already had inadequate rainfall.

The United Nations has predicted that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will face absolute water scarcity and two thirds of the world's population could be living under water-stressed conditions. It has also been estimated that 663 million people, roughly one in 10 of the world's population, lack access to safe drinking water.

Water from ground sources (e.g. reservoirs, aquifers, wells, etc.) comprise one source of potentially potable water for a population. However, the above issues have an impact on these limited sources of water.

Whilst water from ground sources is commonly bottled for distribution and sale to consumers. However, the bottles typically employed for containing the water are plastic bottles. There are currently concerns around the overuse of plastic in everyday life.

One way of supplying clean water in areas of water scarcity is by means of an air-to- water generator, sometimes known as an atmospheric water generator. Such generators can be used anywhere where the air has high humidity and a temperature consistently above 25° C. The water-containing air is passed over refrigerated coils, thereby condensing the water which can then be collected for later use.

The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind.

Summary

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air-to-water generation system comprising: an air-to-water generator, the air-to-water generator comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; a conduit extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; an air filter in the conduit disposed towards an air inlet end of the conduit; an air flow induction system for inducing a flow of air through the passage from the inlet to the outlet; a water extraction unit for extracting water from air passing through the conduit; a storage unit for storing water extracted from air by the water extraction unit; and a water treatment and dispensing unit, the water treatment and dispensing unit comprising: a first pathogen treatment device operative to treat water stored in the storage unit; a dispensing unit, comprising a dispensing outlet controllable to dispense water responsive to input received via a user control interface, the dispensing outlet in fluid communication with the storage unit via a conduit extending therebetween, wherein the dispensing unit further comprises a second pathogen treatment device operative to treat water in a portion of the conduit toward the dispensing outlet; a pump for inducing flow of water from the storage unit to the dispensing outlet; a controller operative to control operation of at least the first pathogen treatment device and the second pathogen treatment device.

Optionally, the water treatment and dispensing unit may further comprise a mineralization system in communication with the conduit extending between the storage unit and the dispensing unit, the mineralization system operative to add at least one mineral to water in the conduit. Further optionally, the mineralization system may comprise: a mineral storage unit for storing at least one mineral; and a mixing chamber comprising: a first inlet in fluid communication with an upstream end of the conduit; an outlet in fluid communication with a downstream end of the conduit; a second inlet in communication with the mineral storage unit; and a valve for controlling release of the at least one mineral to the mixing chamber via the second inlet. Yet further optionally, the controller, responsive to a mineralization level selection instruction received from the user interface, may control release of the at least one mineral into the mixing chamber for mixing with water therein and, after completion of a mixing cycle, may control release of mineralized water with a mineralization level corresponding to a user selection toward the dispensing outlet via the mixing chamber outlet.

The mineralization system may also comprise a plurality of channels, each channel comprising a mineralization element containing at least one mineral, or a plurality of minerals in specific ratios. Optionally, the mineralization element may comprise a unit containing both carbon particles and particles of a mineral, or carbon particles and particles of a plurality of minerals in specific ratios. The mineralization element may comprise a carbon matrix material in which is embedded particles of a mineral, or particles of a plurality of minerals in specific ratios. Optionally, the controller, responsive to a mineralization level selection instruction received from the user interface, may control flow of water in the conduit to cause water to be directed through at least one of the plurality of channels, wherein the at least one channel through which the water is directed is associated with a mineralization level corresponding to a user selection.

Addition of one or more minerals to water prior to the water being dispensed alters the mineral content of the water, thereby potentially altering the“taste” of the water to produce a taste more akin to water obtained from groundwater sources such as, for example, water (e.g. mineral water) that is bottled at source for distributed consumption.

The mineralization system may allow provide potable water output by the air-to-water (ATW) generation system to “mimic” water obtained from groundwater sources in a particular geographic region. That is the“taste” of water output by the ATW generation system may be the same/similar to the“taste” of water obtained from groundwater sources.

Optionally, the water treatment and dispensing unit further may further comprise a valve operative to direct water in the conduit toward the dispensing outlet, or to a recirculation conduit configured to return the water to the storage unit. Further optionally, the valve may bes controllable by the controller to direct water to the storage unit responsive to a determination by the controller that water has not been dispensed from the system for a time period greater than a threshold period of time. Yet further optionally, the controller, responsive to the determination by the controller, may further operate to control a storage unit outlet valve and the pump to initiate flow of water from the storage unit through a portion of the conduit, through a water filter in the conduit, through a portion of the conduit for treatment by the second pathogen treatment unit, to return to the storage unit via the valve and recirculation conduit.

Recirculation of water through water storage units and/or conduits in the above- described manner may inhibit biofilm and/or bacterial growth in water storage units and/or conduits of the ATW generation system. In an optional arrangement, software implemented by the controller will configure the controller to control and allow flexible settings on frequency and number of recirculation cycles - for example, if the ATW generation system has not dispensed water for a particular period of time, e.g. 4 hours, then the system will run automatically the routine described above.

