WO2016033544A1

WO2016033544A1 - Apparatus and methods for water collection

Info

Publication number: WO2016033544A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/047569
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Geiger; Zac FOWLER; Thomas KOSBAU; Susan PERNIA; Tim Perry; John Walsh
Original assignee: Vena Corp
Current assignee: Vena Corp
Priority date: 2014-08-29
Filing date: 2015-08-28
Publication date: 2016-03-03
Anticipated expiration: 2017-02-28

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising: an inlet configured to pass the atmospheric air into the system; an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; a subterranean cavity in a fluid path from the inlet to the outlet; a condenser in the subterranean cavity configured to condense the water from the atmospheric air thereby generating processed air comprising less water content, wherein the system is configured to collect the water in the subterranean cavity; a solar energy collector configured to heat the processed air, thereby generating heated air that exits the outlet; and a convection current in the fluid path from the inlet to the outlet, the convection current comprising the atmospheric air, the processed air, and the heated air, wherein the heated air causes the convection current or increases a flow rate of the convection current.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR WATER COLLECTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of, U.S.

Provisional Application No. 62/043,964 filed on Aug 29, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Fresh water on earth is an extensive resource, but not always in the right place at the right time to ensure the health and survival of everyone on the planet. As earth's human population continues to grow, and climate change continues to create ever more extreme weather conditions, water scarcity now threatens the lives and livelihoods of children, women, and men living in wealthy states such as California, extremely-populated nations such as India, and impoverished communities throughout the African and South American continents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] National Geographic estimates that only 0.007% of earth's water is available for the 7 billion people who need water every day for drinking, bathing, and cooking just to sustain life. Both drought and pollution reduce available and potable water, forcing people to compete for scarce water supplies, applying intensive labor to secure limited water, and often having to pay significant sums of money to secure the water needed for survival. According to the World Water Council, 1.1 billion people are currently living without clean drinking water, while another 2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation. The United Nations estimates that by year 2025, "an estimated 1.8 billion people will live in areas plagued by water scarcity, with two-thirds of the world's population living in water-stressed regions as a result of use, growth, and climate change". Population growth, climate change, and associated desertification may continue to increase the severity of water shortage. It is estimated that by year 2050, 4 billion people around the world will suffer from a chronic lack of potable water. These problems may have disastrous consequences for the health of affected populations and in some areas may lead to significant social upheaval.

[0004] Inhabitants of arid regions in developing nations constitute the core population subject to water shortages. Because many of these areas lie in poor developing nations, the people may not be able to afford transporting water, desalination if they are near a body of salt water, or the cost of digging deep wells, if there is well water available.

[0005] In addition to the many and diverse global initiatives to conserve water and reduce pollution levels in water devices, there exists the opportunity to increase local water supplies by extracting water out of the air. To date, the air has not been considered a serious source of water, but it is. The opportunity to harvest the atmosphere's water is particularly compelling in humid and warm climates. Inexpensive technologies can be integrated to build atmospheric-water generators (AWGs) to produce water from an untapped source - the air around us.

[0006] Such AWG capabilities are designed to create airflows with significant temperature differentials, resulting in enhanced "dew capture" productivity and centralized collection of condensed water that is readily accessible and safe to drink.

[0007] Unlike traditional water collection techniques, the systems and methods as disclosed herein is able to supply water to large populations in arid regions. The systems and methods disclosed herein are inexpensive and easy to use for developing areas. Further, the system and methods are able to produce enough water to recharge depleted aquifers and wells, and provide water for drinking and crop irrigation. Furthermore, the systems and methods disclosed herein can substantially rely on solar energy for its water collection functionalities.

[0008] In one aspect, disclosed herein are systems for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising: an air inlet configured to pass the atmospheric air into the system; an air outlet, the air outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet; a subterranean cavity, wherein the subterranean cavity is in a fluid path from the air inlet to the air outlet; a condenser configured to condense the water from the atmospheric air thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the atmospheric air, wherein the system is configured to collect the water; a solar energy collector configured to heat at least a portion of the processed air, thereby generating heated air that exits the air outlet; and a convection current in the fluid path from the air inlet to the air outlet, the convection current comprising the atmospheric air, the processed air, and the heated air, wherein the heated air at least partly causes the convection current or at least partly increases a flow rate of the convection current. In some cases, the system further comprises a filter. In some embodiments, the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls additional atmospheric air into the system through the air inlet to extract additional water therefrom. In some embodiments, the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls additional atmospheric air into the air inlet via a vacuum effect. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity, the condenser, or the subterranean cavity and the condenser. In some embodiments, the solar collector comprises an aperture configured to allow solar radiation to pass into the solar collector. In some

embodiments, the solar collector comprises an absorber, the absorber being configured to store heat, wherein the stored heat is used to heat at least a portion of the processed air coming out from the subterranean cavity. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a heat exchanger configured to pre-cool the atmospheric air using air to earth heat exchange before the atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the air inlet. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is passive. In some cases, the system further comprises a power source configured to power at least partly the condenser. In some embodiments, the power source is configured to provide at least a portion of power that cools the condenser. In some

embodiments, the solar collector is configured to power at least partly the condenser. In some embodiments, the solar collector is configured to provide at least a portion of energy that cools the condenser. In some embodiments, the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system further comprising one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, a water sanitizer, and a water outlet. In some embodiments, the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, a water sanitizer, and a water outlet are located above ground. In some cases, the system further comprises a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condense, and wherein the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

[0009] In another aspect, disclosed herein are methods for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising: passing the atmospheric air from an air inlet through a first portion of a flow path into a subterranean cavity; condensing the water from the atmospheric air using a condenser, thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the atmospheric air; collecting the water; directing at least a portion of the processed air through a second portion of the flow path to a solar energy collector; and generating a convection current in the flow path from the air inlet to an air outlet by heating at least a portion of the processed air using energy generated by a solar energy collector thereby generating the heated air and allowing at least a portion of the heated air to exit a third portion of the flow path at the air outlet, wherein the subterranean cavity is in the fluid path from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some cases, the method further comprises passing the atmospheric air through an air filter. In some cases, the method further comprises pulling additional atmospheric air into the air inlet via the heated air exiting the air outlet. In some cases, the method further comprises pulling additional atmospheric air into the air inlet by a vacuum force. In some cases, the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity, the condenser, or the subterranean cavity and the condenser. In some cases, the method further comprises allowing solar radiation to pass into the solar collector through an aperture. In some cases, the method further comprises storing heat in an absorber, wherein the stored heat is used to heat the atmospheric air coming out from the subterranean cavity. In some cases, the method further comprises pre-cooling the atmospheric air, using a heat exchanger, before the atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser. In some cases, the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the air inlet. In some cases, the heat exchanger is passive. In some cases, the condenser comprises at least an active condenser. In some cases, the method further comprises powering, at least partly by a power source, the condenser. In some cases, the method further comprises powering, at least partly by the solar collector, the condenser. In some cases, the method further comprises providing, at least partly by the power source, power that cools the condenser. In some cases, the method further comprises providing, at least partly by the solar collector, power that cools the condenser. In some cases, the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the method further comprises storing the water, using one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet. In some cases, the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet are located above ground or at the ground level. In some cases, the method further comprises cooling the condenser, using a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condense, and wherein the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

[0010] In another aspect, disclosed herein are systems for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising: a first air inlet configured to pass a first amount of atmospheric air through a first flow path into the system; a second air inlet or the first air inlet configured to pass a second amount of atmospheric air through a second flow path into the system, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path join into a third flow path; an air outlet, the air outlet in fluid communication with the first air inlet, or the first inlet and the second air inlet; a subterranean cavity, wherein the subterranean cavity is in the first flow path; a condenser configured to condense the water from the first amount of atmospheric air thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the first amount of atmospheric air, wherein the system is configured to collect the water in the subterranean cavity, at a ground level, or above ground; and a solar energy collector configured to heat the second amount of atmospheric air, thereby generating heated air that exits the air outlet, wherein the solar energy collector is located in the second flow path or the third flow path, wherein the third flow path is configured to pass the heated air and all, part, or none of the processed air therethrough, and wherein the heated air at least partly causes or increases an air flow in the first flow path or the third flow path. The system of claim 34, wherein the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls an additional amount of atmospheric air through the first air inlet, the second air inlet, or the first and the second air inlets to the solar energy collector to be heated therewithin. In some embodiments, the air flow is in one or more flow paths selected from: the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path from the first air inlet, the second air inlet, or the first and the second air inlets to the air outlet. In some cases, the system further comprises a filter. In some embodiments, the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls an additional amount atmospheric air into the system through the first air inlet to extract additional water therefrom. In some embodiments, the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls an additional amount of atmospheric air into the first air inlet via a vacuum effect. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector is in fluid

communication with one or more selected from: the first air inlet, the second air inlet, the air outlet, the subterranean cavity, and the condenser. In some embodiments, the solar collector comprises an aperture configured to allow solar radiation to pass into the solar collector. In some embodiments, the solar collector comprises an absorber, the absorber being configured to store heat, wherein the stored heat is used to heat at least a portion of one or more selected from: the processed air, the first amount of atmospheric air, and the second amount of atmospheric air. In some cases, the system further comprises a heat exchanger configured to pre-cool the first amount of atmospheric air using air to earth heat exchange before the first amount of

atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser. In some cases, the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the first air inlet. In some cases, the heat exchanger is passive. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a power source configured to supply at least a portion of power needed for the condenser. In some

embodiments, the power source is configured to provide at least a portion of power that cools the condenser. In some embodiments, the solar collector is configured to power at least partly the condenser. In some embodiments, the solar collector is configured to provide at least a portion of energy that cools the condenser. In some embodiments, the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system further comprising one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, a water sanitizer, and a water outlet. In some embodiments, the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, a water sanitizer, and a water outlet are located above ground. In some cases, the system further comprises a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condenser and the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

[0011] In another aspect, disclosed herein are methods for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising: passing a first amount of atmospheric air from a first air inlet through a first flow path into a subterranean cavity; condensing the water from the first amount of atmospheric air using a condenser, thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the first amount atmospheric air; collecting the water in the subterranean cavity, at a ground level, or above ground; directing a second amount of atmospheric air from the first air inlet or a second air inlet into a solar energy collector, wherein the solar energy collector is located in a second flow path, or a third flow path formed by joining of the first flow path and the second flow path; and generating or increasing an air flow in the first flow path or the third flow path by heating the second amount of atmospheric air and all, part, or none of the processed air using energy generated by the solar energy collector. In some embodiments, the method further comprises generating the heated air using the energy generated by the solar energy collector and allowing the heated air to pass through the third flow path and exit an air outlet. In some cases, the air flow is in one or more flow paths selected from: the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path from the first air inlet, the second air inlet, or the first air inlet and the second air inlet to the air outlet. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pulling an additional amount of atmospheric air through the first air inlet or the second air inlet to the solar energy collector to be heated therewithin. In some embodiments, the method further comprises passing the first amount of atmospheric air through an air filter. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pulling an additional amount of atmospheric air into the first air inlet via the heated air exiting the air outlet. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pulling an additional amount of atmospheric air into the first air inlet by a vacuum force. In some cases, the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with one or more selected from: the first air inlet, the second air inlet, the air outlet the subterranean cavity, and the condenser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises allowing solar radiation to pass into the solar collector through an aperture. In some embodiments, the method further comprises storing heat in an absorber, wherein the stored heat is used to heat at least a portion of one or more selected from: the processed air, the first amount of atmospheric air, and the second amount of atmospheric air. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pre- cooling the first amount of atmospheric air, using a heat exchanger, before the first amount of atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser. In some cases, the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the first air inlet. In some cases, the heat exchanger is passive. In some cases, the condenser comprises at least an active condenser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises powering, at least partly by a power source, the condenser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises powering, at least partly by the solar collector, the condenser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing power, at least partly by the power source that cools the condenser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing power, at least partly by the solar collector, that cools the condenser. In some cases, the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method further comprises storing, using one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet, the water. In some embodiments, the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet are located above ground or at the ground level. In some embodiments, the method further comprises cooling the condenser, using a heat sink, using a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condense, and wherein the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Fig. 1A shows a non-limiting example of a water condensation and collection system as disclosed herein.

