Date of Award

3-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Christopher M. Chini, PhD

Abstract

Atmospheric Water Generators (AWG) produce potable water from the moisture in the air, providing a potentially viable water source in austere locations or emergency response scenarios. In this study, the operating constraints of three existing commercially available AWG devices are investigated, compared to historical weather data from across the continental United States. Utilizing linear regression modeling and weather station data for the years of 1985-2019, the monthly and spatial trends of energy demand to produce water from these devices are evaluated. Energy and water production efficiencies for the devices are highly dependent on environmental conditions with relative humidity and temperature as the two driving factors. Utilizing publicly available manufacturer specifications, the energy consumption for each AWG system was determined with respect to expected yield. A spatial analysis depicts the change in specific energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per liter (kWh/L) across the country at a monthly scale. The results are synthesized based on the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, to approximate projected water production and energy demand for each environment. It was found that excluding arid and cold climate classes solar powered refrigeration devices have the potential to operate more efficiently than solar driven sorption due to advances in solar panel technology.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-23-M-171

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed.

Approved for public release: 88ABW-2023-0340

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