UNF elevates resiliency research with atmospheric water generator installation

The University of North Florida today unveiled the installation of the WellSpring100, an Atmospheric Water Generator technology that will allow the University to conduct resiliency research to help protect critical infrastructure from threats and disasters.

In collaboration with Florida-based sustainable-technology company, Captiva Verde Corporation, and Wisconsin-based manufacturer, Origen, the WellSpring100, an advanced atmospheric water generator, is designed to produce clean, potable water by extracting moisture from the air.

Attendees at the event heard from UNF President Moez Limayem, U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and representatives from Captiva Verde and Origen.

"As our region continues to grow, so does the need for reliable, adaptable systems that can withstand environmental, economic and technological pressures," said UNF President Moez Limayem. "This work positions UNF at the forefront of that effort."

Rutherford said, "It is great to see the collaboration between UNF and private industry in action as they work together to research and develop cutting-edge, resilient technology here in Northeast Florida."

Captiva Verde is funding the project and Origen, whose parent company is Madison Industries, is providing the technology. UNF faculty and student researchers will utilize the equipment to collect real-world performance data, validate system efficiency and assess user experience. UNF will produce a final validation report with the findings after six months.

"Captiva's plan is to build atmospheric water stations across Florida to provide pure drinking water at a fraction of the cost of conventionally delivered bottled drinking water, both 'plastic-free' and made on location versus water being shipped many miles," said Brian Conlan, CEO of Captiva Verde. "I am deeply thankful for the leadership of the University of North Florida, the management team at Madison Air, the Honorable John Rutherford, and all the executive leaders and family who celebrated the inauguration at the Center of Utility Security and Resilience, highlighting the pinnacle of collaboration between academia, government and industry."

This project kicks off UNF efforts to expand the innovation of the JEA/UNF Sustainable Solutions Lab into a Center for Utility Security and Resiliency (CUSR).

Opened in 2023, the JEA/UNF Sustainable Solutions Lab established UNF as a regional leader in resilient utility research. The CUSR will augment the lab's current projects with greater research into clean and renewable energy, water security, advanced transportation, AI, cybersecurity and education.

"The Center for Utility Security and Resiliency is designed to address emerging challenges in energy, water and infrastructure through rigorous, application-focused research," said Dr. Paul Eason, VP of strategy and innovation. "Growing UNF's research infrastructure depends on projects like this, which expand our capacity to validate new technologies and deliver innovative solutions."

Plans for the CUSR will eventually encompass a research building adjacent to the current Sustainable Solutions Lab that will house space for researchers, graduate students, classrooms and operations as well as a microgrid test facility that would expand UNF's current facility into an industrial scale microgrid testbed. The CUSR will integrate interdisciplinary fields throughout the University including engineering, sciences, computing and business to adequately support research into utility resiliency and security in the Northeast Florida region and beyond.