A hybrid system consisting of an atmospheric water harvester and a solar generator with integrated thermoelectric phase change technology

Abstract

A hybrid system for extracting water from the atmosphere and generating solar energy, comprising a thermoelectric phase change device consisting of an oxygen source designed to provide medical oxygen; a photovoltaic layer configured to convert incoming solar radiation into electrical energy and generate heat energy as a byproduct; a hydrophilic condensation layer located below the photovoltaic layer, wherein the condensation layer has a nanostructured transparent surface coating configured to promote nucleation and condensation of water vapor from the ambient air when cooled below the dew point; a phase change material layer (PCM layer) that is thermally coupled to the photovoltaic layer and the hydrophilic condensation layer, wherein the PCM layer is configured to absorb excess heat during daylight and release stored thermal energy during sunless periods to maintain a controlled surface temperature; a thermoelectric module arranged between the PCM layer and a heat dissipation element, wherein the thermoelectric module is electrically connected to the photovoltaic layer and can be operated in a cooling mode to lower the condensation surface temperature, as well as in a heating mode to prevent frost formation; a water collection and storage device with microchannel drainage paths extending from the condensation layer to a sealed and insulated reservoir designed to collect condensate; and Modular electrical and hydraulic connectors that allow the connection of a variety of such systems to form a scalable arrangement for the integrated generation of electrical energy and the extraction of water from the atmosphere, the combined configuration enables the simultaneous generation of electricity and the collection of condensed water from the atmosphere using solar energy and recovered waste heat within a single modular unit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid system for extracting water from the atmosphere and generating solar energy, which integrates thermoelectric phase-change technology. More precisely, it is a multifunctional modular system designed for the simultaneous generation of electrical energy and the extraction of water from the atmosphere, comprising an integrated assembly of photovoltaic cells (PV cells), phase-change material (PCM), thermoelectric modules, and hydrophilic condensation surfaces.

[0002] Atmospheric water harvesting (AWG) technologies such as fog nets, dew condensers, and refrigerant-based systems have been developed to extract water from humid air in freshwater-scarce regions. However, these systems often suffer from low water yields, high energy consumption, and dependence on specific environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, and wind speed. Furthermore, conventional AWG systems require large, standalone installations that consume valuable land and cannot be easily adapted to existing structures. In parallel, photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a significant renewable energy source for generating clean electricity. However, PV modules typically lose efficiency due to heat generation, as a substantial portion of the absorbed solar energy is converted into waste heat rather than electricity.This waste heat not only reduces the electrical efficiency of the PV modules, but also remains largely unused, leading to a decrease in performance over time.

[0003] Several research projects have attempted to integrate solar thermal recovery systems with PV modules to improve their energy conversion efficiency. However, these designs primarily target domestic hot water production rather than capturing water from the atmosphere. Similarly, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) have demonstrated architectural and space-saving advantages, but rarely offer features beyond electricity generation. Given the global challenges of water scarcity and energy demand, there is a growing need for sustainable dual-function systems capable of producing both clean water and renewable energy without increasing installation complexity.Existing technologies cannot efficiently meet this need, as they focus either on energy generation or water harvesting, but not on both in a single, integrated system. Therefore, there is a need for a hybrid system that not only uses solar energy to generate electricity but also for water condensation using phase-change materials (PCMs) and thermoelectric modules, thereby recovering waste heat and converting it into a useful function. Such a system would allow for continuous operation, including water harvesting at night, and could be scalably implemented as modular rooftop units for residential and commercial applications.

[0004] To solve the problem, the present invention comprises a hybrid system consisting of an atmospheric water harvester and a solar generator, which integrates a thermoelectric phase change device.

[0005] The system simultaneously generates electrical energy and drinking water from humidity, using solar energy as the primary energy source.

[0006] The system utilizes the waste heat from photovoltaic modules (PV modules) and stores it in a phase change material layer (PCM layer), thereby improving heat management and enabling continuous water production during periods of low solar radiation or at night.

[0007] The system improves condensation efficiency in high humidity and prevents frost formation in colder climates, thus ensuring consistent performance under varying environmental conditions.

[0008] The system offers a space-saving, modular and building-integrated design that replaces conventional roofing materials and allows for scalable installation for residential, commercial and off-grid applications.

[0009] The system includes a hydrophilic condensation surface below the PV layer to enable rapid droplet nucleation and efficient collection of condensate without affecting light transmission or electrical efficiency.

[0010] The system ensures easy installation and maintenance through a modular locking structure that allows electrical and hydraulic connections between adjacent tiles for integrated operation and scalability.

