Atmospheric water generator

Atmospheric water generator (AWG), WaterMaker (WM), Air to Water Harvest (A2WH) or Water Air Extraction Device (WAED) is a machine that produces pure drinking water from the humidity of the air around. An AWG operates in a manner very similar to that of a refrigerative dehumidifier: air is passed through a cooled coil, causing water to condense. The amount of water that can be produced depends on the humidity, the volume of air passing through the coils, and the size of the machine.

The device is targeted for situations where pure drinking water is otherwise difficult to obtain, such as in developing countries, rural areas, and military or emergency operations.

Principle of operation

An AWG uses refrigeration techniques optimized to condense water (H20) from air. Blower driven air is drawn into the system through an electrostatic filter. In the machine's exterior housing, a compressor circulates refrigerant through a coil array located in the path of the air providing a temperature differential between the air and coil surface, resulting in condensation.

The condensation is funneled into a holding tank. A level switch in the holding tank controls the water (H20) making cycle. Water is pump circulated in an ozone generating UV light chamber to kill bacteria and then through high and low density charcoal filters to remove solids and oxygenates. It is finally collected back in the holding tank. The water (H20) filtration cycle is both flow and time controlled. Water(H20)is dispensed by tap valve diversion.

Considerations

Needs no water source.
Generates 20 litres or more in 24 hours
Is designed for maximum cost efficiency
Contains no harmful minerals or chemicals
Can be powered by solar energy

A wide range of Atmospheric generators are available, from a home/office unit producing 28 litres a day, to 120 litres and even 500 litres per day or more.

Details

The cost effectiveness of an atmospheric water generator depends on the capacity of the machine as well as on humidity and temperature conditions.

The cost of producing 1 litre of water will typically range from $US0.03 (85-100% RH) to $US0.06 (40-50% RH).

Alternative methods

The below listed methods are not AWGs but other alternative methods of water making.

One company is using the dessicant lithium chloride to pull water from the air, after which the water must be boiled off and distilled.
Another company is involved in making a machine that extracts water from car exhausts. Although the machine is in a prototype stage with a lot of problems with water quality, it is another non conventional means of water making.

External links

Manufacturers

Other pages

generate water from air, atmospheric water generator, AWG