Performance evaluation of atmospheric water generation in different climates using thermoelectric cooling

With growing concerns over water scarcity and climate change, this research aims to develop an atmospheric water generation (AWG) system using thermoelectric cooling (TEC) units. The system operates by cooling ambient air below the dew point, enabling condensation via a heat sink installed on the cold side of the TEC units. A theoretical model was developed to analyze thermodynamic and thermal performance as a function of parameters including voltage difference, air velocity, and temperature. Results indicate that increasing the applied voltage enhances cooling capacity and condensation rate; however, beyond a certain voltage threshold, system effectiveness declines due to thermoelectric limitations. To optimize performance, two operational modes were proposed: (1) a constant voltage mode and (2) a variable voltage mode that maximizes efficiency. When operated at a constant 12 V, the system yields 50 g/h in cold, humid conditions and 20 g/h in hot, dry climates. In contrast, the variable voltage mode improves efficiency by 30 %, albeit with a lower water yield. Findings suggest that fine-tuning operating parameters, particularly voltage regulation and airflow speed, is crucial for achieving an efficient and sustainable AWG system suited to regions facing water scarcity under varying climatic conditions.