[0011] The system contributes to a sustainable urban infrastructure by combining the generation of renewable energy and the extraction of water from the atmosphere in a single unit, thereby promoting resource efficiency and reducing dependence on fossil fuels and traditional water sources.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a hybrid system comprising an atmospheric water harvester and a solar generator, incorporating a thermoelectric phase-change material. The present invention provides a hybrid system for extracting water from the atmosphere and generating electricity from solar energy, integrating photovoltaic cells (PV cells), a phase-change material layer (PCM layer), a thermoelectric cooling module, and a hydrophilic condensation surface in a single modular structure. The system is designed to simultaneously generate electricity and extract water from atmospheric humidity, thereby addressing the dual challenge of clean energy production and freshwater scarcity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the system comprises a multi-layered modular unit configured as a roof tile or panel. The top layer contains high-efficiency photovoltaic cells that convert solar radiation into electrical energy. Beneath the PV layer, a hydrophilic condensation surface is provided to promote the nucleation and condensation of water droplets without obstructing sunlight. A phase-change material (PCM) layer is positioned below this surface to absorb and store waste heat from the PV module during daytime operation, thus maintaining optimal temperature conditions for improved efficiency. A thermoelectric module is functionally coupled between the PCM and a heat sink to ensure active thermal regulation. In humid conditions, the module operates in cooling mode, lowering the surface temperature to accelerate condensation.In cold conditions, it can be operated in heating mode to prevent frost buildup and thus ensure year-round functionality. Condensed water is collected via microchannel drainage channels in an insulated water storage chamber at the bottom of the unit. Multiple modules can be connected via modular electrical and hydraulic couplings, creating a scalable system suitable for both residential and commercial installations.

[0014] The integrated configuration of the invention enables the generation of two resources—electrical energy and clean water—on a single footprint, significantly improving space utilization and sustainability. The combined use of phase-change materials and thermoelectric control ensures efficient heat recovery, thermal stability, and continuous operation even during periods of low sunlight, such as at night. By combining renewable energy conversion with atmospheric water harvesting, the described system represents a comprehensive, low-maintenance, and off-grid solution that contributes to sustainable infrastructure, particularly in remote, arid, or disaster-prone regions where both electricity and water availability are limited.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to a hybrid system for extracting water from the atmosphere and generating solar energy, configured to simultaneously generate electricity and extract water from the atmosphere by integrating photovoltaic (PV) technology, phase change material (PCM) for heat storage, thermoelectric temperature control, and hydrophilic condensation surfaces. The disclosed system utilizes solar energy not only for electricity generation but also for heat recovery, thereby enabling continuous water condensation from ambient humidity. The invention offers a compact, modular, and scalable solution suitable for building-integrated renewable energy systems such as roofs and facades.In one embodiment, the system is designed as multi-layered modular roof tiles comprising a photovoltaic layer, a hydrophilic condensation layer, a phase-change material layer, a thermoelectric module, and a water collection and storage device arranged sequentially. The photovoltaic layer on the top side consists of monocrystalline or perovskite solar cells laminated onto a transparent substrate to convert solar radiation into electrical energy.

[0016] The residual heat generated during photovoltaic operation is transferred to the underlying layers via a heat conduction surface. Immediately below the PV layer is a hydrophilic condensation surface coated with a nanostructured transparent layer of silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, or fluorine-free polymers to improve droplet nucleation by reducing the surface contact angle to below 20°. This layer enables efficient condensation when its temperature falls below the ambient dew point. Below the condensation surface is a phase-change material (PCM) layer encapsulating paraffin or organic PCM with a melting point between 25°C and 32°C. The PCM absorbs excess thermal energy from the PV cells during the day and gradually releases it at night, thus maintaining thermal equilibrium and enabling continuous condensation.A thermoelectric module based on the Peltier effect is installed between the PCM layer and a metallic heat sink. The thermoelectric module operates in two modes: In cooling mode, it lowers the surface temperature by 6-8 °C below the ambient temperature to accelerate condensation in high humidity; in heating mode, it prevents frost formation in cold conditions, thus ensuring uninterrupted operation.

[0017] Condensation droplets formed on the hydrophilic layer are channeled through micro-manufactured drainage channels into an insulated reservoir located on the underside of each tile. The reservoir features hydraulic connections that allow it to link to adjacent tiles and direct the collected water to a central storage manifold.

