Solar desalination based on humidification process - II. Computer simulation

Solar desalination requires an efficient method of evaporation and condensa tion at relatively low temperatures. This could be suitably achieved in a h umidification/dehumidification process using circulated air to enhance evap oration of the water. With proper utilization of the latent heat of condens ation of water vapor, the process efficiency could be made high. In order t o optimize the design of such a desalination unit, a simulation program was constructed in which the set of non-linear equations describing the desali nation unit were solved numerically. The results of the simulation were in agreement with the experimental results of two different units constructed in Jordan and Malaysia. The performance of each unit was tested when they w ere operated with an energy obtained either from solar or an electrical hea ting source. The air flow rate was found to have an insignificant effect on the productivity of desalinated water. The simulation allows the proper ch oice of the feed water flow rate to the unit. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.