Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

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Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

journal homepage: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/rser

Humidification-dehumidification desalination systems driven by

thermal-based renewable and low-grade energy sources: A critical review
Dahiru U. Lawal a, b, Naef A.A. Qasem c, *
a
Center of Research Excellence in Desalination and Water Treatment, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
b
Center for Environment & Water, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
c
Department of Aerospace Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Thermal-based renewable and low-grade energy sources to operate humidification-dehumidification (HDH)
Humidification-dehumidification desalination systems are critically reviewed. The investigated renewable energy sources are solar energy and
Renewable energy geothermal energy. The low-grade energy sources such as the waste heat of photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) panels,
Low-grade energy
refrigeration and heat pump systems, and power plants are also investigated. For each hybrid HDH with another
Desalination
Freshwater
driving system, the details of HDH construction, performance, hybridization method, and general observations
Performance are summarized and compared in tabular forms. Most of the studies focused on using solar energy and refrig­
eration and heat pump systems to drive HDH systems. The best performance indices (i.e., gained output ratio
(GOR), freshwater production, and freshwater cost) can be obtained by the integration of HDH systems with
power plants and then by geothermal energy, especially when a large quantity of freshwater is needed (>200 kg/
h). Refrigeration systems and solar collectors can lead to higher GOR, medium water production, and higher cost.
The application of PV/T results in the lowest water production. Despite the high performance of HDH driven by
power plants and vapor-compression refrigeration systems, geothermal energy, solar collectors, and PV/T panels
could be the right choices for hybridization with HDH systems in off-grid regions.

1. Introduction
1.1. Background
It is a well-known fact that water covers over seventy percent of the
Earth’s surface, and more than 96% of all Earth’s water is found in the
ocean. Only 3% of the world’s water exists as freshwater, and 66.7% of
the freshwater is frozen in ice, glaciers, snow, and other forms, which are
not readily accessible. As such, nearly 20% of the global population (~2
� 109 people) live in areas of freshwater scarcity [1]. Currently, 66.7%
of the human population dwell in regions that face scarcity of water for a
minimum of a month annually [2]. Potable-water scarcity is a common
challenge faced by a large portion of the globe, especially in the arid,
semi-arid, and developing regions of the globe. The unavailability of
clean potable water is contributed by several factors, including popu­
lation growth, urbanization, as well as climate change. Distribution, as
well as storage water infrastructure, is another challenge faced in the
developing world.
Brackish water and seawater desalination (unlimited water source)
have become a viable and reliable way to tackle the lingering problem of
freshwater scarcity. However, desalination processes require a tremen­
dous amount of energy, especially for large-scale desalination systems
(conventional water desalination technologies). The conventional
desalination systems are most appropriate for the developed world
which is rich in energy and has the economy to meet the technology
demand of such intensive systems. They are usually powered by fossil
fuel and are characterized by the problem of brine disposal, thereby
causing environmental hazards [3]. The problem mentioned above has
garnered the attention of many researchers toward renewable energy
sources, which could provide low maintenance, continuous, free source
of energy, and reduce environmental pollution [4].
1.2. Desalination technologies
Several technologies for seawater desalination have been developed
and can be classified into two major classes, namely, thermal-based and
membrane-based desalination systems. These two categories are further
divided into sub-categories, as shown in Fig. 1. Energy is needed to
operate all desalination technologies for optimum freshwater

* Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: naefqasem@kfupm.edu.sa, naefqasem@gmail.com (N.A.A. Qasem).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2020.109817
Received 3 October 2019; Received in revised form 26 February 2020; Accepted 11 March 2020
Available online 19 March 2020
1364-0321/© 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

Abbreviations OACW open-air closed-water

OAOW open-air open-water
AH air-heated ORC organic Rankine cycle
CACW closed-air closed-water PCM phase change material
CAOW closed-air open-water PSO particle swarm optimization
CSS conventional solar still PV photovoltaic
DoE design of experiment PV/T photovoltaic thermal
ED electrodialysis RO reverse osmosis
EUF energy utilization factor RSM response surface methodology
GA genetic algorithm SS solar still
GOR gained output ratio TVC thermal vapor compression
HCR heat capacity ratio VAR vapor absorption compression
HDH humidification-dehumidification VCD vapor compression desalination
HP heat pump VCR vapor compression refrigeration
MD membrane distillation VP variable pressure
MED multiple effect desalination WH water-heated
MSF multi-stage flash WHO World Health Organization
MVC mechanical vapor compression

