Solar diffusion driven desalination for decentralized water production

Fadi Alnaimat, James F. Klausner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper examines the operation of the solar diffusion driven desalination process (humidification-dehumidification) under dynamic operating conditions. The solar heat input is recycled in a unique dynamic mode so that it does not require an external source of cooling water. A detailed analytical investigation that is based on numerical simulation suggests that this process can potentially produce 100L/day distilled water with an average specific electric energy consumption as low as 3.6kWh/m 3 using a total of eight 2m 2 flat plate solar collectors. Water production and energy consumption have been investigated under various design and operating conditions. A unique operating mode has been explored to reduce the specific energy consumption.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)35-44
Number of pages10
JournalDesalination
Volume289
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 15 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Condensation
  • Desalination
  • Evaporation
  • Humidification and dehumidification
  • Solar energy
  • Transient

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering

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