Addressing Low Humidity Water Challenges

Arid regions are defined by their persistently low humidity, which leads to severe water shortages. The idea of tapping into the sustainable resource of atmospheric water has been around for many years, but in low humidity environments traditional atmospheric water generation (AWG) technologies struggle to function efficiently.
For instance, condensation-based units usually require humidity levels of at least 30% to operate effectively. However, many arid regions see average humidity levels that fall well below this threshold, making conventional technologies ineffective for low humidity water generation. 

In the face of water scarcity, some regions have turned to desalination and transporting water from distant sources as potential solutions. However, these methods often prove to be energy–intensive and costly.

Desalination requires substantial power and infrastructure investments, making it economically unfeasible for many communities, especially in developing areas. Furthermore, desalination plants produce large amounts of brine which can harm marine life.

Similarly, transporting water over long distances will generate a carbon footprint and can lead to significant losses due to evaporation and leakage, further reducing the amount of potable water that reaches its destination. These limitations emphasize the need for more sustainable and energy– efficient methods, such as atmospheric water generation, to address the pressing challenge of securing adequate drinking water supplies in arid regions. 

Recent advancements in water technology have shown promise in overcoming the challenges posed by low humidity. One approach involves using nano-engineered reticular materials, highly porous materials capable of adsorbing water molecules from the air, even in low humidity situations. These materials feature an extremely large surface area that allows for efficient moisture capture compared to traditional systems. 

This approach enhances efficiency in low humidity water generation and reduces energy consumption and operational costs. Some air to water generators have also been designed to function without external electricity sources, which is particularly beneficial for remote or off-grid areas. These systems can utilize low-grade ambient thermal energy to provide a consistent water supply while minimizing environmental impact. In essence, these systems are capable of generating water in low humidity conditions without depleting any scarce resources or creating any carbon footprint. 

Innovative technologies in atmospheric water harvesting are paving the way for more effective solutions to the challenges of low humidity water generation. By employing advanced reticular materials and system designs, these efforts address the immediate needs of arid regions and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient water future. The development of efficient air to water generators that can extract water from air in low humidity conditions represents a significant step forward in tackling water scarcity. 

Find out more about Atoco’s atmospheric water harvesting solutions based on nano-engineered reticular materials and powered by nothing but free ambient energy.

Atoco is a leader in climate technology, founded by Professor Omar Yaghi, the pioneer of Reticular Chemistry. Atoco leverages reticular materials such as Metal organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) to develop breakthrough solutions for carbon capture and atmospheric water harvesting.

These technologies, designed with atomic precision, are engineered to tackle global and most pressing challenges: climate change and water scarcity.