US develops portable device that extracts water from air using 50% less energy
The device uses special materials that change temperature when stretched or compressed, allowing it to cool the air and condense water vapor with minimal energy use.
Several researchers across the globe are conducting study to make drinking water readily available, even in the driest of climates. A research team at The Ohio State University has made a significant stride in this regard.
They have developed a new prototype water harvester that promises to be simpler, more efficient, and more portable than traditional methods of pulling drinking water from the air.
According to the researchers, built using temperature-sensitive materials, the nickel titanium-based dehumidifier is so compact that it can be carried in a backpack and works by extracting water directly from the air.
Moreover, this new device uses only half the energy than that of used by a standard desiccant wheel dehumidifier while extracting the same amount of water from air.
Limitations to existing technologies
Interestingly, the process of extracting water from the air is not new. Several developments have occurred in this sphere. However, existing technologies often rely on bulky and energy-intensive methods.
“Whereas many existing water harvesting technologies are large, energy-intensive and slow, this team’s device is unique due to elastocaloric cooling,” added the press release.
This innovative approach employs special materials that change temperature when stretched or compressed. These materials allow the device to cool the air and condense water vapor with minimal energy consumption.
“This design is what also allowed their prototype to become portable enough to fit inside a backpack,” mentioned the university’s press release.