Machine creates drinking water from moisture in the air

An Austrian designer invented a device that can absorb moisture from the air, condense into drinkable water.

This device is named Fontus , can be mounted on bicycles. The device will produce drinking water during the transfer process for cyclists.

Fontus works on the principle of condensation , like the phenomenon of leaving a glass of cold water out of the refrigerator, the steam in the air will condense outside into a cup.

Steam condensation device mounted on bicycle.(Photo: Kristof Retezar).

"This is simply a phenomenon of condensation in the air, " Kristof Retezar, Austrian designer shared with Live Science. "The air always has a certain humidity, even in the desert. That means you can condense water from the air anywhere".

Fontus uses solar energy for condensers (acts as a chiller), connecting to a wide range of water-free surfaces. When these surfaces are cooled, water will condense on it.

"Because these surfaces are waterproof, it will immediately push water down into the reservoir , " explained Retezar.

Fontus can create half a liter of water within 1 hour, in "ideal conditions" - temperature 30 - 40 degrees Celsius, humidity 80 - 90%, Retezar said.

The first prototype of the device will include a filter attached to the head to remove dirt from the water, however, it cannot yet filter other contaminants.

"You will get clean water, with no air pollution conditions much , " Retezar said. "We are thinking of how to build a device with carbon filters, used in cities with polluted air. First of all this water bottle will be used in natural areas, fresh air."

Retezar is also designing a version using exhaust fans to draw air into the system, without having to rely on the airflow created when cycling. This version can be used in areas with high air humidity, but lack of water.

"This idea to solve a problem of water shortage in areas with little groundwater but very high humidity , " Retezar said. "My invention is a machine or device that can turn water vapor into air into drinking water."

Structure of Fontus.(Photo: Kristof Retezar).

The original Fontus design was included in the shortlist of the James Dyson 2014 award, helping Retezar attract more attention to the project. Since then, he has received funding from the Austrian government to cover the technical development stages. The designer is also aiming to launch a community equity campaign in March to enable mass production of equipment. Retezar wants the price of Fontus below 100 USD. If everything goes as planned, Fontus will be commercialized after about 9 or 10 months.