Description

Water scarcity is a critical issue facing numerous regions across the globe, especially in arid and semi-arid zones. Traditional methods of water procurement such as groundwater extraction or riverine sources are often unavailable or unsustainable in these areas. However, the atmosphere is a vast reservoir of water, even in dry climates, albeit at low humidity levels. Extracting water from the atmosphere in such regions can be an innovative and sustainable solution, yet it often involves high technology and costs.

This project seeks to explore, design, and prototype low-cost and low-technology systems to efficiently harvest atmospheric water in arid and semi-arid regions, bridging the gap between resource availability and technological accessibility, and providing a sustainable water source for communities in these areas

Additional/externa funds may be available.

Key Objectives

Literature Review:

a) Study existing methods of atmospheric water extraction, emphasizing their operational principles, efficiency, and cost.

b) Explore the scientific principles behind water condensation and atmospheric water content, especially in low-humidity environments.

Climate and Environmental Analysis:

a) Gather data on typical temperature, humidity, and wind conditions in target regions.

b) Understand the diurnal and seasonal variations to optimize the design for maximum efficiency throughout the year.

Modelling and Simulation:

a) Develop (computational) models to predict water extraction rates for different designs under varying atmospheric conditions.

b) Use simulation software to visualize airflow, temperature variations, and condensation mechanisms.

Design and Prototype Development:

a) Propose multiple design concepts based on literature findings and model predictions.

b) Create prototypes for selected designs using locally available materials and low-tech methods.

Field Testing:

a) Implement prototypes in real-world arid or semi-arid conditions.

b) Collect data on water extraction efficiency, volume harvested, energy usage (if any), and operational challenges.

Data Analysis and Refinement:

a) Analyze field data to gauge prototype performance and reliability.

b) Refine designs based on field results and feedback.

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

a) Assess the cost of implementation, operation, and maintenance of the proposed systems.

b) Compare the benefits in terms of water volume harvested, lifespan, and potential community impact.

Documentation and Reporting:

a) Document the entire project process, findings, challenges, and recommendations.

b) Create user manuals or guidelines for communities to implement and maintain the systems.

Community Engagement and Education:

a) Collaborate with local communities to understand their needs and integrate feedback.

b) Conduct workshops or educational sessions to inform communities about the benefits, usage, and maintenance of these systems.