A New Method for Potable Water Collection from Central Air Conditioning Systems PDF

Keywords

air conditioning systems, water collection, humid environment

Abstract

Large central air conditioning systems, located in a hot and humid environment typical of the Gulf, can be a useful source of high quality water. Moisture condensing on the cooling coils could be collected and treated for use as drinking water. The system considered is as follows: The return air to the cooling coils is divided into two streams. One, after mixing with fresh ventilating air, is passed over the cooling coil at a low dew point to condense the maximum amount of vapous. This cooled stream is then mixed with the second hot stream, to provide air for the conditioned space at the required comfort condition. A method is outlined for estimating the amount of condensation. Daily outputs, per 1000 cfm of air, have been calculated for atmospheric conditions prevailing at Jeddah and Dhahran at different times of the year. The results have been applied to a typical school building to show that a useful amount of potable water is produced.