Back to search

MILJØFORSK-Miljøforskning for en grønn samfunnsomstilling

A smart process for water harvesting from air and water distribution based on eco-friendly MOFs

Alternative title: En smart prosess for vannhøsting fra luft- og vannfordeling basert på miljøvennlige MOF-er

Awarded: NOK 3.5 mill.

As climate change accelerates, bringing with it unpredictable weather patterns and reduced rainfall, the need for innovative water management solutions has never been more urgent. Our approach is twofold. Firstly, we're revolutionizing water distribution through cutting-edge technology. Imagine a smart network where the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence work together, creating a system that understands and anticipates water needs. This system can predict real-time demand, adjust distribution accordingly, and even identify leaks or inefficiencies – a game-changer in reducing water wastage. Secondly, utilizing recent advancements in porous material science and process engineering, we're developing a technology that can pull moisture from the atmosphere, transforming it into usable water. This isn't just a theoretical concept; it's a practical solution to provide water in areas where it's scarce, regardless of the climate. Our project goes beyond mere conservation. It's about proactive management and sustainable usage of water resources globally. By integrating these technologies into existing water supply systems, we aim to provide a sustainable, long-term solution to water scarcity, ensuring that every community, from bustling cities to remote villages, has access to clean, safe water. This is more than a project; it's a vision for a future where water scarcity is a thing of the past and technology, and innovation lead the way in preserving our planet's most vital resource.

This project addresses the critical challenges posed by climate change in the Mediterranean region, characterized by an anticipated temperature increase of 2 ºC to 4 ºC and a rainfall reduction of 4% to 30% by 2050. Given that over 70% of the region's water resources are allocated to agriculture and the prevalent inefficient water distribution in its predominantly small villages, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions to preserve and optimize water availability. The project proposes a two-pronged approach. Firstly, it aims to enhance water distribution efficiency by integrating advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence. This involves developing a smart water distribution system capable of optimizing water allocation, predicting real-time demand, and identifying consumption irregularities. Secondly, the project addresses the Mediterranean's limited and unevenly distributed water resources by exploring alternative freshwater sources. A key focus is developing a novel water adsorption technology to extract water from atmospheric air. This technology leverages recent advancements in porous material science and aims to be cost-effective and efficient, irrespective of ambient conditions. Integrating this technology into existing water supply systems is envisioned to provide a sustainable solution to the water scarcity challenges exacerbated by climate change. Overall, this project not only aims to tackle the immediate issues of water loss and inefficiency but also seeks to revolutionize water resource management in the Mediterranean region by harnessing cutting-edge technology and innovative scientific advancements.

Funding scheme:

MILJØFORSK-Miljøforskning for en grønn samfunnsomstilling

Thematic Areas and Topics

No thematic area or topic related to the project