Thermodynamic analysis of humidification dehumidification desalination cycles

TLDR

Humidification–dehumidification desalination (HDH) is a promising small‑scale water production technology with several investigated embodiments, yet no detailed thermodynamic analysis has been performed to improve or optimize its performance. The study analyzes the thermodynamic performance of various HDH cycles theoretically and proposes novel high‑performance variations. The authors evaluate multi‑extraction, multi‑pressure, and thermal vapor compression HDH cycles. Predictions indicate that the novel cycles will achieve a gain‑output ratio above 5 and outperform existing HDH systems.

Abstract

Humidification dehumidification desalination (HDH) is a promising technology for small-scale water production applications. There are several embodiments of this technology which have been investigated by researchers around the world. However, from a previous literature [1], we have found that no study carried out a detailed thermodynamic analysis in order to improve and/or optimize the system performance. In this paper, we analyze the thermodynamic performance of various HDH cycles by way of a theoretical cycle analysis. In addition, we propose novel high-performance variations on those cycles. These high-performance cycles include multi-extraction, multi-pressure and thermal vapor compression cycles. It is predicted that the systems based on these novel cycles will have gained-output ratio in excess of 5 and will outperform existing HDH systems.