[0018] In another embodiment, the hybrid system is implemented as a building-integrated renewable energy panel suitable for roofs, facades, or other architectural surfaces. The modular design features interlocking electrical and hydraulic couplings, enabling flexible configuration and scalability. Each module can be electrically connected in series or parallel to optimize energy yield according to application requirements. The system can also incorporate IoT-based environmental sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, solar irradiance, and system performance. Data from these sensors is processed by a central control unit to dynamically regulate the operation of the thermoelectric module, optimize condensation rates, and maintain energy efficiency.This configuration is particularly advantageous for urban environments and smart buildings where maximizing energy and water yield in limited spaces is crucial.

[0019] In another embodiment, the system includes an energy storage and purification subsystem to enhance off-grid functionality. Electrical energy generated by the PV array can be stored in rechargeable lithium-ion or solid-state batteries, ensuring a continuous power supply for thermoelectric operation during periods of low sunlight. Condensate collected from the integrated reservoir is passed through UV sterilization, activated carbon, or nanofiltration systems to produce safe, potable water suitable for domestic use or emergencies. The use of PCM-assisted heat recovery ensures continuous operation at night and under cloudy conditions.Furthermore, the system can employ AI-based predictive controls to forecast environmental changes and adjust thermoelectric output in real time, thereby improving water yield and optimizing the efficiency of power-to-water conversion. Overall, the presented system offers a dual-resource solution that maximizes roof space utilization by combining renewable energy generation and atmospheric water harvesting in a single modular platform. The integration of phase-change material storage, thermoelectric control, and hydrophilic condensation technology ensures efficient operation under varying climatic conditions. The design supports continuous, low-maintenance, and scalable operation, making it suitable for residential, commercial, industrial, and remote applications where access to clean energy and water is essential.

Claims

[1] A hybrid system for extracting water from the atmosphere and generating solar energy, comprising a thermoelectric phase change device consisting of an oxygen source designed to provide medical oxygen; a photovoltaic layer configured to convert incoming solar radiation into electrical energy and generate heat energy as a byproduct; a hydrophilic condensation layer located below the photovoltaic layer, wherein the condensation layer has a nanostructured transparent surface coating configured to promote nucleation and condensation of water vapor from the ambient air when cooled below the dew point; a phase change material layer (PCM layer) that is thermally coupled to the photovoltaic layer and the hydrophilic condensation layer, wherein the PCM layer is configured to absorb excess heat during daylight and release stored thermal energy during sunless periods to maintain a controlled surface temperature; a thermoelectric module arranged between the PCM layer and a heat dissipation element, wherein the thermoelectric module is electrically connected to the photovoltaic layer and can be operated in a cooling mode to lower the condensation surface temperature, as well as in a heating mode to prevent frost formation; a water collection and storage device with microchannel drainage paths extending from the condensation layer to a sealed and insulated reservoir designed to collect condensate; and Modular electrical and hydraulic connectors that allow the connection of a variety of such systems to form a scalable arrangement for the integrated generation of electrical energy and the extraction of water from the atmosphere, the combined configuration enables the simultaneous generation of electricity and the collection of condensed water from the atmosphere using solar energy and recovered waste heat within a single modular unit. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic layer comprises monocrystalline, polycrystalline or perovskite solar cells laminated onto a transparent glass or polycarbonate substrate to maximize light absorption and structural durability. [3] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophilic condensation layer comprises a nanostructured coating selected from silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide or polymer-based composites and having a surface contact angle of less than 20 degrees to improve droplet nucleation. [4] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the phase change material (PCM) is an encapsulated paraffin-based or organic compound having a melting point between 25 °C and 32 °C, configured to store and release latent heat to maintain thermal stability. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermoelectric module is a Peltier device that can generate a temperature difference of 5 °C to 10 °C relative to the environment and can be operated in two modes for cooling and heating. [6] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water collection and storage device comprises micro-manufactured drainage channels that direct condensed water into a sealed container made of food-grade polymer or stainless steel, which has interlocking hydraulic connections to allow multiple units to be connected in series. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular electrical and hydraulic connections are configured to provide a plug-and-play connection between adjacent modules for both electrical continuity and water transport to a central storage distributor. [8] System according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an IoT-based control and monitoring unit configured to detect temperature, humidity, solar radiation and electrical power and to regulate the operation of the thermoelectric module in real time to optimize condensation and energy efficiency. [9] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the collected water is passed through cleaning agents selected from UV sterilization, activated carbon filtration or nanofiltration modules to produce drinking water suitable for household use or emergencies. [10] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hybrid module is a building-integrated roof tile or facade panel with a load-bearing capacity of about 200 kg / m² 2It is configured and suitable for residential, commercial and off-grid installations to enable sustainable access to both renewable energy and atmospheric water.