PODCAST: explore an innovative method for extracting drinkable and irrigable water from fog in arid coastal regions, proposing a system more efficient than traditional fog nets. The YouTube video details a prototype that utilizes high-voltage electricity to condense fog droplets, drawing inspiration from a 2018 MIT study that demonstrated a twenty-fold increase in water collection using this principle. The creator showcases the construction and testing of a scalable device, proving its effectiveness in converting atmospheric moisture into usable water. This technology holds significant promise for supporting agriculture and providing hydration in extreme desert environments, potentially even surpassing the efficiency of commercial dehumidifiers. The ultimate goal is to further refine and test this system in real-world desert conditions, like the Atacama Desert.

The core scientific principles behind this high-voltage fog harvesting technology are rooted in electrostatic attraction.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

• High Voltage Application The system utilizes a thin bare wire that is positively charged to 20,000 volts DC by a built-in circuit. During initial tests, an earlier setup used approximately 35,000 volts DC.
• Electron Transfer and Droplet Charging When water droplets within the fog come into contact with this positively charged wire, the wire steals electrons from the water droplets, making them positively charged themselves.
• Electrostatic Attraction to Grounded Grid A grounded metal grid is positioned only centimeters away from the charged wire. Because the water droplets are now positively charged, they are attracted to this grounded metal grid and rapidly move towards it. The fog is observed to “immediately accelerate towards the screen”.
• Condensation and Water Accumulation As more and more charged water droplets stick to the grounded grid, they accumulate, leading to the formation of pure water. Within about 20 to 30 seconds, the metal screen becomes drenched, and within minutes, a clear puddle is visible.

This method builds upon previous observations by the creator. While designing and testing his BSI Mark I ionic Thruster, he noticed that as the thruster pulled in fog, water would accumulate and drip from the grounded metal rods, causing the thruster to short out. This experience demonstrated to him that fog will condense if it is attracted to a grounded metal object, leading to the development of this fog condenser. The system is designed to be energy-efficient and scalable, even potentially powered by solar energy due to its low power consumption.