GB1597988A

GB1597988A - Method and apparatus for obtaining water from moisture-containing air

Info

Publication number: GB1597988A
Application number: GB54265/77A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1977-01-07
Filing date: 1977-12-30
Publication date: 1981-09-16
Also published as: AT347729B; DE2758523A1; AU3215278A; AU517422B2; ATA4777A; JPS53112141A; CH626226A5; FR2376618B1; ZA7852B; FR2376618A1

Abstract

The air is channelled into a cylindrical container (1), the wall of which, at least in that part exposed to solar radiation (5), consists of a material which is permeable to the rays (5) of the sun. The container (1) is partly embedded in the earth (11) and has, on the inner side of this part of the wall, a lower coating (4) consisting of heat-retaining and moisture-retaining material. That part of the container (1) exposed to solar radiation (5) has, on its inner side, an upper coating (4A) which promotes the condensation of the moisture in the air. In the case of air channelled in during the daytime, this air is heated up in the container (1), under the influence of solar radiation, as a result of which the moisture in the upper coating (4A) evaporates. In the case of air channelled in during the night, the moisture on the upper coating (4A) condenses and is either channelled away or is retained in the lower coating (4) and evaporates again during the daytime which follows. The moisture is channelled, as vapour, with the flowing air through a duct (13) to individual consumer points, e.g. the locations in the earth of individual plants, where some of the moisture condenses in each case because the earth temperature is lower than the temperature in the insulated area of the container (1). <IMAGE>

Description

(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING WATER FROM MOISTURE-CONTA1MNG AIR (71) We, ALFRED GLijCK and HELMUT ALTMANN-ALTHAUsEN, respectively of: 8 Wienerstrasse, A-2285 Leopoldsdorf im Marchfeld, Austria; and 44 Friedrichstrasse, D415 Krefeld, Federal Republic of Germany; both Austrian nationals do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining water from moisture-containing air.

The present invention is particularly suitable for cultivating plants, especially in tropical countries having a permanent water shortage.

The invention seeks to provide a method and apparatus which are of simple structure and may be operated by solar energy, with comparatively little, if any external energy.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method of obtaining water from moisture-containing air, comprising providing air inlet means for inducing and conducting air from ambient atmosphere to an air receiving container, the container including means for absorbing moisture contained in the air and being at least partially enclosed by a wall portion or portions permeable to the rays of the sun, locating the container in a position such that water contained in the air induced from the external atmosphere is absorbed at night but in which, during daylight hours, the absorbed water is heated by solar radiation and evaporated and condensing the evaporated moisture absorbed from the air on the internal surface of the container wall remote from the sun or in a location remote from the container.

Also according to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for obtaining water from moisture containing air comprising a storage space in communication with the ambient atmosphere and exposeable to solar radiation, means for inducing air flow through the storage space, which storage space has at least one supply passage for atmospheric air and includes means for absorbing moisture contained in the air, at least one wall portion defining the storage space being locatable so as to face the sun and being made of a material permeable to the rays of the sun, such that absorbed moisture is heated and evaporated, at least one further wall portion of the storage space being locatable away from the sun and being provided with an internal coating of a heat reflecting or heat storing material so as to form a heat exchange surface and means for condensing moisture contained in the air.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows, schematically, a portion of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention showing how air is induced into the apparatus, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 but on an enlarged scale relative thereto, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a gas flow duct which is shown in Figure 3 Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, in its position of use, Figures 6 and 7 show, respectively, details of parts of the apparatus shown in Figure 5 on an enlarged scale, and Figures 8 to 13 show, schematically, views of various further embodiments of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

