SUSTAINABLE ATMOSPHERIC WATER HARVESTING: DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREEN H₂O J-9 SYSTEM FOR POTABLE WATER PRODUCTION FROM HUMID AIR

Abstract

Water scarcity affects approximately 2 billion people worldwide, necessitating innovative solutions for sustainable water production independent of traditional infrastructure. This research presents the comprehensive development and optimization of a portable atmospheric water generation (AWG) system capable of extracting high-quality drinking water from ambient humid air through controlled condensation processes. The study employed a systematic three-phase experimental development approach, progressing from a basic 12V proof-of-concept system that produced 4.8 liters per day to a full-scale 0.5-ton capacity unit utilizing R410A refrigerant and fin-type copper tube condensers, achieving a production rate of 40 liters per day. The final system configuration, designated as the Green H2O J 9 Machine, incorporates a high-capacity 250 M³/hr suction fan, multi-stage water filtration with UV sterilization, and intelligent control systems optimized for operation across ambient temperatures of 20°C to 45°C and relative humidity levels from 30% to 100%. Comprehensive performance testing demonstrated consistent water production rates of 1.5 liters per hour under standard atmospheric conditions (30°C temperature, 60% relative humidity), with energy consumption efficiency of 3-4 kWh per liter produced. Rigorous water quality analysis confirmed full compliance with World Health Organization drinking water standards, achieving neutral pH (7.0), low total dissolved solids (80 mg/L), zero chlorine content, and complete microbial safety through integrated treatment systems. The system's compact design specifications (70cm H × 44cm W × 35cm D, 30kg weight) and exceptionally quiet operation (<30 dB noise level) make it suitable for diverse applications, including residential households, commercial installations, emergency response scenarios, and remote operations. Economic viability analysis indicates favorable capital cost recovery periods of 2-4 months in markets with expensive bottled water or unreliable municipal water supplies, with operational costs significantly lower than those of traditional water sourcing methods. This research conclusively demonstrates that atmospheric water generation technology offers a technically viable, economically feasible, and environmentally sustainable decentralized solution for drinking water production, particularly valuable in water-stressed regions, disaster-affected areas, and locations lacking traditional water infrastructure.