Developed to help create fresh, potable water in areas where groundwater supplies are limited, the Fontus literally pulls moisture from the air to create up to half a liter per hour.
The condenser is solar powered, allowing a cooling unit to cool hot air, which helps separate the water from the air molecules. Putting it on a bike was a natural choice for designer Kristof Retezár since it’s the most common vehicle in the world and moves fast enough to force air into the upper chamber and across the condensor. From there, the water drips through a tube into the attached bottle.
The design lets the rider thread virtually any 0.5l water bottle into the device. Then, as they start riding, it’ll start filling that bottle. The rate depends on the relative humidity, but their research shows that even areas where ground water levels are low, there can still be enough humidity to create useful amounts of water. And, with so many people around the world in need of safe drinking water, this could have applications way beyond just being able to tour through remote areas for recreation.
The device is up for a James Dyson Award, check it out here. Via FastCo Exist, with hat tip to Rob for the heads up.
