Atmospheric Water Generator With Water Purifier and Remineralization

Atmospheric water generators (AWG), are a devices that extract water from humid ambient air. Water vapor in the air is condensed by cooling the air below its dew point. Unlike a dehumidifier, an AWG is designed to render the water safe to drink. AWGs are useful where pure drinking water is difficult or impossible to obtain, because there is almost always a small amount of water in the air. In our earth ship we will have a very humid environment from plant transpiration.

The ac unit is a split unit. The unit has the fan and condenser inside the habitat and the exterior unit for cooling unit. The condensate produced by this 12000 btu unit is roughly 1/4 of a gallon an hour in water production

Step 1: Set Up AC Unit or Dehumidifier

Set up an AC unit or dehumidifier. If you use a dehumidifier, be sure that it has a collection hose and not a tank. If it doesn't modify until correct....Make sure that your hose produces condensate when the AC is running and that it flows freely. We used a split ac 12000 btu with one side in our earth ship reasearch habitat and the other outside on a gantry. The purpose of the AC Unit is to provide condensate from the humidity in the air. The air may contain bacteria and other contaminates that are not adviseable to drink follow the next stages to build a water purifier system.

Step 2: Build a Collection Tank

We have currently a dual tube tank collector setup with pvc 4" pipe at ~ 4' lengths, some 4" tees and reducers to 1/2" female pipe thread. This setup was used was a nice fit through our 20" hatch and was free scrap to use from a friend. But it would be easier to use a plastic 55 gallon drum for most, these can be found from hospitals, laundrymats, chemical wholesalers, etc. Make sure to ask and try not to use ones that stored ultra toxic chemicals. Either way make sure to have a port on the bottom of the tank in 1/2 fitting. In the picture is the drilling of a 1/2" thread with a 1/4" nipple to 1/2" threaded fitting in the hole.

Step 3: Diaphragm Pump and Pressure Tank

Connect the diaphragm pump to the pressure tank. I recommend using flexible hose to connect tank and pump. We connected it directly and the fitting broke after use. I recommend using copper pipe as much as you can because it is naturally antibacterial. 

Step 4: Connect Filter and UV Clarifier

Attach the UV sterilizer and the filter they are the same thread so it should be easy. Dont forget your nylon tape. I soldered two copper fittings together for the connection to the pressure tank to go from 3/4" to 1/2" fittings.

Step 5: Connect the Two Modules

Connect the pump/pressure tank to the UV/Filter using the copper reducer fittings you made in the last step.

Step 6: Connect Remineralization and Valve

Connect the 1/4" slip fittings as shown in the first photo. Then attach the valve and reducer coupling as shown in the other picture. If you want you can put a fancy filler for your water on the end of the valve. Also this project was for drinking water. If you want to use if for other things just leave this step out and plumb as usual. Also make sure to use a bigger pressure tank and storage tank.

Step 7: Disinfect, Flush, and Use

Disinfect the entire system using dilute bleach water. Run the water all the way through the system. Make sure the UV system is never turned off. Flush the whole system with fresh water until all bleach is gone. If your UV turns off for any reason you must re-sterilize with disinfectant.