Fog harvesting meshes physical, economic and environmental characterization

Abstract

As fresh water becomes scarce nowadays, fog harvesting appeared as a new opportunity to be considered as an economical and a reliable fresh water source. Thus Fog collectors represent a functional solution to provide fresh water to be used in agriculture and in some cases, also as drinking water. Fog harvesting techniques had been used first by farmers as some types of adjoining cavities and containers were added around plants to take advantage of the humid weather, after that, these techniques were turned into structures. With fog harvesting techniques emerging, new materials and new structures are being developed, providing a range of options in regards to the meshes and to the harvesting methods. In this paper, Fog harvesting meshes are reviewed and analysed to process its ability on providing environmental conditioning of exterior spaces. The purpose of such tests is to acquire a new understanding and provide other options for fog harvesting materials while taking into consideration the economic and environmental aspects of each material used.