Concept
Drop is a sustainable, bioinspired membrane dehumidifier with an elegant and refined aesthetic. It was created with a view to enhancing an often understated functional product by giving it a new identity that relocates it within the home. It also takes a stand on the environmental issue in relation to the use of unsustainable and harmful materials such as plastic and operation based on refrigerant gases or inefficient thermoelectric systems. Instead, his condensation system is inspired by that of the Mist beetle; an insect that can survive in the desert due to the special structure of its elytra on which moisture condenses passively.
Inspiration
The two sclerified and hardened wings that protect the insect are covered with a spherical cap bump that alternates between hydrophilic and hydrophobic zones. This geometric structure is capable of promoting the natural condensation and adhesion of moisture that allows the insect to collect water from the air to survive. It was studied by two researchers from Oxford and QuinetiQ in order to recreate a membrane with the same capabilities. Here is what emerged.
Nucleation is higher on any convex surface than on a flat one. On a spherical cap as the radius decreases, more drops, with a larger diameter, are detected at faster growth. Rectangular-section bumps with a bevel the same as the radius of the cap allow the capacity to double. Droplets are also formed on the flat region; the smaller it is, the greater the condensation. Maximum nucleation is detected when this is equal to the diameter of the bevel because at this distance the two droplets are so close that they exert a forced coalescence that pushes them together, obtaining larger droplets in less time. Gradually reducing the section tilts the bump favoring the transport and collection of condensate while leaving space for new nucleation sites.
The membrane material affects this process. A superhydrophobic surface (SHS), due to the layer of air trapped between the pores, reduces surface friction by promoting water transport but, by the same token, slows heat transfer and thus condensation. A hydrophilic SLIPS surface, in contrast, promotes droplet coalescence but has slow transport. By combining these two characteristics, then, coating a porous surface, such as aluminum, with SLIPS lubricant allows it to combine the advantages of almost no friction with a growth rate five times higher than SHS.
Drop
This product, with simple and geometric lines goes well with any room in the house. It relies heavily on the textural aspect and visual effects of the chosen materials that make it precious and elegant. A silent servant of the house, it automatically regulates the relative humidity of the room by condensing excess water without energy consumption. It works, in fact, passively, and its efficiency can be increased by turning on the ventilation system.
Passive operation
When turned off, the device operates, albeit, at low efficiency. Humid air passing through the lower holes comes in contact with the membrane, condenses there, and water droplets, by gravity, are collected in the glass container. The membrane, as if it had a natural hygrometer, acts on the incoming humid air, filtering it and removing excess water up to an acceptable limit, and flushes it out of the upper holes into the environment.
Active operation
To increase the performance of the membrane, a heatsink has been included that cools its surface, accelerating heat transfer and thus promoting the condensation of water that can be collected up to 1100 ml. By touch button, a fan can also be turned on to force air in contact with the membrane, speeding up the process. Two batteries, rechargeable via usb cable, power the system for up to 14 hours.
Materials
The aesthetic-visual qualities of glass and aluminum elevate the product by allowing it to characterize the setting. The transparency of glass makes the level of collected water visible, aluminum gives strength and lightness to the product. Both materials can be colored, in paste or with paint, and, as sustainable, returned into the production cycle at the end of life.
Identity & naming
The name Drop recalls the theme of water and the dehumidifier in general, referring to its membrane mechanism that allows the nucleation, coalescence and transport of droplets. The product is intended to be elegant and sophisticated; through attention to detail it elevates the role of the dehumidifier and earns a prominent and visible place in the home. With its sustainable materials and functioning, it claims the possibility to replace old devices.
Packaging
The packaging reflects Drop's identity by enhancing the use of materials, thanks to reflections and engravings, and the elegant silhouette. Simple and minimal, it is made with a few pieces from sustainable materials. Available in Drop's four colours: green, purple, white, black.
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Designed by Anna Fiore
