Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia have developed a solar-powered water harvester that can extract 2-3 liters of water per day during summer months and 1-3 liters per day in fall, without requiring manual maintenance. The harvester works by capturing water from the air using an absorbent material, and then heating it with sunlight to extract the water. The innovative system features “mass transport bridges” that mimic the way plants transport water from roots to leaves, allowing the system to cycle continuously without intervention. The researchers used affordable and widely available materials, such as a water-wicking fabric, hygroscopic salt, and a plastic frame, which makes the technology scalable for large-scale use in low-income areas. This technology has the potential to provide clean water for drinking and irrigation in areas where traditional water sources are limited or non-existent.
A revolutionary water generation system harnesses the power of biomimicry, leveraging the sun’s energy and salt channels to produce a sustainable and innovative solution.
