KAUST Researchers Develop Solar-Powered Device that Extracts Water from Air
KAUST researchers have developed a solar-powered device that extracts up to three liters of water per day from air. The system operates automatically, offering a cost-effective solution for arid regions.
August 02, 2024. By EI News Network
The device operates through a sophisticated two-stage cycle. Initially, it captures moisture from the air using an absorbent material. In the next phase, it extracts the water in a sealed chamber by harnessing heat from sunlight. Unlike traditional systems that require manual intervention between stages, this new technology automates the process, enhancing efficiency and ease of use.
“Our design was inspired by natural processes, particularly how plants move water from roots to leaves through specialized structures,” explained Kaijie Yang, the lead researcher on the project. The system employs mass transport bridges to seamlessly transition between atmospheric water capture and freshwater generation.
The device is capable of producing two to three liters of water per square meter daily, making it suitable for drinking and agricultural uses. In tests, it successfully irrigated Chinese cabbage and desert trees, demonstrating its practical applications.
The system's passive operation requires no maintenance over extended periods, and its use of affordable, readily available materials—such as water-wicking fabric, hygroscopic salt, and a plastic frame—keeps operational costs low. “We selected these materials for their cost-effectiveness and availability, ensuring that the technology remains accessible for large-scale implementation in low-income areas,” noted KAUST researcher Qiaoqiang Gan.
This breakthrough was detailed in the study “A Solar-Driven Atmospheric Water Extractor for Off-Grid Freshwater Generation and Irrigation,” published in *Nature Communications*. It arrives at a critical time as the world faces increasing water scarcity due to climate change, highlighting the growing need for innovative water harvesting technologies.
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