Experimental and Theoretical Performance Assessment of Small-Scale Humidification–Dehumidification Desalination Unit Using Different Packings in the Humidifier

Desalination, the process of obtaining potable water from seawater, has been regarded as an alternative solution for addressing freshwater shortages. The humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination process is an alternative with many promising features, such as its simple design, high flexibility, low maintenance requirements, low initial and maintenance costs, and low-grade energy-driven operation. In this study, experimental and theoretical investigations of laboratory-scale HDH systems were conducted with various shapes of hydrophobic packing materials (i.e., hackettes, saddles, and snowflakes) in the humidifier. The mass transfer coefficient, humidifier characteristics, pressure drop, productivity, and gain output ratio (GOR) were evaluated for each packing material. The results showed that hackette packing resulted in a higher mass transfer coefficient, productivity, and GOR, and that saddle packing resulted in a lower pressure drop. In addition, the effects of operating parameters such as the air and water mass flow rates and water temperature on the HDH performance were investigated. Furthermore, the mathematical model was validated by comparing the measured and predicted temperature data