/ Concept /
/ Atmospheric water vapor: an untapped source of water /
Atmospheric water vapor is abundant.
The maximum amount of water vapor in the air increases with temperature.
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Under common conditions, for example 30 degrees Celsius and 50% Relative Humidity vs. 1 liter of drinking water per day [1] = [1] In atmospheric conditions of 30°C and relative humidity 80%.
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each m³ of air contains 30g x 50% = 15g of water vapour. A cube of atmospheric air of only 1 km side ...contains 6 Olympic swimming pools, that is to say 15000 m3.
/ How to capture atmospheric water vapour? /
In certain industrial processes, the water vapor contained in the air is harmful. Techniques have therefore been developed for a long time to capture this water vapor:
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By refrigeration
The air can contain an amount of water vapor which depends on its temperature. By lowering its temperature close to zero °C using a refrigeration unit, part of the water vapor is condensed. This condensed water forms a mist and it is easy to separate the water and air by filtration.
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By adsorption
A specific adsorbent makes it possible to trap the water vapor contained in the air. A flow of air is then directed through a bed of adsorbent which will be charged with water vapor, up to 40% of its weight. To extract the water vapor, the adsorbent is simply heated. Water vapor is released at high temperature and then condensed at room temperature. No refrigeration required, just a source of heat source.
/ Solar radiation : an abuntant and free source of energy /
Solar energy, captured by photovoltaic or thermal technique, is particularly abundant in regions located between 40 ° north and south latitude.
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In general, these regions unfortunately do not correspond to those where the energy need is the most important.
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Agua de Sol uses solar energy for water production. In this case, there is a good match between the abundance of solar energy and the need for water.
Atmospheric water vapor
Solar radiation
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The adsorption technique used by Agua de Sol captures water vapor at night when the relative humidity is at its maximum.
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The adsorbed water can then be extracted during the day by heating, thanks to solar thermal.
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The sun provides a free source of energy...
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The production of drinking water can be maximized depending on the place of installation (more precisely depending on the humidity of the air, the temperature of the air and the intensity of solar radiation).