A few years ago we saw a prototype for an irrigation system that draws water from air. Nottingham Trent University professor Dr. Amin Al-Habaibeh and his student Joseph Wild have developed a device that has a similar function, but for the purpose of harvesting drinking water. The best part is that their device is made of discarded appliances.

The machine is based on a used refrigerator. According to Nottingham Trent University, “[i]t works by drawing air into a cool fridge with reused computer fans and passing it through a cold copper tube. As the warm, humid air cools in the tube the vapour contents condense to form water.” A tap can be added to the fridge, keeping the water cool and clean until it is used.

The machine will work best on humid areas, where it “can provide enough water to meet the daily needs of a small family.”  It can run on solar power as well, which should make it viable in remote areas.

To spread the word, Dr. Al-Habaibeh and Joseph plan on sharing the instructions and parts list needed to create the device online. These men are true makers.

[via PSFK]

A few years ago we saw a prototype for an irrigation system that draws water from air. Nottingham Trent University professor Dr. Amin Al-Habaibeh and his student Joseph Wild have developed a device that has a similar function, but for the purpose of harvesting drinking water. The best part is that their device is made of discarded appliances.

The machine is based on a used refrigerator. According to Nottingham Trent University, “[i]t works by drawing air into a cool fridge with reused computer fans and passing it through a cold copper tube. As the warm, humid air cools in the tube the vapour contents condense to form water.” A tap can be added to the fridge, keeping the water cool and clean until it is used.

The machine will work best on humid areas, where it “can provide enough water to meet the daily needs of a small family.”  It can run on solar power as well, which should make it viable in remote areas.

To spread the word, Dr. Al-Habaibeh and Joseph plan on sharing the instructions and parts list needed to create the device online. These men are true makers.

[via PSFK]