par Verbrugghe, Nathalie ;Khan, Ahmed Z.
Référence International Conference on Fog, Fog Collection and Dew(23-28 July 2023: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA)
Publication Non publié, 2023-07-24
Abstract de conférence
Résumé : Water stress is a rising concern in rapidly expanding cities and is predicted to worsen by 2050. Climate change is forcing nations to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies to achieve sustainable development. Population growth along with the decreasing availability of fresh water puts pressure on the conventional supply network and severely affects the urban metabolism in terms of economy and environment. It is therefore urgent to explore alternative freshwater sources. Atmospheric moisture is a viable resource, and through a simple design comprising a mesh that intercepts droplets, this already serves as an alternative for various rural communities living in fog-prone, (semi-)arid regions. However, the integration of fog collectors in a metropolitan context remains highly unexplored, highlighting the need for investigation. As a field of research, fog harvesting is multidisciplinary addressing several United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 9, industry innovation and infrastructure, and SDG 11, sustainable cities and communities, but specifically SDG 6, clean water and sanitation. This study explores and proposes a conceptual building-integrated prototype that collects water from humid air to deal with existing water shortages in built-up areas. This is particularly important for vulnerable metropolitan regions where the water distribution infrastructure is inaccessible or in poor conditions because of inadequate regulations by local governments. However, urban fog collectors can also serve to avoid potential drought spells, augment urban regeneration, and alter the population’s attitude in terms of water management. This research is twofold, first, design parameters are identified through a systematic literature review of existing fog-collecting mechanisms and a brief explanation of rainwater collection systems in urban areas, and second, a building-integrated fog collector or BFC is developed through Research by Design (RbD). This methodology enables the assessment of the most efficient prototypes by altering the design in conjunction with water yield estimations. The result is a conceptually functioning fog harvester integrated into the existing roof structure delivering water passively. To conclude, this is theoretically implemented in a fog-prone area of the Chilean city Alto Hospicio to evaluate the collector’s aesthetic value. This research is confined to theoretically analysing and quantifying the prototype’s water harvesting potential to provide a framework and ultimately facilitate further advancements. Future research in an urban area, both theoretically and experimentally by using physical prototypes, as well as an assessment of the fog water quality are the subsequent steps to advance the development of this sustainable technology. Lastly, important to convey is that it is beneficial for countries where fog is feasible to integrate atmospheric moisture as a national water policy to alleviate the stress on overexploited freshwater resources.

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