Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital was hit by Hurricane Milton earlier this week
Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA Wire/Alamy
An innovative solution has emerged for a children’s hospital affected by Hurricane Milton. The hospital, facing water shortages in the aftermath of the disaster, is now utilizing a cutting-edge device that extracts potable water directly from the air. This initiative showcases the potential of atmospheric water harvesting systems in responding to calamities.
According to David Stuckenberg, a key figure at Genesis Systems, the Florida-based creator of this apparatus, having access to both water and power is crucial for a hospital’s operations. The system employs advanced absorbent materials known as metal organic frameworks to condense moisture from air passed through the device. Subsequently, it releases pure water upon heating the material by approximately 8°C.
Atmospheric water harvesting systems, known for their self-sufficiency, have garnered interest for various applications, including supplying water to off-grid communities and supporting military operations. These systems have proven invaluable in responding to disasters by ensuring a reliable water source in times of crisis.
Jason Weida, from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, recognized the potential of this technology as Hurricane Milton loomed. The system was swiftly deployed to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, restoring the facility’s water supply and ensuring the wellbeing of its occupants, including newborns in critical care.
Overall, atmospheric water harvesting systems represent a versatile and efficient solution for securing water supply during emergencies, offering a valuable layer of redundancy in critical situations.
Vocabulary List:
- Innovative /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/ (adjective): Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
- Disaster /dɪˈzæstər/ (noun): A sudden event causing great damage or hardship.
- Atmospheric /ˌætməsˈfɛrɪk/ (adjective): Relating to the atmosphere; air.
- Harvesting /ˈhɑːrvɪstɪŋ/ (verb): The act of gathering a crop or resource.
- Self-sufficiency /sɛlf səˈfɪʃənsi/ (noun): The ability to fulfill one’s own needs without external assistance.
- Calamities /kəˈlæməˌtiːz/ (noun): Serious events causing great and often sudden damage or distress.
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