[0013] Fig. IB shows a non-limiting example of a water condensation and collection system as disclosed herein.

[0014] Fig. 2A shows a non-limiting example of a water condensation and collection system as disclosed herein, which is a top view of the system in Fig. 1A.

[0015] Fig. 2B shows a non- limiting example of a water condensation and collection system as disclosed herein, which is a top view of the system in Fig. IB.

[0016] Fig. 3 A shows a non- limiting example of a water condensation and collection process of the water collecting system as disclosed herein.

[0017] Fig. 3B shows a non- limiting example of a water condensation and collection process of the water collecting system as disclosed herein.

[0018] Fig. 4 shows a non- limiting example of a water condensation and collection process of the water collecting system as disclosed herein.

[0019] Fig. 5 shows a non- limiting example of a water condensation and collection process of the water collecting system as disclosed herein.

[0020] Fig. 6 shows a non-limiting example of volumetric air flow rate that enters the water collecting system as disclosed herein.

[0021] Fig. 7 shows a non- limiting example of water collection rate as a function dependent of air flow rate within a water collection system as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] National Geographic estimates that only 0.007% of earth's water is available for the 7 billion people who need water every day for drinking, bathing, and cooking just to sustain life. Both drought and pollution reduce available and potable water, forcing people to compete for scarce water supplies, applying intensive labor to secure limited water, and often having to pay significant sums of money to secure the water needed for survival. According to the World Water Council, 1.1 billion people are currently living without clean drinking water, while another 2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation. The United Nations estimates that by 2025, "an estimated 1.8 billion people will live in areas plagued by water scarcity, with two-thirds of the world's population living in water-stressed regions as a result of use, growth, and climate change." Population growth, climate change, and associated desertification may continue to increase the severity of water shortage. It is estimated that by 2050, 4 billion people around the world will suffer from a chronic lack of potable water. These problems may have disastrous consequences for the health of affected populations and in some areas may lead to significant social upheaval.

[0023] Inhabitants of arid regions in developing nations constitute the core population subject to water shortages. Because many of these areas lie in poor developing nations, the people may not be able to afford transporting water, desalination if they are near a body of salt water, or the cost of digging deep wells, if there is well water available.

[0024] In addition to the many and diverse global initiatives to conserve water and reduce pollution levels in water devices, there exists the opportunity to increase local water supplies by extracting water out of the air. To date, the air has not been considered a serious source of water, but it is. The opportunity to harvest the atmosphere's water is particularly compelling in humid and warm climates. Inexpensive technologies can be integrated to build atmospheric-water generators (AWGs) to produce water from an untapped source - the air around us.

[0025] Such AWG capabilities are designed to create airflows with significant temperature differentials, resulting in enhanced "dew capture" productivity and centralized collection of condensed water that is readily accessible and safe to drink.

[0026] Unlike traditional water collection techniques, the systems and methods as disclosed herein are able to supply water to large populations in arid regions. The systems and methods disclosed herein are inexpensive and easy to use for developing areas. Further, the system and methods are able to produce enough water to recharge depleted aquifers and wells, and provide water for drinking and crop irrigation. Furthermore, the systems and methods disclosed herein can rely only on solar energy for its water collection functionalities.

[0027] Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are systems for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising: an air inlet configured to pass the atmospheric air into the system; an air outlet, the air outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet; a subterranean cavity, wherein the subterranean cavity is in a fluid path from the air inlet to the air outlet; a condenser configured to condense the water from the atmospheric air thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the atmospheric air, wherein the system is configured to collect the water; a solar energy collector configured to heat at least a portion of the processed air, thereby generating heated air that exits the air outlet; and a convection current in the fluid path from the air inlet to the air outlet, the convection current comprising the atmospheric air, the processed air, and the heated air, wherein the heated air at least partly causes the convection current or at least partly increases a flow rate of the convection current. In some cases, the system further comprises a filter. In some embodiments, the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls additional atmospheric air into the system through the air inlet to extract additional water therefrom. In some embodiments, the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls additional atmospheric air into the air inlet via a vacuum effect. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity, the condenser, or the subterranean cavity and the condenser. In some embodiments, the solar collector comprises an aperture configured to allow solar radiation to pass into the solar collector. In some embodiments, the solar collector comprises an absorber, the absorber being configured to store heat, wherein the stored heat is used to heat at least a portion of the processed air coming out from the subterranean cavity. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a heat exchanger configured to pre-cool the atmospheric air using air to earth heat exchange before the atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the air inlet. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is passive. In some cases, the system further comprises a power source configured to power at least partly the condenser. In some embodiments, the power source is configured to provide at least a portion of power that cools the condenser. In some embodiments, the solar collector is configured to power at least partly the condenser. In some embodiments, the solar collector is configured to provide at least a portion of energy that cools the condenser. In some embodiments, the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system further comprising one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, a water sanitizer, and a water outlet. In some embodiments, the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, a water sanitizer, and a water outlet are located above ground. In some cases, the system further comprises a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condense, and wherein the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

[0028] Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are methods for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising: passing the atmospheric air from an air inlet through a first portion of a flow path into a subterranean cavity; condensing the water from the atmospheric air using a condenser, thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the atmospheric air; collecting the water; directing at least a portion of the processed air through a second portion of the flow path to a solar energy collector; and generating a convection current in the flow path from the air inlet to an air outlet by heating at least a portion of the processed air using energy generated by a solar energy collector thereby generating the heated air and allowing at least a portion of the heated air to exit a third portion of the flow path at the air outlet, wherein the subterranean cavity is in the fluid path from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some cases, the method further comprises passing the atmospheric air through an air filter. In some cases, the method further comprises pulling additional atmospheric air into the air inlet via the heated air exiting the air outlet. In some cases, the method further comprises pulling additional atmospheric air into the air inlet by a vacuum force. In some cases, the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity, the condenser, or the subterranean cavity and the condenser. In some cases, the method further comprises allowing solar radiation to pass into the solar collector through an aperture. In some cases, the method further comprises storing heat in an absorber, wherein the stored heat is used to heat the atmospheric air coming out from the subterranean cavity. In some cases, the method further comprises pre-cooling the atmospheric air, using a heat exchanger, before the atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser. In some cases, the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the air inlet. In some cases, the heat exchanger is passive. In some cases, the condenser comprises at least an active condenser. In some cases, the method further comprises powering, at least partly by a power source, the condenser. In some cases, the method further comprises powering, at least partly by the solar collector, the condenser. In some cases, the method further comprises providing, at least partly by the power source, power that cools the condenser. In some cases, the method further comprises providing, at least partly by the solar collector, power that cools the condenser. In some cases, the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the method further comprises storing the water, using one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet. In some cases, the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet are located above ground or at the ground level. In some cases, the method further comprises cooling the condenser, using a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condense, and wherein the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

[0029] Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are systems for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising: a first air inlet configured to pass a first amount of atmospheric air through a first flow path into the system; a second air inlet or the first air inlet configured to pass a second amount of atmospheric air through a second flow path into the system, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path join into a third flow path; an air outlet, the air outlet in fluid communication with the first air inlet, or the first inlet and the second air inlet; a subterranean cavity, wherein the subterranean cavity is in the first flow path; a condenser configured to condense the water from the first amount of atmospheric air thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the first amount of atmospheric air, wherein the system is configured to collect the water in the subterranean cavity, at a ground level, or above ground; and a solar energy collector configured to heat the second amount of atmospheric air, thereby generating heated air that exits the air outlet, wherein the solar energy collector is located in the second flow path or the third flow path, wherein the third flow path is configured to pass the heated air and all, part, or none of the processed air therethrough, and wherein the heated air at least partly causes or increases an air flow in the first flow path or the third flow path. The system of claim 34, wherein the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls an additional amount of atmospheric air through the first air inlet, the second air inlet, or the first and the second air inlets to the solar energy collector to be heated therewithin. In some embodiments, the air flow is in one or more flow paths selected from: the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path from the first air inlet, the second air inlet, or the first and the second air inlets to the air outlet. In some cases, the system further comprises a filter. In some embodiments, the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls an additional amount atmospheric air into the system through the first air inlet to extract additional water therefrom. In some embodiments, the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls an additional amount of atmospheric air into the first air inlet via a vacuum effect. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with one or more selected from: the first air inlet, the second air inlet, the air outlet, the subterranean cavity, and the condenser. In some embodiments, the solar collector comprises an aperture configured to allow solar radiation to pass into the solar collector. In some embodiments, the solar collector comprises an absorber, the absorber being configured to store heat, wherein the stored heat is used to heat at least a portion of one or more selected from: the processed air, the first amount of atmospheric air, and the second amount of atmospheric air. In some cases, the system further comprises a heat exchanger configured to pre-cool the first amount of atmospheric air using air to earth heat exchange before the first amount of atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser. In some cases, the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the first air inlet. In some cases, the heat exchanger is passive. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a power source configured to supply at least a portion of power needed for the condenser. In some

[0030] Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are methods for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising: passing a first amount of atmospheric air from a first air inlet through a first flow path into a subterranean cavity; condensing the water from the first amount of atmospheric air using a condenser, thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the first amount atmospheric air; collecting the water in the subterranean cavity, at a ground level, or above ground; directing a second amount of atmospheric air from the first air inlet or a second air inlet into a solar energy collector, wherein the solar energy collector is located in a second flow path, or a third flow path formed by joining of the first flow path and the second flow path; and generating or increasing an air flow in the first flow path or the third flow path by heating the second amount of atmospheric air and all, part, or none of the processed air using energy generated by the solar energy collector. In some embodiments, the method further comprises generating the heated air using the energy generated by the solar energy collector and allowing the heated air to pass through the third flow path and exit an air outlet. In some cases, the air flow is in one or more flow paths selected from: the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path from the first air inlet, the second air inlet, or the first air inlet and the second air inlet to the air outlet. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pulling an additional amount of atmospheric air through the first air inlet or the second air inlet to the solar energy collector to be heated therewithin. In some embodiments, the method further comprises passing the first amount of atmospheric air through an air filter. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pulling an additional amount of atmospheric air into the first air inlet via the heated air exiting the air outlet. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pulling an additional amount of atmospheric air into the first air inlet by a vacuum force. In some cases, the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with one or more selected from: the first air inlet, the second air inlet, the air outlet the subterranean cavity, and the condenser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises allowing solar radiation to pass into the solar collector through an aperture. In some embodiments, the method further comprises storing heat in an absorber, wherein the stored heat is used to heat at least a portion of one or more selected from: the processed air, the first amount of atmospheric air, and the second amount of atmospheric air. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pre- cooling the first amount of atmospheric air, using a heat exchanger, before the first amount of atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser. In some cases, the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the first air inlet. In some cases, the heat exchanger is passive. In some cases, the condenser comprises at least an active condenser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises powering, at least partly by a power source, the condenser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises powering, at least partly by the solar collector, the condenser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing power, at least partly by the power source that cools the condenser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing power, at least partly by the solar collector, that cools the condenser. In some cases, the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method further comprises storing, using one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet, the water. In some embodiments, the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet are located above ground or at the ground level. In some embodiments, the method further comprises cooling the condenser, using a heat sink, using a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condense, and wherein the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

Overview

[0031] The AWG devices, systems, or methods leverage heat energy trapped in solar collectors to generate warmed air which rises and travels through an above-ground draft tower, creating a high wind velocity. The airflow rushing up the solar draft tower creates a vacuum, which draws fresh air through intake pipes and into a condensation chamber. Earth-air heat exchangers enable the above ground humid air to be pulled underground where the colder subterranean

temperatures cool the moist air until the dew point temperature is achieved, at which point water can begin to condense. This creates a about 20 to about 40 degree temperature differential capable of triggering a dew point that causes the air to shed its latent water and be captured in a container. The captured water can be readily pumped to the surface and filtered to remove airborne particulates to make it immediately available for human consumption.

