Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year. (2017-2018 to 2018-2019)

Over the 20th century and into the 21st century, the global population has increased significantly- nearlyx000D
threefold- while water consumption has increased by a factor of six. This tremendous increase in the demandx000D
coupled with climate change and man-made pollution, made freshwater a scarce commodity. With an estimatedx000D
12,800 trillion liters of renewable water available in the atmosphere, atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) canx000D
be a viable solution to address some of the global needs for freshwater, especially where even saline/brackishx000D
water is not available. One key factor limiting full market acceptance of AWH is their high-energyx000D
consumption rate, i.e., the electricity cost per liter of water. It has been shown, through analysis, that utilizationx000D
of water vapor selective membrane can play a significant role in reduction of energy intensity for AWH. Sincex000D
a significant portion of energy in AWH is consumed for cooling an air stream down to its dew pointx000D
temperature and below for water condensation. However, the cold air stream is discharged into ambient afterx000D
water condensation.x000D
The proposed research project will establish a collaborative relationship between Dr. Bahrami at SFU andx000D
dPoint, Vancouver, BC. dPoint is a recognized global leader in R&D and manufacturing of membranes andx000D
heat and humidity exchangers for energy recovery in buildings. This Engage project aims to systematicallyx000D
investigate and assess the performance and suitability of dPoint membrane for use in AWH systems. This studyx000D
can lead to development of the next-generation of membrane suitable for AWH systems with minimized energyx000D
input.x000D
This research is anticipated to result in significant economic gains for BC and Canada's high-tech, water andx000D
energy sectors since the targeted membrane and water technology is applicable to the emerging global andx000D
strategic market. The innovations in this area will help reduce Canada's carbon footprint and provide potablex000D
water to the areas of the world that are in desperate need of sustainable drinking water.