Photovoltaic-supported hybrid atmospheric water harvesting systems: comparative performance analysis of different configurations
This study presents a first-time comparative performance analysis of eight photovoltaic-supported hybrid atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) configurations that integrate desiccant wheels, heat exchangers, and vapor-compression refrigeration (VCR) units, using low-GWP refrigerants. The novel hybrid d...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-09-01
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| Series: | Case Studies in Thermal Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25007300 |
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| Summary: | This study presents a first-time comparative performance analysis of eight photovoltaic-supported hybrid atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) configurations that integrate desiccant wheels, heat exchangers, and vapor-compression refrigeration (VCR) units, using low-GWP refrigerants. The novel hybrid design combines desiccant-assisted dehumidification, internal heat recovery, and renewable energy to enhance water yield while minimizing electricity demand. Key performance metrics, such as coefficient of performance (COPr), second-law efficiency (η2,c), water harvesting efficiency (WHE), and required PV panel area, were evaluated under varying regeneration temperatures, airflow rates, and climate zones. Among all setups, Configuration 8, featuring two-stage desiccant wheels, a heat exchanger, and waste heat utilization, consistently delivered the best performance with the lowest energy consumption and highest WHE. Under typical summer conditions in Mersin, this configuration yielded approximately 17 L/day of water. Furthermore, it performed best in the Warm and Moderately Humid (W&MH) climate zone, offering an optimal balance between water recovery and energy efficiency. The main advantage of the method lies in its energy-efficient operation and adaptability to different climatic conditions. Additionally, utilizing condenser waste heat reduced electricity demand by up to 67 %. This hybrid system offers a practical and sustainable solution for decentralized water production in water-scarce regions. |
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| ISSN: | 2214-157X |