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.
[via LAHT]
16 thoughts on “In Peru, Engineers Make Water out of Thin Air”
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The article I referred to is here: techland.time.com/author/mcpeckham/
Moisture Farmers!!! ;)