Work

Optimal solar energy on thermoelectric cooler of water generator in case study on flood crisis

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to study the drinking water production using a photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid system. The methodology used in this study was simulated by using a psychrometric chart and MATLAB/Simulink software to validate the operating conditions (temperature and humidity). We construct a portable drinking water system, consisting of a TEC-12706 array which is powered by a photovoltaic hybrid system. The system comprises a 50 W solar cell and an 80 AH battery. The thermoelectric module is mainly used to recover waste heat from the heat exchanger (hot side). On the basis of the principle of latent heat, molecules of water vapor can be converted into water droplets from the heat exchanger (cold side). The prototype has been tested at the Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (Doi Saket campus), Chiang Mai, Thailand. The preliminary results showed that drinking water can be produced approximately 1 L per day at a temperature of 10–30 °C and a humidity of 60–80%. Hence, such a portable drinking water module may serve 1–2 persons per day under a flood crisis.

Source: Japanese Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.7567/jjap.57.08rh05

Authors: Chana Uttasilp, Nopporn Patcharaprakiti, Teerasak Somsak, Jutturit Thongpron

Institution: Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna

Language: English

Topic: Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Clean water and sanitation, Climate action

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna