On the selection of humidification dehumidification desalination system cycle for high productivity, low energy consumption and low capital cost

Humidification Dehumidification (HDH) desalination is a convenient process to produce drinking water from low temperature saline water in waterfront areas. High energy consumption of the system remains as a limiting factor, besides many enhancements done in improving the system performance. Though HDH system cycles are classified on the basis of air and water cycles, detailed performance analysis of different HDH cycles is absent till date. The present study aims at carrying out parametric analysis of possible HDH layouts and finally proposing a layout with high Gain Output Ratio (GOR) and Recovery Ratio (RR) at the low equipment volumes. Simulations are carried out using the Scilab® software. Simulation results are validated using the experimental data obtained from a pilot plant of open-air open-water single stage system. Variation of system parameters like humidifier volume, dehumidifier volume, GOR and RR were analysed in detail for each individual layouts. Out of the eight different layouts investigated, Layout 8 is found to be the best based on GOR, RR, equipment volume and specific energy consumption. Hence it is recommended to use Layout 8 with an inlet temperature of 74 °C and MFR of 2.4 for productivity of 90 LPH. [Display omitted] •Detailed study on the performance analysis of 8 different layouts are carried out for a fixed productivity.•Optimal feedwater temperature in humidifier of layouts are directly related with the GOR and RR of the system.•Least equipment volume and highest RR is obtained at the highest feedwater temperature, independent of type of layout.•Highest GOR is obtained at the least feed water temperature if air or water or both streams operate in closed cycle.•Layout 8 is found to have the highest GOR and RR at the lowest value of specific energy consumption.