[0032] In some embodiments, AWG device, system or method as describe herein operates effectively in environments having temperature ranges of about 45 to about 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiments, AWG device, system or method as describe herein operates effectively in environments having an average humidity levels of over 20%. In some embodiments, AWG device, system or method as describe herein is fully or partially powered by solar energy. Such AWG devices or systems also include energy storage units so that it's proper functioning is also ensured at night when the solar energy is not available. The sizes, dimensions, or architecture of the AWG devices, systems, or method is scalable to accommodate the water needs of a given family, a village, a municipality, or a region. The sizes, dimensions, or architecture is also tunable to optimize system efficiency measured by water collection per cost or water collection per energy unit. Figs. 1A and IB present a non-limiting exemplary

embodiment of the AWG system or device.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 1A, in a particular embodiment, an atmospheric-water collection system 100 as described herein includes one or more air inlet 109 for taking in ambient air 101 for water condensation. In this particular embodiment, the ambient air 101 is initially cooled by earth air heat exchanger 200 and then condensed by the condenser 106, which is optionally located in an underground cavity. The condensed water is optionally collected to a water reservoir 110, and the dried processed air enters the solar energy collector via an outlet 120. In this case, the processed air gets heated optionally in the space between the solar absorbers 121 and the solar panel 122 of the solar energy collector at and/or above the ground level 920. The heated air 910 optionally exits the system via the updraft tower 104 creating a vacuum force driving more ambient air 101 into the system 100 through air inlet 109. In the same embodiment, ambient air 101 may optionally enter the system directly via a second air inlet 930 to be heated by the solar energy absorber 121 and/or solar panels 122. The heated air then exits the system through the same updraft tower 104 generating or facilitating the up drafting of the processed air out of the system 100.

[0034] Referring to Fig. IB, in a particular embodiment, an atmospheric-water collection system 100 as described herein includes one or more air inlet 109 for taking in ambient air 101 for water condensation. In this particular embodiment, the ambient air 101 is initially cooled by earth air heat exchanger 200 and then condensed by one or more condensers 106 optionally located in an underground cavity. The condensed water is optionally collected to a water reservoir 110, and the dried processed air enters the solar energy collector via an outlet 120. In this case, the processed air gets heated optionally in the space between the solar absorbers 121 and the tiled solar panel 122 at and/or above the ground level 920. The heated air 910 optionally exits the system via the updraft tower 104.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 2A, in a particular embodiment, an atmospheric-water collection system 100 as described herein includes one or more air inlet 109 for taking in ambient air 101 for water condensation. In this particular embodiment, the ambient air 101 is initially cooled by earth air heat exchanger 200, the earth air heat exchanger are optionally distributed underneath the solar energy absorber 121. The initial cooling optionally occurs substantially throughout the air pathway from the air inlet 109 to the condenser 106. The one or more earth air heat exchangers 200 are connected to an air inlet 109. In this case, the air gets heated optionally in the space between the solar absorbers 121 and the solar panel 122 of the solar energy collector. The horizontal cross-sectional area of the solar panel 122 is significantly larger than that of the updraft tower 104 to optionally increase collection of solar radiation of the system 100. In the same embodiment, additional ambient air 101 optionally enter the system 100 directly via a second air inlet 930 to be heated by the solar energy absorber 121 and/or solar panels 122 and exit the system via the outlet 104 generating or facilitating the vacuum effect driving more ambient air 101 into the system.

[0036] Similarly in Fig. 2B, in a particular embodiment, the atmospheric-water collection system 100 as described herein includes one or more air inlets 109 for taking in ambient air 101 for water condensation in one or more condensers 106. The ambient air 101 entering from each air inlet 109 into the system 100 is pre-cooled by air heat exchanger 200 located in the air pathway connecting the air inlet 109 and the condenser 106.

[0037] In some embodiments, the system, device or method disclosed herein includes multiple elements in fluid or thermal communication among them.

[0038] Referring to Fig. 3A, in a particular embodiment, atmospheric air 101 is pulled into the atmospheric-water collection system 100 via an air inlet 109 to an Earth-to-air heat exchanger 200, wherein heat from the atmospheric air is removed, the atmospheric air is cooled to a lower temperature, and an amount of water is collected in a water reservoir 110. In the same embodiment, the pre-cooled air passes on to a condensation chamber 106, and a certain amount of water from the precooled air is removed and transferred to a water pump 400. In this embodiment, the drier processed air is driven by a vacuum force to exit the atmospheric-water collection system 100 through an updraft chimney 104 into the surrounding air. In this particular embodiment, a solar heat capture array 102 heats air 900 which optionally includes a portion of the drier air exiting the chimney 104, and the heated air is directed to exit the system 10 via the chimney. Such heated air exiting the chimney 104 generates or facilitates a vacuum effect which then pulls more ambient air 101 for water collection. In this embodiment, the air intake 109 is optionally isolated from the chimney 104 with at least a pre-specified distance to minimize the intake of drier air that has exited the system.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 3B, in a particular embodiment, atmospheric air 101 is pulled into the atmospheric-water collection system 100 via an air inlet 109 to an earth-to-air heat exchanger 200, wherein heat from the atmospheric air is removed, the atmospheric air is cooled to a lower temperature, and an amount of water is collected in a water reservoir 110. In the same embodiment, the pre-cooled air passes on to a condensation chamber 106, and a certain amount of water from the precooled air is removed and transferred to a water pump 400. In this embodiment, the drier processed air is driven by a vacuum force to enter the solar heating array 102 and being heated. The heated air then exits the atmospheric-water collection system 100 through an updraft chimney 104 into the surrounding air. In this particular embodiment, a solar heat capture array 102 heats ambient air 900, optionally processed air exiting the condensation chamber, and optionally a portion of the drier air exited the system through the chimney 104, and the heated air is directed to exit the system 10 via the chimney. Ambient air 900, optionally processed air exiting the condensation chamber, and optionally a portion of the drier air exited the system through the chimney 104 flows into the solar heat array driven by vacuum force generated within the system. Heated air exiting the chimney 104 generates or facilitates a vacuum effect which then pulls more ambient air 101 for water collection. In this embodiment, the air intake 109 is optionally isolated from the chimney 104 with at least a pre-specified distance to minimize the intake of drier air that has exited the system.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 4, in a particular embodiment, atmospheric air enters the atmospheric- water collection system 100 through air intake pipes 109 to a condensation chamber 106. In the condensation chamber 106, a certain amount of water from the atmospheric air is removed and transferred to an above ground water pump 400. In this embodiment, the drier processed air in the condensation chamber is driven by a vacuum force to exit the atmospheric-water collection system 100 through an updraft tower 104 into the surrounding air. In this particular embodiment, a solar collector 102 absorbs energy from solar radiation and heats some other atmospheric air which optionally includes part of the drier air exiting the chimney 104, and the heated air is directed to exit the system 100 via the same tower or a different tower 104. Such heated air exiting the tower 104 initiates, generates, or facilitates the vacuum effect which then pulls more ambient air into the system for water collection.

[0041] In some embodiments, the AWG system for collecting water from the atmosphere is powered partly or entirely by solar thermal heating that provides for its continuous 24/7 operation. In some embodiments, the AWG system as disclosed herein is designed to pull air through under-ground thermally conductive pipes where lower subterranean temperatures have a significant differential from the warmer air temperature above ground. This temperature differential cools the incoming air to the point where condensation occurs; water then condenses on nearby surfaces and is collected below ground and stored in a container.

[0042] In some embodiments, the AWG systems includes one or more elements selected from: an air inlet, an air outlet, a condenser, a condensing chamber, a subterranean cavity, a solar energy collector, a solar panel, a solar absorber, a heat sink, a water reservoir, an air filter, a water pump, a heat absorber, a throttle, a turbine, a vortex, a tube, a connection to an external energy source, a solar voltaic cell, a pipe, a sensor, a power source, an air pathway, and an air flow path.

Condensers

[0043] In some embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes a condenser, a condensing chamber, or use of the same. In some embodiments, the "condenser" and the "condensing chamber" are equivalent and interchangeable herein. In some embodiments, the condenser utilizes energy generated by traditional or alternative energy sources so that it functions properly to condense water from atmospheric air. In some embodiments, the condenser is powered by one or more energy sources selected from: an electrical energy source, a natural gas energy source, a propane energy source, a wind energy source, a solar energy source, a chemical energy source, a nuclear energy source, a water energy source, a fuel energy source, a thermal energy source, a biofuel energy source, a hydro -electrical energy source.

[0044] In some embodiments, the condenser utilizes at least some energy generated by a solar energy collector as disclosed herein for its proper functioning. In some embodiments, the condenser utilizes at least an energy source that is external to the system. In some embodiments, the condenser is powered solely by the energy generated or transformed from the energy collected in the solar collector within or external to the AWG system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the condenser includes a condensation chamber. In some embodiments, the condenser includes a throttle. In some case, the throttle includes a smoothly converging and diverging diameter section. In other cases, the throttle includes at least an abrupt step in its diameter. In some embodiments, the throttle includes a membrane. In some

embodiments, the throttle includes a packed bed.

[0046] In some embodiments, the condenser includes vortex generation. In some embodiments, the condenser includes tangential inlets and a condensation chamber. In some embodiments, the condenser includes more than one inlet. In further embodiments, the condenser includes at least 2 to at least 100 inlets. In some embodiments, the inlet is positioned anywhere between the bottom and the top surfaces of the condensation chamber. In some embodiments, the inlet allows air within the subterranean cavity to be drawn to the condensation process within the condenser. In some embodiments, the condensation chamber is sized to properly fit within a subterranean cavity. In some embodiments, the condensation chamber is sized so that its shortest dimension is about 0.01 to 5000 times the diameter of the inlets. In some embodiments, the condensation chamber is of various geometrical shapes. In some embodiments, the condensation chamber is geometrically shaped such that its shape facilitates or increases air to water conversion. In some embodiments, the condensation chamber is geometrically shaped such that the water output per cost of the system, device, or method disclosed herein is optimized. In some case, the condensation chamber is substantially cylindrical, diverging, converging, or diverging and converging. In some cases, the condensation chamber includes a diverter or the like to create a configuration that is substantially similar to a vortex tube, or a Ranque-Hilsch tube. In some embodiments, the diverter is located at the top central position of the chamber. In certain cases, the diverter has a similar function as a vortex tube. In some case, the diverter mechanically separates a compressed gas into hot and cold streams. In some embodiments, the condensation chamber has a hydrophilic or hydrophobic coating over at least a portion of the inner wall of the chamber.

