Prototype for obtaining water from atmospheric humidity using photovoltaic solar energy applied to artisanal fishing vessels

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research was to evaluate the development of a prototype for obtaining water from atmospheric humidity, using solar photovoltaic energy, aboard small fishing boats. The prototype consists of an atmospheric water condenser, a pump, a sediment filter, a granular carbon filter, a carbon block filter, a UV-C lamp and storage tanks. A photovoltaic system was implemented to supply electricity, consisting of a charge controller, a battery and a photovoltaic panel. Water production and quality were evaluated both before and after passing through the system, applying Peru’s legal standards for control parameters, such as turbidity, conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms. The results obtained showed that the system is working satisfactorily. A cost analysis was also carried out, which revealed that the water produced has a value of US$0.10/L. Depending on the power supply, water production can reach 32 L/day.

KEYWORDS:

• Atmospheric humidity
• water
• fishing vessel
• photovoltaic

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the PNIPA.