Thermo-economic analysis of a hybrid atmospheric water generator (AWG): a case study in Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

In arid and semi-arid regions with low relative humidity, it is difficult to obtain drinking water from the air humidity. The water supply in Mashhad faces many challenges. The water production from atmospheric humidity is one method of supplying water in Mashhad. The aim of this study was to investigate a small-scale hybrid atmospheric water generator (AWG) that utilizes a desiccant wheel to adsorb and desorb air humidity. The proposed AWG was mathematically modeled in order to determine its efficiency and performance. A complete energy, exergy, and economic (3E) analyses were conducted on the proposed system. In order to validate the mathematical model, a numerical simulation was performed using the ANSYS 2022R1 software. The water generation rate, energy consumption, specific energy consumption, and energy-exergy efficiency of the proposed system were presented in months. According to the results, the WGR is highest in July at 156 L day⁻¹ and lowest in December at 23 L day⁻¹. Additionally, July and December had the highest and lowest SECs during the year, with 1.5 kWh L⁻¹ and 10 kWh L⁻¹, respectively. Additionally, July and December recorded the highest and lowest energy and exergy efficiencies, respectively, with 22.1%, 1.25% and 4.8%, 0.14%.