The Humidification-Dehumidification (HDH) desalination technique offers a viable solution for providing freshwater to populations in water-scarce, remote areas. This study experimentally investigates a novel humidifying method by cross airflow over water-wetted pottery tubes, which function as a humidifier, incorporating a thermoelectric cooler to condense water vapor for freshwater production. To optimize freshwater production and thermal efficiency, meticulous design of these components and appropriate operational parameters are selected. Experiments were performed in three environments with differing temperatures and relative humidity levels, while air velocity varied from 1.02 to 1.89 m/s, and thermoelectric cooler voltage ranged from 6 to 12 V. These measures include GOR, COP, fresh water production, and dehumidifier efficiency. Air, saline water, and thermoelectric cooler voltage volume flow rates greatly affected system performance, according to the findings. The obtained optimal freshwater yield, COP, humidification efficiency, evaporation efficiency, and GOR were 1.7 L/hr, 4.3, 71 %, 65 %, and 4.6, respectively. Higher water productivity is indicated for low saline water flowrate supplied. Results show 71 % efficiency of the pottery tube humidifier for air speed lower than 1.02 m/s. Increasing the air flow rate from 38.88 m3/hr to 72 m3/hr decreases the system’s freshwater yield from 1.7 L/hr to 0.7 L/hr. A 55.8 % reduction in COP is found as the thermoelectric voltage increases from 6 to 12 volts for the same air flow rate (38 m3/hr). The results indicate that pottery tubes and air velocity significantly influence freshwater yield and energy efficiency, thereby promoting cost-effective and sustainable atmospheric water harvesting.
