Performance Evaluation and Cost Analysis of a Hybrid Atmospheric Water Generator under Variable Ambient Conditions

Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) provide a water solution towards water scarcity as a source of clean drinking water that is condensed from atmospheric humidity. This paper analyses the performance of hybrid AWG system that combines passive dew harvesting and active vapor compression, which was tested in five trials at different occasions in a day: morning (5:30 am−8 am), afternoon (12 pm−2:30 pm), and evening (6:00 pm–8:30 pm). The highest performance in humid mornings was noted, with ambient temperature between 25°C and 30°C and 70% to 80% relative humidity. These conditions produced up to 3.96 L/h with an energy consumption and efficiency of 1.34 kWh/L and 1.5 L/kWh. Evening conditions, approximately 28°C and 50% (half-dryness), produced 2.80 L/h at 1.0 L/kWh efficiency. Dry afternoon sessions, at 25% humidity and 35°C produced minimal of 1.62 0 L/h with a high energy demand of 3.5 kWh/L. Producing 3.7 L of water daily with the AWG cost ₦319.5 (US$0.20), compared to the same amount of bottled water, ₦1,000 (US$0.64) will come at a 68.05% discount. These results confirm the AWG’s technical stability and affordability, especially in the presence of good ambient conditions. The system indicates high levels of demonstration conformity with Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 9, and 13, and putting it at an advantageous position as a potentially decentralized water production solution in regions without power or with limited resources.