Atmospheric water generator
4658654
223985118
2008-07-06T20:44:37Z
64.161.32.146
/* Alternative methods */
{{future product}}
[[Image:SOHO.jpg|right|thumb|450px|'''A for home-use AWG''']]
An '''Atmospheric water generator''' (AWG), or atmospheric condenser, is a developing piece of technology with the intent of producing pure drinking water from the [[humidity]] of the surrounding air. An AWG operates in a manner very similar to that of a refrigerated [[dehumidifier]]: 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 very useful for locations where pure drinking water is difficult to obtain, such as in areas with heavy ground pollution, and the air is humid.
== Principle of operation ==
An AWG uses [[refrigeration]] which mimic todays dehumidification technique 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 condensing about 40% of the water from the air passing by the chilled tubes.
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 [[Ultraviolet|UV]] light chamber to kill [[bacteria]] and then through high and low density [[Activated carbon|charcoal filters]] to remove solids and oxygenate. 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.
The actual amount of water produced depends on [[relative humidity]] and ambient air temperature. Relative humidity measures the amount of water vapor present in the air at a given temperature. The higher the relative humidity and air temperature, the more effective most all of these devices are. Typically these refrigeration-based devices do not work efficiently when the temperature gets below 15.5°C (60°F) or the relative humidity drops below 40%. or at High Altitudes above 4000 feet.
CAUTION: This new "Atmospheric water Generator technology" has very limited area's of optimum operation and do not operate in all area's and when placed in homes and offices will heat the area due to compressor air expelled into the room causing air conditioning systems to remain on.
== Details ==
The cost effectiveness of an atmospheric water generator depends on the capacity of the machine as well as on humidity and temperature conditions.
Besides such machines can be powered by alternative energy like solar, wind or even gas or oil fired generators which can be of great help especially when such machines are put into operation for relief efforts.
[[Image:Solar.jpg|right|thumb|150px|'''AWGs can be powered by using solar energy''']]
=== Cost Details ===
'''''The following is the cost per liter calculation for a typical 120 litres per day AWG with power consumption 2.6kW @ INR(Indian Rupee) 4.5 per kWh.'''''
''The cost of producing 1 liter of water will typically range from $US0.03 (85-100% [[Relative humidity|RH]]) to $US0.06 (40-50% [[RH]]).''
'''Total annual electric costs''' : 2.6kW × 24 hrs/day × 365 days/year ×INR 4.5 per kWh = Rs.1,02,492/year ≈ US$2,277.60/year (US$1 = INR45).......'''A'''
'''Total annual water production''' : 120 litres per day × 365 days/year = 43,800litres/year..........'''B'''
'''COST PER LITER''' = '''A''' ÷ '''B''' = US$0.05
== Alternative methods ==
'''The methods listed below are not AWGs but other alternative methods of water making.'''
* One company is using the desiccant [[lithium chloride]] to pull water from the air, after which the water must be boiled off and distilled.
''Source: [http://lexcarb.com LexCarb LLC]''
* Another company is involved in making a machine that extracts water from car exhausts. Although the machine is in a prototype stage with a lot of problems with water quality, it is another non-conventional means of water making.
Source: [http://www.sciperio.com/watertech/water-from-air.asp Sciperio Inc.]
* Another company has launched water-making fridges. Fridges & freezers that make pure drinking water from air.
Source: [http://johnoertel.com/airwaterfridges air water Fridges & Freezers Inc.]
* A Consortium company produces water from a precipitation process designed to work in all areas designed by Melvin M. Littrell and Prof. James D. Vagarasoto II and patented by Mr. Melvin M. Littrell, which may also produce the highest purity of water made by man or just agricultural water in large amounts to support plant and animal life in any area, unlike the obsolete "Atmospheric Water Generator Technology"
Source: [http://terralab.tripod.com Water precipitation in the next generation]
== References ==
<references/>
== External links ==
* '''In popular culture:''' In the fictional [[Star Wars]] universe, atmospheric water generators were the source of livelihood for the Lars family.<ref>[http://www.starwars.com/databank/location/larsmoisturefarm/ Star Wars Databank, Lars Moisture Farm]</ref>
*{{dmoz|Business/Food_and_Related_Products/Beverages/Water/Tools_and_Equipment/Atmospheric_Water_Generators/|Atmospheric Water Generators}} - lists commercial sites
[[Category:Drinking water]]
[[Category:Water treatment]]
[[Category:Water supply]]
[[Category:Disaster management tools]]