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 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 (COP r ), second-law efficiency (η 2,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.