Machine‐Learning‐Assisted Autonomous Humidity Management System Based on Solar‐Regenerated Super Hygroscopic Complex

Abstract

High levels of humidity can induce thermal discomfort and consequent health disorders. However, proper utilization of this astounding resource as a freshwater source can aid in alleviating water scarcity. Herein, a low‐energy and highly efficient humidity control system is reported comprising of an in‐house developed desiccant dehumidifier and hygrometer (sensor), with an autonomous operation capability that can realize simultaneous dehumidification and freshwater production. The high efficiency and energy saving mainly come from the deployed super hygroscopic complex (SHC), which exhibits high water uptake (4.64 g g−1) and facile regeneration. Machine‐learning‐assisted in‐house developed low cost and high precision hygrometers enable the autonomous operation of the humidity management system. The dehumidifier can reduce the relative humidity (RH) of a confined room from 75% to 60% in 15 minutes with energy consumption of 0.05 kWh, saving more than 60% of energy compared with the commercial desiccant dehumidifiers, and harvest 10 L of atmospheric water in 24 h. Moreover, the reduction in RH from 80% to 60% at 32 °C results in the reduction of apparent temperature by about 7 °C, thus effectively improving the thermal comfort of the inhabitants.

Repurposing face mask waste to construct floating photothermal evaporator for autonomous solar ocean farming

“…43 By integrating plants irrigation with the spontaneous process of solar desalination and vapor condensation, we further put forth a floating photothermal device for autonomous solar ocean farming (Figure S12). [44][45][46][47] As shown in Figure 5A, the prototype of floating farm consisted of seven key components, including (1) a hollowed-out container to embed seeds for plants cultivation; (2) polystyrene foam to provide enough buoyancy of this device; (3) 6 FM-PPy solar absorbers (10*6 cm 2 each) and water transportation belts to fill the hollow area for high efficiency sea water evaporation; (4) a switchable top cover controlled by a lifting poker for heat exchange to avoid plants overheating; (5) solar panel to provide energy of floating farm; (6) 3D printing water proof to guarantee lifting poker could work at all weather condition when floating on sea; (7) control panel to control the operation of lifting poker (more details in Figure S13, Supporting information). The whole device (switching on/off lifting poker) was powered by an off-grid solar power systems, which the solar panel was used to capture and utilize solar energy, to guarantee the eco-friendly of floating farm.…”

Ultrahigh solar-driven atmospheric water production enabled by scalable rapid-cycling water harvester with vertically aligned nanocomposite sorbent

“…Lately, these novel sorbents with high water sorption performance and special thermal/electrical effects also inspired energy-related applications such as energy storage, 22,23 thermal management, [24][25][26][27] electricity/fuel generations, 28,29 or co-application. [30][31][32] The MOF-801-based solardriven SAWH prototype was first reported in 2017 with an all-in-one design by integrating light absorber, sorbent, and condenser in one chamber; 33 afterwards, the SAWH prototype was improved by introducing radiative cooling to promoting the water sorption at nightime. 34 The research team of O.M.…”

Reversible Hydration Composite Films for Evaporative Perspiration Control and Heat Stress Management

“…Heat index, also known as "felt air temperature" or "apparent temperature," is a value used to assess the thermal comfort of the human body by taking into consideration of both air temperature and relative humidity (Note S1, Supporting Information). [17,47] At the air temperature of 35 °C, an RH drop from 91.0% to 48.2% brings the heat index from 64.6 to 40.0 °C, i.e., from the "extremely hot" to "hot" region, as illustrated in Figure 5e. As shown in Table S1 (Supporting Information), when the heat index is above 54 °C, it is extremely dangerous for healthcare workers as heat stroke becomes highly likely.…”