An apparatus in accordance with the present invention is preferably installed in the ground in a location which is expected to receive a reasonable amount of direct sunlight. The apparatus comprises a hollow cylinder 1 which is partially embedded in the ground, which cylinder is connected to an induction conduit 2 and a discharge conduit 3. The cylinder 1 comprises a plurality of segments 1 ' having support rings 1 " located therebetween. The walls of the segments 1' are made of a material, such as polyvinyl chloride, which is pervious to the rays 5 of the sun. The cylinder 1 is provided on a portion of its internal curved surface, with a coating 4 which acts as heat exchange surface in that it absorbs the incident rays of the sun and transfers the heat thereof to air contained in the cylinder 1. This coating 4 is provided on a portion of the interior wall surface of the cylinder 1 which, in use is beneath the ground. The coating may be in the form of a porous black absorbent hygroscopic composition. The portion of the cylinder exposed to the solar radiation is provided with an internal coating 4A which is permeable to the rays of the sun. This coating 4A promotes, under certain circumstances, the condensation of moisture in the air althouth it should be pointed out that condensation does not occur on this surface itself. The coating may, for example, be constituted by the evaporated white of egg which has been treated with ultra-violet light or may be a thin coating of "Teflon" (Registered Trade Mark).

The induction conduit 2 comprises a flue portion 2C located at one end of the cylinder 1, but spaced slightly therefrom, the portion 2C extending substantially at right angles to the axis of the cylinder but, in use, below the surface of the ground. At each of its ends, although only one is shown in Figure 1, the flue portion 2C leads into an upwardly directed socket or pipe 2D through a constriction portion 2B. The socket or pipe 2D terminates in a funnel 2A leading into the open air. In substantially its central region, the flue 2C is provided with a distribution chamber 6 from which a supply pipe 7 emanates. This pipe extends through the entire length of the cylinder 1 and in the region of each segment 1', has an air outlet aperture 8 (see Figure 2).

The ground surface enclosing the cylinder 1 is covered by a layer 10 which, like the layer 4 of the cylinder segments 1' described above, absorbs the rays of the sun and the heat generated thereby is transferred to the ground layer 11 therebelow. The layer 11, enclosing the embedded part of the cylinder 1, is surrounded by an insulating layer 12. By so doing, the heat supplied by the layer 10 to the region 11 is transferred to the cylinder 1.

The discharge conduit 3 comprises a plurality of passages or ducts 13, each of which leads to an individual row of plants to be watered. These passages may be in the form of pipes which each emanate from a cylinder segment 1', and lead into region of each plant, as best seen in Figures 5 and 7. The pipes 13 may be enclosed in a distribution pipe 14 within which, preferably at the inlet end of each passage 13, passage apertures 15 are provided.

Each distribution pipe 14, which surrounds a section of the passage 13 over substantially its entire length, has apertures 16 formed therein through which moisture can reach the soil.

Located adjacent each cylinder segment 1', a branch conduit 29 is provided which extends from the passage 13 and leads into an injector nozzle 30, which latter leads into the constriction region 2B.

The plants to be watered may be sufficiently mature to have developed conventional roots in the ground or may be young plants. These latter may still be located in a container 17, in which they have been planted out after having been initially cultivated in a propagator. This container 17 may be divided by a plate 18 into a root space 19 and a sprouting chamber 20.

In such a case, the container is embedded so that the root space 19 is in the soil, whilst the sprouting space 20 projects, at least partially, above ground level. The space 20 is defined by a perforated sheet 22 braced by a frame 21.

This sheet 22 also encloses the root space. Both in the root space and in the portion of the sprouting space which is located below ground level, apertures or perforations 23 or 24 are provided which permit the penetration therein of moisture in the soil emanating from the passage 13 or from the distribution pipe 14. The base of the sheet 22 also has an aperture 25 formed therein which, when the plant is being transported from its cultivation site, may be closed by a nutrient plug 26.

The operation of the apparatus described hereinbefore will now be described.

Moisture-containing air enters through the funnel 2A and passes through the flue 2C, the distribution chamber 6 and the supply pipe 7 into the cylinder 1. In the cylinder 1, water is absorbed on the surface 4. During the day, however, the air is heated by the rays of the sun and the major proportion thereof flows into the passage 13 until it ultimately reaches the individual plants. The soil temperature, due to the considerable ambient temperature differences at day and night, is substantially lower in the region of the plant than in the insulated region of the cylinder 1. In this cooler soil, part of the moisture in the air which passes through the apertures 15 into the distribution pipe 14 will condense and pass into the soil. The moisture then passes through the apertures 23,24 into the root and sprouting space of the plant container.

