Can You Make Water from Air?
It sounds like something straight out of a science fiction movie, but it’s actually possible with the help of a device called an atmospheric water generator. An atmospheric water generator is a commercial or industrial appliance that is an air water harvesting system and produces potable water.
While the technology behind atmospheric water generators has been around for decades, it’s only recently that they’ve become more affordable and accessible for use at home. With climate change causing global droughts and water shortages, an atmospheric water generator – also known as a dew condenser – could be a life-saving appliance for some people.
How Does an Atmospheric Water Generator Work?
An atmospheric water generator works by capturing water from air. The water vapor is then condensed and filtered to produce clean drinking water from air.
While the principle behind an atmospheric water generator is simple, the technology is fairly complex. The device needs to be able to extract water from the air, which isn’t always easy depending on the humidity levels. The water produced needs to be of high enough quality to be safe for drinking.
That said, there are a few different types of atmospheric water generators on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
What is the Main Source of Water Vapor in the Atmosphere?
Water vapor is the main source of water in the atmosphere. It’s present in the air we breathe and is responsible for the Earth’s water cycle.
While water vapor is invisible to the naked eye, it’s actually a gas that’s constantly present in the air around us. When the air is warm, the water vapor expands and when it’s cold, the water vapor contracts.
The amount of water vapor in the air is known as humidity. The amount of water an atmospheric water generator can produce depends on the humidity levels. In general, higher humidity levels mean more moisture harvesting capabilities and therefore more potential for an atmospheric water generator to make water from the air.
Types of Dew Condensers
There are two main types of dew condensers:
1. Passive
Passive dew condensers rely on the natural temperature difference between the air and water to condense water vapor. They’re typically smaller units that are less expensive to operate but have a lower water from air output than active atmospheric water generators.
2. Active
Active dew condensers consist of your standard atmospheric water generator, which uses a refrigeration system to cool a surface, causing water vapor in the air to condense on it. They range from home-based units that can produce 1 to 20 liters of water per day to commercial-scale units capable of 1,000 to 10,000+ liters per day. Aquaria’s atmospheric water generators fall into this category. With our patented Hydropixel and Hydropack technology, we are able to capture water from air in larger quantities using less energy than any other atmospheric water generator on the market.
Does an Atmospheric Water Generator Produce Safe Drinking Water?
The answer to this question depends on the type of atmospheric water generator you’re using. Passive dew condensers don’t typically include filtration systems, so the water made from air may not be safe to drink without additional treatment. Active dew condensers, on the other hand, typically include filtration systems that remove impurities from the water from air, making it safe to drink.
Ready to Explore Your Off Grid Water System?
If you’re interested in exploring your off grid water systems, an atmospheric water generator could be a good option for you. While they’re not cheap, they are becoming more affordable and can be a lifesaver in a water emergency.
At Aquaria, we stand by our commitment to helping you find the best off grid water system for your needs. If you have any questions about atmospheric water generators or other off grid water systems, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.