[0047] In some embodiments, the condenser is located on an internal wall of at least one earth to air heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the condenser is located in a subterranean cavity. In some embodiments, the condenser is located at the ground level. In alternative embodiments, the condenser is located above ground. In further embodiments, the condenser is located in close vicinity to the location where air is preprocessed or pre-cooled for condensation. In some cases, the saturated and cooled air leaves the subterranean cavity and enters an above ground condenser where the water is collected. In alternative embodiments, the condenser is located so that energy source to power the condenser is easily accessible. In some embodiments, the condenser includes one condenser in an underground cavity and another condenser above ground or at the ground level.

[0048] In some embodiments, the condenser includes one or more selected from: a compressor, a cooling fluid, a water reservoir, a cooling surface, a compressor, an evaporator, a nucleation site, a porous plug, a vortex tube. In some embodiments, the condenser is powered by a power source external to the water collecting system. In some embodiments, the cooling surface of the condenser is used to remove heat or transfer heat away from ambient air. In some embodiments, the condenser includes a passive condensing element that cools the ambient air to a lower temperature. In some cases, the condenser utilizes expansion of air parcels which transforms at least a portion of its energy and results in a cooling effect on the air.

[0049] As disclosed herein, 'passive' requires no external electrical energy source or any other energy sources external to the elements of the system as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, 'passive' requires no extra energy other than the solar energy collected by the solar collector of the system, or energy transformed therefrom.

[0050] In some embodiments, the condenser is in thermal communication with one or more elements of the system selected from: ambient and unprocessed air, pre-cooled air, processed air (condensed air), heated air, the subterranean cavity, a solar energy collector, a condensing chamber, a heat-conducting medium, a heat absorber, a solar panel, a heat sink, and a heat exchanger.

[0051] In some embodiments, the heat removed by the condenser is used at least partly to heat air before it exits the outlet. In some cases, the heat removed from air by the condenser is stored and/or transferred to another type of energy for heating air before it exits the system. In some embodiments, the heat removed by the condenser is disposed at a heat sink. In some cases, the heat removed by the condenser is transferred to be stored at the absorber, the heat sink, the solar energy collector, or the air outlet and component therewithin.

[0052] In some embodiments, the warmer ambient air enters the condensation chamber and meets the cooler, below-ground temperatures, the dew point is triggered and condensation occurs. In some embodiments, the passive condensation utilized at least partly the temperature difference between ambient air and the below-ground component. In some embodiments, a condensation chamber includes a helical, galvanized steel, corrugated culvert pipe. In some embodiments, the pipe is with polymer anti-oxidation. In some embodiments, the condenser includes a surface that maximizes or increases the exposure area of the ambient air to the below- ground temperature. In some embodiments, gas-expanded metal foam provides a labyrinthine conductive surface that maximizes the exposure of the warm intake air to the below-ground cool temperatures. In some embodiments, the condenser includes a water reservoir for collecting condensed water. In some embodiments, dew point is reached and latent water in the air condenses within the chamber, dripping into a large water reservoir at the bottom of the chamber. In some embodiments, when the sensible heat is removed from the air, the relative humidity reaches 100% and condensation begins.

[0053] In certain cases, there is a slight energy barrier that must be overcome for the

condensation to first begin. This barrier is due to tension at the liquid-vapor interface and is overcome simply by providing a surface with favorable wetting properties. This surface area is provided in the condensation chamber that serves as a latent heat removal zone. The air is then drawn around a throttle, as a non-limiting example, a galvanized steel throttle, which increases air velocity and decreases air density. This process causes additional latent water to be stripped from the air and adds it to the water collected in the reservoir. The arid air is drawn up through a corrugated galvanized steel pipe acting as a chimney for the condensation chamber and out through the draft tower. In some embodiments, the latent heat released due to condensation is optionally utilized for heating air in the system. In some embodiments, the latent heat released is collected and stored for heating air before the air exist the system through the air outlet, therefore further increases the overall flow rate of air in the system, device, or method disclosed herein. This heat is recovered by the drier air that is exiting the latent heat removal zone, thereby boosting the natural convection rate in the updraft tower. In some embodiments, this latent heat is used to drive the flow of the system throughout the night when solar energy is not available. In some embodiments, this latent heat is stored in a heat absorber or a use of the same.

[0054] In some embodiments, the condenser includes one or more selected from: a percolator, a fog net, surface treatment that encourages wetting, hydrophilic coating, hydrophobic coating, and a Graphene coated copper rod. In some case, the coating is applied on at least one

component or element of the system as disclosed herein.

[0055] In some embodiments, the condenser and/or other elements of the system includes one or more selected from: a water sanitization component, an air filter, and/or a water filter.

[0056] In some embodiments, the condenser is in direct or indirect fluid communication with one or more selected from: a first air inlet, a second air inlet, an air filter, an solar energy collector, a condensing chamber, an air outlet, a subterranean cavity, an air flow path, a heat exchanger, a heat sink, a sensor, and a heat absorber.

[0057] In some embodiments, the air exiting the condensing chamber or the condenser is drier, and it is processed air. In further embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 20%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 19%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 18%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 17%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 16%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 15%. In certain

embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 14%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 13%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 12%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 1 l%.In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 9%._In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 8%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 7%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 6%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 5%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 4%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 3%. In certain embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 2%. In certain

embodiments, the processed air has an average humidity level of no greater than about 1%.

[0058] In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 25 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 20 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 18 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 15 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 12 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 11 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 10 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average

temperature of less than about 9 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 8 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 7 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 6 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the processed air has an average temperature of less than about 5 degrees Celsius.

[0059] In some embodiments, the condenser includes one or more elements selected from: an air inlet, an air outlet, a heat absorber, a heat sink, a water reservoir, an air filter, a throttle, a turbine, a vortex, a tube, a connection to an external energy source, a solar voltaic cell, a pipe, a sensor, a power source, an air pathway, and an air flow path.

Heat exchangers

[0060] In some embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes a heat exchanger, an earth air heat exchanger, or use of the same. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger uses passive technology to cool air. In further embodiments, the heat exchanger does not use any power sources external to the system. In alternative cases, the heat exchanger does not use solar power collected by the solar energy collector of the system. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger uses passive or active technology to cool air. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes one or more selected from: a subterranean cavity, a heat-conducting medium, a heat-conducting coating, a throttle, a heat tube, and a heat pipe. In further embodiments, the heat-conducting medium includes but is not limited various types of fluids, gases, and/or solids.

[0061] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger removes sensible heat and/or latent heat. In some case, the heat exchanger includes at least 1 to at least 10,000 tubes or pipes. In further cases, the tube or pipe has a diameter of about 0.01 meters to about 20 meters. In some case, the tube or pipe has a length of about 0.01 meter to about 5,000 meters. In some embodiments, the tube or pipe has a tilt angle with respect to the ground surface or the horizontal plane of about 0.01 degrees to about 89 degrees. In some embodiments, the tube or pipe is of various

geometrical shapes that allow fluid communication between the air within the subterranean cavity and the air within the condenser. In some case, at least part of the tube or pipe includes one or more shapes selected from: a cylindrical shape, diverging shape, a converging shape, a diverging and a converging shape, a parabolic shape resembling a wind scoop, and a cuboid shape.

[0062] In some cases, the length of the heat tube or pipes is optionally determined to ensure expedited cooling of the air that is going to be condensed. In some cases, the tube walls are maintained by conduction with the Earth at a subterranean temperature of about -10 degrees Celsius to about 15 degrees Celsius. In certain cases, the tubes are located at about 1 meter to about 50 meters underground. In certain cases, the cooler subterranean temperature does not remain at a consistent low level due to reasons including earth-to-air heat transfer, and the heat from the air is absorbed by the subterranean surroundings. In some cases, the heat exchanger minimizes heat transfer to the subterranean surroundings.

[0063] In some case, the heat exchanger includes at least one or more selected from: air-to-soil heat exchanger, earth channels, earth canals, earth-air tunnel systems, ground tube heat exchanger, hypocausts, subsoil heat exchangers, thermal labyrinths, and underground air pipes.

[0064] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is located within one or more element of the AWG system. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is located in the flow path connecting at least two elements of the AWG system. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is located in one or more parts of the system selected from: the air inlet, the air flow path between the air inlet and the subterranean cavity, the air inlet, the air flow path between the air inlet and the condenser, the subterranean cavity, and the condensation chamber.

[0065] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is configured to pre-process air coming therethrough and produce air that is more saturated than ambient air or unprocessed air.

[0066] In some embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to about the ground temperature or to a pre-determined temperature range. In some embodiments, the air is cooled below dew point. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 22 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 20 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 19 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 18 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 17 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 16 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 15 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 14 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 13 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 12 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 11 degrees Celsius. In further embodiments, the air is cooled by the heat exchanger to no greater than about 10 degrees Celsius.

[0067] In some embodiments, at least part of the exchanger is made by materials comprising one or more selected from: PVC, PVC tensile fabric, ETFE, steel, aluminum, concrete, brick, a concrete masonry unit, rigid PVC, metal, polymer, plastic, glass, metal, biological materials, silicon, polycarbonate and foil.

[0068] In some embodiments, the air becomes more saturated or supersaturated after heat removal by the heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the heat removed from air by the heat exchanger is used at least partly to heat air before it exits the outlet. In some cases, the heat removed from air by the heat exchanger is stored and/or transferred to another type of energy for heating air before it exits the system. Such heating of air generates or facilitate the vacuum force that drive additional ambient air into the system for water condensation.

[0069] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is in thermal communication with one or more elements of the system selected from: ambient and unprocessed air, pre-cooled air, processed air (condensed air), heated air, the subterranean cavity, a solar energy collector, a solar panel, a condenser, a condensing chamber, a heat-conducting medium, a heat-conducting material, a heat absorber, and a heat sink.

[0070] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is in direct or indirect fluid communication with one or more selected from: a first air inlet, a second air inlet, an air filter, a flow path, a solar energy collector, a condensing chamber, an air outlet, the condenser, the subterranean cavity, a heat sink, a sensor, a water filter, a water tank, and a heat absorber.

[0071] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes at least one structural element that further increases the thermal communication with the air flowing therethrough. In some embodiments, the at least one structural element increases the surface area of the heat exchanger that contacts the air flowing therethrough. In alternative embodiments, the at least one structural element includes a much larger (more than about 10 times larger, more than about 8 times larger, more than about 5 times larger, more than about 3 times larger, or more than about 2 times larger) surface area than the rest of the surface area of the heat exchanger without the at least one structural element. In further embodiments, the increased surface optimizes thermal

communication with air flowing therethrough thus facilitate the pre-cooling.

