Condensate as a water source in terrestrial and extra-terrestrial conditions

Abstract

A condensate generated from air in air conditioning (AC) units is a reliable, and a stable source of water possible to be reused in different forms. This study focuses on condensate recovery from heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) systems maintaining ambient or indoor air. The database of experiments conducted in outdoor air is much larger than those conducted in indoor air. The experiments conducted in greenhouses, plant factories, vertical farms, and space systems and applications come with assistance The latter include facilities such as the International Space Station and closed analog ecosystems simulating future space bases. In these locations, condensate is mainly recovered for crew needs (consumption, hygiene, etc.). From these studies it is possible to derive knowledge of what treatment processes are required to obtain water of high quality. In general, the most important parameters affecting the quantity and quality of recovered condensate are climate zone and associated climate parameters, building type, building use, and supply air volume. Additionally in case of indoor air recovery, the most important parameters are the climatic conditions, people activity, plant types grown, and whether the system has to operate in a closed loop. Other important parameters influencing condensate composition is construction and material of the HVAC system and the condensate capture system. The growing interest in the market for vertical farms and closed-loop grow chambers is observed globally. Thus, this study will favor future research on condensate recovery from these facilities. This paper deepens the look at the problem of HVAC condensate recovery by including previously not considered places such as closed ecological systems, where condensate is used for drinking water purposes.