Device to convert air to water

Suman Chakraborti | TNN | Dec 12, 2016, KOLKATA: The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has developed a device that produces drinking water from air.

The electricity-run device's size is slightly larger than typical water purifiers. It absorbs air and cools it down to four degree Celsius. The air then turns into water vapour and condenses. The condensed vapour turns into liquid. That liquid is then collected, filtered and stored. Finnaly, a tap on the device's exterior gives out drinking water. A standard device has a storage capacity of 15 litres and costs Rs 40,000.

"The device works even on low humidity conditions in winter. However, it should be left switched on throughout the night for the internal reservoir to fill up," an NKDA official said. "They are of various storage capacities. We are planning to install some such devices in Eco Park and other commercial spots," said an official.

NKDA has set up a coin-operated, German-technology based, water ATM at gate No.2 of Eco Park. The authority in collaboration with a trust, has also installed three water kiosks in the township. They are further planning to install thee new devices at the Mother's Wax Museum canteen on a trial basis and a few other places like gate No.3 of Eco Park, police outposts, traffic signal kiosks and inside Eco Park, in phases.