Performance evaluation and optimization of humidification–dehumidification desalination system for low-grade waste heat energy applications

A humidification–dehumidification desalination system powered by low-grade waste heat energy (45 °C–70 °C) was experimentally investigated. The seawater directly utilized as coolant (25 for the dehumidifier preheated latent recovery from water vapor produced humidifier. effect of key performance-contributing factors such mass flow rate and temperature air feed at inlets humidifier were evaluated optimized. For a constant volume, humidifier's surface area comparatively considering different novel packing materials tri-pack rings, pall rings (diameter = 16 mm 25 mm), saddle snowflake rings. It determined that compared to other factors, air-related water-related parameters influenced performance respectively. Maximum freshwater productivity 1398 mL/h achieved with ring humidifier, owing its improved wet (188,000 m2/m3) under optimal conditions rate, inlet temperature, temperatures 3.5 kg/min, 0.9 L/min, 70 °C, 55 respectively, dual-fluid preheating mechanism. Detailed chemical analysis revealed generated is potable.