Engineers from RMIT University and five Chinese institutions have developed a device that promises to change the way drinking water is obtained in remote regions. drinking water in remote or disaster-stricken or disaster-stricken regions. Based on the porous structure of balsa wood and powered by materials such as lithium chloride, iron oxide and carbon nanotubes, the system absorbs moisture from the air and transforms it into usable water using only sunlight.
Drinking water from the air in any climate
Unlike other technologies such as mist collection or radiative systems, this device remains operational in a wide range of environmental conditions. It was able to extract 2 ml of water per gram of material at 90% humidity and up to 0.6 ml per gram in 30% humidity environments. Its daily efficiency reached 94% in outdoor tests, outperforming conventional methods in both volume and economy.
The team used artificial intelligence to model the system’s behavior in different climates and optimize the absorption and release cycle. It consists of spongy cubes of 0.8 grams each, grouped into a unit that fits into a cup with a domed lid and anti-pollution tray. Its modular design allows the system to be easily scaled up to meet larger needs.
Portable and solar technology that works even at -20 °C (-22 °F)
Thanks to its low weight, resistance to cold (down to -20 °C) and stability after several cycles of use, it is projected as a viable option for supplying water in areas without access to the electricity grid. Its components, such as balsa wood, are biodegradable and low-cost, which facilitates mass production.
The complete development was documented and validated in a study published in the scientific journal Journal of Cleaner Productionhighlighting its viability as a sustainable sustainable solution for critical contexts.
The researchers plan to incorporate IoT sensors that monitor variables such as temperature and relative humidity, automating harvesting. In addition, they are exploring combining solar panels with thermal storage to operate even in low light conditions. The goal is to arrive at robust, energy independent and affordable systems.
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Source and photo: RMIT
