Systems and methods for generating water from air using a solar collection and refrigeration systems

Abstract

Water generation systems and related methods of generating water from air are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, water generation systems and related methods comprise a solar unit or layer to convert solar radiation into heat and/or electrical energy, a sorption unit or layer comprising a hygroscopic material to capture water vapor from ambient air, a regeneration gas to accumulate water vapor from the sorption unit or layer, and a heat exchange assembly to condense water vapor from the regeneration gas to produce liquid water. Disclosed heat exchange assemblies can comprise a vapor-compression cycle or refrigeration circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant. A refrigerant evaporator can transfer heat from condensation of water vapor in the regeneration gas to the refrigerant and/or a refrigerant condenser can transfer heat from condensation of refrigerant vapor to the sorption unit or layer. Various embodiments include a controller to adjust a system operational setpoint based on a system operational state and/or an environmental condition.