Experimental and simulation studies on two stage humidification– dehumidification desalination and cooling plant

• Experimental demonstration of two stage desalination and cooling • Use of chilled water for condensation of humid air • Simulation of experimental results • Comparative study on conventional condensation and improved condensation • Improved design of proposed integrated plant a b s t r a c t a r t i c l e i n f o Humidification–dehumidification (HDH) desalination is a simple and cost effective solution to convert the saline water into desalinated water. In current work, desalination yield has been augmented with two stage HDH integrated cooling plant. A pilot plant has been developed and analyzed with experimental and simulation studies. The identified operational variants are hot saline water supply to humidifiers and its inlet temperature. The saline water is heated in a solar water heater (SWH) and supplied to two humidifiers and two air preheaters. The simulated results developed for subsystems are validated with the experimental readings. Desalination yield is not satisfactory level at lower water temperature in the first stage plant but there is no such limitation in the second stage operation. Nearly 1.5 LPH of desalinated water is resulted at 15 m 3 /h of air. The energy utilization factor (EUF) of two stage plant is concentrated at higher side compared to the single stage plant's EUF. The increased flow of saline water in humidifiers and its high temperature is favoring the desalination output but with a penalty in cooling effect. Currently, the ground water level is decreasing due to urbanization and increased water demand with population. Indian costal line is very long at east and west, and so there is a good potential and scope for desalination plants. Low grade energy can be used in humidification–dehumidification (HDH) cycle as a cost effective solution. The use of low grade heat for thermal desalination processes is relevant in energy conservation and plays a significant role in increasing the capacity to satisfy the future water demands [1]. It basically operates on water cycle principle of air humidification and condensation (dehumidification). In current work, double stage desalination with final air cooling by chilled water has been experimented and studied. Humidification can be done by hot water spray and dehumidifica-tion by circulating water, air cooling and chilled water. Recently researchers are paying attention on HDH technology due to its attractive benefits such as simple, cost effective, low pack back, etc. Yamali and Solmus [2] compared the HDH …