Efficient atmospheric water generation using mechanical vapor compression: An improved system for sustainable freshwater production

IF 5.1 3区工程技术 Q2 ENERGY & FUELS

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress Pub Date : 2025-05-08 DOI:10.1016/j.tsep.2025.103637

M.A.M. Ahmed , Ridha Ben Mansour , Mohammad R. Shakeel , Syed M. Zubair

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study addresses the global freshwater scarcity challenge by introducing an energy-efficient atmospheric water generation system that employs a desiccant-based moisture extraction process coupled with a mechanical vapor compression cycle. A thermodynamic model is developed and evaluated across a range of operating conditions, accounting for key parameters such as desiccant and air mass flow rates, ambient environmental factors, and the thermophysical properties of the desiccant. The proposed approach offers a scalable and environmentally sustainable solution, contributing to the advancement of modern water resource management technologies. The proposed system achieves up to 60 % lower specific energy consumption than conventional humidification dehumidification-based atmospheric water generator systems. Optimal performance occurs at a desiccant-to-air mass flow ratio of 4, with diminishing returns beyond this point. The proposed system operates at 8.78 kWh/m³ with compact heat transfer areas: 2.73 m² (evaporator), 0.63 m² (brine preheater), and 0.14 m² (distillate preheater).

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利用机械蒸汽压缩有效地产生大气水：一种可持续淡水生产的改进系统

本研究通过引入一种高效节能的大气制水系统来解决全球淡水短缺的挑战，该系统采用基于干燥剂的水分提取工艺以及机械蒸汽压缩循环。在一系列操作条件下开发和评估热力学模型，考虑关键参数，如干燥剂和空气质量流量，环境因素和干燥剂的热物理特性。提出的方法提供了一种可扩展和环境可持续的解决方案，有助于现代水资源管理技术的进步。与传统的加湿除湿大气制水机系统相比，该系统的比能耗可降低60%。最佳性能发生在干燥剂与空气质量流量比为4时，超过此点收益递减。该系统运行速度为8.78 kWh/m3，传热面积紧凑：2.73 m2（蒸发器），0.63 m2（盐水预热器）和0.14 m2（馏分预热器）。

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来源期刊

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress Chemical Engineering-Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

CiteScore

7.20

自引率

10.40%

发文量

327

审稿时长

41 days

期刊介绍： Thermal Science and Engineering Progress (TSEP) publishes original, high-quality research articles that span activities ranging from fundamental scientific research and discussion of the more controversial thermodynamic theories, to developments in thermal engineering that are in many instances examples of the way scientists and engineers are addressing the challenges facing a growing population – smart cities and global warming – maximising thermodynamic efficiencies and minimising all heat losses. It is intended that these will be of current relevance and interest to industry, academia and other practitioners. It is evident that many specialised journals in thermal and, to some extent, in fluid disciplines tend to focus on topics that can be classified as fundamental in nature, or are ‘applied’ and near-market. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress will bridge the gap between these two areas, allowing authors to make an easy choice, should they or a journal editor feel that their papers are ‘out of scope’ when considering other journals. The range of topics covered by Thermal Science and Engineering Progress addresses the rapid rate of development being made in thermal transfer processes as they affect traditional fields, and important growth in the topical research areas of aerospace, thermal biological and medical systems, electronics and nano-technologies, renewable energy systems, food production (including agriculture), and the need to minimise man-made thermal impacts on climate change. Review articles on appropriate topics for TSEP are encouraged, although until TSEP is fully established, these will be limited in number. Before submitting such articles, please contact one of the Editors, or a member of the Editorial Advisory Board with an outline of your proposal and your expertise in the area of your review.