To prevent loss of water by evaporation in the region of the plant, the surface of the soil around the plant has a layer 27 of a suitable material sunk into it which acts as a vapour barrier.

A proportion of the air flowing from the cylinder 1 into the conduit 13 flows into the branch conduit 29 and thence to the injection nozzle 30. Such flow occurs since the interior of the conduit 13 is at a lower temperature than the interior of the cylinder 1 and hence the water vapour pressure therein is lower.

Moreover, the air in the cylinder 1 expands because it is heated by solar radiation. The flow of air through the nozzle 30 causes further external air to be drawn in through funnel 2A.

The layer 4A causes cooler moist air entering the cylinder at night to give up most of its moisture content to the layer 4 from which, during the day it evaporates due to the effect of solar radiation.

The apparatus in accordance with the inven evaporation affects equilibrium of the cylindrical body, and it rotates about the shaft into a new equilibrium position in which further, different, segments face the solar rays. There is thus caused a slow rotation of the cylindrical bodies 60, with constant emission of moisture from the segments 61. The moist air is conducted into a passage system 62 which for the sake of clarity, is shown exposed to the rays of the sun but which, in reality is shaded by the sunirradiated wall of the container 1. The air is thus cooled so that the moisture condenses along the walls as in the previously described embodiments. If the passage system is inclined, the condensate flows to a collection point. In this embodiment of the installation, the container 1 is pivotally mounted about an induction pipe 63 through which cool air can be induced from the soil by utilising, for example, an air pump. In this manner, the container 1 may be rotated into the most favourable position relative to the position of the sun. As shown in Figure 9 the internal space of the cylindrical bodies 60 is filled with glass fibres 64 which act as brace members.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of an installation generally similar to that shown in Figure 10. The wall surface irradiated by the sun is, as shown in Figure 8, in the form of a doublewalled envelope 50. On the side faceing the ground, openings 65 are provided for discharge of, for example, sand which may possibly be carried into the container 1 with the air. Air enters into the container 1 through an opening 66 provided in the region of the container 1. A passage 62, the underside of which leads into the interior space of the container 1 in the upper region of the latter, has a lateral moulding 68 having channels for discharging condensed water in the region where it enters the container.

Similar embodiments are shown in Figures 12 and 13, in which the installation is mounted on a resilient base 69. The installation shown in Figure 12 has a reflector 70 located in the interior of the container so as to face the sun, which reflector is located adjacent the portions of the cylindrical bodies 60 which are averted from the sun. The cylindrical bodies 60 again have surface segments which accept moisture during the night, which moisture is evaporated by direct solar radiation or radiation reflected by the reflector 70 during the day. Lateral grooves or channels 71 are provided for the discharge of the condensate. In its upper region, an aperture 72 is provided in the container for discharging moist hot air. Air is induced from the soil through a pipe 73 located in the base region of the container.

In the installation shown in Figure 13, the right-hand portion of the container is irradiated by sunlight and the left-hand portion is provided with a coating 4. In the base of the container, an aperture 72 is provided for discharging sand. At the air inlet openings 73, flaps 74 are mounted which, subject to the influence of the wind, close so that no, or only a little, sand can get into the container 1. Condensation, in this embodiment, occurs in a dome portion 75 provided with a layer 4A of the type described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The dome portion 75 is provided with an outlet opening 72, the condensate being discharged through lateral channels 71' provided in the base of the dome.

Soil for cooling the heated air may also be replaced by different heat transfer media. Thus, if the installation is being used for producing drinking water for humans, sea, river or lake water may be employed as the cooling medium.

Moreover, it is also possible that the air in the storage space, which latter need not be cylindrical in shape, may be enriched with nutrients.

