Solar Desalination System by Humidification Dehumidification Method

ABSTRACT: A humidification/dehumidification (HDH) solar desalination unit having combined solar water/air heater was designed constructed and experimentally investigated. The main components of the desalination system are the combined solar air/water heater collector with double glazing, humidifier (evaporator), dehumidifier (condenser), circulating pump, fan and a storage tank. Both air and saline (or brackish water) were heated in a single combined solar water/air heater. The effect of air mass flow rate and the temperature difference of the brackish water between the solar collector and humidifier exits on the performance were investigated. The result showed that the temperature difference has no effect on the system productivity however; the change in the air mass flow rate has a direct effect on fresh water productivity. The maximum productivity was achieved on 7th of July 7.2L/m2day at air mass flow rate of 0.0261 kg/s. Furthermore, economic study was provided and it is found that the cost of fresh water per liter was calculated as 0.041TL and the payback period was estimated to be 770 days. Keywords: Solar desalination, Humidification, Dehumidification. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………