Solar-Powered, Self-Contained Units Extract Drinking Water from the Air

Clean drinking water, one of the essential needs for human survival, is becoming increasingly crucial as climate change affects traditional sources like rainfall, rivers, and lakes. Aquaria Technologies, a San Francisco-based company founded in 2022, aims to make affordable, clean drinking water accessible by extracting it from the air.

Moisture is present in the air regardless of whether you live in a desert or the tropics, and this moisture can be collected and used for drinking or household purposes. While atmospheric water generators (AWGs) have been around for some time, they are now more efficient, cost-effective, and safer.

Aquaria Technologies recently became a finalist for the Future Resilience Prize in the 2024 Urban Future Prize competition for developing solar-powered, self-contained units that extract water from the air, helping vulnerable communities.

Advanced Features of Modern Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs)

Modern atmospheric water generators (AWGs) differ from standard dehumidifiers that also extract moisture from the air by incorporating advanced features like particulate filtration, carbon filtration, and ultraviolet (UV) sterilization to remove viruses and bacteria.

Some models even include mineralization to enhance the taste and nutritional value of the water.

Without these filtration and sterilization processes, water from dehumidifiers could be unsafe to drink due to potential contaminants from the air or the device itself.

Advanced Features of Modern Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs)

Aquaria offers a variety of products, including the Hydrostation, a standalone outdoor water dispenser that requires no plumbing. It is designed for use in places like parks, construction sites, and resorts, where it can serve up to 1,500 people.

They also provide the Hydropixel, an indoor water dispenser that can produce up to 24 gallons (91 liters) of water daily and only needs a power outlet.

According to Aquaria, the Hydropixel is among the most energy-efficient standalone atmospheric water generators globally, consuming just 1.25 kWh per gallon (330 Wh/L). Depending on local electricity rates, the cost to produce a gallon (3.8 liters) of water ranges from a few cents to about $0.66.

Cost Savings with Aquaria’s Atmospheric Water Generators

In my area, where I pay $0.14 per kilowatt, the cost to produce a gallon of water is $0.17, which is significantly cheaper than the $0.50 per gallon charged at my local grocery store’s water refilling station, where I typically fill up about 20 gallons (75 liters) weekly.

The Hydropack, Aquaria’s whole-home atmospheric water generator (AWG) solution, performs even better, using just 0.93 kWh per gallon (245 Wh/L), which translates to a cost of $0.13 per gallon.

Utilizing renewable energy sources like solar could potentially reduce this cost to near zero.

Aquaria also provides larger-scale AWG solutions. The Hydropack X, which combines two Hydropacks, can fully replace a home’s reliance on municipal water, producing up to 264 gallons (1,000 liters) of drinkable water per day under optimal conditions.

Later this year, Aquaria plans to provide a community of 1,000 homes in Hawaii with water solely generated from atmospheric sources.

Water Usage and the Potential of Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs)

The EPA estimates that the average American household uses about 300 gallons (1,136 liters) of water daily and wastes 180 gallons (680 liters) per week. Small leaks alone account for nearly 900 billion gallons (3.46 trillion liters) of water wasted annually in the U.S.

While Aquaria’s water generation might be slightly less than the average household’s usage, adopting eco-friendly practices could make atmospheric water generators a fully sustainable primary water source.

However, your location significantly impacts water production due to variations in temperature and humidity. Arid climates will yield much less water daily, while humid regions will generate the most. Aquaria’s devices operate best within temperatures of 59-109 °F (15-43 °C) and may be less effective outside this range.

Climate Impact on Water Production with Hydropack X

For example, in a climate like San Francisco, the Hydropack X might produce around 132 gallons (500 liters) of water per day, whereas, in Miami, it could produce up to 250 gallons (950 liters) daily. Any excess water is stored in tanks for future use.

Aquaria’s AWGs are equipped with software that continuously monitors water quality to meet or exceed EPA and WHO standards, regardless of air quality. The company suggests changing filters every 6-12 months, depending on usage and air quality conditions.

In areas where access to water, especially potable water, is challenging, atmospheric water generation technology could be incredibly valuable.

To conclude, as extreme temperatures, droughts, declining groundwater levels, deeper wells, and increasing populations become more common, our reliance on desalination plants and atmospheric water generators may grow.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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