Device Turns Air Into Drinking Water
Remember those sweltering summer days when the air was so muggy you could practically drink it?
A new home appliance is promising to make that possible by converting outdoor air into nearly 13 quarts of fresh water every day.
Originally envisioned as an antidote to the shortage of clean drinking water in the world, the WaterMill has the look of a futuristic air conditioner and the ability to condense, filter and sterilize water for about 3 cents per quart.
At $1,299, the 45-pound device doesn’t come cheap, and it is neither the first nor the biggest machine to enter the fast-growing field of atmospheric water generators. But by targeting individual households with a self-cleaning, environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water, Kelowna, British Columbia-based Element Four is hoping its WaterMill will become the new must-have appliance of 2009.
“The idea is making this thing intelligent,” said Jonathan Ritchey, inventor of the original WaterMill prototype and president of Element Four. “So what happens is the machine knows where it is. If you put it in a rainforest, it will sample that environment every three minutes, and it will adapt.” Ditto for a desert. That adaptation is critical for energy efficiency.
Image from Element Four.
Matt Helphrey on December 10th, 2008 3:35 pm
Wow that is really cool. Too bad it cost so much. Youd have to drink a lot of water to make it worth the investment.
cassy on December 10th, 2008 3:38 pm
This invention is one of a kind, only a great mind and intelligent can think of this idea,i hope this is environment freindly.how much is the price? is it safe to drink from that watermill? just asking!
Curt on December 10th, 2008 6:32 pm
Wow, this looks pretty cool. I hope the price comes down in the next few years.
Jaclyn on December 11th, 2008 8:33 am
That is a pretty smart device to adapt to whatever demographic it is currently in at the time. but i do agree with Matt about it being so expensive…one would have to drink and use a ton of water in order to justify the investment.
SEO Software on December 11th, 2008 9:38 am
My favorite part about this is that it eliminates the need for all the plastic from plastic bottles. Those are filling up landfills at an alarming pace.
Li on December 11th, 2008 1:45 pm
This is really a smart idea. Just the price is high. Do you think it can made in China? Anyway, I am looking for business cooperation.
cassy on December 13th, 2008 11:46 pm
Its really so expensive! Im just thinking…many products have been emitated..can they also emitate this watermill so that I can buy for a lower price?He!He!he!
Justin Popovic on December 17th, 2008 12:26 pm
I do think competition and immitators will eventually drive the price down. At $1300, it will be one of those novelty items for those who can afford it. But imagine the power of this product when put in the hands of people who really need it?!?! Awesome idea!!
http://www.justinpopovic.com/
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