A new prototype water harvester shows promise in being both simpler and more effective than traditional models that extract drinking water from the air.
This innovative device is constructed with temperature-sensitive materials. According to a recent study, a nickel titanium-based dehumidifier can collect more moisture from the atmosphere in just 30 minutes compared to alternative systems, all while using approximately half the energy.
With over 2 billion people around the globe estimated to lack access to clean drinking water, improving conventional methods for gathering this critical resource could significantly aid regions facing water shortages, according to John LaRocco, the study’s lead author and a research scientist in psychiatry at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
“You can live for three minutes without air, three weeks without food, but only three days without water,” LaRocco explained. “By providing access to clean drinking water, we can address numerous issues, including national security, mental health, and sanitation.”
Unlike many current water harvesting technologies that are bulky, energy-heavy, and slow, this prototype stands out due to its use of elastocaloric cooling, which allows for reduced energy consumption, size, and complexity. This feature makes the device portable enough to fit inside a backpack, LaRocco said.
Researchers evaluated their invention against a dehumidifier that uses desiccant wheels—cylinders that trap humidity from the airflow. They conducted 30-minute performance tests, measuring energy use, heat generation, and water collection efficiency for both devices.
The study was published in the journal Technologies.
Results indicated notable differences in energy consumption and identified the conditions in which their prototype would function most effectively. John Simonis, co-author of the study and an undergraduate student in electrical and computer engineering, explained that regional humidity levels may affect how well the device collects water.
“Our system can adapt dynamically to meet environmental needs, unlike the traditional desiccant wheel system,” Simonis noted. “Its modular design allows for significant adaptability.”
The authors pointed out that regions such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Haiti, and even Ohio generally have humidity levels that could optimize the performance of their prototype.
The water produced by the device is generally safe for drinking. However, due to the use of 3D-printed materials that may wear down over time, heavy filtration is required to reduce the risk of microplastic ingestion if consumed immediately, Simonis stated.
UN statistics show that merely 0.5% of the Earth’s water is freshwater, suitable for human consumption. Factors like war, pollution, and climate change continue to heighten the global water crisis.
As natural disasters and international crises worsen these challenges, it’s crucial to find innovative methods for harvesting water to support vulnerable populations, emphasized Qudsia Tahmina, co-author of the study and an associate professor of practice in electrical and computer engineering.
The study underscores that achieving consistent water-harvesting devices will not only make the process economically viable but also practical. This goal, if accomplished, could influence every aspect of life on our planet, LaRocco mentioned.
“We hope that clean water for everyone is not just an unattainable dream,” he added.
Using the team’s designs, individuals can try creating their own dehumidifiers. While the current prototype is designed for personal use, it could be adapted in the future to meet the demands of larger households or communities, Simonis suggested.
“Creating a much larger version of our prototype is indeed feasible,” he stated. “Such a device could extract a large amount of water quickly while maintaining energy efficiency comparable to a smaller, continuously operated device.”
