Solar device from Saudi researchers offers hope for drought-stricken areas

A groundbreaking innovation from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology promises a significant leap forward in addressing these critical issues in the face of escalating global droughts and water shortages.

It's widely recognized that the world is facing severe crises, particularly the climate emergency and widespread droughts affecting many regions, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In response, various companies and organizations are actively seeking solutions to address these critical water shortages using space-based energy. A New Approach to Tackling the Water Crisis: Could This Innovation Be the Solution to One of Our Greatest Challenges? Recently, a team of researchers has developed a method to produce substantial amounts of water. This breakthrough could significantly aid regions suffering from extreme droughts, improving conditions for affected populations and supporting regional development.

A groundbreaking solar device developed by researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has the potential to revolutionize water collection in drought-stricken areas, making it one of the most promising solutions for addressing severe water shortages.   So, how does this innovative technology work? The secret lies in harnessing the most renewable energy source available: solar power.

The device features a design with vertical microchannels filled with a saline solution. This setup is engineered to interact effectively with water molecules in the air. The water collection process involves four key stages. First, the device captures airborne moisture through an exposed structure at its base. This component gathers humidity from the atmosphere. 

Next, the collected water is converted into steam. This occurs in the device’s upper part, enclosed in an airtight chamber, where sunlight heats the collected water, causing it to evaporate. The third stage is vapor condensation, where the steam cools on the inner surface of the chamber and condenses into liquid water.

This final stage produces clean, drinkable water, completing the process. To complete the process, the final step is collecting the water, which is now fully purified and ready for consumption. This innovative device could become a key solution in addressing severe droughts in the most arid and impoverished regions of the world.