What are Atmospheric Water Generators?

Home Improvement

Water tanks such as these are used to hold the filtered and reclaimed water.
iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Atmospheric water generators, also known as water makers, extract moisture suspended in the air. All air contains some water, and on hot, humid days, the air feels heavy and uncomfortable because it’s saturated with moisture. There are two basic methods used in atmospheric water generators. The most common method is similar to that of an air conditioner. Warm air passes over coils that are chilled using refrigerant. As cool air can’t hold as much water vapor as warm air, the cold air leaves behind condensation that’s then filtered and stored in a holding tank. The water is filtered multiple times to remove any airborne particles and bacteria. If the water sits for over a day, it’s filtered again to keep it fresh and clean.

This type of water generator is the most popular for domestic use. The technology is well known and understood, with air conditioners, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers using the same method. However, cooling-style water generators can be an energy hog, as they rely on compressed refrigerant cycling through the system with the help of a compressor, condenser, a pump, and a fan. Some domestic water generator manufacturers claim that the energy consumption is similar to running a desktop computer or small space heater in your home.

The second method, used in large scale applications such as military or industrial use, relies on chemistry to extract water from the air. The system uses chemical salts to pull water out of the air. Humid air passes over a salt mixture, and the wet salt is heated to the boiling point. The steam is then condensed and routed to filters for processing. To save energy, a vacuum is employed to lower the boiling point of water. This desiccant-based water generator is more energy efficient than other practical options currently available.

Atmospheric water generators filter the water extracted from the air to remove particulates and bacteria, resulting in clean and hazard-free water. In areas where water is scarce or polluted, atmospheric water generators can be reliable sources of clean and safe water. For domestic use, they can reduce or eliminate the need for bottled drinking water.

It’s important to note that atmospheric water generators don’t work everywhere. The temperature of the ambient air needs to be a few degrees above freezing, and the humidity should be above a certain concentration, which varies depending on the manufacturer and method of extraction. High altitudes can also interfere with the process.

Green Atmospheric Water Generators

Aside from electricity and fossil fuels, atmospheric water generators can also be powered by solar energy, which is a more energy-efficient option. Interestingly, there was a passive form of water generation called the air well or dew harvester that existed centuries ago. It is believed that the ancient Greeks used air wells designed to promote condensation to provide water for entire communities. Today, technologically advanced versions of the air well are being developed for use in areas where there is a shortage of safe drinking water.

More Information

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Sources

• Aqua Sciences. “Advanced Water Technology.” (10/31/11). http://www.aquasciences.com/about.html
• Green Energy News. “Dewpointe Atmospheric Water Generator.” 2/9/10. 10/31/11. http://www.renewable-energy-news.info/dewpointe-atmospheric-water-generator/
• Greenfieldboyce, Nell. “Water Extracted from the Air for Disaster Relief.” National Public Radio. 10/19/06. (10/31/11). http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6326050&ft=1&f=1019
• Heimbuch, Jaymi. “Buying a Water Filtration System: Determining Which System Is Best for You.” 6/3/09. 10/31/11. http://www.treehugger.com/clean-water/buying-a-water-filtration-system-determining-which-system-is-best-for-you.html
• Heimbuch, Jaymi. “The Low Down on Home Water Makers and 7 to Choose From.” TreeHugger.com. 6/22/09. 10/31/11. http://www.treehugger.com/clean-water/the-low-down-on-home-water-makers-and-7-to-choose-from.html
• Hudson, Audrey. “Making Water From Thin Air.” Wired. 10/6/06. (10/31/11). http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2006/10/71898
• Nikolayev, V. S., D. Beysens, A. Gioda, I. Milimouka, E. Katiushin, J. P. Morel. “Water Recovery from Dew.” 7/1996. (10/31/11). http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0022169495029397
• Rosen, Nick. “Magic Water Harvesting Machine.” Off-Grid. 11/15/06. (10/31/11). http://www.off-grid.net/2006/11/15/magic-water-harvesting-machine/
• Science Daily. “Drinking Water From Air Humidity.” 6/5/09. (10/31/11). http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605091856.htm
• Solar Sphere. “Dolphin 1 Atmospheric Water Generator.” 10/31/11. http://www.spheralsolar.com/products/Dolphin-1-Atmospheric-Water-Generator.html
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FAQ

1. What is an atmospheric water generator?

An atmospheric water generator is a machine that extracts water from humid ambient air. It uses condensation to convert water vapor in the air into liquid water, which can then be collected and used for drinking, cooking, and other purposes.

2. How does an atmospheric water generator work?

An atmospheric water generator works by pulling air through a filter to remove dust and other particles. The air is then cooled below its dew point, causing water vapor to condense into liquid water. The water is collected in a reservoir and passed through a filtration system to remove any impurities or contaminants.

3. What are the advantages of using an atmospheric water generator?

One of the main advantages of using an atmospheric water generator is that it provides a source of clean drinking water that is not dependent on a municipal water supply. It can also be used in areas where water is scarce or contaminated, and does not require any chemicals or electricity to operate.

4. Are atmospheric water generators environmentally friendly?

Atmospheric water generators are considered to be environmentally friendly because they do not require any external water source or produce any wastewater. However, they do require energy to operate, and the carbon footprint of that energy will depend on the source of electricity used.

5. What is the capacity of an atmospheric water generator?

The capacity of an atmospheric water generator will depend on the size of the machine and the humidity of the air in the surrounding environment. Some machines are capable of producing only a few liters of water per day, while larger machines can produce several thousand liters per day.

6. Can atmospheric water generators be used in all climates?

Atmospheric water generators require a minimum level of humidity in the air to be effective, generally around 35-40%. They can be used in a wide range of climates, but may not be as efficient in extremely dry or arid regions.

7. Are atmospheric water generators expensive?

The cost of an atmospheric water generator will depend on the size and capacity of the machine, as well as the features and technology used. Some smaller units can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, while larger, industrial-grade machines can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

8. Are atmospheric water generators safe to drink from?

Atmospheric water generators produce water that is generally safe to drink, but it is still important to ensure that the water is properly filtered and purified before consumption. Some machines may include built-in filtration systems, while others may require additional filtration or treatment before the water is safe to drink.