US dehumidifier might supply homes with water extracted from air
Ohio State University researchers developed a dehumidifier that extracts water from the air with 50% less energy.
Moreover, it is scalable. Meaning, it can enable households to produce their own water.
The scientists said countries like the Philippines can especially benefit from this device.
Article continues after this advertisementIts standard humidity will enable the prototype to achieve maximum efficiency.
READ: Device turns hot air into water
The test unit is only meant for individual use at the time of writing.
Article continues after this advertisementMoreover, the public may try building the research team’s dehumidifier through their online database.
How does this dehumidifier stand out from the rest?
Scientists develop a new portable device to harvest water from air | Knowridge
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) October 28, 2024
Researchers at The Ohio State University have created a new type of water harvesting device that is simpler, more efficient, and more portable than traditional models. T
his new device, designed… pic.twitter.com/iWXHBzi6lk
OSU explains the research team built the nickel-titanium-based device using temperature-sensitive materials.
They tested their device with another that uses desiccant wheels.
These are rotating cylinders with hydrophilic materials that work to trap and remove humidity from surrounding airflow.
They discovered it can extract more water from the atmosphere in 30 minutes than most other dehumidifiers.
Even better, it uses half the energy.
The findings also showed where the dehumidifier will function most efficiently.
Eventually, the OSU team found that it will have maximum efficiency in humid countries like the Philippines.
Their device is also highly scalable and adaptable, enabling nations with dry climates to optimize its usage.
“Compared to the traditional desiccant wheel system, our system has the ability to scale more dynamically to fit the needs of the environment,” said John Simonis, co-author of the study.
“Because our device is more modular, there’s room for a lot of adaptability,” the electrical and computer engineering undergraduate student added.
More importantly, Simonis said the dehumidifier’s water is readily drinkable.
However, users must filter the liquid extensively to limit the amount of microplastics in it.
Qudsia Tahmina, an OSU associate professor of practice in electrical and computer engineering, said the device can help in natural disasters.
Even better, a larger version of the prototype can become a sustainable water source for small communities.
The OSU researchers published their findings in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute’s Technologies Journal (MDPI).
