Water out of thin air!

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Self-filling water bottle
By Michelle Robertson
A revolutionary invention that collects humidity from the air and turns it into drinkable water will not only be a godsend for thirsty cyclists on long bike rides, but potentially a system to be utilised in areas of the world where moisture is high but water is not readily available.Vienna based designer KristofRetezár has come up with theFontus, a handy gadgetwhichcan be attached to a bike,allowing water to be generated during long-distance journeys where pit stops may be few and far between.This device basically works on the principle of condensation.The Fontus takes in humidity from the air, and its specially designed water repellent surfaces are cooled by a small solar powered device. This creates condensation, and the water then turns to droplets that flow into abottle whichhas a filter to prevent dust and insects from entering.

Approximately half a litre of water can be produced in an hour under ideal conditions, withtemperatures of around 30 degreesplushigh  humidity.However, even in dryer conditions the Fontus will provide a reasonable amount of drinkable water. Speaking about his invention Kristof said: "You always have a certain percentage of humidity, it doesn't matter where you are - even in the desert. That means you would always potentially be able to extract that humidity from the air."

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