[0072] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes one or more elements selected from: an air inlet, an air outlet, a subterranean cavity, a heat sink, a water reservoir, an air filter, a water pump, a heat absorber, a throttle, a turbine, a vortex, a tube, a connection to an external energy source, a pipe, a sensor, a power source, an air pathway, and an air flow path. Solar energy collectors

[0073] In some embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes a solar energy collector or use of the same. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector collects thermal energy of the Sun. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector includes a solar panel to collect solar radiation. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector includes a solar absorber to store solar energy. In some embodiments, the solar energy includes a space in between the solar collector and the solar absorber. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector includes a heat-resistant component to shield components of the system. In further embodiments, the heat-resistant component shields components of the system located

underneath it or in vicinity to it. In further embodiments, the heat-resistant component shields components of lower temperatures of the system from unwanted exposure to the heat. In alternative embodiments, the solar energy collector includes a heat-resistant component to trap heat therewithin. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector includes a pathway that air flows therewithin and gets heated. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector and/or its pathway is in direct or indirect fluid communication with one or more of: a first air inlet, a second air inlet, an air filter, a flow path, the subterranean cavity, a heat absorber, a condenser, a condensing chamber, a sensor, a heat exchanger, a heat sink, and the air outlet.

[0074] In some embodiments, the solar energy collector includes photovoltaic cells or panels. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector transfers the solar energy into electrical energy or other forms of energy, then to thermal energy in order to heat ambient air. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector includes a rechargeable energy source. In further embodiments, the solar energy collector includes a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector includes one or more selected from: a heat absorber, a sensor, a power source, a power outlet, a heat sink, and a heat exchanger.

[0075] In some embodiments, the solar energy collector covers at least a portion of the horizontal cross-sections of the subterranean cavity. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector extends substantially horizontal. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector is located at a ground level or above ground in close vicinity to the subterranean cavity. In some cases, the solar energy collector surrounds the air outlet. In some cases, the solar energy collector optionally surrounds the air outlet at the ground level.

[0076] In some embodiments, the solar energy collector is located remotely from the at least one other component of the system. In alternative embodiments, the solar energy collector is located within about 0.1 meter to about 1,000 miles from where the solar energy is consumed in the system. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector has an effective collection area of about 0.1 square meters to about 10 square meters. [0077] In some embodiments, the solar energy collector is substantially horizontal. In some cases, the solar energy collector has a roof area for solar energy collection. In further cases, the roof has a height of about 0.1 meters to about 100 meters above the ground surface. In some embodiments, the roof has a tilt angle of about 0.01 degrees to about 89 degrees with respect to the surface of the ground or a horizontal plane. In further cases, the tilt angle of the roof changes as the roofs tracks the movement of the Sun. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector has a roof of various geometrical shapes. In further cases, the roof has one or more two dimensional or three dimensional shapes selected from: a circle, a square, a rectangle, a ellipse, a diamond, an irregular shape, a triangle, an asymmetrical shape, a fan shape, a pentagon, a hexagon, a trapezoid, a parallelogram, a parabola, and a paraboloid.

[0078] In some cases, at least a part of air heating occurs at the roof of the collector.

[0079] In some embodiments, the collector includes one or more selected from ETFE, steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, concrete, PVC, PVC tensile fabric, ETFE, steel, aluminum, concrete, brick, a concrete masonry unit, rigid PVC, metal, polymer, plastic, glass, metal, biological materials, silicon, and foil. In some cases, the solar collector includes transparent materials including glass, plastic, and/or polymeric coating in its roof. In some case, the solar collector includes one or more of plastic, metal, rock, concrete, and brick for its supporting structures. In some cases, the solar collector uses high radiation transmission material. As a non-limiting example, greenhouse film that is hung from stainless steel aircraft cable. In some case, the solar collector includes a reflective surface, as a non-limiting example, Mylar, laid out on the ground with the reflective surface facing toward the Sun.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the solar energy collector heats air that comprising one or more selected from: ambient air, the ambient air be being atmospheric air that has not been processed or condensed by the system as disclosed herein; processed air, the processed air being processed by the condensation chamber; heated air, and the heated air being heated by the solar energy collector, the absorber, or any other heating elements. In certain embodiments, the solar energy collector heats air that comprising one or more selected from: fresh and unprocessed air that has never entered the system, heated air that has left the air outlet once, heated air that has left the absorber once, and processed air that has exited the condensing chamber or subterranean cavity once.

[0081] Alternatively, in some embodiments, solar energy from the collector is used for one or more purposes selected from: heating air so that an updraft or vacuum effect is generated, and powering the condenser, the heat absorber, the heat sink, the water filter, the throttle, the vortex tube, the water pump, the sanitation component, and/or any other components within the system as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the solar energy collected from the collector is stored within one or more element of the AWG system. Alternatively, or in combination, in some case, the solar energy collected from the collector is converted to another type of energy. In some embodiments, the solar energy collected from the collector is used for maintaining one or more within the subterranean cavity including: temperature, humidity, and air pressure.

[0082] In some embodiments, the solar energy collector is in thermal communication with one or more elements of the system selected from: ambient and unprocessed air, pre-cooled air, processed air (condensed air), heated air, the subterranean cavity, a condenser, a condensing chamber, a heat-conducting medium, a heat absorber, a heat sink, and a heat exchanger.

[0083] In some embodiments, a solar energy collector includes a window, an aperture, or use of the same to allow solar radiation to pass into the collector. In some embodiment, the window is transparent or semi-transparent. In some embodiments, the window includes material that facilitates the absorption of solar radiation.

[0084] In some embodiments, a solar energy collector includes a heat absorber. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector includes a spatial offset between the window and the absorber.

[0085] In some embodiments, a solar energy collector encloses a space to house air to be heated. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector encloses a space where air is heated

therewithin.

[0086] In further embodiments, the enclosed space includes at least an opening to allow air the come into the solar energy collector, and another opening to allow air to exit the solar energy collector after being heated therewithin. In further embodiments, the one or more openings of the solar collector can be closed to eliminate air flow or air exchange between the enclosed space and the environment or s elements of the AWG system external to it.

[0087] In some embodiments, the solar energy collector includes one or more elements selected from: an air inlet, an air outlet, a solar panel, a solar absorber, a heat sink, a water reservoir, an air filter, a heat absorber, a throttle, a turbine, a vortex, a tube, a connection to an external energy source, a solar voltaic cell, a pipe, a sensor, a power source, an air pathway, and an air flow path. Absorbers

[0088] In some embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes a heat absorber, a solar absorber, or use of the same. In some embodiments, the absorber absorbs and stores heat. In some embodiments, the absorber absorbs at least one form (interchangeable with "type" herein) of energy and stores the energy in one or more forms of identical or different energies. In some embodiments, the absorber is configured to transfer energy from at least one form to at least another form. In some embodiments, the energy absorbable by the absorber is renewable and/or non-renewable. In some embodiments, a form of energy includes: kinetic energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, mechanical energy, nuclear energy, chemical energy, light energy, sound energy, wind energy, gravitational energy, radiant energy, and elastic energy.

[0089] In some embodiments, the absorber stores heat for usage at selected weather conditions. In some embodiments, the absorber is used to heat air coming therethrough after dusk and before dawn, and/or in cloudy days. In some embodiments, the absorber is used to heat air when the solar energy is not available or when the solar collector is not able to provide a pre-determined amount of heat for the system.

[0090] In some embodiments, the heat absorber includes a water bag for heat storage. In some cases, the absorber includes water vessels that run optionally below the greenhouse film to absorb the solar radiation during the day. In some cases, the water vessels release the solar energy at night to enable the heating of air at night.

[0091] In some embodiments, the absorber is in thermal communication with one or more elements of the system selected from: ambient and unprocessed air, pre-cooled air, processed air (condensed air), heated air, the subterranean cavity, a solar energy collector, a condenser, a condensing chamber, a heat-conducting medium, a heat sink, and a heat exchanger.

[0092] In some embodiments, a heat absorber is in direct or indirect fluid communication with one or more selected from: an air inlet, an air filter, a flow path, a solar energy collector, the subterranean cavity, the condensing chamber, the condenser, the air outlet, a heat exchanger, a heat sink, and a sensor.

[0093] In some embodiments, the heat absorber includes one or more elements selected from: an air inlet, an air outlet, a heat sink, a water reservoir, an air filter, a heat absorber, a throttle, a turbine, a vortex, a tube, a connection to an external energy source, a solar voltaic cell, a pipe, a sensor, a power source, an air pathway, and an air flow path.

Heat sinks

[0094] In some embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes a heat sink or use of the same. In some embodiments, the heat sink is in thermal communication with one or more elements of the system selected from: the condenser, the condensing chamber, ambient air, processed air, heated air, the subterranean cavity, a heat-conducting medium, air outlet, and water. In some cases, a heat sink is a passive heat exchanger. In some cases, the heat sink cools the condenser by conducting heat into a medium. In some cases, the medium is surrounding the heat sink. In some embodiments, the medium is one or more selected from: air, water, gas, fluid, solid, and a predetermined type of material. In some cases, heat sinks are used with high-power semiconductor systems such as power transistors and optoelectronics such as lasers and light emitting diodes (LEDs), where the heat dissipation ability of the basic system is insufficient to moderate its temperature. In some embodiments, the heat sink includes a component for monitoring the temperature of the condenser. In some case, the heat sink includes a component for monitoring its own temperature. In some cases, the heat sink is designed to maximize its surface area in contact with the cooling medium surrounding it. In some cases, velocity of the cooling medium, choice of material, protrusion design and surface treatment are factors that affect the performance of a heat sink. In some cases, thermal adhesive or thermal grease improve the heat sink's performance by filling air gaps between the heat sink and the condenser.

[0095] In some embodiments, the heat dissipated to the heat sink is used to partly heat the processed air before it exits the air outlet. In some embodiments, the heat accumulated to the heat sink is stored or transformed to another form of energy. In some embodiments, the heat accumulated to the heat sink is dissipated remotely from elements of the system. In some embodiments, the heat sink is remotely located from the subterranean cavity. In some embodiments, the heat sink is located within the subterranean cavity or away from the subterranean cavity with a distance to the center of the cavity of no less than 0.1 meter to no less than 1000 meters.

[0096] In some embodiments, the heat sink is in thermal communication with one or more elements of the system selected from: ambient and unprocessed air, pre-cooled air, processed air (condensed air), heated air, the subterranean cavity, a solar energy collector, a condenser, a condensing chamber, a heat-conducting medium, a heat absorber, and a heat exchanger.

[0097] In some embodiments, a heat sink is in direct or indirect fluid communication with one or more selected from: an air inlet, an air filter, a flow path, a solar energy collector, the subterranean cavity, the condensing chamber, the condenser, the air outlet, a heat exchanger, a heat absorber, a sensor, and a heat absorber.

Air inlets

[0098] In some embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes an air inlet or use of the same. In some embodiments, the air inlet is located above ground, at a ground level, or underground. In some embodiments, the air flows from the atmosphere or other sources into the system. In some embodiments, an air inlet is in direct or indirect fluid communication with one or more selected from: another air inlet, an air filter, a flow path, a solar energy collector, the subterranean cavity, the condensing chamber, the condenser, the air outlet, a heat exchanger, a heat sink, a sensor, and a heat absorber.

