Peltier-Effect Water Distiller

The US Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, Florida has developed a patented technology for distilling water. The unique process requires the heating of only a small portion of the water at a given time and takes advantage of recycling heat energy using a thermo-electric device. As a result, the design greatly reduces energy requirements, noise, residue build-up, maintenance, and increases the longevity of the unit. Water distillation removes a very broad range of contaminants and provides an extremely consistent method of water treatment for drinking, cooking, home appliance and various other uses. Currently available water distillers generate significant waste heat because the entire volume of water is heated throughout the distillation process. The existing process typically bakes a considerable amount of precipitate on the bottom of the tank. The precipitate is difficult to remove, requires the use of harsh cleaners, and makes it desirable to use expensive stainless steel in the device’s tank. NSWC’s design enables the use of less costly materials and eliminates moving parts. Benefits Energy Efficiency: Uses considerably less energy than existing methods for the same throughput Low Maintenance: Unique process results in less residue, reducing cleaning requirements Cost Effective: Due to the uniquely efficient process, stainless steel components are not required Quiet, Cost Effective, Long Life: No moving parts (fans, for example) to break down or make noise, and the unit can be fabricated from less expensive materials than current designs US Patent #6,893,540 is available for license. Further joint development with the US Navy is possible under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). Additional details of the technology, an overview of the licensing process, and an interview with the inventors, are available through TechLink.