Systems and methods for collecting a species

Abstract

Systems and methods related to the collection of a species from a gas stream are generally provided. The systems and methods described herein may allow for collection of a species such as a fluid (e.g., water) with a relatively high collection efficiency. Such systems and methods may be useful in various applications including, for example, fog collection. In some embodiments, the systems and methods enhance water collection from airborne fog to produce usable water. Advantageously, the methods described herein may, in some cases, incorporate ions into the gas stream such that the species present in the gas stream follows electric field lines and/or are attracted to a grounded (or charged) collector. Advantageously, the systems and methods described herein may suppress the adverse effects of natural conditions such as the velocity and direction of the wind.

1 . A method of collecting a species present in a gas stream, comprising:
 establishing a plurality of charged species in the gas stream, electrically biased against a collector; and   collecting the charged species at the collector at a collection efficiency of greater than or equal to 10%.   
     
     
         2 . A method of collecting a species present in a gas stream, comprising:
 arranging at least a first and second electrode so as to apply an electric field to at least a portion of the gas stream thereby urging the species toward the second electrode and isolating at least a portion of the species from the gas stream,   wherein a minimum distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is between 2 cm and 50 cm.   
     
     
         3 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A collection system, comprising:
 a first electrode and   a second electrode configured to be positioned proximate the first electrode;   a power source in electrical communication with at least the first electrode; and   a collector,   wherein the system is configured to collect a species present within a gas stream with an energy efficiency of greater than or equal to 1 liter per kWh of energy applied in creating the field.   
     
     
         6 - 33 . (canceled)