https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACadXn5lwV0
peltier 12706 60 watts approximately 194Peltier devices, also known as thermoelectric coolers (TECs), are indeed used to harvest water from the atmosphere.
Here's how it works and some important considerations:
How Peltier Devices Work for Water Harvesting:
Peltier Effect: A Peltier module consists of two ceramic plates with P-type and N-type semiconductor materials sandwiched between them.
Cooling for Condensation: In an atmospheric water generator (AWG) using a Peltier device:
Air, containing water vapor, is drawn over the cold side of the Peltier module, usually aided by a fan.
As the humid air comes into contact with the cold surface, its temperature drops below its dew point.
When the air cools below its dew point, the water vapor in it condenses into liquid water droplets.
Heat Dissipation: The hot side of the Peltier module needs to effectively dissipate the heat it generates.
Water Collection:
The condensed water droplets are then collected in a reservoir, often
with a system for filtering and purification to make it potable.
Key Factors Affecting Efficiency:
Humidity: Peltier-based AWGs are most efficient in environments with high relative humidity.
Temperature: Lower ambient temperatures can also improve efficiency, as less energy is required to cool the air to its dew point. Nighttime conditions are often optimal.
Power Consumption: Peltier devices can be energy-intensive. Their efficiency is often measured by their Coefficient of Performance (COP), which is the ratio of heat absorbed at the cold junction to the input power. COPs
for Peltier devices are generally lower than traditional
compressor-based refrigeration systems (typically 0.3 to 0.7, though
some can be higher).
Heat Dissipation: Effective heat dissipation from the hot side is critical.
Airflow: Optimizing the airflow rate over the cold surface is important for maximizing water collection.
Surface Area: Increasing the contact surface area between the air and the cold side of the Peltier module (e.g., using fins or coils) can enhance condensation.
Advantages of Peltier Devices for Water Harvesting:
No moving parts (except fans): This leads to silent operation, higher reliability, and lower maintenance compared to compressor-based systems.
Compact size: They can be made relatively small, making them suitable for portable or small-scale applications.
Environmentally friendly: They do not use refrigerants like CFCs, which can be harmful to the environment.
Precise temperature control: They can maintain temperature within fractions of a degree.
Disadvantages:
Low efficiency (compared to compressor systems): As mentioned, they consume more power per unit of water produced. This is their main drawback for large-scale applications.
Scalability: While multiple Peltier modules can be used, scaling up to produce large volumes of water efficiently can be challenging due to their inherent energy consumption.
DIY and Commercial Applications:
DIY Projects: Many enthusiasts build small-scale atmospheric water generators using Peltier modules, often powered by solar panels for off-grid use. These are typically for educational purposes or to produce small amounts of water for specific needs (e.g., watering plants).
Commercial Applications: While traditional compressor-based AWGs are more common for large-scale production, Peltier-based systems are being explored for niche applications where their advantages (compactness, silent operation) are highly valued. Research is ongoing to improve their efficiency for broader commercial use.
In summary, Peltier devices offer a unique and often attractive way to harvest water from the atmosphere, particularly for smaller, specialized applications where their silence, compactness, and lack of refrigerants are beneficial. However, their relatively high energy consumption per liter of water remains a significant consideration for large-scale water production.