| Water Air Extraction Devices |
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Information AboutWater Air Extraction Devices |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATOR | |
| drinking water | |
| water treatment | |
| water supply | |
| disaster management tools | |
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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 Dehumidifer : 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 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 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 Filtration cycle is both flow and time controlled. Water is dispensed by tap valve diversion. CONSIDERATIONS
A wide range of Atmospheric generators are available from 28 litres home/office unit as shown above to 120 litres and even 500 litres per day and above capacity machines as shown below: 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 INR 1.54 (85-100RH) to INR 2.75 (40-50RH) (INR = Indian National Rupees) . There are models that can operate on electrical power, solar power or with oil fired generators. Low humidity conditions are a challenge. The system will not produce water or may produce very less water during the day in the desert or in very hot climates due to less humidity. However it will still produce water at night due to the Dew Point Factor . The machine will trip off when humidity goes below 35RH. Water stays fresh due to continuous filtration process governed by a timer. A water generator can meet the current standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the WHO and the Bureau Of Indian Standards norms. Typically the only required maintenance is the periodic cleaning of the air filters and water storage tank. In addition, the Carbon Filter needs to be changed every six months and the UV filter once a year or so. If the machine is used as designed and as specified, and proper maintenance procedures are employed, then the unit will operate well for approximately 10-12 years. ALTERNATIVE METHODS One company is using the dessicant lithium chloride to pull water from the air (after which the water must be boiled off and distilled). SEE ALSO
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