The world is facing a critical shortage of fresh water due to increased contamination of freshwater sources and the rising global population. Desalination of saline water offers a potential solution, but current methods, such as reverse osmosis and thermal desalination, have limitations, including high energy requirements and inefficiency in smaller-scale, decentralized applications
Figure (1.) 3-D Model of complete HDH Setup
(2.) Experimental Setup
This invention pertains to a system and method for separating water from saline water using a humidification-dehumidification (HDH) process. The system comprises a humidifier, a dehumidifier, heat exchangers, and a unique heat transfer mechanism that enhances energy efficiency. The design is optimized for small-scale, decentralized applications, providing an economical and efficient solution for fresh water production. The technology addresses the limitations of current desalination methods by improving heat recovery and reducing energy consumption, making it suitable for remote and community-level water desalination.
- The invention features an advanced HDH desalination system that reduces thermal resistance in the dehumidifier, improving energy efficiency.
- The system includes a novel arrangement of humidifiers, dehumidifiers, heat exchangers, and a method to transfer latent heat from the dehumidifier back to the humidifier, thus optimizing the overall energy consumption.
- The design enables better heat recovery and lower energy requirements compared to conventional methods, making it suitable for decentralized water production.
- The invention uniquely leverages a humidification-dehumidification (HDH) process optimized for energy efficiency, utilizing a novel heat transfer mechanism that reduces thermal resistance in the dehumidifier.
- This innovation enhances heat recovery, significantly lowering energy consumption compared to conventional methods.
- The system is scalable, making it economically viable for decentralized and community-level water production.
- Its advanced design overcomes the limitations of current desalination technologies, offering a cost-effective, efficient solution for producing fresh water, particularly in remote and rural areas, thus addressing a critical global need for clean water access.
The prototype involves a system where saline water is introduced into a humidification chamber, where it contacts a carrier gas that absorbs moisture. The moist carrier gas is then heated and passed into a dehumidification chamber, where the moisture condenses and is collected as fresh water. The latent heat of condensation is transferred back to the humidification chamber to enhance energy efficiency.
We are not actively pursuing this technology as the other patent is progressing.
3
Providing a scalable and energy-efficient desalination solution can significantly alleviate the fresh water shortage, particularly in remote and rural areas. This technology can improve access to clean water, enhance public health, and support sustainable agriculture and industry.
Water Treatment and Management, Agriculture, Industrial Processing, Public Utilities.
Small-scale community water supply, Remote and rural area water desalination, Agricultural irrigation, Industrial process water production, Emergency and disaster relief water supply.
201821016006
475510