Optimization of multi-pressure himidification-dehumidification desalination using thermal vapor compression and hybridization

Abstract

Humidification-dehumidification (HD or HDH) desalination, and specifically HD driven by a thermal vapor compressor (TVC), is a thermal desalination method that has the potential to produce potable water efficiently in order to address the growing demand for water. This article presents a numerical study and optimization of two HD-TVC cycle configurations in order to determine the best achievable thermal performance. Through the use of nonlinear programming, it is found that the simplest configuration of HD-TVC has performance comparable to a traditional single-stage, single-pressure HD cycle (GOR 0.8–2.0), while the hybridized HD-TVC cycle with reverse osmosis (RO) has thermal performance that is competitive with existing large scale desalination systems (GOR 11.8–28.3).