[0099] In some embodiments, the system includes two air inlets or one inlet with two different air flow pathways. In further embodiments, one air inlet or pathway passes an amount of atmospheric air to be heated at the solar energy collector, the other air inlet or pathway passes another amount of atmospheric to be processed in the subterranean cavity. [00100] In some embodiments, the air flows at a flow rate in the range of about 0.01 m per second to about 10 m per second.

[00101] In some embodiments, the air inlet includes a pipe or a tube. In some case, at least part of the tube or pipe includes one or more shapes selected from: a cylindrical shape, diverging shape, a converging shape, a diverging and a converging shape, a parabolic shape resembling a wind scoop, and a cuboid shape.

[00102] In further cases, the pipe or tube is made by materials comprising one or more selected from: PVC, tensile fabric, ETFE, steel, aluminum, concrete, brick, concrete masonry unit, rigid PVC, metal, polymer, plastic, glass, and foil.

Flow paths

[00103] In some embodiments, the system, device or method disclosed herein includes a flow path, air pathway, or use of the same. In some embodiments, the system herein includes at least three flow paths. In further embodiments, the system includes a flow path that starts at an air inlet and ends at an air outlet. In further embodiments, the system includes a flow path that starts at the outer edge of an air inlet and ends at the outer edge of an air outlet. In even further embodiments, the system includes a flow path that a solar energy collector is located therewithin. In alternative embodiments, the system includes a flow path that a subterranean cavity and a condenser are located therewithin. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector heats all, part, or none of the fluid flowing through a flow path which it is located therewithin. In some embodiments, the condenser processes all, part, or none of the fluid flowing through a flow path which it is located therewithin. In some embodiments, a first flow path and a second flow path join into a third flow path. In some embodiments, the third flow path overlaps at least partly with the air outlet.

[00104] In some embodiments, the subterranean cavity separates the flow path where it is located into two portions. In some embodiments, the solar energy collector separates the flow path where it is located into two portions. In some embodiments, the ambient unprocessed air, the processed air, and the heated air flow in different portions of a flow path. In some

embodiments, the ambient unprocessed air, the processed air, and the heated air flow in different flow paths.

[00105] In some embodiments, the a flow path is in direct or indirect fluid communication with one or more selected from: a first air inlet, a second air inlet, an air filter, a solar energy collector, the condensing chamber, the air outlet, the condenser, the subterranean cavity, a heat exchanger, a heat sink, a sensor, and a heat absorber.

Atmospheric air

[00106] In certain embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes atmospheric air or use of the same. In some embodiments, the atmospheric air that flows through the air inlet into the system has a pressure of about 0.1 atm (atmospheric pressure) to 10 atm (atmospheric pressure). In some embodiments, the atmospheric air that flows through the air inlet into the system contains 0.1 grams to 100 grams of water per cubic meter of air volume. In some embodiments, the atmospheric air disclosed herein contains a mixture with one or more selected from: ambient air, pressed air, processed air, and heated air. In some embodiments, the atmospheric air has a temperature in the range of about -10 degrees Celsius to about 60 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the atmospheric air has a relative humidity of about 5% to about 95%.

[00107] In some embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes at one least one air filter. In some embodiments, the air filter filters large particles, debris before the atmospheric air is condensed by a condenser.

[00108] In some embodiments, the air is driven into the system through an air inlet using solar energy without other forms of energy.

[00109] Referring to Fig. 5, in a particular embodiment, atmospheric air 101 enters a water collection system 100 and the sensible heat is removed by an air-Earth heat exchanger 200, and optionally become pre-processed air with a lower temperature, higher humidity and air pressure. The pre-processed air enters a condensation chamber within a subterranean cavity and its latent is removed by the condenser, thereby generating processed air and water. The processed air exit through an updraft tower 104 when it is driver. The air flow of the processed air is optionally driven by solar energy collected by a solar energy collector. In this embodiment, the solar energy collector heats ambient air 101 thereby generating a vacuum force initiated or increased by the heated air exiting the water collection system 100.

Air outlets

[00110] In certain embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes an air outlet or use of the same. In certain case, the air outlet includes a tower, a chimney, a funnel, a pipe, a tube, a tower, or use of the same. In some embodiments, the air outlet includes a ventilation turbine.

[00111] In some embodiments, the heated air (dried) rises through the air outlet and creates an upward draft. In further case, such draft is the force that drives the movement of additional ambient air into the system as disclosed herein through at least the air inlet. In some cases, the air outlet returns dryer air to the environment. In some case, the outlet includes one or more selected from: a radio tower with fabric, an inflatable tube, and a concrete structure.

[00112] In some embodiments, at least part of the outlet is made by materials comprising one or more selected from: PVC, PVC tensile fabric, ETFE, steel, aluminum, concrete, brick, a concrete masonry unit, rigid PVC, metal, polymer, plastic, glass, metal, biological materials, silicon, polycarbonate and foil.

[00113] In some embodiments, at least part of the outlet includes one or more shapes selected from: a cylindrical shape, diverging shape, a converging shape, a diverging and a converging shape, a parabolic shape resembling a wind scoop, and a cuboid shape.

[00114] In some cases, the outlet includes a cross-sectional area of at least about 0.01 square meters to at least about 40,000 meters. In some case, the outlet has a height of at least about 0.01 meter to at least about 2,000 meters. In some cases, the tower is substantially vertical to the horizontal plane or to part of the ground surface. In alternative cases, the outlet has a tilt angle of at least about 10 degrees to at least about 89 degrees with respect to at least a part of the ground surface. In some cases, the cross-sectional are of the outlet overlaps at least partially with the cross-sectional area of the subterranean cavity, of the condenser, or of the condensation chamber. Since the air exiting the outlet is dryer than ambient air, in some cases, the outlet has a height and a location such that it is separated from the air inlet with at least a predetermined distance. As a result, the dryer air exiting the outlet has minimal interference with the air drawn into the air inlet, thus minimizes the decrease in water collection efficiency of the system.

[00115] In some embodiments, an air outlet is in direct or indirect fluid communication with one or more selected from: a first air inlet, a second air inlet, an air filter, a flow path, the solar energy collector, the condensing chamber, the condenser, the subterranean cavity, a heat exchanger, a heat sink, a sensor, and a heat absorber.

[00116] In some embodiments, the air outlet extends from the top or bottom of one or more selected from: the subterranean cavity, or the condensing chamber, the condenser, and the solar collector. In alternative embodiments, the air outlet extends from somewhere in between the top and the bottom of one or more selected from: the subterranean cavity, or the condensing chamber, the condenser, and the solar collector.

[00117] In some embodiments, the air outlet extends to a position that has a distance of no less than 0.1 meter to 1000 meters to the top of one or more selected from: the subterranean cavity, or the condensing chamber, the condenser, and the solar collector.

[00118] In some embodiments, the air outlet is sized to properly include a turbine for

generating power and a ventilation turbine.

Air currents

[00119] In some embodiments, the system or system as disclosed herein includes an air current or use of the same. In some embodiments, the air current is convection current. In some embodiments, the air current is an air flow. In some embodiments. The air current includes one or more air current branches. In some embodiments, the air current includes one or more current branches that merge into a single current. In some embodiments, the air current splits into one or more air current branches.

[00120] In some embodiments, convection current or air current is caused by or induces heat transfer. In further embodiments, heat energy is transfer by convection when there is a difference in temperature between two parts of a fluid, as a non-limiting example, air. When this temperature difference exists, hot air rise and cold fluids sink, and then currents (movements) are created in the fluid.

[00121] I some embodiments, the air current flowing in the first, second, or third flow paths of the system is used to at least partly drive or run a power generator. In some embodiments, the power generator includes a turbine. In some embodiments, the power generator is located in one or more flow paths selected from: the first, the second or the third flow path. In some embodiments, the powered generated by the power generator is used to at least partly power one or more selected from: a condenser, a water pump, a solar energy collector, a heat sink, a heat exchanger, an air filter, a water sanitizer, and a sensor. In some cases, the air flow is sufficient to run a power generator that supports the proper functioning of the condenser, thus, the system relies majorly on solar energy for its proper functioning.

Power sources

[00122] In some embodiments, the power source is external to the system. In some alternative cases, the power is provided through an auxiliary power source. In some cases, the power source includes only renewable energy sources. In some cases, the power source is merely the solar energy collected and/or stored by the system or the components therewithin. In some cases, the power source includes power merely transferred from the solar energy collected by the system or the components therewithin.

[00123] In some cases, the power source includes one or more energy sources selected from: an electrical energy source, a natural gas energy source, a propane energy source, a wind energy source, a solar energy source, a chemical energy source, a nuclear energy source, a water energy source, a fuel energy source, a thermal energy source, a bio fuel energy source, a hydro -electrical energy source.

Water pumps

[00124] In some cases, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes a water pump or use of the same. In some cases, the water pump pumps at least a portion of water collected from condensation for use by means of a mechanical pump that is operated by a human at the ground surface or a powered pump. In further case, the pump utilizes the solar energy collected from the solar collector, any other energy forms derived from the solar energy at least partly for its proper functioning. In some cases, the water pump pumps at least a portion of water collected from condensation to a water reservoir, a water plant, or any other water processing units. In some cases, the water pump includes at least a solar panel for supplying at least a portion of its power.

[00125] In certain cases, the pump pumps water from a storage tank or the condenser to a predetermined location. In some embodiments, the water pump is located underground, at the ground level, or above ground.

[00126] In some embodiment, conventional water well pumps are used to draw water from the reservoir to a specified location, either through manual effort or by electric power, depending on access to local energy sources.

Efficiency of water collection

[00127] In some embodiments, the air velocity is calculated using an equation as shown in Fig. 6.

[00128] Referring to Fig. 6, in a particular embodiment, V_ais the atmospheric air velocity, d_toWer is the diameter of the air outlet tower, g is the gravitation acceleration, H_toWer is the height of the air outlet tower , delta T - temperature rise in the solar collector, and To is the ambient temperature.

[00129] In some embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes an efficiency of water collection in the range of about 30% to about 99%.

[00130] In some cases, the size, shape, composition, and quality of components are among the key design factors driving the efficiency of the system as disclosed herein. These design factors are influenced by the temperature, humidity, and wind speed of the surrounding air in

determining the system's condensation efficiency.

[00131] Given the criticality of an efficient updraft tower, finite element analysis as well as empirical data from other updraft towers is utilized in order to derive specific estimations concerning the fluid dynamics and thermodynamics of the system, device, or method disclosed herein.

[00132] In some embodiments, the air has a range of available water which is typically about 4 to about 25 grams per cubic meter (g/m ) or the equivalent of about 0.1 to about 0.7 milliliters per cubic foot (ml/ft ). For air having a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 75%, the amount of available water is approximately about 23.5 g/m or about .67 ml/ft 3. Under these conditions, the updraft tower must process a minimum of 5,650 ft 3 or 160 m 3 of air, roughly equivalent to the volume of a large garage space, in order to generate about 1 gallon of water from condensation.

[00133] Referring to Fig. 7, in a particular embodiment, the amount of water collected by the system, device, or method disclosed herein at 25 degrees Celsius and with 76% relative humidity is shown with respect to different air flow rate (m /s). In this embodiment, the greater the airflow, the greater the volume of condensed water that is collected. In this case, the productivity factor is estimated by plotting airflow rate versus water condensation and collection.

