Water Condensers: Technology to Save the Planet?
By: Guest Contributor, Linda Bailey
Condensation is a natural occurrence of water forming due to temperature variations essentially pulling the water out of the atmosphere. The more humid an area is, the more water vapor that is available in the atmosphere to condense. In dry and arid locales, this technology might not work to its full potential. However, the development of such devices is sound and is being utilized in various areas around the world. Can this innovative science become a planet-wide technology that can save countless lives? What aspects of water condensation are considered for this technology?
1. The Vapor – Water vapor is emitted in a variety of ways. Every time you take a breath, use hot water, turn on the air conditioner, or water a field of crops vapor is created. If you pull out a can ofsoda pop from the refrigerator and water begins to form on the outside of the can, that is the vapor condensing due to the temperature difference within the room and the temperature of the aluminum the can is made of. This vapor is always around us and has the possibility to sustain life if it were tapped.
2. The Devices – The technology that is being developed continuously condense the vapor from the surrounding air to create clean drinking water. Filtration capabilities pull remaining toxins from the water as it is dispersed. This process has been a product of nature since water formed on this planet, and humankind is now able to duplicate the process in a more efficient and usable scale. Propositions of these devices range from the size of billboard and towers, to as small as a one liter apparatus such as the concept for the NJORD Water Creator.
3. Sustainability – As developers continue to scrutinize the capabilities of building water condensers, other technologies are added to the sustainability of the product. As most of these units utilize electricity, some innovators are adapting solar methods of powering them. Essentially, drinking water could be collected for free. At least, it would be free if these manufacturers donated them to areas in need. Otherwise, capitalism will surely surround the process of creating water – the very substance no human can live without.
4. Arid – Although the mere thought of using water condensers can excited a great many people, there is one absolute flaw to these devices. They require humidity. While most areas have a certain level of humidity year round, others are far less fortunate. However, this isn’t cause for too great of concern. Even the Sahara Desert can produce as much as 5-percent humidity.
5. Temporary Solution? – Regardless of our need for drinkable water, this could be viewed as nothing more than a temporary solution. Many areas are feeling the effects of continuous droughts as each year less and less water is available to communities. While water condensation can keep us alive a bit longer and help alleviate water restrictions in some form, humankind needs to pay more attention to what is causing the problem in the first place. Our destruction of various natural resources are continuing to reduce the amount of water that is available.
The need for water has sparked a great deal of interest in building condensers. In early 2013, a billboard was created in order to help the residents of Lima, Peru get access to drinkable water. As these projects continue, the technology behind them will only develop for greater efficiency. It may only be a matter of time before more condensers are created in order to provide a sustainable way for our survival. Are we simply delaying the inevitable, or will this buy humankind more time in order to remedy the initial problem?
Author Bio:
This post is contributed by Linda Bailey from housekeeping.org. She is a Texas-based writer who loves to write on the topics of housekeeping, green living, home décor, and more. She welcomes your comments which can be sent to b.lindahousekeeping @ gmail.com.
Soda can image via Shutterstock.
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