Having clean water in the desert by taking advantage of climate change and free energy provided by the sun. It seems a paradox but to provide a new solution against drought is Ap Verheggen, who has created WaterDrop, a portable solar-powered device that produces drinking water
Have water clean in desert taking advantage of climate change and free energy provided by the sun. It seems a paradox but to provide a new solution against drought is Ap Verheggen, who has created WaterDrop, a portable solar powered device that produces potable water.
In a few years, water will be a distant memory for many countries of the world. At current rates, according to ananalysis of the World Resources Institute by 2040, as many as 33 countries will face extreme water stress.
Hence the need to try to stem the problem not only by trying to implement prevention initiatives but also by developing innovative solutions capable of guaranteeing water where it is lacking or will be lacking.
Ap Verheggen he has been working on this front for some time. It is his SunGlacier, the Solar-powered “leaf” that produces water in the desert.
His idea, realized in an aesthetic key, was that of a huge building covered with photovoltaic cells for the 200 square meters of its surface. Below it housed a system of condensers capable of absorbing moisture from the desert air.
The novelty is instead of small size and definitely more practical to make and transport. Is called waterdrop and it is a portable solar powered device that absorbs condensation and transforms it into drinking water.
How? I forms PV present on the outside absorb solar energy during the day. The latter is then used to cool the air and produce condensation, also feeding a sort of fan to create an air flow. The drops of water thus produced are collected in a small tank.
Ap admits the concept is a bit sci-fi, but the solar technology has made huge strides in recent years.
“We started the SunGlacier project with the intention of send un signal positive and optimistic to all in climate debate. It has since evolved into a project focused on ways to apply climate change to our benefit " explains Verheggen.
As the temperature rises, the air contains more water. For example. A dry, hot desert can hold up to 5 times more water in the air than New York's after spring rain. Normally, higher temperatures also mean more sunshine.
“Why not focus on collecting water from the air, using only renewable solar energy? In this way, drinking water and water for agriculture will be available in most of the arid areas of the planet, ”he continues.
At the moment the Verheggen team is working on this concept ensuring that it will be inexpensive, simple to manufacture and feature low maintenance.
It may not be enough to completely solve the problem but it is still a step forward.
Francesca Mancuso
READ also:
ICE IN THE DESERT, WHEN ART COMBATS GLOBAL WARMING
