AirJoule Technologies and the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) have launched a three-year project to test next-generation systems that turn air into drinking water for deployed forces.
The partnership will combine ERDC’s tactical generator waste heat recovery systems with AirJoule’s platform for extracting moisture from ambient air.
AirJouleTM can operate in a wide range of environments, including when surface water and groundwater sources are unavailable or contaminated.
“This agreement between ERDC and AirJoule Technologies marks a significant step forward for integrating our AirJoule technology platform into real-life use cases to benefit the US military,” said Matt Jore, AirJoule Technologies Chief Executive Officer.
ERDC conducts research in civil and military engineering, water resources, and environmental sciences.
It supports the US Army, Department of Defense, and other national agencies.
Insights from the collaboration with AirJoule could inform the development of future systems designed to maintain a reliable water supply for military operations in challenging or resource-constrained environments.
Extracting Water From Air
AirJoule’s system extracts water from the air through a sorbent-based process powered by waste heat.
Air flows through contactors coated with a material that absorbs moisture from the atmosphere.
When the material becomes saturated, the chamber is sealed and placed under vacuum.
Heat is then applied, releasing the captured vapor, which condenses into distilled water.
While one chamber releases vapor, another continues collecting it, allowing the system to reuse heat and maintain efficiency.
Weighing about 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds), the unit can produce up to 1,000 liters (264 gallons) of clean water directly from the air.
