SuTut-3

The greatest problem our blue, water-drop-shaped Earth faces, as seen from space, is water scarcity due to our inability to harness water from the atmosphere effectively. Communities facing water shortages migrate to areas with water, leading to a refugee crisis. Without water, agriculture cannot thrive, resulting in food shortages. Water scarcity also signifies health problems, climate issues, and settlement challenges.

The atmosphere is our limitless source of water, yet our methods of extracting water from it are insufficient. We have been working on a new method for three years now. The method we are working on continues to improve each year with limited resources.

Inspired by desert mushrooms, this technology incorporates solar panels that generate electricity, Peltier coolers, brushless motors, batteries, and humidity sensors.

Our goal is to address climate issues and make the world a more livable place.

Our technological product, inspired by desert mushrooms, was designed to separate water using the rotational mechanics of air. In an air vortex, the centrifugal force causes water molecules, which have a higher specific gravity, to accumulate on the inner surface, while hot and dry air is quickly expelled from the center of the system.

The separation process using centrifugal force is applied to olive fruit to obtain olive oil and also to animal milk to obtain butter. In milk, dense and less dense particles separate based on this rotational principle.

I thought of using rotational force to separate water from the air. I haven’t encountered a similar idea or design.

Using a high air flow rate system increases efficiency, so I used a brushless motor. The air entering the system cools the heated Peltier surface, which helps to further cool the inner surface to condense water.

To ensure high air flow, I placed a fan (3) powered by a brushless motor in the lower section. When the fan operates, the vacuum pressure created inside allows air to pass quickly through the channels shown as (1).

The air passing through the channels (1) cools the hot surface of the Peltier, warming up and returning to the inner chamber. The design aims to keep hot, dry air in the center and expel it quickly from the system. Therefore, a circular baffle (2) was used inside. The rotating air directs the heaviest water molecules within the air toward the inner surface, where they condense on the cooled Peltier plates and turn into water, which then flows out through a drainage hose.

We used a standard PC fan but replaced its motor with a brushless motor. According to current data, our system takes in 70 cubic meters of air per hour. Theoretically, there could be a chance to obtain 1,750 grams of water per hour from air containing 20-30 grams of water. Achieving a higher air flow rate is possible.

Solar panels, Peltier coolers, and brushless motor technology are continuously evolving.

Theoretically, we calculated the potential to produce large quantities of water. In practice, there were challenges due to the flat surfaces of the Peltier coolers, insufficient thermal adhesives, and the need for custom production of the cooling surface area.

As shown in the image, our project was designed with four double-sided solar panels on the top and back surfaces, but due to budget constraints, we used just one solar panel.

We used an egg-shaped form and had no opportunity to experiment with different shapes.

We aimed to design the system to require minimal maintenance in nature. It will use solar energy during periods of high sunlight to charge the battery, and operate during nighttime when temperatures drop and humidity increases, maximizing water production with automation.

Our water production has improved this year compared to last year. We are far from the theoretical calculations of water production.

"We aim to save the world. We believe that the fundamental problem facing humanity and nature can be solved by making use of the water in the atmosphere as accessible water. When we achieve the theoretical efficiency, we believe we can solve problems such as the climate crisis, food insecurity, and the availability of usable water."

My team and I are not in great shape. When I planned this project for SOLVED 2023, my team member, my father Kubilay Kural, sold his car to finance the project. He commutes to work by bike, which is good for his health, but he faces difficulties in the rain and snow. He is trying to finance the project renewal on a teacher’s salary.

We may not find what we’re hoping for, but we’re having an exciting time with all the team members. I learned that not every endeavor must be successful; what's important is to enjoy the journey and spend time on our purpose.

Last year, receiving the message that our project made it to the top 50 in SOLVED 2023 was truly thrilling. I wish we could spend more time and money on this project, and I wish our team had more knowledgeable people.

Being on this path where we strive to create a better world is fulfilling.

My work, which began in 2021, made it to the top 50 in SOLVED 2023. This year, I updated the internal upper hemisphere, using six 20W Peltier coolers. I had it 3D printed. I reduced the thickness of the internal upper hemisphere from 6mm to 3mm, flattening the Peltier cooler sections and adding baffles to manage air flow, which further increased water production. I also experimented with different methods for cooling the heated surface this year.

I enjoy not only working on my own project but also reading the projects submitted to SOLVE. I like being competitive, finding solutions, and spending time on this subject. It's exciting to be part of this SOLVE platform where different people from different countries come together. Being evaluated by MIT expert opinions is something I look forward to, and if I am fortunate, I would like to gain insights for developing my project from an organization with extensive and deep technical expertise.

I dream of saving the world; my emotions are beyond monetary gain.

Methods of extracting water from air typically rely on the principle of obtaining it through the linear movement of free airflow. Nano filters or mesh sails are used, and air naturally passes through these surfaces linearly, or a fan is used to provide this linear airflow.

Our solution is a unique design. It involves the separation process commonly used in olive oil production, butter production, and seed separation methods, where substances are subjected to centrifugal force. This technological design works by rotating air, causing water molecules to condense due to the rotational effect, and the rotational effect allows the hot, dry air remaining in the center to be expelled from the system.

No one has ever designed a method to extract water from air in this way before. Extracting usable water from air is a necessity for humanity. Our design has the potential to solve this problem.

The inability to efficiently extract water from air is a major problem. The lack of interest in finding solutions to this problem is an additional issue. If we solve the problem of obtaining water from air, we will also address many of humanity's challenges.

We can transform deserts into agricultural land. With an increase in available water, many health issues can be resolved. This method can also reduce the production and use of plastics.

Just as water is crucial for human life and nature, the success of our design is equally important.

Solar energy cells. Peltier coolers. Brushless motors.

Our experiments are currently yielding insufficient water production. This insufficiency is due to the incompatibility of the technological products. The lack of availability of compatible parts. The high cost of custom production. The water vapor left behind by jet engines is proof of the validity of our project principles.

3

3 years

Our team currently consists of three people. Devrim Varol has English communication skills. Kubilay Kural is providing the financing. Explaining the importance of our work for our planet to potential new team members will inspire anyone who wants to work with us.

It will impact everyone and everywhere that lacks access to water.

We want to achieve sustainability through profit-sharing and selling products.