Design and experimental study on a new closed-cycle desalination system based on ambient temperature

Abstract

The use of seawater desalination technology to solve water shortages in energy-and resource-scarce regions has attracted widespread attention worldwide. In this paper, the performance of a closed-cycle humidification-dehumidification desalination system with a heat pump was experimentally investigated. The system is a closed-cycle system, which includes humidifiers, a heat pump, dehumidifiers, and an air heat exchanger. The heat pump is used by the system to carry energy. The effects of different parameters on the system performance were studied. Scale and economic analyses of the system were conducted to explore the application prospects of the system. The maximum gained output ratio of the system was 4.82. The maximum freshwater production was 960 kg/h, and the cost per kilogram of freshwater was USD 0.03, which are more considerable compared with other systems. This system provides an effective way to save energy in remote areas with energy shortages and freshwater resource shortages.