Finally, it is also possible to divide the storage space into a pipe system or to locate a pipe system in front of the storage space so as to enlarge the area exposed to the rays of the sun and thus to obtain a higher degree of heating of the air.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A method of obtaining water from moisture-containing air, comprising providing air inlet means for inducing and conducting air from ambient atmosphere to an air-receiving container, the container including means for absorbing moisture contained in the air and being at least partially enclosed by a wall portion or portions permeable to the rays of the sun, locating the container in a position such that water contained in the air induced from the external atmosphere is absorbed during the night but in which, during daylight hours, the absorbed water is heated by solar radiation and evaporated and condensing the evaporated moisture absorbed from the air on the internal surface of the container wall remote from the sun or in a location remote from the container.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heated air is conducted through a cooled region to a consumer location, whereby the air, during its passage through the cooled region has its temperature lowered thereby increasing its relative humidity.

3. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heated air, in use, is conducted under ground.

4. An apparatus for obtaining water from moisture-containing air comprising a storage space in communication with the ambient atmosphere and exposeable to solar radiation, means for inducing air flow through the storage space which storage space has at least one supply passage for atmospheric air and includes means for absorbing moisture contained in the air, at least one wall portion defining the storage space being locatable so as to face the sun and being made of a material permeable to the rays of the sun such that the absorbed moisture is heated and evaporated, at least one further

