An environmentally friendly solar-powered super suction machine will provide a rich and continuous source of water from the UAE's humid air.
About 20 super- humidifiers can produce 6,700 liters of water per day when local weather conditions are at 26 degrees Celsius and humidity is 60%.
The technology of creating drinking water from air is being piloted in October this year. If successful, the technology will be rolled out in Masdar, a future sustainable city under construction next to Abu Dhabi Airport.
Masdar has a 22ha field of 87,777 solar panels, as well as additional panels on the roofs of buildings in the city to provide energy for the entire city.
These solar panels also provide power to the huge fans of the air-based water generator, helping the suctioner absorb moist air from the surrounding environment.
The liquid coolant circulates in pipes filled with moist air, helping the cooled air reach a " Foothold", where the steam converges into liquid water.
After the formed liquid is collected and cleaned, it leads to specialized stations where residents can get water for free.
The water creation project from the air in the UAE is implemented by US-based water technology company Aquovum in collaboration with Masdar and Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi.
According to experts, carbon-free technology helps reduce the UAE's dependence on desalting seawater and importing expensive bottled water.
The Middle East and Africa are one of the most severe climate areas in the world and need the cleanest water. Experts say that the UAE is one of the most water-related stressed areas in the world but has the right temperature and humidity to provide water through suction.
"Sometimes there are periods of dense fog in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in coastal areas as well as weather patterns, humidity ranges from 60-90%" - Robert Wood, technology director of Aquovum, shared.
If the pilot process of water production from the air goes smoothly, water generators will be installed at the Masdar Institute Solar Platform of Khalifa University in Masdar city.
Masdar city began construction in February 2008. The city is expected to be completed as early as 2030, when it will have a capacity of about 40,000 people and 10,000 others coming here per day. The city of the future is designed to become a center for clean technology companies, with a sustainable system of apartments, schools, shops, cafes and transportation.
