MIT’s Solar-Powered Atmospheric Water Harvester
Context: In a world where over 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, a new device developed by scientists at MIT offers a revolutionary solution: extracting clean water directly from the air using solar energy, without any external power source.
What is the device about?
The device is a passive atmospheric water generator that uses a novel material to harvest water vapour from the air, even in extremely dry environments like deserts. It’s compact, window-sized, and designed for off-grid, sustainable operation.
How does it work?
The device operates through a solar-powered adsorption–desorption cycle:
- Adsorption Phase: MOF material captures water vapour from the air through its porous structure. The hydrogel swells as it absorbs moisture, resembling black bubble wrap.
- Desorption Phase: Sunlight heats the MOF, releasing the trapped water vapour. Vapour condenses on a cooled glass surface inside the device.
- Collection: Condensed water flows into a reservoir via gravity, ready for drinking. No batteries, pumps, or external electricity required.
This origami-inspired design allows continuous operation with minimal maintenance for up to 10 years.
How can it ensure global water security?
This technology could be a game-changer for water-stressed regions, humanitarian aid, and climate resilience:
- Key Benefits:
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- Off-Grid Access: Ideal for remote villages, refugee camps, and disaster zones
- Climate Adaptation: Functions in arid zones where groundwater and rainfall are scarce
- Affordability: Projected cost of around £0.02 per litre, making it viable for mass deployment
- Scalability: Arrays of panels can supply entire households or communities
- Sustainability: Zero emissions, zero waste, and fully solar-powered
- Broader Applications:
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- Military operations and space missions
- Emergency response during floods or droughts
- Supplementing urban water systems during shortages
