Numerical simulation of water production from humid air for Khuzestan province: Investigation of the Peltier effect (thermoelectric cooling system) on water production rate

Abstract

The effect of applying a thermoelectric cooling system (TEC) in an air-water generator system is studied in present study. This study is focused on changing thermoelectric cold surface temperature on the water productivity amount from the air that is knwon as condensation. For this purpose, 12 numerical samples evaluated in which the temperature of the thermoelectric cold surface varies from 1 °C to 12°C. The temperature and relative humidity of the ambient air in all samples are fixed and equal to 35 °C and 80 %, respectively. To observe the distribution of properties, velocity field, temperature field, the velocity contour, isotherms, and mass fraction gradient are displayed, and the mass fraction gradient distribution diagram is shown on the cold thermoelectric surface. Also, the values of the water condensation rate in each sample are mentioned and compared. Finally, by examining the samples, it is found that the decrease in temperature was directly related to the increase in production and condensation of water vapor in the air. Therefore the highest production rate obtained in minimum temperature of the cold surface with the amount of 0.323kg.m−2.hr−1. Based on results, 11oC temperature reduction in the cold side of thermoelectric cooling system cause 36.8% increase in water production rate.

Keywords

• Numerical simulation
• Water production
• Humid air
• Thermoelectric
• Peltier effect