Modular Design and CFD-FEM Simulation of a Fog Collector for Atmospheric Water Harvesting

The following study presents the design and simulation-based validation of a modular fog collector, which is structurally robust and aerodynamically optimized for high-altitude environments. By using CAD modelling, Finite Element Method Analysis (FEM), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the system was evaluated under circumstances in which wind and gravity loads were combined. The results of this study show that the structure maintains safety factors greater than 2.6 and maximum displacements of less than 2 mm. In addition, CFD simulations revealed an effective interaction between the airflow and the collector surfaces, confirming its omnidirectional capture capability. When the present study was compared to conventional flat collectors, it was proven that the proposed design offers a better structural integrity as well as a better aerodynamic performance. As a result, this work brings a multidisciplinary approach to fog harvesting, with the potential for scalable implementation in different regions where the water source is scarce.