The CoolHeatHarvest project, led by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, is developing a breakthrough technology that extracts drinking water from the air across a wide range of weather conditions. By combining smart materials with innovative “multi-mode” heating and cooling, the team aims to provide a reliable, off-grid water source for dry regions. This ERA Fellowship project within the Horizon Europe framework directly addresses the global water crisis, offering a sustainable solution for communities facing climate change
Ozadje problema (Background) Access to clean water is one of the greatest global challenges, intensified by climate change and growing demand. While the atmosphere contains vast quantities of water vapor, capturing it efficiently—especially in dry climates—remains a major engineering hurdle. As water scarcity increases, there is an urgent need for sustainable systems that can provide clean water around the clock.
Existing water-harvesting technologies often rely on favorable weather or require high energy consumption. Furthermore, many current materials are structurally fragile and cannot operate continuously during the night or on cloudy days.
The CoolHeatHarvest project addresses these gaps by integrating advanced water-absorbing materials into a unique, adaptive thermal system.
Natančnejši opis (Detailed Description) Researchers are developing high-capacity hydrogel sorbents reinforced by 3D-printed structures that double as tiny, low-voltage heaters. Unlike conventional devices, this technology uses a “multi-mode” framework combining passive radiative cooling for the night, solar power for the day, and active “Joule heating” for low-light conditions. This approach ensures continuous, 24/7 water production regardless of environmental fluctuations. To ensure peak efficiency, the project uses advanced computer simulations to optimize heat and mass transfer before building and testing scalable prototypes in real-world climates.
“Our goal is to move beyond passive systems and create an adaptive technology that aims to provide reliable water production on demand, even when the sun isn’t shining,” says project supervisor Dr. Primož Poredoš. “By reinforcing materials with 3D-printed structures, we can ensure both durability and high efficiency for practical everyday use,” adds lead researcher Dr. Higgins Wilson
Running until June 2028, the project aims to advance atmospheric water harvesting technologies and support the development of sustainable, energy-efficient water production for water-stressed regions worldwide.