US Patent 7478535 System, and associated method, for recovering water from air

A system for condensing water from air includes a column having a substantially non-reflective surface effective for absorbing heat energy from the sun and transferring the heat to air in the interior of the column. A condenser is secured within the column, and includes a condensing surface with a thermoelectric cooler positioned thereon for cooling the condensing surface. A collector is positioned within the column for collecting water that condenses on and falls from the at least one condensing surface of the condenser, and an accumulator is coupled in fluid communication with the collector for accumulating the water.