Optionally, the system may further comprise a user control interface for receiving user input. Further optionally, the user interface may be operative, responsive to received user input, to control operation of a dispensing valve to dispense water from the dispensing outlet. The dispensing valve may operate to cause water to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet in direct response to input received via the user control interface. The user control interface may comprise a mechanical element and/or an electronic element. Optionally, the mechanical element may comprise a tap, lever, handle and/or button. Optionally, the electronic element may comprise a button, a display a touch-screen display, and/or a motion sensing element.

The motion sensing element may provide for“contactless” operation of the system, e.g. to inhibit user contact with buttons, handles, etc. (for hygiene reasons).

Optionally, the user interface may be operative to communicate a user input instruction to the controller, which, responsive to a received user input instruction, may optionally operate to control operation of a/the dispensing valve to dispense water from the dispensing outlet. Further optionally, the dispensing valve may operate to cause water to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet in response to a signal received from the controller, the signal output by the controller to the dispensing valve responsive to input received at the controller via the user control interface. Optionally, the controller, responsive to a received user input instruction, may operate to control operation of a/the dispensing valve to dispense water from the dispensing outlet from a second storage unit. Further optionally, the second storage unit may comprise a storage unit for storing water at a temperature below ambient temperature and/or at a temperature above ambient temperature. This can allow a user to select the temperature of the water that is dispensed, e.g. hot, cold, or ambient.

Optionally, the water treatment and dispensing unit may further comprise a third pathogen treatment device operative to treat water stored in the second storage unit. This may inhibit inhibit biofilm and/or bacterial growth in the second storage unit and/or may serve to kill pathogens in the second storage unit.

Optionally, the system may further comprise an air filter configured to remove particulate matter from an air stream in the conduit extending between the air inlet and the air outlet and/or to trap pathogens contained in the air stream. This may reduce the likelihood of dust, hair, particles and/or pathogens from entering the water treatment part of the system. That is, the air filter may serve to remove, or reduce, particulate matter in an air stream reaching the evaporator, and may further remove, or reduce air-bome pathogens in the air stream and/or treat air-bome pathogens in the air stream.

Optionally, the air filter may comprise an anti-pathogen agent for treating pathogens contained in the air stream. Such an anti-pathogen agent may kill pathogens in the air stream, thus potentially preventing pathogens from entering the water treatment part of the system. Optionally, water-containing elements of the system may comprise an anti-pathogen agent. Such an anti-pathogen agent may inhibit biofilm and/or bacterial growth in the water- containing elements and/or may serve to kill pathogens in the water-containing elements. Further optionally, the anti-pathogen agent may be impregnated in material(s) forming the water-containing elements and/or may be contained in a surface coating of the water- containing elements.

Optionally, the second pathogen treatment unit may be activatable under control of the controller responsive to a control signal received at the controller from the user control interface. For example, the control signal may comprise an instruction to the controller to initiate dispensing of water from the dispensing outlet. Therefore, the second pathogen treatment unit may be activated only when a user operates the system to dispense water, which may reduce power consumption of the system because the second pathogen unit is only activated when needed.

Optionally, the dispensing outlet may comprise a portion of the conduit defining a circuitous path in a region located for application of treatment by the second pathogen treatment unit. By defining such a circuitous path, this may increase the exposure of the water (and any remaining pathogens contained therein) to the second pathogen treatment unit, which may further reduce the level of pathogens remaining in the water.

The water storage unit and/or the second water storage unit may comprise an agitator that is operable periodically to stir water in the water storage unit and/or second water storage unit.

Optionally, the water treatment and dispensing unit may further comprise a waste water receptacle disposed to collect water spilled during a dispensing process and/or water leakage from the dispensing outlet during times when water dispensing is not occurring. Further optionally, the waste water receptacle may comprise an outlet operable to drain waste water collected in the receptacle to a waste water storage tank. This may reduce the likelihood of waste water re-entering the water treatment system and/or may serve the purpose of allowing waste water to be collected for other purposes.

Optionally, the water extraction unit may comprise a dessicant and/or an arrangement for implementing a refrigeration cycle.

Optionally, the air-to-water generator may further comprise a heat exchanger in the conduit. Further optionally, the heat exchanger may form at least a portion of the conduit. Yet further optionally, the heat exchanger may comprise a plurality of layers of conduits through which air can pass, the conduits in each layer extending in a different direction from the conduits in an adjacent layer. Still further optionally, the inlet ends of the conduits in a first layer may be configured to receive air from the air inlet and to convey the air to an evaporator located at the outlet ends of the conduits in the first layer, and the inlet ends of the conduits in an adjacent second layer, which extend in a different direction from the conduits in the first layer, may be configured to receive air emerging from the evaporator and to convey the air to a condenser located at the outlet ends of the conduits in the second layer.

