
first image
a billboard in peru creates clean drinking water from the air
UTEC, the university of engineering and technology in lima, peru has collaborated with mayo draftDCB
to develop the world's first billboard that can produce potable water from the air as a promotional
admissions campaign. located in a region where rainfall is scarce year-round, but atmospheric humidity
reaches almost 98% - the project provides residents with up-to 96 liters clean drinking water in reserve
tanks situated in taps at the foot of the sign, instead of having them source hydration from polluted wells.
UTEC potable water generator
video courtesy mayo draftFCB

users gathering to collect clean, fresh water

water taps at the base of the billboard

clean water system diagram
Isn’t this about the most expensive, least energy efficient way to get “clean” water? Basically a basement dehumidifier on a billboard. How is this “ingenuity in action” (English translation)?
Is it 96 L a day? Do you have data on the cost of implementation?
Allen C — the energy cost for condensing water from the air (WFA) is about 0.4 kWh per liter when using mechanical dehumidification (refrigeration). It is a niche technology that is appropriate when there is no liquid water resource available (even if it is polluted) that can be treated to drinking water standards. WFA can be appropriate also to avoid installing centralized distribution systems (for example, placing drinking water dispensers throughout an existing building which does not have a potable water distribution system). Some cities ration piped water — a household or neigbourhood scale unit could be used to complement the municipal supply.
Eduardo — My experience in 2006 with commissioning a 2500 L/day WFA machine in Belize City showed that with amortization over 10 years (including direct capital costs, operation and maintenance) a cubic meter of water (1000 L) cost about USD125
That comes to $1.76/gallon.
This is so cool it is a very smart idea.!!
Roland your cost for 10 years at $125UDS per CM (i.e. 125 / 1000L) comes out to $.50 (cents) per gallon and that is cheap where there is no good water to drink or bath with. Does anyone know who I could contact to obtain one of these solar powered billboards? I would like to be able to demonstrate the principle in some areas where good water is scarce. Thanx Richard.
This is great it is usefull and valuable, many places across the world require this. Colud you able to email me about the same, to whom should I contact or email to get start at my home town.