In Peru, Engineers Make Water out of Thin Air

Hot Topics:

By Nick Normal
Posted 2013/03/07 @ 10:24 am
Category General, Health, Science

Lima’s University of Engineering & Technology (UTEC) recently erected this water-producing billboard along the Panamericana Sur, or Panamerican Highway, in the village of Bujama. While the coasts of Peru have humidity levels averaging around 98 percent, the region receives only 1″-2″ of rainfall annually. Looking for ways to bring safe, potable drinking water to residents, as well as inspiring future generations of engineers, this billboard has already produced over 2,400 gallons of water in a three month period.

The village of Bujama, approximately 40 miles south of Lima, Peru’s capital and largest city.

[via LAHT]

In the Maker Shed

8 Responses to In Peru, Engineers Make Water out of Thin Air

Rich on March 7th, 2013 at 7:24 pm said:

Hey just watch Peru video and after it on Facebook it came up with some other cool video I like to watch as well but can’t find them on here and on FB one it didn’t tell what used like projects maybe a tab at top for those one with what hell they used and how to thank you

Reply ↓
Arthur Dempsey on March 8th, 2013 at 6:41 am said:

There are a lot of comments elsewhere (Time Magazine) suggesting using solar power to produce electricity for this. I would suggest a small wind turbine to do the job.

Reply ↓
- Nick Normal on March 8th, 2013 at 6:48 am said:
  
  Hi Arthur, Is there a specific TIME article you’re referring to? I’d like to read that. I’m especially in favor of wind turbines, for their sculptural, kinetic, and productive attributes.
  
  Reply ↓
A on March 8th, 2013 at 6:48 am said:

A very interesting idea, although based on the figures given, the whole board only provides enough water each day to support for 1 person.

Maybe they will look at using it in building cladding.

Reply ↓
- Nick Normal on March 8th, 2013 at 7:26 pm said:
  
  The number given is 2,400 gallons over a 3 month period, or 26.6 gallons/day. Even as a “first world” citizen in NYC, I’m not consuming anywhere near that amount of water per day. Maybe a gallon between coffee, tea, soap, and food (pasta, cooking, etc.) but this billboard doesn’t produce water for showers or watering your lawn, it’s only a tap.
  
  I think building cladding is a brilliant use of the tech. I’ll pass that idea along.
  
  Reply ↓
Brucinator on March 8th, 2013 at 4:53 pm said:

In a way, this is not new – there are companies that make the water condensors already and the fact the controls are labled in english makes me think they have used these systems. What I find odd is the need to put it through a reverse osmosis system. Reverse osmosis is a great way to make water, but it is not the most efficent way. If they have problems with the salt content then the reverse osmosis system is inefficent because you use a significant fraction of the water to backflush the filters.

Reply ↓
Arthur Dempsey on March 9th, 2013 at 5:56 am said:

The article I referred to is here: techland.time.com/author/mcpeckham/

Reply ↓
00james on March 15th, 2013 at 6:57 am said:

Moisture Farmers!!!

Reply ↓