Arranging the heat exchange in such a circuitous, or tortuous manner may increase the length of a flow path of the air stream while limiting the overall volumetric dimensions, or“footprint”, of the conduit. The flow path of the air stream may be defined by the heat exchanger as a so-called“alpha-flow” flow-path, because it bears a similarity to the Greek letter Alpha (i.e.“a”).

Optionally, the air-to-water generator, storage unit, and water treatment and dispensing unit may be housed in a same housing, or they may be housed in different housings. Optionally, the different housings may be in fluid communication via conduits therebetween. Further optionally, the air-to-water generator and water storage unit may be housed in a first housing, and the water treatment and dispensing unit may be housed in a second housing, or the water storage unit and the water treatment and dispensing unit may be housed in a first housing, and the air-to-water generator may be housed in a second housing. The first and second housings may be in fluid communication via conduits therebetween in such arrangements.

Separating the air-to-water generators and water treatment and dispensing units in such arrangements may allow for the air-to-water generator to be located in one location, and the water treatment and dispensing unit to be located in a second, different location. This may be suitable for environments where the water treatment and dispensing unit is to be located in an air-conditioned environment (e.g. a hotel room, or in a building), where the air has a relatively low humidity. If the air-to-water generator were to be located in a same air- conditioned environment, the efficiency of the air-to-water generator would likely decrease because of a lack of sufficient humidity to extract a useable quantity of water from the air. However, by locating the air-to-water generator in an outside environment (potentially a higher humidity), or to extract air from an outside environment, and linking the air-to-water generator to a water treatment and dispensing unit located inside, the available water from air may be higher and thus increase the efficiency of the air-to-water generator.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water treatment and dispensing unit, the water treatment and dispensing unit comprising: a first pathogen treatment device operative to treat water received from a storage unit; a dispensing unit, comprising a dispensing outlet controllable to dispense water responsive to input received via a user control interface, the dispensing outlet in fluid communication with the storage unit via a conduit extending therebetween, wherein the dispensing unit further comprises a second pathogen treatment device operative to treat water in a portion of the conduit toward the dispensing outlet; a pump for inducing flow of water from the storage unit to the dispensing outlet; a controller operative to control operation of at least the first pathogen treatment device and the second pathogen treatment device.

Optionally, the water treatment and dispensing unit may comprise the further features of the air-to-water generation system as described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the present invention are described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an air-to-water (ATW) generation system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an ATW generation system according to an optional arrangement;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a mineralization system of the ATW generation system of Fig. 2 in more detail;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an ATW generation system according to another optional arrangement;

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a recirculation system of the ATW generation system of Fig. 4 in more detail;

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an ATW generation system according to another optional arrangement;

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a water temperature adjustment system of the ATW generation system of Fig. 6 in more detail;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an ATW generation system showing a portion of the interior thereof; and

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger of the ATW generation system of Fig. 8 in more detail.

Detailed Description of the Invention Fig. 1 illustrates an air-to-water (ATW) generation system 10 according to one or more embodiments. The ATW generation system 10 comprises an air-to-water (ATW) generator 12 and a water treatment and dispensing unit 14.

ATW generator 12 comprises a water extraction unit 13, which, in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, comprises a cooling condensation type generator. However, the water extraction unit 13 could, optionally, comprise a water extraction unit of a different type in one or more other embodiments. ATW generator 12 operates in a manner where moist air is drawn into a conduit 16 of the ATW generator 12 via an inlet 18 to the conduit 16. Air is discharged from the conduit 16 through an outlet 20 at an opposite end of the conduit 16 to the inlet 18. An air flow induction system is configured to induce a flow of air into and through the conduit 16. Air flow induction system comprises fan 21a, which operates to draw air into the conduit 16 via inlet 18, and fan 21b, which operates to expel air from the conduit 16 via outlet 20.

The ATW generator 12 further comprises an evaporator 22, a condenser 24, a compressor 26 and a throttle device 28. Together, these elements operate to perform a refrigeration cycle in which compressor 26 circulates a refrigerant through condenser 24, throttle device 28 and evaporator 22. The condenser 24 connects with the evaporator 22 via the throttle device 28. When the refrigerant leaves the condenser 24 and enters the throttle device 28, pressure of the refrigerant drops due to the constriction in the refrigerant flow-path presented by the throttle device 28. This causes the temperature of the refrigerant fluid to decrease. The relatively cold refrigerant fluid that exits the throttle device 28 is then routed to evaporator 22.

Warm, moist air drawn into the conduit 16 by the fan 21 first passes over the evaporator 22, which absorbs energy from the air, reducing the temperature of the air and resulting in condensation of water from the air. This water extracted from the air is collected in a water storage unit 28 (discussed further below).