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. evaporation affects equilibrium of the cylindrical body, and it rotates about the shaft into a new equilibrium position in which further, different, segments face the solar rays. There is thus caused a slow rotation of the cylindrical bodies 60, with constant emission of moisture from the segments 61. The moist air is conducted into a passage system 62 which for the sake of clarity, is shown exposed to the rays of the sun but which, in reality is shaded by the sunirradiated wall of the container 1. The air is thus cooled so that the moisture condenses along the walls as in the previously described embodiments. If the passage system is inclined, the condensate flows to a collection point. In this embodiment of the installation, the container 1 is pivotally mounted about an induction pipe 63 through which cool air can be induced from the soil by utilising, for example, an air pump. In this manner, the container 1 may be rotated into the most favourable position relative to the position of the sun. As shown in Figure 9 the internal space of the cylindrical bodies 60 is filled with glass fibres 64 which act as brace members. Figure 11 shows an embodiment of an installation generally similar to that shown in Figure 10. The wall surface irradiated by the sun is, as shown in Figure 8, in the form of a doublewalled envelope 50. On the side faceing the ground, openings 65 are provided for discharge of, for example, sand which may possibly be carried into the container 1 with the air. Air enters into the container 1 through an opening 66 provided in the region of the container 1. A passage 62, the underside of which leads into the interior space of the container 1 in the upper region of the latter, has a lateral moulding 68 having channels for discharging condensed water in the region where it enters the container. Similar embodiments are shown in Figures 12 and 13, in which the installation is mounted on a resilient base 69. The installation shown in Figure 12 has a reflector 70 located in the interior of the container so as to face the sun, which reflector is located adjacent the portions of the cylindrical bodies 60 which are averted from the sun. The cylindrical bodies 60 again have surface segments which accept moisture during the night, which moisture is evaporated by direct solar radiation or radiation reflected by the reflector 70 during the day. Lateral grooves or channels 71 are provided for the discharge of the condensate. In its upper region, an aperture 72 is provided in the container for discharging moist hot air. Air is induced from the soil through a pipe 73 located in the base region of the container. In the installation shown in Figure 13, the right-hand portion of the container is irradiated by sunlight and the left-hand portion is provided with a coating 4. In the base of the container, an aperture 72 is provided for discharging sand. At the air inlet openings 73, flaps 74 are mounted which, subject to the influence of the wind, close so that no, or only a little, sand can get into the container 1. Condensation, in this embodiment, occurs in a dome portion 75 provided with a layer 4A of the type described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The dome portion 75 is provided with an outlet opening 72, the condensate being discharged through lateral channels 71' provided in the base of the dome. Soil for cooling the heated air may also be replaced by different heat transfer media. Thus, if the installation is being used for producing drinking water for humans, sea, river or lake water may be employed as the cooling medium. Moreover, it is also possible that the air in the storage space, which latter need not be cylindrical in shape, may be enriched with nutrients. Finally, it is also possible to divide the storage space into a pipe system or to locate a pipe system in front of the storage space so as to enlarge the area exposed to the rays of the sun and thus to obtain a higher degree of heating of the air. WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A method of obtaining water from moisture-containing air, comprising providing air inlet means for inducing and conducting air from ambient atmosphere to an air-receiving container, the container including means for absorbing moisture contained in the air and being at least partially enclosed by a wall portion or portions permeable to the rays of the sun, locating the container in a position such that water contained in the air induced from the external atmosphere is absorbed during the night but in which, during daylight hours, the absorbed water is heated by solar radiation and evaporated and condensing the evaporated moisture absorbed from the air on the internal surface of the container wall remote from the sun or in a location remote from the container. 2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heated air is conducted through a cooled region to a consumer location, whereby the air, during its passage through the cooled region has its temperature lowered thereby increasing its relative humidity. 3. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heated air, in use, is conducted under ground. 4. An apparatus for obtaining water from moisture-containing air comprising a storage space in communication with the ambient atmosphere and exposeable to solar radiation, means for inducing air flow through the storage space which storage space has at least one supply passage for atmospheric air and includes means for absorbing moisture contained in the air, at least one wall portion defining the storage space being locatable so as to face the sun and being made of a material permeable to the rays of the sun such that the absorbed moisture is heated and evaporated, at least one further evaporation affects equilibrium of the cylindrical body, and it rotates about the shaft into a new equilibrium position in which further, different, segments face the solar rays. There is thus caused a slow rotation of the cylindrical bodies 60, with constant emission of moisture from the segments 61. The moist air is conducted into a passage system 62 which for the sake of clarity, is shown exposed to the rays of the sun but which, in reality is shaded by the sunirradiated wall of the container 1. The air is thus cooled so that the moisture condenses along the walls as in the previously described embodiments. If the passage system is inclined, the condensate flows to a collection point. In this embodiment of the installation, the container 1 is pivotally mounted about an induction pipe 63 through which cool air can be induced from the soil by utilising, for example, an air pump. In this manner, the container 1 may be rotated into the most favourable position relative to the position of the sun. As shown in Figure 9 the internal space of the cylindrical bodies 60 is filled with glass fibres 64 which act as brace members. Figure 11 shows an embodiment of an installation generally similar to that shown in Figure 10. The wall surface irradiated by the sun is, as shown in Figure 8, in the form of a doublewalled envelope 50. On the side faceing the ground, openings 65 are provided for discharge of, for example, sand which may possibly be carried into the container 1 with the air. Air enters into the container 1 through an opening 66 provided in the region of the container 1. A passage 62, the underside of which leads into the interior space of the container 1 in the upper region of the latter, has a lateral moulding 68 having channels for discharging condensed water in the region where it enters the container. Similar embodiments are shown in Figures 12 and 13, in which the installation is mounted on a resilient base 69. The installation shown in Figure 12 has a reflector 70 located in the interior of the container so as to face the sun, which reflector is located adjacent the portions of the cylindrical bodies 60 which are averted from the sun. The cylindrical bodies 60 again have surface segments which accept moisture during the night, which moisture is evaporated by direct solar radiation or radiation reflected by the reflector 70 during the day. Lateral grooves or channels 71 are provided for the discharge of the condensate. In its upper region, an aperture 72 is provided in the container for discharging moist hot air. Air is induced from the soil through a pipe 73 located in the base region of the container. In the installation shown in Figure 13, the right-hand portion of the container is irradiated by sunlight and the left-hand portion is provided with a coating 4. In the base of the container, an aperture 72 is provided for discharging sand. At the air inlet openings 73, flaps 74 are mounted which, subject to the influence of the wind, close so that no, or only a little, sand can get into the container 1. Condensation, in this embodiment, occurs in a dome portion 75 provided with a layer 4A of the type described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The dome portion 75 is provided with an outlet opening 72, the condensate being discharged through lateral channels 71' provided in the base of the dome. Soil for cooling the heated air may also be replaced by different heat transfer media. Thus, if the installation is being used for producing drinking water for humans, sea, river or lake water may be employed as the cooling medium. Moreover, it is also possible that the air in the storage space, which latter need not be cylindrical in shape, may be enriched with nutrients. Finally, it is also possible to divide the storage space into a pipe system or to locate a pipe system in front of the storage space so as to enlarge the area exposed to the rays of the sun and thus to obtain a higher degree of heating of the air. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A method of obtaining water from mois turesontaining air, comprising providing air inlet means for inducing and conducting air from ambient atmosphere to an air-receiving container, the container including means for absorbing moisture contained in the air and being at least partially enclosed by a wall portion or portions permeable to the rays of the sun, locating the container in a position such that water contained in the air induced from the external atmosphere is absorbed during the night but in which, during daylight hours, the absorbed water is heated by solar radiation and evaporated and condensing the evaporated moisture absorbed from the air on the internal surface of the container wall remote from the sun or in a location remote from the container.

