ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATOR(AWG)

A SEMINAR REPORT

Submitted by

UNAIS P.P
20020226

In partial fulfilment for the award of the

DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

ORPHANAGE POLYTECHNIC COLLAGE EDAVANNA

MALAPPURAM KERALA INDIA-676541

2022-2023

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 BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that the Seminar Report ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATOR

is the bonafide work presented by UNAIS P.P Reg No :20020226 carried out
of the work my supervision in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award
of Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Board of Technical Education at
Orphanage Polytechnic College Edavanna for year 2023.

Mr.RASHID MP Mr. MOHAMED SHAFI K

Head of the department Lecturer
Department of Mechanical Engineering Department of mechanical Engineering
Orphanage polytechnic college , Orphanage polytechnic college ,
Edavanna , Kerala – 676541 Edavanna , Kerala – 676541

Submitted for the seminar viva voce held on……………………….

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

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 ABSTRACT

An Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) is a technology that extracts water from the air
by condensing moisture through a cooling system. This paper presents an overview of AWG
technology, including its working principles, design parameters, and potential applications.
The review focuses on the advantages and limitations of AWGs, such as their energy
efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, as well as their suitability for different
environments and water quality requirements. The paper also discusses the challenges and
opportunities for further research and development of AWGs, such as improving their
performance, reducing their environmental impact, and increasing their affordability. Overall,
AWGs offer a promising solution for addressing water scarcity and sustainability challenges,
particularly in regions with high humidity and low rainfall, or in emergency situations where
access to safe drinking water is limited.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We express our sincere thanks to Mr. MANSOOR ALI PP principle of Orphanage

Polytechnic College Edavanna for the support and constant encouragement.

We express our gratitude to Mr.RASHID MP Head of the Department in Mechanical

Engineering for the support and constant encouragement

We extend our deep sense gratitude to our seminar guide by Mr. MOHAMED SHAFI
lecturer in Mechanical Engineering to give as valuable guidance and whole hearted
encouragement throughout this seminar

We thank all our teaching and non - teaching staffs and friends for sharing their
knowledge and valuable suggestions.

Last but not least we thank the almighty for the blessing showered on us to present this
seminar report.

UNAIS P.P
Reg No : 20020226

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Title Page

No. No.

ABSTRACT 3

ACKNOWLEDGMENT 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5

LIST OF FIGURES 6

1. INTRODUCTION 7

2. LITERATURE REVIEW 9

3. ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATOR 10

4. PARTS OF AWG 12

4.1 Compressor
4.2 Condenser
4.3 Filtration system
4.4 Storage Tank
4.5 UV Sterilisation Light
4.6 Renewable energy source

5. WORKING OF AWG 15

6. TECHNIQUE USED IN AWG 16

6.1 Cooling Condensation AWG

6.2 Desiccant-Based AWG

7. ADVANTAGES OF AWG 18

8. DISADVANTAGES OF AWG 19

9. APPLICATIONS OF AWG 20

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Name Of Figure Page No.

1.1 Diagrams of AWG 8

1.2 Diagrams of AWG 9

4.1 Compressor 12

4.2 Condenser 12

4.3 Filtration system 13

4.4 Storage tank 13

4.5 UV Sterilisation light 14

5.1 Block diagram 15

6.1 Techniques used for AWG 16

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

An Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) is a device that extracts water from the
atmosphere by condensing moisture through a cooling system. AWGs are an innovative
solution to the problem of water scarcity, especially in regions where access to freshwater is
limited or unreliable. This seminar report aims to provide an overview of AWG technology,
its working principles, design considerations, and potential applications.

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1.1 Diagrams of Atmospheric water generator

Fig 1.1 Diagrams of Atmospheric water generator

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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Water scarcity is a growing problem worldwide, affecting over 2 billion people who lack
access to safe drinking water. Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) offer a promising
solution to this problem by extracting water from the air using a cooling system. This literature
review provides an overview of the current state of research on AWGs, including their working
principles, performance metrics, and potential applications.