In the ATW generation system 10 illustrated in Fig. 1, the ATW generator 12 also comprises (optional) air filter 27, which is located in conduit 16 upstream of evaporator 22. The air filter 27 serves to remove, or reduce, particulate matter in an air stream reaching the evaporator, and may be further configured to remove, or reduce air-bome pathogens in the air stream and/or treat air-bome pathogens in the air stream.

After exiting the evaporator 22, refrigerant fluid within the refrigeration cycle is compressed by the compressor 26 and is pumped to the condenser 24, at which point the cycle begins again. In the ATW generation system 10 illustrated in Fig. 1, the water storage unit 28 forms part of water treatment and dispensing unit 14. The water treatment and dispensing unit 14 illustrated in Fig. 1 further comprises: a first pathogen treatment device 30 operative to treat water stored in the water storage unit 28; a dispensing unit 32 controllable to dispense water; a pump 34 for inducing flow of water from the water storage unit 28 to the dispensing unit 32; a user control interface 36; a second pathogen treatment device 38 operative to treat water in the dispensing unit 32; and a controller 40 operative to control operation of at least the first pathogen treatment device 30 and the second pathogen treatment device 38. An optional water filtration system 42 may also form part of the water treatment and dispensing unit 14.

Water 44 collected in the water storage unit 28 can be pumped via pump 34 and water filtration system 42 to dispensing unit 32. Water can be dispensed from the dispensing unit 32 through a dispensing outlet of the dispensing unit. Control of dispensing of water from the dispensing unit is by way of operating a valve 46.

Water 44 collected in water storage unit 28 from the ATW generator 12 can be rendered potable (i.e. safe-to-drink) by a treatment process implemented by the water treatment and dispensing unit 14. Initially, first pathogen treatment device 30 is operated to treat water 44 stored in the water storage unit 28. In one or more embodiments, the first pathogen treatment device 30 comprises an ultra-violet (UV) radiation source configured to irradiate water 44 stored in the water storage unit 28 with UV light. UV light rays emitted by the first pathogen treatment device 30 can kill pathogens (e.g. protozoa, bacteria, etc.) in water 44 within the water storage unit 28.

The water treatment process continues at the water filtration system 42, which can be configured to remove, or reduce particulate matter in the water stream. Following passage through the water filtration system 42, the water undergoes further treatment in dispensing unit 32. The second pathogen treatment device 38 is operated to treat water in the dispensing unit 32. In one or more embodiments, the second pathogen treatment device 38 comprises an ultra-violet (UV) radiation source configured to irradiate water in the dispensing unit 32 with UV light. UV light rays emitted by the second pathogen treatment device 38 can kill any remaining pathogens in water in the dispensing unit in proximity to the point of dispensing. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion 48 of a water conduit in the dispensing unit 32 is transparent to permit the irradiation of water within that portion of the water conduit with UV light rays emitted by second pathogen treatment device 38.

Treated water can be dispensed from a dispensing outlet of the dispensing unit 32 by controlling valve 46. Valve 46 is controlled by input received via user control interface 36. In one arrangement, user control interface 36 may comprise a mechanical control element (e.g. a tap) to operate the valve 46. In another arrangement, user control interface 36 may comprise an electronic control element. In a further arrangement, user control interface 36 may comprise a combination of both mechanical and electronic control elements.

The user control interface 36 may also be configured to allow a user to input instructions to control operation of the water treatment and dispensing unit 14. Such instructions input by the user control interface 36 are conveyed to controller 40, which operates, responsive to the input instructions to control one or more elements of the water treatment and dispensing unit 14. In one example, the dispensing unit 32 operates to dispense water in response to a signal received from the controller 40, the signal output by the controller 40 to the dispensing unit 14 responsive to input received at the controller 40 via the user control interface 36.

Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate an air-to-water (ATW) generation system according to an optional arrangement. In Figs. 2 and 3, features common to one or more other embodiments of the present invention, as described above, are denoted by like reference numerals.

The ATW generation system 10 may also comprise a mineralization system 50 between the water storage unit 28 and the dispensing unit 32. The mineralization system 50 comprises: at least one mineral storage unit 52a, 52b, 52c for storing at least one mineral; and a mixing chamber 54 with a first inlet (56 - see Fig. 3) in fluid communication with an upstream end of the water conduit and an outlet (58 - see Fig. 3) in fluid communication with a downstream end of the water conduit. The mixing chamber 54 also comprises a second inlet (60 - see Fig. 3) in communication with the at least one mineral storage unit 52a, 52b, 52c and a valve (62 - see Fig. 3) for controlling release of the at least one mineral to the mixing chamber 54 via the second inlet 60.

The mineral storage units 52a, 52b, 52c are controllable to release a stored mineral (or combination of two or more stored minerals) into the mixing chamber 54 for mixing with water passing through the mixing chamber 54. Addition of one or more minerals to water prior to the water being dispensed alters the mineral content of the water, thereby potentially altering the“taste” of the water to produce a taste more akin to water obtained from groundwater sources.

