82-Year-Old Man Who Experienced Famine Built Machine To Extract Water From Air
A Spanish engineer was inspired to create a water extraction machine which pulls out water from thin air after living in famine-like conditions
An 82-year-old engineer from Spain has successfully devised a method to extract water from air, paving way for commercial use of such mind-boggling technology. The 82-year-old Enrique Vega was inspired to find a way to make access to water easier after his home country, Spain faced a series of droughts in the 1990s, Reuters first reported.
The water extraction tech could save lives
With this invention, Vega hopes to help those in deserts and remote regions where water availability is scarce. With climate change in the spotlight, access to water is only expected to become more limited, with droughts and dry spells becoming more common in already impoverished communities around the globe.
Reuters
Also read: Water On Mars: NASA Perseverance Rover Confirms Existence Of Ancient Lake
The water maker uses the same mechanism as air conditioners. Using electricity, the tool cools down surrounding air. Then, it takes the process a step further by condensing the water vapour.
Vega's pilot water invention did not work everywhere though, especially in places where temperatures cross 40 degree Celsius (104 degree Fahrenheit). He fixed that when he founded Aquaer in 2004 to expand the reach of this life-saving product.
Reuters
How effective is the method?
According to Reuters, a small model of the water maker can produce 50-70 litres each day. A large installation could produce 5,000 litres of water each day! With help from an NGO called Water Inception, the company is expanding the reach of its water solutions to villages and towns with poor water access.
Current methods of the water extractor can work in areas with air humidity of 10-15 per cent. The company installed a water unit in the Namib desert in Africa and has also offered water-related solutions to a refugee camp in Lebanon through the NGO.
Reuters
Also read: Researchers Find Largest Underwater Volcanic Eruption Which Created An Island
Next step? Installing solar panels on the water machines to reduce operational costs, paving way for more universal access to the water extraction methods.
What do you think about this monumental technology that could save lives in places experiencing extreme climate changes? Let us know in the comments below. For the latest in the world of science and technology, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
I live for all-things-technology - gadgets, novel climate solutions, and startups that are changing the game. In my leisurely hours, you can find me binge watching science fiction films, writing poetry, or dancing to pop anthems.
Read More
