- #1
jamesson
- 59
- 3
Is there a well-known system that can collect small quantities of water from air, like maybe 6 oz/day? Should take up at most a cubic foot
System to collect a small amount of water from the air
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around systems capable of collecting small quantities of water from the air, specifically targeting a collection of about 6 ounces per day within a volume of one cubic foot. Participants explore various methods, devices, and criteria for effective water collection, considering factors such as power availability and maintenance requirements.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Experimental/applied
Main Points Raised
- Some participants mention various systems, including silicone gel packets and small dehumidifiers, as potential solutions for collecting water from the air.
- Criteria for selection include power availability, maintenance needs, and whether access to sunlight is guaranteed.
- One participant specifies that the collected water will be used for plants, indicating that it does not need to be potable but should not be toxic.
- Another participant notes that water harvesting devices used in arid regions, like those in Chile, rely on morning dew, emphasizing the importance of local atmospheric conditions.
- There is a suggestion that active collectors may be more effective than passive ones, with some claiming they can collect 9 ounces or more per day depending on moisture content.
- Participants discuss the functionality of dehumidifiers, with one explaining that they operate similarly to air conditioners without ductwork.
- Another participant mentions the potential of air coolers to generate condensed water and suggests renewable energy sources like solar PV or wind turbines for powering such devices.
- One participant expresses curiosity about the inner workings of dehumidifiers, questioning whether they employ unique methods beyond forced cooling/heating.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that various devices can collect water from the air, but there are multiple competing views on the most effective methods and the specific criteria for selection. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal solution.
Contextual Notes
Participants have not fully explored the limitations of each proposed method, including assumptions about local humidity levels and the efficiency of different devices. The discussion also lacks detailed technical specifications for the devices mentioned.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in water collection technologies, gardening, or sustainable living practices may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
DaveC426913
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There are lots. Everything from Silicone gel packets* to small dehumidifiers.
What are your criteria?
Access to sunlight?
Is power allowed?
Maintenance-free?
*OK, technically it collects water, but not really in a usable form.
What are your criteria?
Access to sunlight?
Is power allowed?
Maintenance-free?
*OK, technically it collects water, but not really in a usable form.
- #3
jamesson
- 59
- 3
Power is allowed, sure. Maintenance should be minimal, access to sunlight not guaranteed
- #4
jamesson
- 59
- 3
And, I am looking to use the water for plants. Doesn't need to be potable, but shouldn't be super-toxic either.
- #5
russ_watters
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Yeah, that's the literal/exact purpose of a dehumidifier.
- #6
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Water harvesting devices like those in the picture are used in Chile where it is very dry most of the time. Morning dew is often the source.
But success depends critically on the atmosphere conditions in your location. Here's a clue. How often are the leaves and grass in your area covered by dew in the morning?
But success depends critically on the atmosphere conditions in your location. Here's a clue. How often are the leaves and grass in your area covered by dew in the morning?
- #7
DaveC426913
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Not sure how effective those nets would be if stuffed into a one cubic foot volume.anorlunda said:
- #8
DaveC426913
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If power is allowed, your best bet is probably an active collector, rather than a passive one. They can collect 9oz. or more per day (but YMMV, since it will be dependent on the moisture content of the space).
A quick Google shows a bunch of small dehumidifiers that should fit.
You can bypass the collection tank and run tubing straight to your plants.Come to think of it, this is a brilliant idea for those of us with black thumbs who can't keep a plant alive.
A quick Google shows a bunch of small dehumidifiers that should fit.
You can bypass the collection tank and run tubing straight to your plants.Come to think of it, this is a brilliant idea for those of us with black thumbs who can't keep a plant alive.
- #9
Baluncore
Science Advisor
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An air cooler will generate condensed water from the atmosphere. It can be powered by solar PV or a wind turbine.
Direct extraction turbines have become available recently.
https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/em3165/
Direct extraction turbines have become available recently.
https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/em3165/
- #10
theycallmevirgo
- 108
- 25
A quick Google shows a bunch of small dehumidifiers that should fit
But how do these things work, exactly? Surely they do something other than forced cooling/heating, or do forced/cooling/heating in some special way? I mean, of course I can buy one and disassemble it but I'd really rather not.
But how do these things work, exactly? Surely they do something other than forced cooling/heating, or do forced/cooling/heating in some special way? I mean, of course I can buy one and disassemble it but I'd really rather not.
- #11
russ_watters
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A dehumidifier is just an air conditioner with no ductwork or other physical separation between the hot and cold sides.theycallmevirgo said:
- #12
theycallmevirgo
- 108
- 25
Youtube is your frieeend
Thanks for all the hints everybody! After I discarded peltiers as electronics coolers I never thought I'd use them for anything else, but here we go!
Thanks for all the hints everybody! After I discarded peltiers as electronics coolers I never thought I'd use them for anything else, but here we go!