Techno-Economic Analysis of Atmospheric Water Harvesting Across Climates

Author

Natalie Gayoso, University of New MexicoFollow

Publication Date

Fall 11-15-2022

Abstract

Drinking water scarcity is a global challenge as ground water and surface water availability diminishes. The atmosphere is an alternative freshwater reservoir that has universal availability and an abundance of water within the air. This makes the atmosphere a great source to capture drinking water. In order to effectively perform Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) we need to 1) understand how different climate regions (e.g., arid, temperate, and tropical) drive the amount of water being produced, and 2) determine the cost to purchase, operate, and power AWH. This research pairs thermodynamics with Techno-Economic Analysis, a method of analyzing the economic performance and feasibility of a technology, to highlight the cost breakdown and water productivity of AWH across climates.

Keywords

Techno-Economic Analysis, Atmospheric Water Harvesting, Water Reuse, Climate Modeling, Dehumidifier

Sponsors

Special thanks to Pepsi Co, Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST), and New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute for funding this research

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Anjali Mulchandani

Second Committee Member

Kerry Howe

Third Committee Member

Jingjing Wang

Recommended Citation

Gayoso, Natalie. "Techno-Economic Analysis of Atmospheric Water Harvesting Across Climates." (2022). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/ce_etds/292