SBIR-STTR Award

To address Army need for a novel scalable energy-efficient technology to generate potable water on demand from atmospheric humidity in hot arid environments, HarmonoLogic LLC proposes to develop a Nanocapillary Atmospheric Water Generation (Nano-AWG) system. This system is based on Bio-inspired extremely efficient nanocapillary water condensation and multifunctional TiO2 thin film for water accumulation, purification and collection. Utilizing this nanocapillary effect and switchable wettability of multifunctional nanostructured thin film, the proposed Nano-AWG system is highly energy-efficient (<200 WHPL at 70º F & 40% RH and < 800 WHPL at 35º F & 43% RH with 2 grams of water per kilogram of air), light-weighted, compact, cost-effectiveness (< 20 lb, <20 X 20 X 30 in., and <$200 for a Nano-AWG system with capacity of 2 gallon-per-hour), and capable of operating in all environments. It offers real-time water quantity and quality monitoring and control, fieldability, ruggedness, and turn-key operation, and environment-friendliness. In Phase I HarmonoLogic will demonstrate the feasibility of Nano-AWG technology by fabricating and testing a TRL-4 prototype. In Phase II we plan to refine the technology and fabricate an integrated TRL-5 Nano-AWG prototype.

Keywords:
Water Generation, Water From Air, Atmospheric Humidity, Nanocapillary Effects, Wettability, Multifunctional Tio2 Film, Superhydrophilic, Superhydrophobic

In Phase II, HarmonoLogic LLC proposes to advance the development of the Nanocapillary Atmospheric Water Generation (Nano-AWG) System proven feasible in Phase I in meeting Army's needs for a novel scalable energy-efficient technology to generate potable water on demand from atmospheric humidity in hot arid environments. In Phase I, HarmonoLogic successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the Nano-AWG system by theoretical analysis, modeling and simulations (M&S), fabricating and testing components, and by assembling and testing a proof-of-concept prototype. In Phase II HarmonoLogic will optimize overall system design for the specific Army CONOPS and produce a practical design of the Phase II Nano-AWG prototype. All the key components and subsystems will be optimized to maximize energy efficiency of atmospheric water generation and minimize system size and weight. Using optimized key components developed by HarmonoLogic and commercial off-the-shelf components, HarmonoLogic will assemble a fully functional self-contained stand-alone Nano-AWG system that meets the anticipated performance requirements and offers real-time water quantity and quality monitoring and control, fieldability, ruggedness, turn-key operation, and environment-friendliness. Extensive testing, evaluation and validation in relevant environments will be conducted to achieve TRL-5/6 for the Phase II Nano-AWG system.

Keywords:
Water Generation, Water From Air, Atmospheric Humidity, Nanocapillary Effects, Wettability, Multifunctional Tio2 Film, Superhydrophilic, Superhydrophobic