The controller 40 of the water treatment and dispensing unit 14 can operate to control the release of one or more minerals from the mineral storage units 52a, 52b, 52c to the mixing chamber 54. The controller 40 controls this release responsive to a mineralization level selection instruction. Such an instruction can be input by the user, using the user control interface, and the input instruction is communicated to the controller 40. After completion of a mixing cycle, the controller 40 controls the release of mineralized water from the mixing chamber 54. The mineralization level of the released water (i.e. the constituent mineral(s) and the quantity/quantities of such mineral (s) per volumetric unit of water) corresponds to a mineralization level selected by the user.

A mineralization system 50 as described above may allow the potable water output by the ATW generation system 10 to“mimic” water obtained from groundwater sources in a particular geographic region. That is the“taste” of water output by the ATW generation system 10 may be the same/similar to the“taste” of water obtained from groundwater sources.

In the above description relating to Figs. 2 and 3, reference to“groundwater” refers particularly, but not exclusively, to water (e.g. mineral water) that is frequently bottled at source for distributed consumption.

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate an air-to-water (ATW) generation system according to a further optional arrangement. In Figs. 4 and 5, features common to one or more other embodiments of the present invention, as described above, are denoted by like reference numerals. The features of the optional arrangement illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 that differ from those illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 may be provided in an ATW generation system as an alternative to those illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, or in addition to those illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3.

The ATW generation system 10 may also comprise a recirculation conduit 66 running between valve 46 and water storage unit 28. Valve 46 of dispensing unit 32 in the illustrated optional arrangement is coupled to a conduit leading to the dispensing outlet of dispensing unit 32 and to recirculation conduit 66. The valve 46 is controllable to direct water flowing through it toward the dispensing outlet, or to the recirculation conduit 66 (to return water to the water storage unit 28).

The valve 46 is controllable by the controller 40 to direct water to the water storage unit 28 responsive to a determination by the controller 40 that there has been a period of inactivity. For example, the controller 40 may initiate a recirculation process (i.e. operating the valve to direct water to the storage unit 28) when the controller determines that no water has been dispensed by the system for a time period greater than a threshold period of time.

Upon determining that such a threshold period of time has been exceeded, the controller 40 operates to control a storage unit outlet valve 68 and the pump 34 to initiate flow of water from the water storage unit 28 through a portion of the water conduit, through the filtration system 42, through the portion 48 of the water conduit for treatment by the second pathogen treatment unit 38, to return to the water storage unit 28 via the valve 46 in the dispensing unit 32 and through the recirculation conduit 66.

The above-described recirculation system may inhibit biofilm and/or bacterial growth in water storage units and/or conduits of the ATW generation system 10. In an optional arrangement, software implemented by the controller will configure the controller to control and allow flexible settings on frequency and number of recirculation cycles - for example, if the ATW generation system 10 has not dispensed water for a particular period of time, e.g. 4 hours, then the system will run automatically the routine described above.

Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate an air-to-water (ATW) generation system according to a further optional arrangement. In Figs. 6 and 7, features common to one or more other embodiments of the present invention, as described above, are denoted by like reference numerals. The features of the optional arrangement illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 that differ from those illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5 may be provided in an ATW generation system as an alternative to those illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5, or in addition to those illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5.

The ATW generation system 10 may also comprise a water temperature adjustment system 70. This allows cold and/or hot and/or ambient temperature water to be dispensed from the ATW generation system 10.

The controller 40 of the water treatment and dispensing unit 14 can operate to control the water treatment and dispensing unit 14 to dispense water corresponding to a user-selected temperature option. The controller 40 controls this dispensing responsive to a temperature option selection instruction (e.g.“hot”,“cold”, or“ambient”). Such an instruction can be input by the user, using the user control interface, and the input instruction is communicated to the controller 40.

The water temperature adjustment system 70 comprises a water storage tank 72 (see Fig. 7), a temperature adjustment unit 74 (see Fig. 7) and a third pathogen treatment device 76 (see Fig. 7). The water temperature adjustment system 70 is in fluid communication with the water conduit between the water storage unit 28 and the dispensing unit 32. Inlet valve 78 (see Fig. 7) is operable to control flow of water from the water conduit between the water storage unit 28 and the dispensing unit 32, and the water storage tank 72. That is, water in the water conduit can be input to water storage tank 72 by opening inlet valve 78. Similarly, outlet valve 80 (see Fig. 7) is operable to control flow of water from the water storage tank 72 to the water conduit. The third pathogen treatment device 76 is operated to treat water in the water storage unit 72. In one or more embodiments, the third pathogen treatment device 76 comprises an ultra-violet (UV) radiation source configured to irradiate water in the water storage unit 72 with UV light. UV light rays emitted by the third pathogen treatment device 76 can kill pathogens in water in the water storage unit 72.

