Next-Generation Atmospheric Water Extraction Enabled by Deliquescent Polymers

Atmospheric water extraction (AWE) has the potential to revolutionize military logistical operations by providing point of need water generation, obviating the need for costly and dangerous transportation of large water volumes in austere environments. Existing AWE devices are power-hungry (>300 Wh/L) and cumbersome. Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will continue development of a new, portable AWE system that operates at ultra-high efficiency (energy consumption of <100 Wh/L of water produced) and is capable of continuously producing potable water with minimal manual intervention. Our key innovation centers on using advanced sorbent materials combined with a novel water release mechanism to isolate captured water. The novel sorbent is inexpensive and is tunable to be effective across a range of relative humidities and while enabling continued operations. The separation system features a unique 2-part water release mechanism to efficiently liberate the captured water and enable operation with a much lower specific energy consumption than traditional dehumidification devices. In Phase I, PSI demonstrated the feasibility of our approach by demonstrating our novel sorbent material can be cycled and demonstrating that liberated water has high likelihood of complying with potable water standards (according to TB-MED 577). The team also developed breadboard AWE device components and modeled a commercial system. In Phase II, the team will optimize our sorbent formulation to maximize water uptake, and scale-up production, and incorporate the sorbent into a prototype system capable of continuously generating potable water. The outcome of a successful AWE+ program is the demonstration of a new paradigm of ultra-efficient atmospheric water extraction devices that reduce the logistical burdens associated with transporting and supplying water in field-forward locations. Beyond the SBIR program, PSI will partner with commercialization partners in the private sector to transition this technology both within DOD and the civilian markets.