The improvement in efficiency over a conventional condenser is credited to the "microporous structure" that is deposited and lies between a small solar cell and a condenser. The moister air during evening is drawn into the material, the chamber is then sealed, and the warming of the material and condensation produces water. Does that pretty well cover the explanation of how this new device operates?
A few questions immediately occur to me: How much improvement/water production is gained over a conventional passive solar still? How is the chamber sealed at dawn? What are the expenses of producing this condenser and how are they relative to current applications?
Oft times, the "better mousetrap" is realized at a much higher cost than a previous, simpler method. Sometimes, materials are developed that are immediately applied to a poor end result but later become almost ubiquitous (Sticky Notes by 3M, for example).
Thanks for keeping us informed, Profdan. We all need a grey matter stretch every once-and-awhile. MO is that this device doesn't improve the physics of condensing water from air in a significant manner.
