Multifunctional electrospun yarns for efficient fog water harvesting
Innovative piezoelectric electrospun yarns made from PVDF enhance water recovery from cooling towers by utilizing airflow vibrations for energy savings. Scalable and cost-effective, these yarns feature a porous structure that maximizes airflow and water capture, offering sustainable water and energy management solutions.
Overview
This innovative technology involves the use of piezoelectric electrospun yarns made from Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for efficient fog water harvesting. Inspired by harp designs, these yarns improve droplet dynamics and reduce water pinning, enabling efficient recovery of water steam from cooling tower exhaust. Beyond water conservation, these yarns generate energy by harvesting airflow vibrations due to their piezoelectric properties. The electrospinning fabrication process allows for the creation of yarns in unlimited sizes and lengths, making this solution scalable and cost-effective for industrial applications. Their porous structure and adjustable spacing enhance airflow while maximizing water recovery, presenting a sustainable approach to managing water and energy needs in industrial settings.
Technical specifications
- Material: Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
- Design: Harp-inspired for improved droplet dynamics
- Fabrication process: Continuous electrospinning allowing unlimited yarn size
- Key features:
- Porous structure for enhanced airflow
- Adjustable spacing for optimized water capture
- Piezoelectric properties for energy harvesting
- Scalable and cost-effective for industrial use
Technology readiness level
Currently, the technology stands at TRL 4. Future validation plans include lab testing in simulated cooling tower conditions to optimize various parameters such as airflow, droplet dynamics, and water capture efficiency. Prototypes will be tested in pilot cooling tower systems to validate performance in real-world scenarios, with plans for field deployment to demonstrate full-scale potential and integration ease.
About University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, comprehensive research university with a large, interdisciplinary research enterprise on an urban campus in Philadelphia. For industry, the university combines an integrated academic health system with a research and technology park featuring co‑located labs, pilot and prototyping spaces, and access to shared instrumentation. Dedicated corporate engagement and technology transfer teams streamline sponsored research, IP, and startup formation, with incubator and venture resources to accelerate commercialization. Faculty attract substantial competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense.
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