Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of a Solar-Based System of Desalination Using Humidification and Dehumidification

Solar desalination systems are characterized by low freshwater production compared with the usual techniques of mineral and salt removal from water. The usual methods include, but are not limited to, multi-stage flash distillation, multiple-effect distillation, vapor- compression desalination, and reverse osmosis. Solar desalination requires various modifications to make it more productive than the usual methods. The method is suitable for energy and environmental protection, making it the most effective system. The adjustments involve using the humidification and dehumidification principle (HD). The three configurations of the HD solar desalination system in this project are designed to accommodate variations in climate conditions and seasonal changes. Mathematical models are designed to test the workability of the system in an ideal environment. The models are based on universal fluid equations that regulate the functioning of each component of the system. After the model is designed, a regulation algorithm is designed based on the model. The simulation results show that the gain in freshwater production using a regulation algorithm is in the order of 33%. Keywords: solar desalination; humidification-dehumidification; modeling; simulation; optimization