SBIR-STTR Award

Aerial wells, a device used in antiquity, are mounds of rocks which collect moisture from the air and release water. They work best in and regions where solar heating and radiative cooling are large. The program will demonstrate that "hydrogenesis," an apparent natural phenomenon, is the principle exploited in the aerial well. A working hypothesis will assert that water is collected by diffusion into micropores of rocks and that there is enough diffusion potential for water to collect at temperatures above the dew point of the free air. Analytical models of controlling phenomena, water collection, retention, and release will be developed to explore the wells' performance. A computerized model will be prepared in Phase I. Finite difference equations will be written and solved for a conceptual aerial well. Answers will give insight into the controlling phenomena as a function of independent variables like humidity and temperature, as well as optimum material properties.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The research to be conducted in this phase will be the foundation of a new technology incorporating developments in climatology, hydrology, materials science, thermodynamics, and solar energy applications. Marketing of aerial well technology has unlimited possibilities.