Experimental study of thermoelectric systems for obtaining water from atmospheric air

Abstract

In the near future, water will become the most valuable resource on the planet, and this trend will only increase in the future. This situation leads to catastrophic consequences and may also occur in Ukraine in the near future. Atmospheric air appears as a promising, renewable and widespread source of moisture. It is believed that the Earth's atmosphere simultaneously contains about 12.9∙10³ km³ of water. Systems for obtaining water from atmospheric air that provide a temperature below the dew point can partially solve the problems of water supply. Thermoelectric modules that do not require refrigerants and are environmentally friendly have certain prospects in such systems. The purpose of the work is to study the prospects for using thermoelectric modules in systems for obtaining water from atmospheric air. The study methodology is experimental research. The results of an experimental study of the processes of condensation of moisture from atmospheric air using thermoelectric modules (Peltier elements) are presented. During experiments based on TEC1-12706 modules, the influence of supply voltage, air flow velocity and relative humidity of the environment on the condensate output was analyzed. It was established that the most energy-efficient mode is the operation mode at a voltage of 9-10 V and a current of 3.8-4.2 A, which allows avoiding module overheating. The optimal speed of radiators blowing (2.5–3.0 m/s) was determined, which ensures the best heat transfer. The results of the study showed that the specific energy consumption in the optimized mode is 0.9–1.1 kWh/l. A «critical point» of air humidity (40%) was identified, below which the condensation process becomes energetically inexpedient. The obtained data confirm the effectiveness of integrating thermoelectric water generators with photovoltaic panels to create fully autonomous water supply systems in arid regions. The scientific novelty of the conducted experimental studies is associated with the determination of the area of ​​optimal parameters of operation of thermoelectric modules, in which minimal energy costs are ensured when obtaining water from the air. The practical value lies in the possibility of creating compact devices for operation both under conditions of stable power supply and from solar panels.

Recieved: 02.03.2026. Recieved: 26.05.2026. Accepted: 22.06.2026