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Corresponding Author

Hamed, Ahmed

Subject Area

Mechanical Power Engineering

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

In the present work, an investigation on the application of solar energy to heat a sandy bed impregnated with calcium chloride for recovery of water from atmospheric air, in the climatic zone of Taif, has been presented. The study also aimed at evaluating the effects of different parameters on the productivity of the system during regeneration. These parameters include system design characteristics and the climatic conditions. An experimental unit has been designed and installed for this purpose in climatic conditions of Taif area, Saudi Arabic. The experimental unit which has a surface area of 0.5m2 , comprises solar/desiccant collector unit containing sandy bed impregnated with calcium chloride. The sandy layer impregnated with desiccant is subjected to ambient atmosphere to absorb water vapor in the night. During the sunshine period, the layer is covered with glass surface. Ambient temperature, bed temperature and temperature of glass surface are recorded. Also, the productivity of the system has been evaluated. Desiccant concentration at start of regeneration is selected on the basis of the climatic data of Al-Hada region, which is located at Taif area, Saudi Arabia. Experimental measurements show that about1.0 liter per m2 of pure water can be regenerated from the desiccant bed at the climatic conditions of Taif. Liquid desiccant with initial concentration of 30% can be regenerated to a final concentration of about 44%. A maximum bed temperature of 112o C is recorded at 2 pm. Desiccant concentration at start of regeneration is selected on the basis of the climatic data of Al-Hada region. It is found that the climatic condition for Taif city almost dry compared with that for Al-Hada region. This method for extracting water from atmospheric air is more suitable for Al-Hada region especially in the fall and winter.

Keywords

Extraction; atmospheric air; Absorption; Liquid desiccant; solar energy; Regeneration

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