Subterranean cavities

[00134] In certain embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes a subterranean cavity or use of the same. In some embodiments, the subterranean cavity is located underground of dry land, swap, river, ocean, lake, sea, forest, desert, and/or any other geologic surfaces or geologic structures.

[00135] In some embodiments, the subterranean cavity is in direct or indirect fluid

communication with one or more selected from: a first air inlet, a second air inlet, an air filter, the solar energy collector, the condensing chamber, the condenser, the air outlet, a heat exchanger, a heat sink, a sensor, a flow path and a heat absorber.

[00136] In some embodiments, the subterranean cavity is surrounded by one or more of a side wall, a bottom wall, and a roof. In some cases, the wall(s) of the cavity provide structural and mechanical support for the cavity. In further embodiments, the wall(s) of the cavity provide mechanical and structural support to other elements of the system. In some cases, the walls of the cavity provide components that facilitate or increase the efficiency of precooling air within the cavity.

[00137] In some cases, the subterranean cavity has an opening on its roof for fluid

communication with one or more the above-mentioned elements of the system. In some cases, one or more opening for fluid communication is through any top wall, side wall, and/or bottom wall of the subterranean cavity. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the opening is less than or equal to the area of the top wall, side wall, and/or bottom wall of the subterranean cavity. In some cases, the cross sectional area of the opening is no smaller than the cross- sectional area of the air outlet. In other cases, the cross-sectional area of the opening is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the air outlet.

[00138] In some embodiments, the subterranean cavity is sized to properly hold a condenser, a heat sink, a water storage tank therewithin. In some cases, the subterranean cavity is located with a distance to the ground level so that the temperature within is lower than a pre-determined temperature. In some cases, the distance to the ground level from the roof of the cavity is no less than about 1 meter to no less than 1000 meters. In some case, the subterranean cavity is located below the heat-exchanging tube or pipe of the heat exchanger. In some cases, the subterranean cavity includes a process of precooling before the air is being processed at the condenser. In further cases, the process of precooling includes cooling the air with the cool temperature within the subterranean cavity. In some cases, the precooling includes cooling the air with the cool inner wall of the subterranean cavity. [00139] In some embodiments, at least part of the wall(s) is made by materials comprising one or more selected from: PVC, PVC tensile fabric, ETFE, steel, aluminum, concrete, brick, a concrete masonry unit, rigid PVC, metal, polymer, plastic, glass, metal, biological materials, silicon, polycarbonate and foil. In some embodiments, at least part of the wall(s) includes a hydrophilic and/or a hydrophobic coating.

[00140] In some embodiments, the cavity has a height in the range of about 0.1 meter to about 100 meters. In some embodiments, the cavity has a length in the range of about 0.1 meter to about 100 meters. In some embodiments, the cavity has a width in the range of about 0.1 meter to about 100 meters. In some embodiments, the cavity has a wall thickness in the range of about 0.01 meter to about 10 meters.

[00141] In some cases, the cavity has various shapes. In some cases, the cavity has a shape that includes one or more shapes selected from: a cylindrical shape, a diverging shape, a converging shape, a diverging and converging shape, a parabolic shape, an irregular shape, a cubic shape, and a cuboid shape.

[00142] In some embodiments, the subterranean cavity is in thermal communication with one or more elements of the system selected from: ambient and unprocessed air, pre-cooled air, processed air (condensed air), heated air, a solar energy collector, a condenser, a condensing chamber, a heat-conducting medium, a heat absorber, a heat sink, and a heat exchanger.

[00143] In some embodiments, the subterranean cavity includes one or more elements selected from: an air inlet, an air outlet, a condenser, a condensing chamber, a solar energy collector, a solar absorber, a heat sink, a water reservoir, an air filter, a water pump, a heat absorber, a throttle, a turbine, a vortex, a tube, a connection to an external energy source, a solar voltaic cell, a pipe, a sensor, a power source, an air pathway, and an air flow path.

Sensors

[00144] In certain embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes a sensor or use of the same. In some embodiments, the sensor measures, monitors, stores, transmits, and/or analyzes the performance of the AWG system. In further embodiments, a sensor is capable of measuring, monitoring, storing, transmitting, and/or analyzing metrics including one or more selected from: condensation efficiency, a humidity level, a speed of air flow, a temperature above ground, a temperature below ground, air quality, water quality, and a water volume. In alternative embodiments, a sensor is used to perform measures or monitoring as are required to test and assess the functional, technical, safety, and regulatory performance of the system.

Water reservoirs

[00145] In some case, the system, device or method as disclosed herein or its condenser includes a water-containing element or the like. In some cases, the water containing element is a well, a water tank, or a water reservoir. In some cases, the water-containing element is located underground. In further cases, the water-containing element is located below the condensing chamber. In some cases, the water-containing element is located in the subterranean cavity. In some cases, the water-containing element is in fluid communication with the condenser and/or condensation chamber. In other embodiments, the water collecting element is located at the ground level or above ground. In some embodiments, the water-containing element includes more than one distributed water tanks or water reservoirs located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

Water sanitization

[00146] In certain embodiments, the system, device, or method disclosed herein includes a water filter, a water sanitization element, or use of the same. In some embodiments, the water passes through a COTS filtration system to remove waterborne particulates that may have been present in the air flowing through the water collection process. In some cases, the filter includes a cleanout element that will be emptied during standard maintenance procedures.

Installations

[00147] In some cases, the volume of earth for the condensation chamber and intake pipes can be removed by a backhoe excavator. Where access to machinery is limited; excavation is be done by hand or through retrofitting an existing well. In some embodiments, the corrugated culvert pipe, which functions as the structural housing for the condensation chamber are hoisted into place using the backhoe's arm as a crane. In some cases, the relative light weight of this corrugated pipe, compared to other steel structures of its size, does allow for human or animal power to be able to position the pipe into place if need be.

[00148] In some case, once placed in the excavated condensation chamber, either compacted earth or mortar slurry of cement and sand is back-filled between the outer diameter of the corrugated pipe and the area of excavation. This structurally shores up the pipe, acting as a structural caisson (or pile) for the above ground element of the system to be built over. In some case, such structure minimizes the potential for insulator air pockets between the condensation chamber and the earth to form. In some embodiments, the pipes (air inlets and pipes in the air flow pathway) and water pump piping are laid out in their trenches, by hand or machinery. They are pulled through the pre-cut holes of matching diameter in the corrugated condensation chamber housing. Stub-ups, for the intake heads are optionally attached and covered with protective wrap for the duration of construction at the outer perimeter of the intake pipes. In some embodiments, the pipes are recovered with earth to match the adjacent ground level.

[00149] In some embodiments, the condensation chamber, the interior chimney, throttle, and thermally conductive medium are structurally attached to a precast, structural concrete cylinder that will function as a lid to the condensation chamber. In some embodiments, an excavator arm lifts the abovementioned elements into place. If animal power is the only available means of mechanical lifting, a scaffold with pulley system is erected to carefully and accurately drop the core into place.

[00150] In some cases, the tower is hoisted via excavator or animal power to stand vertically over the corrugated chimney and is structurally bolted to the concrete chamber lid via structural steel flange adaptor.

[00151] In some embodiments, driven into the earth are rebar around the perimeter of the solar collector area. In some cases, air-craft cable with tensioning turnbuckles is attached to exposed end of rebar and draft tower. The steel cable provides structural reinforcement for the draft tower and armature for the solar collector's greenhouse film to be hung from. In some cases, mirrored Mylar is staked to the ground below the cables. In some case, the solar absorbing water lines are filled with water and placed around the draft tower. In some cases, the green house film is hung from the stainless steel cables. Figs. 1A, IB, 2A, and 2B depict the water collecting system as disclosed herein.

Environmental factors

[00152] In some embodiments, the overall climates as well as the daily weather conditions are key environmental factors that also affect the airflow and water condensation efficiency rates of the system as disclosed herein. The fluid dynamics and thermodynamics of the system are not only affected by the design, but by environmental conditions as well.

[00153] In some embodiments, the regional site has a dew point which is higher than the expected subsurface temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, in order to fully leverage the temperature differentials. Dew point temperature naturally occurs as determined by the air temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure of a region's climate, with humidity being the most dominant factor. As a non- limiting example, to achieve a 55 degrees Fahrenheit dew point at sea level, the ambient temperature need to be 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the air needs to have an average humidity of 60%. In some cases, the higher the dew point temperature, the less the system has to work to extract water from the air. This is because less heat transfer is required to cool the air entering the condensing unit to its dew point, allowing for much more effective production of condensed water.

[00154] In some embodiments, the second factor in selecting the location site of an AWG system as disclosed herein is the solar energy the region receives on a year-round basis. Within the system, it is critical to optimize the velocity and volume of airflow through the system. This is directly dependent on the functional capabilities to capture solar energy within a system as disclosed herein. In some cases, the greater the solar energy of a given region, the greater the potential for increasing airflow through the system.

[00155] Given these environmental considerations, representing a range of climatic factors, in certain embodiments, the most suitable locations in the United States to construct a water collection system for construction, test, operation, and performance evaluation include one or more of: Texas - along the southern region proximate to the Gulf of Mexico, Florida - in the mid to northern region less vulnerable to hurricanes and having higher levels above sea level, Louisiana - in the mid region of the state where the humidity is high but away from the coast that suffers hurricane season, Georgia - as with Louisiana, mid-state and away from the coast to avoid the potential damage that could be caused by hurricane season.

[00156] In Florida, the humidity and above-ground heat are favorable environmental factors, but the warmth of the earth below ground counteracts these benefits in terms of generating a temperature differential required by the AWG to cool the incoming air to its dew point.

Louisiana and Georgia have less favorable dew point environmental conditions because of slightly lower air temperature and humidity. While these states suffer from scarcity of potable water, their need for additional water resources is not as severe as it is in other states, such as in South Texas.

[00157] In certain cases, the environmental condition in Texas has been identified to be favorable for generating an optimal dew point. This is because it has similar temperature and humidity conditions as are found in Florida, but has cooler subsurface temperatures which support a greater temperature differential between the incoming air and the condensing unit.

[0001] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to "or" herein is intended to encompass "and/or" unless otherwise stated. As used in this specification and the claims, unless otherwise stated, the term "about" refers to variations of +/- 1%, +/- 2%, +/- 3%, +/- 4%, +/- 5%, +/- 6%, +/- 7%, +/- 8%, +/- 9%, +/- 10%, +/- 11%, +/- 12%, +/- 14%, +/- 15%, +/- 16%, +/- 17%, +/- 18%, +/- 19%, +/- 20%, +/- 22%, or +/- 25%, depending on the embodiment. As a non-limiting example, about 100 meter represents a range of 95 meters to 105 meters, 90 meters to 110 meters, or 85 meters to 115 meters depending on the embodiments.

[00158] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments, of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Example 1

[00159] The system produces over about 100 gallons of water per day when the air flow rate is about 0.5 meter cube per second. The system condenses water at an efficiency level ranging from about 30% to about 70%. With a substantially cylindrical air outlet tower of about 10 meter in height and about 1 meter in diameter, and a updraft tower efficiency rate of about 40%, and a condensation efficiency rate of about 30%, and a about 314 square meter solar array, the system produces over about 218 gallons of portable water per day with an air flow rate of about 1.8 meter cube per second.

Example 2

[00160] Various risks in achieving development and operational success of an atmospheric- water generation (AWG) system are identified. These risks, as summarized in Table 1, are assessed, tracked, and mitigated during a VENA-1 prototype project.

