Khalifa University launches world’s first solar-powered atmospheric water generator

Khalifa University of Science and Technology, in partnership with UAE-based atmospheric water generator manufacturer Eshara Water, Swedish energy storage technology company Azelio AB and Masdar City, a sustainable development, has launched the world’s first atmospheric water generation system (AWG). This will be powered entirely by solar energy and electrical thermal energy storage.

The technology produces drinking water straight from the air and can supply up to 1,000 litres per day per unit, with plans to increase capacity to 7,500 litres in the near future, reported state news agency, WAM.

The project combines AWG with solar power and two thermal energy storage power-on-demand systems for night clean electricity supply.

Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, executive VP of Khalifa University, said that the collaboration is a region-relevant, community-specific, and sustainable research initiative, which offers expertise and infrastructure to facilitate research for clean production of water and power.

“The outcome of this AWG project is expected to benefit distant or isolated off-grid regions that would otherwise have to depend on non-ecofriendly energy sources for their daily electricity and water requirements.”

Dr Nicolas Calvet, assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering at Khalifa University, and founder and chair of Khalifa University’s Masdar Institute Solar Platform at Masdar City, said that Khalifa University has installed 450 kW of solar photovoltaic panels for this project funded by Azelio.

He added that the university’s mission is to pioneer solutions that cater to the environmental needs of the UAE and the wider global community, hence this project focuses on energy storage and production of electricity and water at night.

Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, said that the solar-powered atmospheric water generator is a perfect representation of their vision, a mechanism that generates potable water without the need for power from the national grid.

“Food and water security are crucial and increasingly important in many parts of the world.

We are delighted to contribute to showcasing this groundbreaking solution for fresh water supply and electricity – in an application where our energy storage technology is a perfect fit,” said Jonas Wallmander, CEO of Azelio.

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