The temperature adjustment unit 74 can comprise a heater system operative to heat the water in the water storage unit to a particular temperature. Alternatively, the temperature adjustment unit 74 can comprise a cooler system operative to chill the water in the water storage unit to a particular temperature. In one or more embodiments, for example where the ATW generation system is configured to provide hot and cold water, or hot, cold and ambient temperature water, such an ATW generation system may be provided with two water temperature adjustment systems 70 of the type illustrated generally in Figs. 6 and 7. In such one or more embodiments, a first water temperature adjustment system may be arranged to provide cold water and a second water temperature adjustment system may be arranged to provide hot water.

In one or more of the above-described embodiments, the conduit 16 defining the air passage between the air inlet 18 and the air outlet 20 may be configured as a heat exchanger for at least a portion of the length of the conduit 16. Optionally, the conduit 16 may be arranged in a circuitous, or tortuous manner to increase a flow path of the air stream while limiting the overall volumetric dimensions, or“footprint”, of the conduit. Fig. 8 illustrates an ATW generator with the conduit illustrated in such a manner. The flow path of the air stream in the illustrated embodiment can be considered to define an“alpha-flow” flow-path for the air stream, because it bears a similarity to the Greek letter Alpha (i.e.“a”).

As seen in Fig. 8, located within a housing of the ATW generation system 10 is a heat exchanger unit that forms at least part of the air conduit. The heat exchanger unit is indicated generally at 82.

The heat exchanger unit 82 comprises a heat exchanger body 84 having a flat cuboidal shape and formed from two identical square sidewalls 86, 88 arranged parallel to each other and four layers 90, 92, 94, 96 of parallel tubes as will be explained.

As seen in Figs. 8 and 9, the heat exchanger is arranged within the housing of the ATW generation system 10 so that two of its vertices are arranged vertically one above the other, so that the edges of the square sidewalls 86, 88 are arranged at an angle of 45° to the horizontal and vertical. It will be noted from Fig. 8 that a first upper edge 98 of the heat exchanger unit 82 is located beneath the air inlet 18. As shown in Fig. 8, evaporator 22 is coupled to a first lower edge 100 of the heat exchanger body 84 opposite the edge 98. Condenser 24 is coupled to a second lower edge 102 of the heat exchanger body 84.

Fan 21a is located within the housing of the ATW generation system 10 adjacent to the evaporator 22 and is configured to draw air into ATW generation system 10 through the air inlet 18, through the heat exchanger unit 82, the evaporator 22, back through the heat exchanger unit 82 and through the condenser 24 towards fan 21b, which expels the air through the air outlet 20.

As seen in Fig. 9, the heat exchanger body 84 is formed from four layers 90, 92, 94, 96, each layer being formed from a plurality of identical, parallel, square-sectioned tubes 104 arranged parallel to one of the edges of the heat exchanger body 84. However, it will be noted from Fig. 9 that the tubes in alternate layers 90, 92, 94, 96 are arranged orthogonally or perpendicularly to each other, so that the tubes 104 in one layer extend in a direction inclined at 90° with respect to the tubes 104 in an adjacent layer. Fig. 9 only indicates the full length of a single tube 104 in layer 90 and the full length of a single tube 104 in layer 92, but it will be appreciated that each of the layers 90, 92, 94, 96 has a plurality of identical parallel tubes 104 extending the full length (or width) of the layers.

As a result of the above construction, air entering the housing of the ATW generation system 10 is drawn by the fan 21a through two of the layers 92, 96 of tubes 104. In addition, the fan 21a then forces air emerging from the evaporator 22 back through the other two layers 90, 94 of tubes 104 in the edge 106 of the heat exchanger body 84 opposite to the condenser unit 24.

It will also be observed that four baffles 108, 110, 112, 114 extend between the comers of the heat exchanger body 84 and the interior of the housing of the ATW generation system 10, so that air entering the housing is constrained to be drawn through the tubes 104 in the layers 92, 96, then through the evaporator 22, then through the tubes 104 in the layers 90, 94, and finally to the condenser 24, after which the air is discharged through the air outlet 20 by the fan 21b.

By arranging the heat exchanger unit 84 in the form of several layers of parallel tubes, with the tubes in one layer being arranged orthogonally or perpendicularly with respect to the tubes in the adjacent layer, the air drawn into the ATW generation system 10 is forced to pass twice through the heat exchanger unit 84. This may result in a more efficient exchange of heat from the air and may allow a more compact construction. In the above-described one or more embodiments, the water storage unit 28 is described as forming part of water treatment and dispensing unit 14. However, in an optional arrangement, the water storage unit 28 may form part of ATW generator 12, with the water storage unit 28 of ATW generator 12 in fluid communication with water treatment and dispensing unit 14 (e.g. via a conduit to convey water from the ATW generator 12 to the water treatment and dispensing unit 14). In a further optional arrangement, the water storage unit 28 may be separate from both the ATW generator 12 and the water treatment and dispensing unit 14.

