Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) technology may offer a solution. It is a promising emergency resource that can instantly produce potable water by utilizing the moisture present in the air. Providing AWG technology to communities that require it could act as a cost-effective and economically viable solution for municipalities experiencing urgent clean water deficits.
Air from water generators (AWG) represent the future of water for our planet and used in conjunction with traditional methods could solve the global water crisis we are currently experiencing. The need for fresh water continues to outpace the traditional supplies and new methods need to be developed to meet this demand.
As the planet warms, the atmosphere expands, enabling the air to suck up and retain more moisture during the evaporation stage of the water cycle. The result: arid regions will get drier and drier over time. Meanwhile, climate change has already decreased the global potable water supply. Ironically this also means arid areas have more moisture that can be harvested with an atmospheric water generator that works on simple principles and technology available to any nation so that they can build their own AWG infrastructure and manufacture units for farming and residential, as well as urban communities!
Water and climate change are inextricably linked. Climate change affects the world’s water in complex ways. From unpredictable rainfall patterns to shrinking ice sheets, rising sea levels, floods and droughts – most impacts of climate change come down to water water (UN Water).
Climate change is exacerbating both water scarcity and water-related hazards (such as floods and droughts), as rising temperatures disrupt precipitation patterns and the entire water cycle (UNICEF).
Atmospheric water generators (AWGs) extract moisture from the air using cooling-based technology similar to air conditioners, which condense water vapor and collect it as clean, drinkable water.
These devices are able to be powered by solar or wind making them less energy-intensive while providing a viable solution for producing clean water in areas with limited water supply or contamination issues, especially deserts! AWGs require specific environmental conditions to operate efficiently, such as a warm air temperature and minimum humidity level and are less effective in colder or less humid climates.
Water generators, also known as water makers, harvest the moisture suspended in humid air. They use one of two basic methods. The most common employs technology similar to another appliance in your home, your air conditioner. Warm air passes over a set of coils that are chilled using refrigerant. Because cool air can't hold as much water vapor as warm air, the cold air leaves behind condensation that's routed to a drain or pan for disposal. In a water generator, the goal isn't to cool the air to make interior rooms more comfortable. The goal is to reclaim that condensation, filter it, and then store it in a carafe or other holding tank. The reclaimed water is filtered a number of times to take out airborne particles and bacteria as part of the process. If the water sits in the reservoir for longer than a day or so, it's filtered again to keep it fresh and clean.
Cooling-style water generators 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 the energy consumption is similar to running a desktop computer or small space heater in your home. Another option, and one sometimes used in large scale applications like military or industrial use, employs a water extraction method that relies on chemistry. It uses a cocktail of chemical salts to pull water out of the air. Salt is a natural desiccant, which means that it draws and holds moisture. In desiccant based water generators, humid air passes over a salt mixture. The wet salt is then heated to the boiling point. The steam is condensed and routed to filters for processing. To save on energy, a vacuum is employed to lower the boiling point of water. One big advantage to desiccant-based atmospheric water generation is that it's more energy efficient than the other practical options currently available.
Atmospheric water generators don't work everywhere. To work effectively, a few conditions must be met: The temperature of the ambient air has to be at least a few degrees above freezing. The humidity should be above a certain concentration, too. The figure varies depending on the manufacturer and method of extraction, but 32 to 40 percent humidity is in the ball park. High altitude can also interfere with the process.
The AWG-800 designed by Moses West is the most advanced atmospheric water generator with low power consumption. Engineered to produce up to 800 liters / 211 gallons of clean water a day. Daily water capacity production: 800 liters a day (can produce more in certain environmental conditions)
→ kWh: 0.60 kWh/gallon (0.18 kWh/l)
→ Wide range of operating conditions: 5°C – 55°C; 20% – 99% RH
→ Electric; 460 Volt 3-phase, 50-60 Hz
→ Components NSF 61 certified
→ Power Supply: Electrical Grid and/or Generator
→ Power control enclosure is NEMA type 4x
→Efficient one-person setup
→ Easy transport and handling
→ Automated controls
→ Remote operation optional
→ Internal pumping
→ Electric and electronic box refrigerated
→ For extreme conditions and heavy-duty use;
→ Stackable construction with wheels and handles for transport and lifting of the unit
→ Outside operation
→ Fully tropicalized
→ Transport: 16 units in a 20 ft. ISO container; 32 units in a 40 ft. ISO container
→ Weight: 1200lbs
→ Window to view water productions; allows for the visual inspection inside the unit while in operation.
AWG units are customizable and scalable. Capable of operating at relative humidity levels from 15%* and up. The AWG-5000 has been deployed globally for industrial point-specific water production. These systems are built on our advanced technology scaling up with the lowest power consumption. Engineered to produce up to 8400 liters / 2250 gallons of clean water a day and exceeding these values in optimal conditions.
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