Design and Field Validation of a Solar-Powered Thermoelectric Atmospheric Water Generator for Decentralized Drinking Water Production | IJET โ€“ Volume 11 Issue 6 | IJET-V11I6P19

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International Journal of Engineering and Techniques (IJET)

Open Access โ€ข Peer Reviewed โ€ข High Citation & Impact Factor โ€ข ISSN: 2395-1303

Volume 11, Issue 6  |  Published: November 2025

Author:Vishal A. Meshram, Varad P. Belsare, Sameer S. Bhabad, Devyani G. Bhagare, Atharva A. Bhagat, Shantanu S. Bhagat, Akhilesh S. Bhandekar

DOI: https://doi.org/{{doi}}  โ€ข  PDF: Download

Abstract

This paper describes the design, optimization, and field validation of a solar-powered atmospheric water generator (AWG) aimed at overcoming water scarcity in off-grid and arid regions. Utilizing high- efficiency thermoelectric cooling powered exclusively by photovoltaics, the system autonomously condenses atmospheric moisture into potable water, producing 1โ€“3 liters per day under varied environmental conditions. Integrated real-time sensing and Arduino-based control optimize energy use and water yield, ensuring robust, low-maintenance performance. A multi- stage purification processโ€”combining filtration and UV sterilizationโ€”ensures the collected water consistently adheres to WHO safety standards (TDS < 100 ppm, pH 6.5โ€“7.5, pathogen-free). Testing demonstrates the systemโ€™s high energy efficiency (250โ€“300 Wh/liter), ability to operate continuously without grid infrastructure, and significant environmental benefits relative to conventional water supply methods. By merging renewables, advanced materials, and intelligent automation, this scalable AWG offers a sustainable, decentralized solution for secure water access in vulnerable communities, marking a critical advance toward global water security in the face of climate and infrastructure challenges.

Keywords

Atmospheric water generator, energy efficiency, off-grid water supply, photovoltaic system, renewable energy, solar-powered, sustainable water harvesting, thermoelectric cooling, water filtration, water scarcity.

Conclusion

There is still a lot of room for advancement in atmospheric water generator systems, especially when it comes to using sustainable and creative technologies to alleviate the world’s water shortage. Improvements in condensation and heat exchange methods through the use of more effective thermal management systems and airflow pathway optimization are the main areas for improvement. By incorporating cutting-edge materials like nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), or hygroscopic desiccants, future AWG systems can produce more water while using less energy. Even in regions with comparatively low humidity levels, these materials have shown improved condensation efficiency capabilities, allowing water generation. The creation of “super hygroscopic porous gels” made of titanium nitride, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and LiCl THL is the result of recent advances in materials science. These gels have shown remarkable water adsorption capabilities over a broad range of humidities, from 15% to 90% RH. The efficiency of next-generation AWG systems may be completely transformed by these cutting-edge materials. The incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies presents encouraging avenues for improving the system. Advanced sensors and communication modules can be integrated into AWG systems to allow for remote monitoring of vital operational parameters like water quality, temperature, humidity, and energy consumption. Predictive maintenance procedures, system diagnostics, and performance optimization are all supported by real-time data collection capabilities, which are especially helpful for remote or challenging-to-access deployment sites. Using past environmental data and performance trends, machine learning algorithms could optimize operational parameters. These clever systems could automatically adjust to shifting environmental conditions, forecast ideal operating schedules, and foresee maintenance needs. The potential for dual-use applications of current solar panel installations was shown by promising research by Joseph et al. (2024), where the same infrastructure could produce water at night and electricity during the day. This strategy makes the best use of available resources and provides an affordable means of expanding water production capacity in areas that have already made investments in solar energy infrastructure.

References

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APA
Vishal A. Meshram, Varad P. Belsare, Sameer S. Bhabad, Devyani G. Bhagare, Atharva A. Bhagat, Shantanu S. Bhagat, Akhilesh S. Bhandekar (November 2025). Design and Field Validation of a Solar-Powered Thermoelectric Atmospheric Water Generator for Decentralized Drinking Water Production. International Journal of Engineering and Techniques (IJET), 11(6). https://doi.org/{{doi}}
Vishal A. Meshram, Varad P. Belsare, Sameer S. Bhabad, Devyani G. Bhagare, Atharva A. Bhagat, Shantanu S. Bhagat, Akhilesh S. Bhandekar, โ€œDesign and Field Validation of a Solar-Powered Thermoelectric Atmospheric Water Generator for Decentralized Drinking Water Production,โ€ International Journal of Engineering and Techniques (IJET), vol. 11, no. 6, {{pub_date}}, doi: {{doi}}.
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