In the above-described one or more embodiments, the water extraction unit 13 comprises a cooling condensation type generator. However, in an optional arrangement, the water extraction unit 13 could comprise dessicants. Such dessicants may comprise "wet" desiccants such as, for example, lithium chloride or lithium bromide, which serve to extract, or“pull” water from the air via hygroscopic processes, and/or solid dessicants, such as, for example, silica gel and zeolite, with pressure condensation.

In the above-described one or more embodiments, valve 46 is configured to direct water flowing through it toward the dispensing outlet, or to the recirculation conduit 62 (to return water to the water storage unit 28), i.e. by the same valve. However, in an optional arrangement, the directing of water to the recirculation conduit and dispensing of water may be controlled by one or more different valves.

In the above-described one or more embodiments, the ATW generation system 10 comprises two fans in the ATW generator 12. However, in an optional arrangement, the ATW generator 12 may comprise only a single fan operative to draw into the conduit via the air inlet and to expel air from the conduit via the air outlet. In another optional arrangement, the ATW generator 12 may comprise greater than two fans operative to draw air into the conduit via the air inlet and expel air therefrom via the air outlet. The one or more fans may comprise centrifugal and/or axial fans.

In the above-described one or more embodiments, the ATW generation system 10 is illustrated, in the accompanying figures, with a single air filter 27. However, in an optional arrangement, the air filter 27 may comprises a plurality of air filter units. The plurality of air filter units may be the same in some arrangements, and may be different in other arrangements (e.g. some may be to remove particulate matter and others may be to treat airborne pathogens). In some optional arrangements, at least one air filter may comprise a HEPA filter. In other optional arrangements, at least one air filter may comprise a filter that comprises a pathogen treatment agent (e.g. the filter may be chemically impregnated with an anti-bacterial agent).

In the above-described one or more embodiments, the mineralization system 50 comprises at least one mineral storage unit 52a, 52b, 52c for storing at least one mineral and a mixing chamber 54 with a first inlet 56 in fluid communication with an upstream end of the water conduit and an outlet in fluid communication with a downstream end of the water conduit. The mixing chamber 54 also comprises a second inlet 60 in communication with the at least one mineral storage unit 52a, 52b, 52c and a valve 62 for controlling release of the at least one mineral to the mixing chamber 54 via the second inlet 60. The mineral storage units 52a, 52b, 52c are controllable to release a stored mineral (or combination of two or more stored minerals) into the mixing chamber 54 for mixing with water passing through the mixing chamber 54. However, in an optional arrangement, the mineralization system may comprise a plurality of channels, each channel comprising a mineralization element containing at least one mineral, or a plurality of minerals in specific ratios. The controller, responsive to a mineralization level selection instruction received from the user interface, can operate to control flow of water in the conduit to cause water to be directed through at least one of the plurality of channels. The at least one channel through which the water is directed is associated with a mineralization level corresponding to a user selected mineralization level. Further optionally, the mineralization element may comprise a unit containing both carbon particles and particles of a mineral, or carbon particles and particles of a plurality of minerals in specific ratios. Alternatively, or additionally, the mineralization element may comprise a carbon matrix material in which is embedded particles of a mineral, or particles of a plurality of minerals in specific ratios.

In such an arrangement, water may be dispensed with a mineralization level corresponding to a level selected by a user by passing the water in the conduit through:

• multiple channels and recombining the separate water streams downstream of the channels. In this arrangement, each channel may contain a mineralization element containing a single type of mineral. The type of mineral in the mineralization element can be different in each channel so that, when the separate water streams are recombined, the mineral content of the water comprises a blend of multiple minerals;

• a single channel to add a single mineral type to the water; • a single channel to add a plurality of mineral types to the water. In this arrangement, the mineralization element in a first channel may comprise a plurality of mineral types in a first specific ratio. In a second channel, the mineralization element may comprise the same mineral types as the first channel, but in a second, different specific ratio. In other channels, the mineralization elements may comprise different mineral types in different specific ratios.

In such an arrangement, the unit of the mineralization element may comprise a “cartridge”. The cartridge may be a replaceable cartridge that can be removed from the water treatment and dispensing unit, and replaced with a replacement cartridge. Thus, when a mineral level is depleted, the“empty” cartridge may be removed and replaced with a replacement,“full” cartridge.

In the above-described one or more embodiments, the water extraction unit 13 of the ATW generation system 10 comprises an evaporator, throttle, condenser and compressor, which operate to perform a refrigeration cycle. However, in an optional arrangement, the ATW generation system 10 may include a thermoelectric cooler (that employs the Peltier effect) to replace one or more of the refrigeration cycle components. Such a thermoelectric cooler may comprise an array that contains a laminar structure in which n-type and p-type semiconductor materials are arranged between metal film layers, which themselves have disposed thereon ceramic layers. The ceramic layer on one side forms a heat-absorption surface to extract heat from the surrounding environment (i.e. to cool air passing thereover), and the ceramic layer on an opposite side of the array forms a heat-emission surface. A thermoelectric cooler may be usefully employed in arrangements where space is limited (e.g. small housings), such that the often bulkier conventional refrigeration cycle components cannot be employed, because of their larger size.

