All Air-to-Water extraction systems work basically the same way*:

     1. Air passes through a filter in the machine.

     2. This air is then compressed (either naturally or mechanically) and chilled, which generates water moisture.

     3. The water produced is filtered inside the machine by such methods as:
          •LF2 Carbon Filter or Nanometer Molecular Sieve: Removes ammonia, chlorine residuals, organic compounds, soil particles, dirt, and more.
          •Sediment filter: Removes micro particles to protect water pump.
          •Pre-Carbon Filter: Removes organic compounds, free chlorine, heavy metals, and more.
          •Reverse Osmosis Membrane: Removes bacteria, viruses, mineral salts, heavy metals, organic compounds.
          •Post-Carbon Filter: Removes volatile organic compounds and improves water taste and smell.
          •U.V. Sterilization Lamp eliminates more than 99% of all bacteria.
          •Water Recirculation: Ensures that stored water remains fresh and U.V. pure and clean, and this avoids second-hand viral contamination.
          **Incidentally, another type of filtration system (though not available at H2OGenerator.com) that can be used with an AWG or dehumidifier, with a holistic focus, is described here: Utopic Water

     AWG systems use refrigeration similar to the dehumidification technique. Air is fanned into the system through an electrostatic filter. In the machine, a compressor circulates refrigerant through a coil array, which provides a temperature difference between the air and coil surface, resulting in condensation of water (from air flow around the chilled tubes).

     The resulting water, or condensation, is funneled into a tank in the machine where it is circulated by a pump, in an ozone generating UV light chamber, to kill bacteria, and then through various high and low density filters. It is finally collected back in the holding tank.

     The actual amount of water produced depends on relative humidity and ambient air temperature. Relative humidity measures the amount of water vapor present in the air at a given temperature. The higher the relative humidity and air temperature, the more effective AWGs are. Refrigeration-based devices do not work at optimum capability when the temperature gets below 15.5 degrees C (60 degrees F) or the relative humidity drops below 40% or at high altitudes above 4,000 feet.

     When the humidity level is around 55%-80%, units will generally perform at optimum capability. In places with lower humidity, the units will still produce water but not as quickly, nor as much. In the home environment, higher level of humidity tends to be around the kitchen area, near an open window or in more spacious rooms.

* This information is meant to be generally applicable to the potable water systems found on this website. The number and type of filters will vary from system to system. The agricultural AWGs do not have a filtration system, since the water produced is intended for plants rather than human consumption.