Performance Evaluation of a New Configuration of Direct Contact Humidification Dehumidification (DCHDH) Desalination System

Abstract

In the present study, the performance of a humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination system with the humidifier and the dehumidifier contained in the same enclosure is evaluated. In this design the humidifier system is composed of a vertical copper tube coated with a hydrophilic air-laid paper layer in which saline water is dripped and hot water (from 42.3 to 79.4 °C) flows inside to heat the humidifier system while the dehumidifier consists of an aluminum plate with internal channels for cold water (16 °C) flow. The experimental results show a pure water production rate per unit system volume up to 19.13 L/m3h at a water temperature of 79.4 °C at the evaporator inlet and a hot water mass flow rate of 135 mL/min. This new design has potential for application in desalination systems, especially sin mall systems for use by families living in arid regions.