Expanding on Ancient Techniques to Combat Water Scarcity

EA Editor February 8, 2024 Innovation | Sustainability | Technology
Expanding on Ancient Techniques to Combat Water Scarcity
08 Feb 2024
Innovation, Sustainability, Technology
February 8, 2024 EA Editor

Can we extract water from the air?

 

Turns out we can.

Technology companies are innovating centuries-old methods to extract water from the air, offering solutions to water scarcity issues.

Cody Friesen, an associate professor at Arizona State University, has developed solar-powered hydropanels that can absorb water vapor from sunlight exposure. This approach, reminiscent of ancient techniques like fog nets in Peru, is gaining traction, with startups at the Consumer Electronics Show showcasing similar innovations. Friesen’s company, Source Global, formerly known as Zero Mass Water, operates across 45 countries and six continents, delivering solar-powered drinking water solutions and having raised over $270 million to scale its renewable water technologies.

Friesen’s hydropanels utilize sunlight to power fans that draw air into the device, where a desiccant material absorbs and traps moisture.

The accumulated water vapor is then emitted and condensed into liquid form, making it drinkable after the addition of minerals. This innovative approach enables water production even in very low-humidity environments, including arid regions of Arizona. The goal is to democratize water access, benefiting rural communities and regions affected by natural disasters.

While a panel costs around $2,000 and is estimated to last up to 15 years, hydropanels are connected to remote monitoring systems that track environmental conditions and system performance.

Various companies are exploring innovative ways to extract water from the air, with some venturing into consumer markets.

Kara Water, known for its atmospheric water technology, has developed the Kara Pod, a countertop coffee machine that generates up to one gallon of mineralized water per day from the air to brew coffee. Other companies, such as Rainmaker and Phantor–Imhotep Industries, are developing air-to-water systems aimed at producing large volumes of water for industrial or community use.

Atmospheric Water Solutions markets an air-to-water dispenser positioned as a combined water generator, air purifier, and dehumidifier, while Atmospark promotes a portable atmospheric water device for mobile use. Despite the appeal of these innovations, questions remain about their scalability, reliability, and real-world performance.