Experimental Analysis of a Compact Atmospheric Water Generator by Refrigerant Method

Abstract

The current climate and environmental situation with ascending numbers of extreme and prolonged weather events has already impacted life negatively. An increasing trend in desertification of lands due to scarcity of clean and sustainable supplies of freshwater is a critical consequence of these environmental changes. According to the literature, 4.7 billion people have shortage in access to clean water. This fact is a reason enough to encourage researchers and scientists to find alternative solutions for providing safe water for humans and plants. Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) may present an economical and efficient solution. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of the efficiency of an AWH model through cooling humid air from the environment using solar power as a source of energy. The relatively light-weight and compact design of this model makes it ideal for atmospheric water collection in deserted areas with no access to 220V electric current, as the implemented refrigeration compressor is a 12 V one. The evaluation showed that with a smart design of the evaporator unit and without implementing any expensive chemicals or materials, the efficiency of the system can be enhanced significantly. Preliminary results showed promising potential. The system has proved to be able to work independently to produce clean water for human use and agriculture in deserted areas.