Energy Requirements and Photovoltaic Area for Atmospheric Water Generation in Different Locations: Lisbon, Pretoria, and Riyadh

Vasco Correia, Pedro D. Silva () and Luís C. Pires
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Vasco Correia: Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Pedro D. Silva: Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Luís C. Pires: Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 13, 1-27

Abstract: Atmospheric water generation (AWG) is a technological innovation that facilitates the extraction of water from the atmosphere using various techniques. In response to mounting concerns regarding water scarcity in multiple regions globally, AWG has emerged as a promising solution for providing potable water in areas where conventional water sources are limited or contaminated. AWG systems can be implemented across diverse settings, ranging from individual households to large-scale industrial operations, and can be powered by renewable energy sources. Despite the inherent challenges associated with upscaling AWG technology to ensure its affordability and reliability, it possesses the potential to make a significant contribution towards meeting the water requirements of communities in both developed and developing nations. This study aimed to investigate the performance and limitations of a commercially available dehumidifier, namely, the Trotec TTK140S (Heinsberg, Germany), through experimental analysis. Additionally, the feasibility of integrating this dehumidifier with a photovoltaic energy source was explored. Initially, the dehumidifier’s water production and energy consumption were assessed under specific conditions. Subsequently, a comparison was conducted across three different locations (Lisbon, Pretoria, and Riyadh) to evaluate the dehumidifier’s operation and ascertain the photovoltaic module area necessary for it to function independently. This approach effectively addresses one of the main drawbacks of the technology, namely, its substantial energy consumption.

Keywords: atmospheric water generation; vapor compression refrigeration; condensation of water vapor; renewable energy; photovoltaic system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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