A Comprehensive Review of Performance Enhancement Techniques in Humidification-Dehumidification (HDH) Desalination Cycle

Desalination has emerged as a vital solution to tackle global water scarcity, and among various desalination methods, the Humidification-Dehumidification cycle has garnered significant attention. This paper provides a comprehensive review of performance enhancement techniques utilized in HDH desalination cycles. The review highlights previous studies conducted in this area. The HDH cycle, its working principles, and its benefits and drawbacks are then thoroughly discussed, establishing the groundwork for comprehending the significance of performance improvement strategies. The investigated techniques encompass multiple facets of the HDH cycle, including multi-stage HDH, bubble columns, phase change materials (PCM), nano-fluid application, variable pressure HDH, ultrasonic, and other techniques such as thermoelectric application, rotating belt, multiple insert, air saturator, fogging, and desiccant wheel. Through an extensive analysis of existing studies, the review summarizes the key findings of each technique, including improvements in system efficiency, freshwater production rates, heat and mass transfer, thermal energy storage, and reduced fouling. The findings provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, facilitating the selection and implementation of the most suitable techniques to achieve sustainable and efficient water desalination.

Keywords:

Desalination , Humidification , Dehumidification , Performance Enhancement