Combined probation of bubble column humidification dehumidification desalination system using solar collectors

A bubble column (BC) humidification dehumidification (HDH) desalination system integrated with the different solar collectors is analyzed and reported in this work. Major components of the systems are a humidifier, dehumidifier, solar air heater (SAH), and dual purpose collector (DPC). Three set of experiments is performed by integrating the HDH system with conventional solar air heater (case I), by integrating with solar air heater containing turbulators (case II), and by integrating with dual purpose solar collector containing turbulators (case III). Turbulators in the air flow field of solar collector enhances the exit air temperature. The air and water are simultaneously heated up in the dual purpose collector and supplied to the humidifier. All the experiments are done by varying the mass flow rate of air (0.014 kg/s to 0.018 kg/s) and cooling water (0.025-0.058 kg/s). The performance of the system is improved with the increase in air and cooling water flow rate. Gained output ratios of about 2, 2.8, 3.3 and productivities of around 16.32, 20.61, 23.92 kg/m2day are observed in the case I, case II and case III respectively. The minimum distilled water cost of 0.019 $/kg is achieved with the case III configuration.