Experimental investigation of freshwater production via vertical wick still coupled with thermoelectric generator for waste heat recovery

Waste heat recovery is an effective method for conserving limited energy sources. This experimental work investigates the ability to recover waste heat in a dual production unit. It consists of a vertical wick still for freshwater production coupled with a thermoelectric generator for power production. Most effective cooling method is the fins-enhanced condenser, with a freshwater yield reaching 2.7 L/m2.hr and an enhancement of 23% compared to the 2.2 L/m2.hr for the normal condenser case. The dual unit cooled by fins increased the freshwater yield from 2.2 to 2.8 L/m2.hr. Fins raised the TEG voltage from 108 to 181 mV.