In the Indian city of Kozhikode, students like Swapnil Shrivastav once faced severe water shortages, surviving on just two buckets of water a day. However, inspiration can strike in unusual ways. Swapnil found his muse in an unexpected place: the world of Star Wars.
After experiencing such hardship, he decided to act on his curiosity about a device from the film that turned air into water. This idea eventually led him and his colleagues to create a real-world solution to a very real problem.
The Idea Behind Air-to-Water Technology
In 2016, severe drought hit Kozhikode, India, limiting residents like student Swapnil Shrivastav to two buckets of water daily. Inspiration struck when he remembered a device from Star Wars that turned air into water. Curiosity led him to explore this concept further.
By 2019, Shrivastav teamed up with Govinda Balaji and Venkatesh Raja to create Uravu Labs. This startup based in Bangalore uses atmospheric water generators with liquid desiccants. These desiccants absorb moisture from the air, which is then released and condensed into drinking water using heat from sunlight or renewable electricity.
Challenges in Scaling the Technology
Despite initial enthusiasm, Shrivastav’s goal of providing water to communities facing shortages wasn’t financially viable. He realised the technology needed more time to scale and become cost-effective. Seeking support from non-profit and CSR departments proved difficult, as many companies were sceptical about the technology’s effectiveness.
Currently, Uravu Labs sells the water to 40 clients in the hospitality industry. These clients use it to provide drinking water to customers, helping drive sustainability. This commercial approach has been more successful financially.
Global Water Shortages and Climate Change
Water shortages are not new, but climate change has exacerbated the problem, especially in the global south. Over 50% of the world’s population faces water shortfalls at least once a month. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations predicts that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will live in regions with ‘absolute’ water scarcity.
Atmospheric water generation technology presents a solution, particularly for remote locations. It can use renewable energy sources, making it an attractive option where traditional water infrastructure is lacking.
Types of Atmospheric Water Generation
There are two main methods for atmospheric water generation. One method involves cooling and condensation, where humid air is cooled to its dew point, causing water vapour to condense into liquid water.
The second method, like that used by Uravu Labs, involves a desiccant-based system. Hygroscopic materials absorb moisture from the air, then release it through a heating process. Beth Koigi of Majik Water in Kenya also uses this technology.
Majik Water’s Impact in Kenya
Beth Koigi manages about 40 atmospheric water generators in Kenya through her social enterprise, Majik Water. Koigi started Majik Water after experiencing water scarcity during a drought while studying in Nairobi in 2016.
Majik Water uses cooling and condensation techniques to capture moisture from the air. The biggest unit produces 500 litres of water in 24 hours, installed in schools and small communities. Koigi collaborates with NGOs and humanitarian organisations to distribute the technology. She acknowledges it’s a temporary solution due to cost concerns.
Technological Advancements and Future Prospects
Manufacturers are focusing on increasing the energy efficiency of atmospheric water generation systems. Innovations in compressors, heat exchangers, and desiccants are playing a crucial role.
Government support, subsidies, or environmental regulations could further encourage the adoption of this technology, Avinash Singh from Global Market Insights explains. Digital payment methods are also aiding the spread of these systems in remote areas.
Uravu Labs’ Future Plans
Uravu Labs is exploring advancements in material science to improve the efficiency of desiccants. They aim to reduce the heat required for the process from 60°C to 40°C.
They are also planning to run pilot projects in data centres in India and Singapore. These centres generate a lot of waste heat, which Uravu plans to use to create fresh water, reducing the need for fresh water top-ups by up to 95%.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Producing water locally has cost advantages, as transporting water is costly and logistically challenging.
Shrivastav is optimistic about the future. With advancements in material science and renewable energy, air-to-water technology could become a more viable solution for global water shortages.
Tackling water scarcity requires innovative thinking and practical solutions. Both Uravu Labs and Majik Water demonstrate the potential of atmospheric water generation technology. With continued advancements, this could be a viable method to address global water shortages.
Enhancing energy efficiency and lowering costs are crucial for the widespread adoption of such technologies. By leveraging renewable energy sources and improving desiccant materials, air-to-water systems can become more effective and accessible.
Overall, air-to-water technologies offer hope for areas grappling with severe water shortages. As climate change exacerbates these challenges, such innovations can play a vital role in securing clean water for future generations.
