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 to forward operating environments. Existing AWE devices are power-hungry and cumbersome. PSI will develop a new portable AWE system that operates at ultra-high efficiency (<100 Wh/L of water produced) to generate significant quantities of water in remote environments. Our key innovation focuses on using advanced sorbent materials combined with a novel water release mechanism to separate the captured water from the sorbent. The system leverages a new type of inexpensive polymeric material that is effective across a range of relative humidities and enables continued operations. The system also contains a unique 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 will demonstrate the operability of the sorbent material in capturing atmospheric water by constructing and validating a breadboard AWE device and modeling a scaled-up optimized system. In Phase II, the team will construct prototype systems and iteratively improve the design to generate potable water that complies with TB MED 577 standards. The outcome of a successful AWE+ program is the demonstration of an ultra-efficient atmospheric water extraction device that reduces the logistical burdens associated with transporting and supplying water in field-forward locations.