Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering (Dec 2022)
Performance analysis of atmospheric water generator under hot and humid climate conditions: Drinkable water production and system energy consumption
Abstract
To address the problem of freshwater scarcity, this study examines the potential of atmospheric water generation (AWG). Filters made of minerals remove impurities from the water produced by the AWG process, which extracts moisture from the air and transforms it into drinking water. Water production can be decentralized, and water quality can be controlled even in remote areas thanks to AWG. Tests of an atmospheric water generator in hot and humid climates are the focus of this research. In an outdoor area, a water generator is installed, and its daily output is recorded for a year. Temperature and humidity are measured in both the ambient and exhaust air, as well as the energy consumed by the devices in the workspace. The results show that both air humidity and temperature have an impact on the water extraction rate. Water is generated at a maximum rate of 0.95 L/hr. by the device in February while consuming power at a rate of 0.84 kWh/L at a cost of 0.07 $/L. The average atmospheric air conditions were 22.16 °C temperature and 63.25% relative humidity (RH). In August, the average water output is 0.36 L/hr., with power use of 2.1 kWh/L costing 0.17 $/L. The temperature and relative humidity of the atmosphere were 36.12 °C and 44.9%, respectively. The lowest rate of water production is reported in January, with a rate of 0.13 L/hr. with a 1.98 kWh/L energy consumption. The ambient air conditions were observed as 18.74 °C and 47.64% during January. Maximum daily water production of 29.8 L was recorded on February with average temperature of 21.1 °C and 76% RH. Two days in January with average temperatures of 17.8 °C and relative humidity of 37.2% and 18.1 °C and 46.8% resulted in zero gallons of water being generated. Both a high of 20.0 kWh and a low of 1.99 kWh were recorded as the daily maximum and minimum levels of energy usage, respectively.. The yearly average water harvesting rate is calculated to be 0.36 L/hr., with an electrical usage of 2.25 kWh/L at a cost of 0.18 $/L. The ideal operating conditions for the machine have been determined to be 22 °C and 63% relative humidity. Water harvesting rates are strongly influenced by inlet air temperature and relative humidity. As a result, for AWG-based devices to work properly, ideal environmental conditions are needed.
