The Indian Institute of Technology – Madras will be collaborating with a sustainable technology company called Teerthaa to generate a low-cost device that will produce potable water from atmospheric air using solar power.

As the device is intended to reach the mass market at affordable prices, its power source will be solar thermal energy, making the product cost-efficient. The dean of the institute stated that the initiative was launched in an attempt to help people living in remote areas, who are isolated from conventional/easily accessible water sources. Called “Nero,” the device will reportedly produce 4 to 5 litres of water per day without any electricity or maintenance cost.

Working of the device (as said by the project coordinator in a press release) - Atmospheric air is not only a source of fresh water but is universally available. However, the challenge is to collect the vapour molecules in their liquid form. The proposed technology traps water molecules from the atmospheric air during the night and yields water during the day by utilizing solar energy.