From solar panels that produce water to 'self-filling' coffee machines and water coolers, technology companies are putting a new spin on a centuries-old technique.

Southern Nevada is in the grip of one of the worst droughts it has experienced in recorded history, leading to water shortages and restrictions on use. So, in water-stressed areas such as this, the prospect of wringing water from thin air is an appealing prospect. And it is exactly what Cody Friesen is trying to do.

Friesen, an associate professor of materials science at Arizona State University, has developed a solar-powered hydropanel that can absorb water vapour at high volumes when exposed to sunlight.

It is a modern-day twist on an approach been used for centuries to pull water from the atmosphere, such as using trees or nets to “catch” fog in Peru, a practice that dates back to the 1500s and is still being used today.

  • Flumpkin
    3·
    4 months ago

    Friesen’s goal is to democratise access to water for people with few options

    A panel costs about $2,000 (£1,500) and lasts at least 15 years

    "These panels are constructed to create four to five litres of drink per panel per day,

    So 22.000 liters over 15 years or 22m³ for $2000. That’s $11 per liter. Maybe half that if their AI improvements pan out. But way too expensive.

    The dissonant / solar heating approach is pretty nice though. This could be interesting if you could build this DIY with simple materials.