Thermal desiccant systems and methods for generating liquid water

A water generation system comprising:

• a hygroscopic material configured to absorb thermal energy generated during daylight hours;
• a working fluid to accumulate heat and water vapor from the hygroscopic material upon absorption of thermal energy;
• a condenser for condensing water vapor from the working fluid;
• an energy storage unit to store energy collected during daylight hours;
• and
• a controller configured to control a water production rate via utilization of stored energy during off-solar hours, wherein the controller is configured to increase water generation by the system in response to accumulation by the working fluid of at least one of heat or water vapor from the hygroscopic material.

A method of generating water from air using solar energy comprising:

• adsorbing, by a hygroscopic material, water vapor from ambient air;
• receiving solar radiation during daylight hours;
• converting received solar radiation into heat;
• heating the hygroscopic material to desorb water vapor therefrom;
• condensing water vapor desorbed from the hygroscopic material;
• storing energy collected during daylight hours;
• utilizing stored energy during off-solar hours;
• and
• increasing water generation by the system in response to accumulation by a working fluid of at least one of heat or water vapor from the hygroscopic material.