Table 1

Identified Risk Impact Probability of Mitigation Strategy

Occurring

Significant amounts of dirt Added cost of LOW - Proposed Add filters on inlets, and/or other contaminants enhanced filtration prototype size is after modeling impact decrease AWG water purity capabilities and large enough to of any resulting air flow and generation functionality added maintenance require long time restrictions caused by procedures. for dirt to the added filters.

accumulate.

Weather causes significant Added cost and MODERATE - Utilize storm-resistant damage to the AWG delayed schedule Many of the materials wherever due to finding a new potential sites with possible; particularly location and optimal climates are with the solar rebuilding if required located within areas collectors.

(outside the that are likely to

hurricane zone) encounter large

storms

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising:

a) an air inlet configured to pass the atmospheric air into the system;

b) an air outlet, the air outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet; c) a subterranean cavity, wherein the subterranean cavity is in a fluid path from the air inlet to the air outlet;

d) a condenser configured to condense the water from the atmospheric air thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the atmospheric air, wherein the system is configured to collect the water;

e) a solar energy collector configured to heat at least a portion of the processed air, thereby generating heated air that exits the air outlet; and

f) a convection current in the fluid path from the air inlet to the air outlet, the

convection current comprising the atmospheric air, the processed air, and the heated air, wherein the heated air at least partly causes the convection current or at least partly increases a flow rate of the convection current.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a filter.

3. The system of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls additional atmospheric air into the system through the air inlet to extract additional water therefrom.

4. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls additional atmospheric air into the air inlet via a vacuum effect.

5. The system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity, the condenser, or the subterranean cavity and the condenser.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the solar collector comprises an aperture configured to allow solar radiation to pass into the solar collector.

7. The system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the solar collector comprises an absorber, the absorber being configured to store heat, wherein the stored heat is used to heat at least a portion of the processed air coming out from the subterranean cavity.

8. The system of any one of claims 1-7 further comprising a heat exchanger configured to pre-cool the atmospheric air using air to earth heat exchange before the atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser, wherein the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the air inlet.

9. The system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the heat exchanger is passive.

10. The system of any one of claims 1-9 further comprising a power source configured to power at least partly the condenser, wherein the power source is configured to provide at least a portion of power that cools the condenser.

11. The system of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the solar collector is configured to power at least partly the condenser.

12. The system of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the solar collector is configured to provide at least a portion of energy that cools the condenser.

13. The system of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof.

14. The system of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the system further comprising one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, a water sanitizer, and a water outlet, wherein the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, a water sanitizer, and a water outlet are located above ground.

15. The system of any one of claims 1-14, further comprising a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condense, and wherein the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

16. A method for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising:

a) passing the atmospheric air from an air inlet through a first portion of a flow path into a subterranean cavity;

b) condensing the water from the atmospheric air using a condenser, thereby

generating processed air comprising less water content than the atmospheric air; c) collecting the water;

d) directing at least a portion of the processed air through a second portion of the flow path to a solar energy collector; and

e) generating a convection current in the flow path from the air inlet to an air outlet by heating at least a portion of the processed air using energy generated by a solar energy collector thereby generating the heated air and allowing at least a portion of the heated air to exit a third portion of the flow path at the air outlet, wherein the subterranean cavity is in the fluid path from the air inlet to the air outlet.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising passing the atmospheric air through an air filter.

18. The method of any one of claims 16-17, further comprising pulling additional atmospheric air into the air inlet via the heated air exiting the air outlet.

19. The method of any one of claims 16-18, further comprising pulling additional atmospheric air into the air inlet by a vacuum force.

20. The method of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity, the condenser, or the subterranean cavity and the condenser.

21. The method of any one of claims 16-20, further comprising allowing solar radiation to pass into the solar collector through an aperture.

22. The method of any one of claims 16-21, further comprising storing heat in an absorber, wherein the stored heat is used to heat the atmospheric air coming out from the subterranean cavity.

23. The method of any one of claims 16-22, further comprising pre-cooling the atmospheric air, using a heat exchanger, before the atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser.

24. The method of any one of claims 16-23, wherein the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the air inlet.

25. The method of any one of claims 16-24, wherein the heat exchanger is passive.

26. The method of any one of claims 16-25, wherein the condenser comprises at least an active condenser.

27. The method of any one of claims 16-26, further comprising powering, at least partly by a power source, the condenser.

28. The method of any one of claims 16-27, further comprising powering, at least partly by the solar collector, the condenser.

29. The method of any one of claims 16-28, further comprising providing, at least partly by the power source, power that cools the condenser.

30. The method of any one of claims 16-29, further comprising providing, at least partly by the solar collector, power that cools the condenser.

31. The method of any one of claims 16-30, wherein the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof.

32. The method of any one of claims 16-31 further comprising storing the water, using one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet, wherein the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet are located above ground or at the ground level.

33. The method of any one of claims 16-32 further comprising cooling the condenser, using a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condense, and wherein the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

34. A system for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising: a) a first air inlet configured to pass a first amount of atmospheric air through a first flow path into the system;

b) a second air inlet or the first air inlet configured to pass a second amount of atmospheric air through a second flow path into the system, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path join into a third flow path;

c) an air outlet, the air outlet in fluid communication with the first air inlet, or the first inlet and the second air inlet;

d) a subterranean cavity, wherein the subterranean cavity is in the first flow path; e) a condenser configured to condense the water from the first amount of atmospheric air thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the first amount of atmospheric air, wherein the system is configured to collect the water in the subterranean cavity, at a ground level, or above ground; and

f) a solar energy collector configured to heat the second amount of atmospheric air, thereby generating heated air that exits the air outlet, wherein the solar energy collector is located in the second flow path or the third flow path, wherein the third flow path is configured to pass the heated air and all, part, or none of the processed air there through, and wherein the heated air at least partly causes or increases an air flow in the first flow path or the third flow path.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls an additional amount of atmospheric air through the first air inlet, the second air inlet, or the first and the second air inlets to the solar energy collector to be heated therewithin.

36. The system of any one of claims 34-35, wherein the air flow is in one or more flow paths selected from: the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path from the first air inlet, the second air inlet, or the first and the second air inlets to the air outlet.

37. The system of any one of claims 34-36 further comprising a filter.

38. The system of any one of claims 34-37, wherein the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls an additional amount atmospheric air into the system through the first air inlet to extract additional water therefrom.

39. The system of any one of claims 34-38, wherein the heated air exiting the air outlet pulls an additional amount of atmospheric air into the first air inlet via a vacuum effect.

40. The system of any one of claims 34-39, wherein the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with one or more selected from: the first air inlet, the second air inlet, the air outlet, the subterranean cavity, and the condenser.

41. The system of any one of claims 34-40, wherein the solar collector comprises an aperture configured to allow solar radiation to pass into the solar collector.

42. The system of any one of claims 34-41, wherein the solar collector comprises an absorber, the absorber being configured to store heat, wherein the stored heat is used to heat at least a portion of one or more selected from: the processed air, the first amount of atmospheric air, and the second amount of atmospheric air.

43. The system of any one of claims 34-42, further comprising a heat exchanger configured to pre-cool the first amount of atmospheric air using air to earth heat exchange before the first amount of atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser.

44. The system of any one of claims 34-43, wherein the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the first air inlet, wherein the heat exchanger is passive.

45. The system of any one of claims 34-44, further comprising a power source configured to supply at least a portion of power needed for the condenser, wherein the power source is configured to provide at least a portion of power that cools the condenser.

46. The system of any one of claims 34-45, wherein the solar collector is configured to power at least partly the condenser.

47. The system of any one of claims 34-46, wherein the solar collector is configured to provide at least a portion of energy that cools the condenser.

48. The system of any one of claims 34-47, wherein the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof.

49. The system of any one of claims 34-48, wherein the system further comprising one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, a water sanitizer, and a water outlet, wherein the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, a water sanitizer, and a water outlet are located above ground.

50. The system of any one of claims 34-49, further comprising a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condenser and the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.

51. A method for collecting water from atmospheric air using solar energy, comprising:

a) passing a first amount of atmospheric air from a first air inlet through a first flow path into a subterranean cavity;

b) condensing the water from the first amount of atmospheric air using a condenser, thereby generating processed air comprising less water content than the first amount atmospheric air; c) collecting the water in the subterranean cavity, at a ground level, or above ground; d) directing a second amount of atmospheric air from the first air inlet or a second air inlet into a solar energy collector, wherein the solar energy collector is located in a second flow path, or a third flow path formed by joining of the first flow path and the second flow path; and

e) generating or increasing an air flow in the first flow path or the third flow path by heating the second amount of atmospheric air and all, part, or none of the processed air using energy generated by the solar energy collector.

52. The method of claim 51 , further comprising generating the heated air using the energy generated by the solar energy collector and allowing the heated air to pass through the third flow path and exit an air outlet.

53. The system of any one of claims 51-52, wherein the air flow is in one or more flow paths selected from: the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path from the first air inlet, the second air inlet, or the first air inlet and the second air inlet to the air outlet.

54. The system of any one of claims 51-53, further comprising pulling an additional amount of atmospheric air through the first air inlet or the second air inlet to the solar energy collector to be heated therewithin.

55. The system of any one of claims 51-54, further comprising passing the first amount of atmospheric air through an air filter.

56. The system of any one of claims 51-55, further comprising pulling an additional amount of atmospheric air into the first air inlet via the heated air exiting the air outlet.

57. The system of any one of claims 51-56, further comprising pulling an additional amount of atmospheric air into the first air inlet by a vacuum force.

58. The system of any one of claims 51-57, wherein the solar energy collector is in fluid communication with one or more selected from: the first air inlet, the second air inlet, the air outlet the subterranean cavity, and the condenser.

59. The system of any one of claims 51-58, further comprising allowing solar radiation to pass into the solar collector through an aperture.

60. The system of any one of claims 51-59, further comprising storing heat in an absorber, wherein the stored heat is used to heat at least a portion of one or more selected from: the processed air, the first amount of atmospheric air, and the second amount of atmospheric air.

61. The system of any one of claims 51-60, further comprising pre-cooling the first amount of atmospheric air, using a heat exchanger, before the first amount of atmospheric air is condensed by the condenser, wherein the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the subterranean cavity and the first air inlet, and wherein the heat exchanger is passive.

62. The system of any one of claims 51-61, wherein the condenser comprises at least an active condenser.

63. The system of any one of claims 51-62, further comprising powering, at least partly by a power source, the condenser.

64. The system of any one of claims 51-63, further comprising powering, at least partly by the solar collector, the condenser.

65. The system of any one of claims 51-64, further comprising providing power, at least partly by the power source that cools the condenser.

66. The system of any one of claims 51-65, further comprising providing power, at least partly by the solar collector, that cools the condenser.

67. The system of any one of claims 51-66, wherein the air outlet comprises a chimney, a funnel, a tower, or a combination thereof.

68. The system of any one of claims 51-67, further comprising storing, using one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet, the water, wherein the one or more selected from: a water reservoir, a water pump, a water filter, and a water outlet are located above ground or at the ground level.

69. The system of any one of claims 51-68, further comprising cooling the condenser, using a heat sink, using a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with the condense, and wherein the heat sink is configured to partly cool the condenser, and wherein the heat sink is located underground, above ground, or at the ground level.