A group of researchers from Ohio State University has developed a new prototype of an air-to-water collector that promises to end drought and be more efficient and portable than traditional methods.
Built with temperature-sensitive materials, this device made of nickel and titanium can extract more water in 30 minutes than a traditional dehumidifier, using only half the energy.
Importance and Context
In a world where more than 2.000 million people lack access to clean drinking water, improving water collection methods is crucial.
This invention uses elastocaloric cooling to reduce energy consumption, size, and complexity of the collector, making it small enough to fit in a backpack.
Prototype Evaluation
The process of extracting water from the air is not new, but this device uses special materials that change temperature when stretched or compressed, allowing to cool the air and condense the water vapor with minimal energy consumption.
Researchers conducted rigorous experiments comparing their invention with traditional dehumidifiers, showing significant differences in energy consumption and efficiency.
Applications and Future
The water produced by this device is suitable for human consumption, although it requires filtration to reduce microplastics. Researchers plan to optimize the prototype to meet the needs of households and broader communities.
This advancement is expected to help end drought and facilitate access to drinking water, especially in regions with high humidity such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Haiti.
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