Maithri Aquatech and CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), both from Hyderabad, have developed an atmospheric water generator (AWG) using the established technique of condensation to make potable water from atmosphere.

The market-ready version, called Meghdoot, was developed at the Water Development Centre and R&D Incubation at the IICT campus.

“The lab is providing filtration and mineral dosing technology, and incubation support,” said S Chandrasekhar, Director, IICT.

MoU with BEL

Maithri Aquatech has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). The AWG will be jointly manufactured to meet the demands of the defence, strategic sectors and export markets. Under the MoU, 10,000 units of AWG will be supplied.

M Ramkrishna, Managing Director of the company, said: “The AWG is available in different models, with water generation capacity ranging from 30 to 1,000 litres per day, depending on the temperature and humidity conditions. Currently, we have an order for 100 units from South Africa.”

Ramkrishna told BusinessLine: “We are exploring the possibilities with the Railways, North-East States, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, as also East African and West Asian countries. It is ideal for countries facing water scarcity, such as South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana and the UAE.”

Price range

A 1,000 LPD model will cost more than ₹10 lakh and a 100 LPD unit ₹2 lakh in India. Comparable products in the developed world cost much more, he said.

Scarcity of clean drinking water is a major issue in urban, rural and tribal areas. Water-borne diseases are the second biggest killer of children worldwide, with roughly 1.8 million succumbing annually to diseases caused by unclean water.

The low power-consuming, low-maintenance device works in a wide variety of temperature and humidity conditions, from 20 degrees C to 45 degrees C and relative humidity of 30 to 100 per cent. The water produced is 100 per cent microbe-free.

The process is environment-friendly and generates no waste water unlike the reverse osmosis (RO) machine, where over 60 per cent of water processed is discarded. The machine can be installed easily at any place of choice. The device is ideal for offices, hospitals and hostels.