Goal
Provide potable drinking water in disaster or remote situations by extracting moisture from ambient air.
Problem
Lack of clean drinking water after hurricanes, floods, and in remote or low-infrastructure areas.
Concept Summary
The AquaMagic HP120-DRU uses a condenser (similar to a dehumidifier) to collect atmospheric moisture, then flash-pasteurizes the condensate using a thermal energy source powered by diesel fuel, producing pure drinking water on-site.
Detailed Description
The portable unit incorporates a condenser that draws humid air and extracts water vapor, which is collected in a water inlet. The water then passes through a heating apparatus that uses a thermal energy source (diesel-driven) to flash-pasteurize the water at a predetermined temperature for a set time, eliminating pathogens. After heating, the water is expelled through an outlet as potable water. The system may include pre-filters to remove dust and pollen before heating. The unit is designed for rapid deployment in disaster zones and can be powered by a 10-kW diesel generator supplied by Cummins Rocky Mountain.
Principles
- Condensation of atmospheric moisture
- Flash pasteurization
- Heat exchange
- Filtration
Scientific Domains
Mechanisms of Action
- Condensation of humid air
- Thermal pasteurization of condensate
- Filtration of particulates
- Heat exchange using diesel-driven heater
Energy Sources
Applications
- Emergency disaster relief
- Military field water supply
- Remote or off-grid water generation
Claimed Performance
Produces 10 gallons of drinking water for every gallon of diesel fuel consumed.
Experimental Evidence
Demonstrations during a hurricane-zone tour showed the HP120-DRU generating water that testers described as tasting good; the company reports a 10:1 water-to-fuel ratio.
Limitations
- Requires diesel fuel supply
- Water output depends on ambient humidity and temperature
- Limited capacity per portable unit
Red Flags
- Potential fuel logistics challenges in disaster zones
