Experimental and theoretical study of an integrated thermoelectric–photovoltaic system for air dehumidification and fresh water production

摘要: SUMMARY The main objective of this study is to present an integrated thermoelectric–photovoltaic renewable system dehumidify air and produce fresh water. The combined with a solar distiller humidifying ambient enhance distillate output meet the specified water needs for residential application. A model developed simulate dehumidification process using thermoelectrically cooled TEC channels. Experiments were performed validate results. It found that predicted well variation in temperature along channel maximum relative error less than 2.4%. In addition, simulation amount condensate produced by 8.3%. An optimization problem formulated design set optimal operation 10 L per day meeting typical residential. Using five channels length 1.2 m area 0.07 × .05 m2 1.2-m2 recirculates constant mass flow rate 0.15 kg s−1 capable demand when through each optimally at 0.0155 kg s−1. associated electrical current input modules varied depending on month 2.2 A June, 2.1 A July 2.0 A August, September October. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.