Reviews of atmospheric water harvesting technologies

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2020-06, Vol.201, p.117630, Article 117630
• Main Authors: Tu, Rang, Hwang, Yunho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption cooling; Atmospheric water; Atmospheric water harvesting; Compression; Condensation; Cooling; Cooling systems; Humid climates; Power consumptions; Refrigeration; Renewable energy; Simulation methods; Solar chimneys; Solar energy; Solar power; Technology; Test setup; Thermoelectric cooling; Water harvesting; Water harvesting rate; Water vapor
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.117630

Atmospheric water harvesting technologies can be classified based on working principles, namely condensation technology, sorption technology and other technologies. Condensation technology utilizes various refrigeration technologies such as vapor compression cycle, thermoelectric cooling and adsorption/absorption cooling for condensing water vapor. Water harvesting processes can be operated as long as electricity is available. For other technologies, it can be further divided into innovative technologies and hybrid technologies. For innovative technologies, renewable energy powered VCC systems, solar chimney and geothermal cooling systems are used. Based on the above three categories, This paper summarizes these water harvesting technologies from perspectives of system configurations, test setups, simulation methods, performances analysis and important findings. Based on current review study, performances and research gaps of these technologies are compared and evaluated, and possible future research for atmospheric water harvesting in humid or dry climate regions are proposed. •Condensation methods have high water productivity under humid climates.•Sorption technology can use solar energy, but its water productivity is low.•Desiccant wheel and membrane assisted methods are favorable for dry climates.•Water harvesting performances of related technologies are summarized.