In the above-described one or more embodiments, the ATW generation system 10 comprises a water temperature adjustment system 70, which allows cold and/or hot and/or ambient temperature water to be dispensed from the ATW generation system 10. However, in an optional arrangement, the ATW generation system 10 may further comprise a water carbonation system to add carbon dioxide to the water dispensed by the system so that a user can, in addition to, or as an alternative to hot and/or cold and/or ambient temperature water, select “sparkling” water to be dispensed by the system. Further optionally, the ATW generation system 10 may further comprise a flavour additive system to add a flavouring to the water dispensed by the system so that a user can, in addition to, or as an alternative to sparkling and/or hot and/or cold and/or ambient temperature water, select“flavoured” water to be dispensed by the system. The flavour may comprise, for example, one or more fruit, botanical, herbal flavourings which can be added singly, or in combination to allow the system to dispense flavoured water corresponding to a user selection.

In one or more embodiments, the ATW generator 12 may be located remote from the water treatment and dispensing unit 14. The ATW generator 12 and water treatment and dispensing unit 14 may be in fluid communication by way of a conduit connecting the two. In one or more embodiments, the water storage unit 28 may be in the ATW generator side and in other one or more embodiments, the water storage unit 28 may be in the water treatment and dispensing unit side. In further one or more embodiments, the water storage unit 28 may comprise a split unit, with one portion located in the ATW generator side and another portion located in the water treatment and dispensing unit side.

In one or more embodiments, an agitator, or stirrer, may be provided in a water storage unit, or in multiple water storage units (in those embodiments having multiple units) to prevent water in the storage units from“standing” for too long.

In one or more embodiments, the portion 48 of the water conduit in the dispensing unit 32 that is configured to allow the second pathogen treatment device 38 to treat water contained in the portion 48 may comprise a spiral, helical configuration. The second pathogen treatment device 38 may comprise a conduit therethrough for receiving the portion 48, the conduit through the second pathogen treatment device 38 being of a complementary configuration to the configuration of the second pathogen treatment device 38 (e.g. a spiral helical configuration). Thus, the second pathogen treatment device 38 surrounds the portion 48 over its length.

In one or more embodiments, the second pathogen treatment device 38 may be configured to be inactive when the ATW generation system 10 is not dispensing water (e.g. in a“sleep” or low power mode) and switch to an active condition when the ATW generation system 10 is dispensing water.

In one or more embodiments, the ATW generation system 10 may be configured for communicative coupling to a communications network. Parameters and messages relating to the system operation (e.g. water generated, power consumed, cost per litre of water, fault messages, chiller/heater temperatures and control, filter change alert, water storage unit level, ambient temp, relative humidity, etc.) may be conveyed to a remote device via the communications network. This may allow an ATW generation system 10 to be monitored remotely. Optionally, the ATW generation system 10 could also be controlled remotely via the remote device in such an arrangement. In one or more embodiments, the ATW generation system 10 may comprise a waste water receptacle disposed to collect water spilled during a dispensing process and/or water leakage from the dispensing outlet during times when water dispensing is not occurring. Such an arrangement is commonly known as a“drip-tray”. In an optional arrangement, the waste water receptacle (“drip-tray”) may comprise an outlet operable to drain waste water collected in the receptacle to a waste water storage tank. In such an optional arrangement, the waste water storage tank may comprise an internal drain tank (i.e. a tank that is internal to the ATW generation system 10). The internal drain tank may be configured to be emptied to an external vessel or to ground periodically.

In one or more embodiments, water-containing elements of the system (e.g. water conduits and/or water storage units) may comprise an anti-pathogen agent. Optionally, the anti-pathogen agent may be impregnated in material(s) forming the water-containing elements. Further optionally, the anti-pathogen agent may be contained in a surface coating of the water-containing elements. Such an anti-pathogen agent may inhibit biofilm and/or bacterial growth in the water-containing elements and/or may serve to kill pathogens in the water-containing elements. Any references made herein to orientation (e.g. top, bottom, upper, lower, front, back, and rear) are made for the purposes of describing relative spatial arrangements of the features of the apparatus, and are not intended to be limiting in any sense.

As used herein, the terms“comprises,”“comprising,”“includes,”“incl uding,”“has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, the terms“a” or“an” are employed to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is means otherwise.

In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, embodiments in accordance with the invention are not limited to any of the particular materials disclosed herein. Other materials suitable for performing the function described herein for a particular material may also be utilized in embodiments of the invention.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed therein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof irrespective of whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or mitigate against any or all of the problems addressed by the present invention. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features during prosecution of this application or of any such further application derived therefrom. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in specific combinations enumerated in the claims.