Fig 1.2 Diagrams of Atmospheric water generator

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CHAPTER 3

ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATOR

In regards to water projects for developing and underdeveloped countries such

as in Africa, numerous amounts of work and projects have been done to help the
African people survive and meet proper nutrition. The world desperately needs
alternative “water cultivation” methods, and producing water from air is one of the
most viable and sound solutions presented as the world’s freshwater needs increase
daily. This technology has the ability to meet and fill the growing demand for
economical, safe, great-tasting drinking water, and clean drinking water is essential to
health and wellness for people everywhere. We have designed and developed a
prototype system for removing clean (potable) drinking water from air using a
traditional power grid. We use a traditional power grid to generate electricity; use
electricity to cool air (or increase pressure) resulting in condensation of water; capture
water vapor from air that condenses into water to obtain 99% pure and safe drinking
water from the moisture in the air. Implementation of the process using the most
efficient and cost-effective method is also an important concern in the project [3].

Similarly, a research paper explains how the global water challenge is the
motivation to find new sources of drinking water. The Earth’s atmosphere holds
enormous amounts of water in the form of vapor, which could serve for that purpose.
Various technologies already exist and are described here that make use of the
atmospheric water vapor as a freshwater source. Yet, for active cooling technologies,
humidity harvesting is an energy-intensive application, as water vapor is embedded in
ambient air. Therefore, a method is introduced that uses water vapor selective
membranes to concentrate the water vapor before the cooling process. The successful
implementation of such membrane separation processes in other applications (flue gas
dehydration) is described, and the main challenges concerning their use in humidity
harvesting are stated. The way these challenges will be dealt with is described in the
outline of the thesis, where the content of the individual chapters is stated briefly [4].

Also, an Atmospheric Water Generator is an appliance that employs

dehumidification/condensing technology that extracts water from the humidity in the
air. The water is then filtered and purified through several filters, including carbon and
reverse osmosis, and UV sterilization lights. The result is pure drinking water from
the air. An Atmospheric Water Generator works on the same principle as refrigerators
and air conditioners, i.e., on the principle of cooling through evaporation. The
Atmospheric water generator works by converting atmospheric air to pressurized air
using a compressor, and then this air is passed through condenser pipes, which
decreases its temperature to the dew point. The air condenses to liquid and is passed

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through a filtration system, and it is then stored in a tank. The major aim or objective
of our project is to provide safe and clean drinking water to those areas facing water
shortage problems or where water transportation through regular means is expensive
(especially rural areas). Our project hopes to reduce this problem by providing an
Atmospheric Water Generator that will run via a bicycle-gear arrangement or stand-
alone renewable source of energy, i.e., either solar or wind [5].

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CHAPTER 4

PARTS OF ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATOR

Compressor: This part of the system is responsible for compressing the air and increasing its
pressure. It helps to facilitate the condensation of water vapour by cooling the air.

fig 4.1 compressor

Condenser: The compressed air is passed through a series of condenser pipes, which cools it
down to the dew point, causing the water vapour to condense and form droplets.

fig 4.2 Condenser

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Filtration system: Once the water droplets have formed, they are passed through a filtration
system to remove any impurities, such as dust, dirt, or other particles that may have been
present in the air.

fig 4.3 Filtration system

Storage tank: The purified water is stored in a tank until it is ready to be dispensed.

fig 4.4 Storage tank

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UV sterilization lights: To ensure that the water is free of any harmful bacteria or viruses, it
is often passed through UV sterilization lights to kill any remaining microorganisms.

fig 4.5 UV sterilization lights

Renewable energy source: In some systems, renewable energy sources such as solar or wind
power are used to provide the energy needed to run the AWG. This makes the system more
sustainable and environmentally friendly.

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CHAPTER 5

WORKING OF ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATOR

An Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) works on the principle of condensation. First,

air is drawn in using a fan or compressor and passed through filters to remove impurities. Then,
the clean air is cooled to its dew point, causing the water vapour in the air to condense into
droplets. These droplets are collected and filtered to remove any remaining impurities. The
resulting water is then sterilized using UV light or other disinfection methods to ensure that it
is safe for consumption. Finally, the purified water is stored in a tank until it is ready to be
dispensed. The amount of water generated by an AWG depends on the atmospheric conditions,
including humidity levels, temperature, and air quality.

