SHANGHAI developers have unveiled what they describe as the world’s first comprehensive atmospheric water harvesting system, designed to provide sustainable and accessible drinking water globally. This innovation holds particular promise for water-scarce regions and countries.

Originating from cutting-edge research at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the system employs three core technological pathways: condensation, adsorption, and a hybrid system combining a heat pump with adsorption and absorption. Each method is tailored to tackle water scarcity under distinct climatic conditions — specifically high temperature with high humidity, low temperature with low humidity, and high temperature with low humidity.

The research team states that this advancement marks China’s transition from a follower to a leader in the frontier field of atmospheric water extraction. The technology works by condensing moisture from the air into liquid water, providing a renewable freshwater source. It is especially valuable for areas with limited groundwater or unstable water supplies.

According to a report by market research firm QYResearch, the global atmospheric water generator market is projected to reach US$420 million by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.8% in the coming years.

The technology was launched by Shanghai-based firm AtmosWell, a company incubated from the pioneering work of the interdisciplinary “energy-water-air” (ITEWA) innovation team at the university’s School of Mechanical Engineering.

“Extracting potable water from air represents a longstanding human aspiration to address uneven water distribution,” said Wang Ruzhu, lead scientist of the ITEWA team and a 2023 Global Energy Prize laureate. “AtmosWell has systematically translated our laboratory breakthroughs into adaptable engineering solutions for diverse scenarios, embodying the core principle that technological innovation should serve society.”

Industry experts note that the primary challenge in atmospheric water harvesting lies in adapting to complex and variable climates. By leveraging the ITEWA team’s expertise, AtmosWell has overcome key technical bottlenecks, delivering tailored solutions for different environments.

One versatile product is an off-grid, solar-powered outdoor drinking water dispenser that requires no existing infrastructure. Similar in size to a small bus shelter, the unit operates in temperatures from 15 to 40 degrees Celsius and at humidity levels between 35% and 99%, producing up to 50 liters of drinking water per day.

“The product portfolio also includes a large-scale, engineering-grade outdoor water platform with a daily capacity of 1,600 liters,” added Wang. “This system can provide a stable water supply for island resorts, small communities, and emergency disaster relief operations.” The lineup further features compact “water bar” units for home and office use, which are plug-and-play devices designed to meet everyday drinking water needs.

Experts highlight that this innovation could also deliver significant environmental benefits. Globally, approximately 600 billion plastic water bottles are produced annually, with only about 9% of plastics being recycled.(SD-Agencies)