Techno-economic analysis of a solar-powered humidification-dehumidification desalination system under fogging effect. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alrbai, Mohammad; Hayajneh, Hassan; Arakza, Faris; Enizat, Jamil; Al-Dahidi, Sameer; Al-Ghussain, Loiy; Hassan, Muhammed A.
• Is Part Of: Sustainable energy technologies and assessments. Volume 53:Part D(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Water desalination -- Humidification-dehumidification -- Fogging nozzles -- Solar energy -- Gained output ratio -- Economic analysis; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Energy development -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Electric power production -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2022.102752
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-1388

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Novel solar-powered humidification-dehumidification desalination system is tested. Using three 10-µm nozzles is compared to using one nozzle with 20/30 µm diameter. Maximum gained output ratio is 4.4 for saline water and air at 80 and 53.44 °C. The used nozzles enhance the performance by up to 67 %, compared 30 µm nozzles. The cost of water production is 0.0543 USD/L of freshwater. Abstract: Different techniques are utilized to overcome the problem of freshwater shortage around the world. Humidification-dehumidification technology is among the promising methods, especially when powered by cost-effective solar energy sources or when used in remote desert areas with abundant solar resources. In this study, a solar energy-powered humidification-dehumidification system is assembled and tested. Two solar energy systems are supplying the humidification-dehumidification system with heat and electricity, namely an evacuated tube solar collector and an array of photovoltaic panels, respectively. The studied system utilizes three fogging nozzles, each with a 10-µm diameter, that allow efficient energy conversion. Also, the system was tested under the influence of a single nozzle with a larger diameter for comparison purposes. The fogging technique reduced the power consumption while boosting the total system productivity. The system was able to achieve a maximum gained output ratio of 4.4 at saline water and air temperatures of 80 and 53.44 °C, respectively. The rate of freshwater production ranged between 1.7 and 3.85 L/h. At the highest tested saline water to air ratio, the system with three 10-µm nozzles enhanced the gained output ratio by 23.68 and 67.33 %, compared to the single nozzle configuration with 20 and 30-µm diameter, respectively. An economic evaluation showed a best-averaged price of 0.0543 USD/L of freshwater.