Systems and methods for generating water from air using a solar collection and refrigeration systems

A system for generating water from ambient air comprising:

• a multi-layer solar collection structure configured to convert solar radiation into heat and electrical energy;
• a hygroscopic capture unit comprising a hygroscopic material configured to capture water vapor from ambient air during a loading mode;
• a flow path configured to flow a working gas through the system to collect heat from the multi-layer solar collection structure by flowing the working gas along at least one exterior surface of the multi-layer solar collection structure and to accumulate water vapor from the hygroscopic capture unit during an unloading mode;
• a modular heat exchange assembly including a refrigeration circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant between a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser, a refrigerant expansion device, and a refrigerant evaporator;
• wherein the refrigerant evaporator is configured to transfer heat from condensation of water vapor in the working gas to the refrigerant, thereby condensing water vapor from the working gas during the unloading mode;
• and
• a microprocessor-based control module in communication with the refrigeration circuit, wherein the control module is configured to adjust a system operational setpoint based on a system operational state, an environmental condition or a combination thereof,
• wherein the hygroscopic capture unit is thermally coupled with the multi-layer solar collection structure such that thermal energy generated by the multi-layer solar collection structure is transferred to the hygroscopic capture unit during the unloading mode.