fig 5.1 Block Diagram

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CHAPTER 6

TECHNIQUE USED IN ATMOSPHERIC WATER

GENERATOR

Fig 6.1 Technique used for AWG

6.1 COOLING CONDENSATION AWG

A cooling condensation type atmospheric water generator works by using a refrigeration

system to cool incoming air below its dew point, which causes water vapour in the air to
condense into liquid water droplets .The process starts by drawing in air from the surrounding
environment using a fan, which then passes through a pre-filter to remove any large particles
and impurities. The air is then passed through a cooling coil, which contains a refrigerant that
cools the air to a temperature below its dew point .As the air cools, the water vapour in the air
condenses into liquid droplets on the surface of the cooling coil. The condensed water droplets
are then collected and passed through a series of filters and purification systems to remove any
remaining impurities, such as dust, bacteria, and other contaminants .The purified water is then
stored in a tank, ready for use. Atmospheric water generators using this cooling condensation
technique can produce several gallons of water per day, depending on the size and capacity of
the unit. They are often used in areas with high humidity levels, such as coastal regions or
tropical climates, where there is ample moisture in the air to condense into water.

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6.2 DESICCANT-BASED AWG

A desiccant-based atmospheric water generator (AWG) works by using a desiccant

material to absorb moisture from the air and then releasing the water vapour in a separate
chamber, where it can be condensed and collected as liquid water .The process starts by
drawing in humid air from the surrounding environment using a fan, which then passes through
a pre-filter to remove any large particles and impurities. The air then passes through a desiccant
wheel or bed, which contains a material that can absorb moisture from the air. As the air passes
through the desiccant material, it releases its moisture content, which is then directed to a
separate condensation chamber. In the condensation chamber, the water vapour is cooled to
below its dew point, causing it to condense into liquid water droplets. The condensed water
droplets are then collected and passed through a series of filters and purification systems to
remove any remaining impurities .The purified water is then stored in a tank, ready for use.
Desiccant-based atmospheric water generators are often used in areas with low humidity levels,
such as arid or desert climates, where there is little moisture in the air. They can also be useful
in situations where the humidity level fluctuates, as the desiccant material can adjust to
different levels of moisture in the air. However, desiccant-based AWGs tend to be less efficient
than cooling condensation units, as they require more energy to regenerate the desiccant
material and release the moisture.

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CHAPTER 7
ADVANDAGES OF AWG

 Provides a reliable source of water independent of traditional water sources

 Sustainable and environmentally friendly
 Cost-effective in the long term
 Produces high-quality drinking water
 Versatile and adaptable to different settings and demands

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CHAPTER 8
DISADVANTAGES OF AWG

 High upfront cost for purchasing and installing an AWG

 Energy consumption can be high, especially for cooling condensation units
 Desiccant-based units tend to be less efficient than cooling condensation units
 Production capacity may be limited in low-humidity environments
 Regular maintenance is required to ensure proper functioning and water quality

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CHAPTER 9

APPLICATION OF AWG

 Emergency response and disaster relief

 Remote and off-grid locations
 Military and humanitarian operations
 Agriculture and irrigation
 Commercial and industrial use, such as in beverage production or pharmaceutical
manufacturing
 Domestic use in homes and buildings
 Sustainable development projects
 Water conservation efforts and reducing dependence on traditional water sources

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CHAPTER 10

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, atmospheric water generators (AWGs) offer a sustainable and reliable

source of clean water, especially in areas with limited access to traditional water sources.
AWGs provide several advantages, including independence from traditional water sources,
sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality drinking water production. However, they
also have some disadvantages, including high upfront costs, energy consumption, and limited
production capacity in low-humidity environments. AWGs can be applied in various settings,
including emergency response and disaster relief, remote and off-grid locations, and
commercial and industrial use. Overall, AWGs offer a promising solution to address the
global water crisis and provide access to clean and safe drinking water for all.

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 REFERENCE

[1] Li, Z., & Wang, R. (2017). A review of atmospheric water generators: principles, recent
advancements, and future prospects. Applied Energy, 205, 1194-1211.

[2] Sharma, A., Singh, B., & Bhardwaj, R. (2019). Atmospheric Water Generator: A
Review. Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences,
55(2), 172-180.

[3] Adhikari , B., & Al-Karaghouli , A. (2016). A review of atmospheric water harvesting:
insulation materials and cooling techniques. Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Reviews, 56, 623-630.

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