(347b) Modeling, Engineering, and Integration of a Smart Moisture Absorbing Foam (SMAF) into a Man-Portable Atmospheric Water Extraction Device

This poster details the design and development of a new Atmospheric Water Extraction (AWE) device capable of >5.5 L/day of water production. The device leverages the unique properties of a Smart Moisture Absorbing Foam (SMAF): high water uptake and compressive water release. Operation of the AWE system is simple and efficient. The unit pushes air through a pre-filter and manifold using a battery-powered fan. Air is distributed through a thin macroporous sorbent matrix, resulting in maximum contact between atmospheric water vapors and the embedded hydrophilic nanoparticles. Water release occurs when the operator turns a crank-shaft, compressing the SMAF bed and releasing the potable water into a catchment container for consumption.

The use of compression to switch between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity enables the AWE system to produce 5.5 – 7.5 L/day of water within a strict weight envelope <2.5 kg. The device operates 24 hrs/day over a wide range of temperature (40-110 °F) and humidity (RH = 10-100%) with minimal interaction. This poster describes modelling of such a system from first-principles through a detailed computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation. These results are used to develop a computer aided design of a prototype system. The output of this research is an AWE system capable of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) water production requirements within the size, weight and power envelope. Such technology has implications as a technology disruptor for both military and humanitarian purposes.

Acknowledgement of Support and Disclaimer: This material is based upon work supported by Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA) under Contract No. HR001121C0032. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA).