Waste-heat powered atmospheric water generation system for industrial scale water harvesting
A green water solution that uses waste heat from manufacturing plants to operate a desiccant-water module, harvesting water from air with low energy consumption. Designed to produce 750 to 1000 litres of water per day while also providing cooling for facility spaces.
Overview
Maithri Aquatech R&D has developed a sustainable approach to atmospheric water generation that leverages waste heat from large manufacturing facilities. The system uses a desiccant-water module, in which water itself acts as the refrigerant, to condense atmospheric moisture into potable water. By utilizing waste heat that would otherwise be discarded, the technology offers an energy-efficient alternative to conventional water sourcing, making it particularly attractive for industrial sites with significant thermal output. Beyond water generation, the system produces cold air as a by-product, which can be used for spot cooling of work areas.
Technical specifications
- Desiccant-water module: Uses water as the refrigerant to achieve chilled water temperatures of 7 to 12 degrees Celsius
- Fan-coil condensation unit: Ambient air is drawn in and cooled below its dew point, causing water vapour to condense into liquid water on the coil surface
- Cooling tower integration: Placing the fan-coil unit above a cooling tower increases inlet air temperature and humidity, improving overall water generation efficiency
- Target output: Pilot-scale system designed to generate 750 to 1000 litres of water per day
- Water treatment: Condensed water is treated and mineral-enriched to meet WHO drinking water standards
- Secondary cooling benefit: Exit air from the fan-coil unit can cool an area of approximately 2000 to 3000 square feet
- Energy source: Operates entirely on waste heat from the host facility, minimizing additional energy input
Technology readiness level
The technology is at the pilot validation stage. A pilot installation is planned at a manufacturing plant that can provide both the physical space and the waste heat needed to operate the system. The proposed validation timeline includes an initial testing and study phase of 3 months, followed by a 3-month project validation phase. The organization is seeking an industrial partner to host and support the pilot deployment, with the generated water intended for the partner's captive consumption needs.
About Maithri Aquatech R&D Pvt. Ltd.
Maithri Aquatech R&D Pvt. Ltd. is a research and development entity focused on the water-from-air domain, operating in conjunction with Maithri Aquatech. The company specializes in the research, development, and refinement of innovative atmospheric water harvesting technologies, alongside conducting research to enhance water quality for various applications. Their efforts include collaborations with academic and research institutions to advance sustainable water harvesting solutions and develop advanced, decentralized systems that produce potable water directly from atmospheric vapor.
By prioritizing scientific innovation and data-driven improvements in water harvesting, the company aims to address global water scarcity challenges. Their research initiatives encompass areas such as thermal energy, environmental chemistry, and desalination technologies, which are essential for creating energy-efficient, scalable products. Through these specialized R&D activities, the organization supports the development of sustainable, decentralized infrastructure capable of providing reliable, clean water to communities and industrial sectors regardless of traditional water sources.
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