Solar-off-grid atmospheric water harvesting system: Performance analysis and evaluation in diverse climate conditions

Abstract

Global warming, climate change, and conflicts have collectively exacerbated the pressing issue of water scarcity on a global scale. Addressing this critical challenge and ensuring equitable access to water for all necessitates a heightened commitment and the introduction of groundbreaking initiatives. In light of the growing global awareness surrounding this issue, this study introduces an innovative, grid-independent, solar-powered approach to atmospheric water harvesting. The simulations yield valuable insights that can serve as a foundation for further investigations by fellow researchers. Central to this study is the exploration and examination of the influence of dew point temperature, a pivotal factor in condensing atmospheric water, as it shapes the water collection process. The credibility of the results is reinforced through meticulous cross-referencing with existing literature, following extensive exploration and analysis of various parameters. The study's adaptability is put to the test across three distinct climatic locations: a coastal, a typical, and a desert environment. In desert conditions, the system achieves an average daily water collection of 45 l, while in coastal climates, this figure escalates to an impressive 100 ll per day. Remarkably, July emerges as the most prolific month for water collection across all simulated regions. To comprehensively evaluate the system's efficiency in capturing water vapor, a comparative analysis is conducted against alternative designs. The proposed approach excels in terms of water harvested per kilowatt of energy consumed, boasting values of 3.248 kg/kWh, 2.689 kg/kWh, and 1.871 kg/kWh for coastal, typical, and desert regions, respectively. Notably, the coastal area stands out as the most effective, owing to its consistently hot and humid climate. With similar meteorological conditions in place, this system holds the potential for global replication, facilitating the collection of water volumes comparable to those observed in coastal regions.