Experimental study on desalination system using humidification- dehumidification process with baffles in the dehumidifier

Abstract

The humidification-dehumidification desalination process is a promising technique to desalinate seawater. To improve the output of a desalination unit the baffle plates are placed in the dehumidifier. The effect of variables on freshwater production was studied experimentally. Two packing materials are used and compared with previous researchers. Operating variables include the air and water temperature at the entry to the humidifier, the humidifier water flow rate, airflow rate and the cooling water flow rate into the dehumidifier. The experimental setup, which includes a geyser for water heating, air heater, humidifier and a baffle plates in the dehumidifier. The results show that by enhancing the temperature up to 60 °C of inlet water supplied to the humidifier,0.785 kg/hr-m2 freshwater was produced. Also, increase in the water flow rate in the humidifier, and the flow rate of cooling water in the dehumidifier, which in turn increases the output of the desalination system with increased production of distilled water. The inlet temperature of cooling water reduced from 30 °C to 20 °C enhances the production of distilled water significantly. The productivity increases by 60 % with baffle plates inside dehumidifier as compared to without baffles. © 2020 School of Engineering, Taylor's University.