2. A method as claitned in Claim 1, wherein the heated air is conducted through a cooled region to a consumer location, whereby the air, during its passage through the cooled region has its temperature lowered thereby increasing its relative humidity.

4. An apparatus for obtaining water from moisture-containing air comprising a storage space in communication with the ambient atmosphere and exposeable to solar radiation, means for inducing air flow through the storage space which storage space has at least one supply passage for atmospheric air and includes means for absorbing moisture contained in the air, at least one wall portion defining the storage space being locatable so as to face the sun and being made of a material permeable to the rays of the sun such that the absorbed moisture is heated and evaporated, at least one further wall portion of the storage space being locatable away from the sun and being provided with an internal coating of a heat-reflecting or heat storing material so as to form a heat exchange surface, and means for condensing moisture contained in the air.

5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the absorption means comprises said internal coating.

6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 wherein the coating is in the form of an intermediate base of the container.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 6 wherein the internal coating is made of a moisture-storing material, in the form of a porous material.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 6 wherein the internal coating is in the form of a hygroscopic material.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 8 wherein that the storage space, or a space communicating therewith, is provided with an internal coating of a material which assists condensation.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 9 wherein the storage space is connected to a channel or passage system, which, in use, passes through a cool region to a position in which the condensate is to be used, which system in the region in which it is to be used has outlets for the condensate.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 10 wherein the storage space is in the form of a cylinder which, in use, is intended to lie with its major axis extending substantially horizontally and with at least a portion of its curved surface below ground level, the apparatus additionally comprising a layer of heat absorbent material which is capable of transmitting heat, which layer is, in use, located on the surface of the ground surrounding the submerged portion of the cylinder.

12. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the cylinder is divided into a plurality of segments, interconnected by support rings, each segment being connected to a passage leading to the position in which the condensate is to be used.

13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12 wherein each passage, in its region adjacent where the condensate is to be used i3 surrounded by a spaced-apart distribution pipe, which pipe is provided with openings, the passage, in its region where it enters the distribution pipe has apertures leading into the distribution pipe.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 13, wherein a storage chamber is provided in the storage space, which chamber is eatable by solar radiation, which chamber leads into a conduit through which a heat exchange medium may be caused to flow in counterflow relative to the direction of flow through the passage and which returns to the storage space.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 14.additionally comprising a thermal insulating layer which, in use, is locatable beneath the ground in a region generally below the embedded portion of the cylinder.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the Claims 4 to 15 wherein the passage system leading to the positions of use comprises a plurality of branch conduits, each of which branches from the passage system in a region adjacent to a cylinder segment and leads to a nozzle direction into the region of a constriction formed in the air supply passage.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 16 wherein the container is mounted on a resilient base.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 17 wherein the container is pivotally or rotatably mounted.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 18 wherein the air inlet openings into the container are in the form of flaps, actuatable by wind.

20. A method of obtaining water from moisture-containing air substantially as hereinbefore described.

21. An apparatus for obtaining water from moisturecontaining air constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.