Harvesting ‘water’ from thin air

Manama : As most of the countries in the world are facing acute water shortage, a scientist is hoping to solve Middle East’s water scarcity issues with his invent which draws water from air.

AP Verheggen,  the inventor of ‘DC03’, believes his technology is the solution for the Middle East to overcome a water shortage crisis. 

He is currently in the Kingdom thanks to a Bahraini who was amazed by his invention and encouraged him to begin discussions with the authorities here.  

In an interview with DT News, he explains how the technology works and how it can be used effectively in the Kingdom. 

“‘DC03’ which is powered by sunlight, extracts water from air. The device is extremely cheap and simple and is of a huge benefit for drought affected countries. The device was build without expensive converting technology,” Verheggen said. 

Bahrain ‘ideal place’

The climatic conditions in the Kingdom is well suited for DC03, according to Verheggen.

“The extreme hot summers in Bahrain are not an obstacle to build devices that could work perfectly. The DC03 is a small-scale and cheap concept. We have some excellent ideas to build larger installations which can produce cubic meters of fresh water. It works with different technology that is more efficient. But to develop these machines another investment is required as they have to be built from scratch,” he says.

“In the future every household in Bahrain will have their own SolarWater system that produces water for personal usage. It’s only a matter of taking the first steps.” 

“With DC03, everybody can benefit from a cheap, off-grid water production unit in a couple of year,” he added. 

Closed Greenhouse concept

Verheggen also believes to transform the  agriculture sector in the Kingdom to a level that does not need to source additional water. 

“We have designed an advanced idea of a closed greenhouse. Water in the greenhouse can be recycled and additional water extracted from air. The water production unit generates hot and separately cold air, which can be used to cool or heat the greenhouse. So, in a couple of years Bahrain could present a greenhouse that generates its own climate and works autonomously.” 

The scientist is currently searching for a fund improve his concept by pooling ideas from young minds all over the world.

“I want to inspire people with my creative and innovative ideas. I have  published all technology of the DC03 concept open source on my website. I am searching for funding to start a worldwide competition between universities to improve the concept.”

Verheggen,has joined hands with Asif Osman, a Bahraini to introduce the SunGlacier project in Bahrain. Though Verheggen has had informal discussions with the Ministry of Energy, they are yet to come to a formal conclusion.