Condensate as grey water

[samiam]

Question 1

I am busy with the design of a green building. One of the methods identified to utilise the condensate water as grey water for the toilets.

What methods could I use to calculate the amount of water removed from the air per day?

Thanks.

[nike123]

Theoretically, by applying Mollier chart and some supposed conditions an quantities of cooled air.
Practically, you have to many varying inputs (temperature, humidity, air quantity.....).

[TRASH101]

Because of the limitations and varied quantities of condensate you would be better off having a compensated conventional system perhaps with a float switch and solenoid. Dont know what water by-laws but grey water storage might have micro biological considerations

[dsp]

Hello Samian,
I know this sounds rough but as a very general rule I have used the old (1Hp of cooling produces 1 litre of condensate per hour). Its probabley overkill but it has worked.
It hasn't failed yet.

I would wait for a more accurate way of calculating condensate from someone else though.

dsp

[Brian_UK]

Have a look at page 8 of this Sauermann condensate pump handbook.

Note that the liquid quantity is in US gph.

http://www.sauermann.us/pdf/Handbook_2006_new.pdf

[Tesla]

Here in Sydney I hear they are using condensate for cooling tower makeup, and for the toilets many buildings are going for the waterless uranals - they stink a bit much for me.

[superswill]

0.5-0.8 litters per hour hour per kw of duty,i read the other day,also room humidity will be a major factor

[samiam]

Hi Guys - thanks for the thoughts and the rules of thumb.

I should have elaborated further on the refigerated zones, there are Low (at -20C), Medium temp zones (0C and 10C).

My preliminary condenstate water calc was base on the amount of ice buildup on the coil (up to the defrost). Any thoughts on this method?

[Core4 Guy]

Question 1

I am busy with the design of a green building. One of the methods identified to utilise the condensate water as grey water for the toilets.

What methods could I use to calculate the amount of water removed from the air per day?

Thanks.

I like your thinking. Condensate is one thing, condenser water cycles are another. We have been using a dolphin treated evap condensers water as grey water for toilets. We have a pressure storage tank that fills on need. Taking water from the evap condenser, while reducing the hardness levels. Great for both sides.

[Oregon Jim]

This is a bit off subject, but your question about collecting water from the air reminded me of a water collection system the military is looking into to "tap the air" for water.

A large bank of vessels filled with desiccant draws water from the air, and when the desiccant is regenerated the water is condensed and filtered for drinking. It is much cheaper and energy efficient than trying to condense water with just refrigeration.