US start-up Zero Mass Water has developed a system that produces clean drinking water from vapour in the air. The company is now making the system available in drought-affected areas in the US.
Sponge
Source that is the name of the virtually new drinking water system. It consists of a solar panel linked to a plant that collects the water and purifies it into clean drinking water. The system acts like a sponge; it absorbs the water, which can then be used to produce drinking water.
Power generated by the panel is used to remove water from the sponge and evaporate it. This produces pure water. Source then adds magnesium and calcium to the drinking water, after which it can be used by consumers. By connecting the solar panel to a battery, the plant can store the electricity generated. This ensures that the water cycle can continue to do its work even on days with less sunlight.
Water shortage
Zero Mass Water is a spin-off company from Arizona State University. Its aim is to use the 'off-grid system' to provide areas affected by drought with clean drinking water. In the United States, certain states regularly suffer from dry weather, such as California. But Rome was also hit recently; the city suffered from a water shortage. According to Zero Mass Water, developing areas lacking water infrastructure can also benefit from Source.
The startup says the system produces about 2 to 5 litres of clean drinking water per day.If you want to put a Soure system on your roof, you will have to put in about 2,500 euros in conversion. However, it is expected that the water savings provided by the system could shorten the payback period of the investment.
Global
Climate experts believe that a shortage of fresh water could eventually plague drinking water companies worldwide. There is simply not enough water available to make drinking water from. "We are confident that Source will help improve access to safe drinking water, improving lives worldwide," said Cody Friesen, CEO of Zero Mass Water, in a press release. "We are excited to scale up Source and make it available to consumers in the United States, starting with California and Arizona, where water shortages are an issue."
In Switzerland, a commercial plant was opened first this summer that uses thoughtful technology to extract CO2 from the air. The CO2 is eve sold to companies and consumers. You will soon read more about this on Maakindustire.nl.
By: Kelly Bakker
Source: Zero Mass Water
