Itâs not a surprise that the resources of the earth are dwindling. With so many inhabitants, itâs no wonder that weâre all fighting to survive. But scientists and experts are trying to come up with ways and means by which natural resources can be harnessed to the maximum. Using innovative technology, research scientists at Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Germanyâs Stuttgart have managed to extract water out of humid air. If commercially viable, this could help solve the freshwater crisis to a large extent. Listed below are 10 ingenious devices that have been designed to harness water from air.
1. AquaMaker AM 10
Solve your drinking water woes with the AquaMaker AM 10. It can harness an impressive 36 liters of water from the air in just 38 hours. As if that werenât enough, it recycles, filters and cools the water before itâs ready for consumption. The AquaMaker also purifies the air so not only do you get water but you breathe in clean air as well. The only drawback is its hefty price of $1,200 and additional operational costs of $15 daily.
2. Raincloud C-15
The Raincloud C-15 is a desktop dehumidifier that can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Air is sucked in using a fan after which water is extracted. Filters and an ultraviolet germ killer ensure that the resulting water is pure. The device can hold up to 15 liters of water and is available for a price of $1,000. Keep in mind that the amount spent for purchasing the Raincloud C-15 is equivalent to buying bottled water for 20 months. You could begin saving over $500 by switching to it.
3. DewPointe Atmospheric Generator
Designed by San Luis Obispo, the DewPointe Atmospheric Generator uses an impressive 10-state filtration process that produces cold as well as hot water for consumption. While expensive at $2,000, the level of purity it provides ensures that you drink water that is fresh and pure. As large as a standard water cooler, DewPointe is another addition to the list of ingenious devices.
4. Groasis Waterboxx
This next invention doesnât provide you water to drink but harvests vapor for plants. In areas where water is scarce, it can be difficult growing plants. The Groasis Waterboxx seeks to solve this problem by harvesting rainwater and condensation for seedlings to grow. Shaped like a basin with grooves all around it, the Groasis Waterboxx has a tubular opening in the middle where a couple of seeds and saplings can be planted into the ground. The grooves on top collect rainwater and condensation that occurs at night, transferring the water into the tube. The Waterboxx prevents the water from being evaporated and animals chewing on the plants.
5. Dew Drop
This artificial leaf created by Jacky Wu works on the principle of condensation. Stick it into a pot with real plants, plug it into a power line and when condensation occurs, it traps the water produced and transfers it down to the soil. The disadvantage, however, is that it uses electricity which means that you could rack up quite a bill.
6. Ersa
This next device not only generates water but does it using solar energy. Harnessing power from the sun with a 30W solar module, Ersa also makes use of the attached solar panels to fire up hand-held devices and trickle charge a carâs battery.
7. Dolphin/dragonfly T16
Like other water converting devices, the dolphin/dragonfly T16 harvests vapor from the air using Aquovate technology, then converts it into drinking water. It can produce up to 16-38 liters of potable water a day.
8. Watermill
The Watermill is a cute little gadget that can be attached to the wall to produce fresh drinking water from the air. Designed by Element Four, the device will be able to give out 3.2 gallons of water a day, enough for a family of 6. Operational cost is pegged at 11 cents per gallon, pretty good for something so handy.
9. Ecoloblue
With a price of $1,350, Ecoloblue can give around 7 gallons of water a day at an operational cost of 20 cents for a gallon. Donât worry if the humidity isnât high as the device can trap vapor at levels as low as 30 percent. You can also connect it to a tap water source if the humidity is too low. It will filter any impurities to give you clear, clean water.
10. DropNet Fog
Gathering vapor from thin air and mist, the DropNet Fog is able to produce potable water of around 20 liters per day. If put to use commercially, a whole village could stand to benefit.
