Parametric and economic studies of the performance of a solar hybrid air conditioning (A/C) and humidification–
dehumidification (HDH)water desalination system are presented. The systemis integratedwith thermal storage
and auxiliary heating systems for steady-state operation. Fresh water production rate, fresh water recovery,
cooling capacity, electrical power consumption, coefficient of performance and system economical index are
studied at different operating and design parameters. The results show that (i) the electrical consumption of
the auxiliary heater decreases with decreasing outdoor air flow rate and increasing both of outdoor air temperature,
outdoor air humidity and temperature difference across the heating system, (ii) the increase in outdoor air
temperature, outdoor humidity and temperature difference across the heating system increase the fresh water
production and recovery rates, cooling capacity and the electric power consumption of the proposed system.
Comparisonwith a basic air conditioning systemshowed that the proposed system has higher water production,
cooling capacity, coefficient of performance (COP) and lower power/electricity consumptions at hot and humid
regions. A cost analysis reveals that the saving in the total operating cost increases with increasing outdoor air
temperature, and outdoor humidity and decreases with increasing temperature difference across the heating
system. |
