Low-cost liquid desiccant water generator using a novel solar still collector
A novel solar still collector regenerates liquid desiccants and produces up to 3 liters of water per square meter per day under low humidity. The integrated design combines solar energy harvesting, evaporation, and condensation in a single device, targeting a water production cost of 40 USD per 1,000 gallons, lower than existing atmospheric water generators. Intended for hot, sunny regions with limited water sources.
Overview
This technology addresses the challenge of producing potable water in arid and desert climates through a novel solar still collector that regenerates liquid desiccants. By integrating solar energy harvesting, evaporation, and condensation into a single device, the system achieves a projected water production cost of 40 USD per 1,000 gallons, compared to over 100 USD per 1,000 gallons for existing atmospheric water generators. The technology is designed for deployment in hot, sunny regions where conventional water sources are scarce or unavailable, offering a renewable-energy-driven alternative to energy-intensive water purification methods.
Technical specifications
- Integrated design: Combines solar energy harvesting, evaporation, and condensation in a single collector unit, reducing system complexity and cost
- Target production rate: Up to 3 liters of water per square meter per day under low humidity conditions
- Operating temperature: Stagnation temperatures around 120 °C, sufficient to regenerate liquid desiccants
- Cost targets: Capital expenditure not exceeding 150 USD per square meter, with the solar still collector component under 100 USD per square meter
- System lifetime: Designed for 15 years of operation
- Thermal optimization: Enhanced insulation increases operating temperature and maximizes water production by improving latent versus sensible heat transfer to the glass cover
- Renewable energy: Uses solar thermal energy as the sole energy input, eliminating dependence on electricity-intensive cooling compressors
Technology readiness level
The technology has progressed through five years of research and development, including the construction of four prototypes and two pilots of solar atmospheric water generators using liquid desiccants. The next stage of validation involves building a 16 square meter solar still collector field on the roof of a production facility in a dry and sunny region. This pilot will operate over a six-month period under varying weather conditions to validate the hypothesis of producing an average of 3 liters of water per square meter per day in hot desert climates.
About Aquahara Technology GmbH
Aquahara Technology GmbH was a German engineering firm that focused on developing solar-thermal atmospheric water generators and dehumidification systems. The company designed technology intended to extract moisture from the air using a concentrated salt solution in a closed-cycle process, powered by solar thermal energy. Unlike conventional devices that rely on electricity-intensive cooling compressors, the Aquahara system utilized heat exchangers to achieve high heat recovery and enable solar-thermal distillation, aiming for significantly lower operating costs for water production and air dehumidification.
Following the cessation of its business operations, the firm transitioned to offering engineering services and partnership opportunities in the greentech sector. These included the technical planning of photovoltaic and solar thermal projects, commercial battery storage system integration with power exchanges, and seasonal green energy storage solutions such as power-to-gas systems. The company leveraged its expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering to support business development for other corporations in the fields of renewable energy, green hydrogen, and methane projects.
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