THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF WATER HARVESTING FROM AIR USING THERMOELECTRIC COOLERS

In this article, thermodynamic analysis and optimization of a system for producing water from humid air using thennoelectric coolers is performed. The system consistsof 10 thcnnoelectric coolers, hot and cold channels, two heat sinks to increase heat transfer, a fan for air circulation and a solar panel to provide power required for thermoelectric coolers and fan. First, the effect of electric current on the amount of water production is investigated. As the electric current increases, the amount of waterproduction first rises then falls. Therefore, the ratio of water condensation to the fan and thermoelectne coolers power consumption is considered as a parameter foroptimizations. The obtained results reveal that with the increase of the temperature of the air passing through the cold channel of thermoelectric coolers. the atnount ofproduced water and COP increase, but the optimal flow rate of the air entering the channel decreases. Also. taking the relative humidity to be 75%, the maximum amount of water production in the system occurs at 318 K and equals to 29.9 ml/h.

Keywords:

Themioelectric cooler. Optimization , water harvesting from air , Thermodynamic analysis