Mathematical modeling of a solar powered humidification dehumidification desalination prototype

In recent times the issue of fresh water shortages and salinity contamination of existing water sources has become a serious problem in a number of locations around the world. Hence, developing an environmentally friendly desalination technique is essential. In this work a theoretical model is developed in order to optimize a novel humidification-dehumidification desalination system. A sensitivity analysis was carried out, in order to find the optimum values for air and water flow rates. From this analysis it was found that a maximum of production rate of 1.5 kg/hr.m2 was achievable, however it was also found that this rate was particularly influenced by the incident radiation, the inlet water temperature and the water flow rate.