Innovation on fog collectors. Monitoring and evaluation protocol

The main purpose of Fog Water Collectors (FWC) in relation to the expected water capture capability is primarily for local use. Hence, the focus on the development of a more efficient FWC design has started by building a wind tunnel for lab testing and field testing phase (which we are currently running). Data derived from such experiments will result on the most efficient method for fog droplets harvesting. One thing that has been taken into account during design processes is the passive generation of vortex effect which maximises wind speed crossing the FWC, translating into higher water yields. Additionally, in order to simplify installation and use of these structures, the innovative Fog Water Collectors (i-FWC) count with several advantages over traditional designs, namely; modular scalability, easy set up design, they do not require concrete foundations and are cheaper to manufacture. By achieving these goals, project engineers have overcome two major challenges previously found; structural stability and cost minimisation on FWC’s field deployment. So far since September 2022, fog water collection data gathered from i-FWC, suggest to almost doubling harvesting capacity in comparison to previous designs. However, field testing results will have to be further confirmed in the long-term.

Another development done under Action C.1 is the CO₂ and water footprint of a Laurisilva forest in the Canary Islands. Such research is done by means of an Eddy Covariance system which is currently the most preferred method for assessing ecosystem’s carbon exchange. For installing the instrumentation, a site was selected in the Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve at 1015m amsl (28º 32′ 9.61′′ N, 16º 16′ 8.91′′ W). This is located in the highest part of the park and exposed to the prevailing NE trade winds, so it is frequently affected by fogs. Technicians are constantly monitoring data inputs and analysing Laurisilva fluxes developments.