Fig. 1. Different desalination technologies categorized by the work­
ing principle.
production.
In thermal-based desalination technologies, saline water is heated to
generate vapor that is condensed to produce pure water (distillate).
Examples of thermal-based desalination are solar still desalination
[5–7], humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination [8–13],
multiple effect distillation (MED) [14–17], multi-stage flash distillation
(MSF) [18–20], and vapor compression distillation (VCD) in which the
vapor can be attained mechanically (MVC) [21–23] or thermally (TVC)
[24,25], freezing desalination [26–28], and hydrate formation desali­
nation [29,30].
The membrane-based desalination technologies include reverse
osmosis (RO) driven by hydraulic power (pressure difference) [31–34],
electrodialysis (ED) driven by an electrical potential difference (direct
current) [35–39], and membrane distillation (MD) driven by tempera­
ture difference [40–48]. Other technologies involve adsorption desali­
nation via adsorption cooling cycle [49–51], hydrogel desalination [52,
53], and ionic exchange desalination [54].
Among these technologies, RO is the most used commercial seawater
desalination technology, and ED is best suited for brackish water desa­
lination [55,56] while MED and MSF are the most widely utilized
thermal-based desalination technologies [57]. Neither RO system,
which requires uninterrupted mechanical or electrical energy supply,
nor MED/MSF are appropriate for small-scale saline water desalination.
Regions of the world that are a distance away from large scale fresh­
water production facilities and with neither the economic resources nor
the infrastructure to run RO or MSF plants need decentralized fresh­
water production. Therefore, desalination technologies, which are
suitable for small to medium scale application and can be powered by
renewable energy (example solar energy) efficiently, are required. One
of such desalination processes is HDH systems [58].
Since HDH systems could efficiently be powered by renewable en­
ergy and low-grade energy sources, this paper aims to review and assess
the existing and investigated HDH systems that are powered by such
sources. The thermal-based energy sources to run HDH are classified to
be (1) renewable energy sources involving solar and geothermal en­
ergies and (2) low-grade energy sources including waste energy of
photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) panels, refrigeration and heat pump sys­
tems, and power plants. An assessment of the utilization of these sources
is conducted as well.
In this paper, the classification of HDH systems and cycles is first
explained and described. Then, the HDH systems powered by renewable
energy sources are discussed and compared. These HDH systems are
powered by solar air heaters, solar water heaters, dual air and water
heaters, geothermal energy, and different integration of renewable

2
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem
Fig. 2. Basic HDH desalination systems.
energy sources. The second part of this paper discusses and compares the
HDH systems driven by low-grade energy sources, including the recov­
ery heat obtained from PV/T panels, refrigeration and air conditioning
systems, and power plants. For each source of energy, the main HDH
components, energy source details, cycles, integration method, inte­
grated systems performance, and important observations are summa­
rized and compared in tabular forms. Lastly, a general assessment of the
performance of all HDH systems driven by thermal renewable and low-
grade energy sources is conducted.
2. Humidification-dehumidification desalination systems
Humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination system imi­
tates the natural water cycle in which seawater evaporates and then it
condenses to produce pure water. Therefore, it simply consists of a hu­
midifier, dehumidifier, and heater. The humidifier comprises three
components: spray nozzle to sprinkle hot seawater over the second part,
Fig. 3. Schematics of basic HDH systems: (a) water-heated CAOW, (b) water-heated OACW, (c) air-heated CAOW, and (d) air-heated OAOW.
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Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
which is packed-bed material to promote direct mass and heat transfer
between the seawater and carrier gas. Some used packed bed materials
are listed in the Appendix (see Table A1). The third part in the bottom is
a container to accumulate and drain the brine. The dehumidifier is
employed for the condensation of water vapor present in the humid air.
The dehumidifier may house copper coils with fins or without fins [59,
60] through which low-temperature saline water passes to condense the
water vapor of humid air coming from the humidifier. The most
commonly used dehumidifiers are flat-plate and finned-tube heat ex­
changers [59–62]. Pumps and blowers are utilized for pumping seawater
and air, respectively.
2.1. Classifications of humidification-dehumidification systems
Researchers and investigators have proposed and analyzed various
design configurations of HDH systems. These configurations are formed
with different components and cycles. Due to the exchange of water
content from seawater to air in the humidifier, hot air is preferred to
possess high water capacity (high absolute humidity), which can be
achieved by heating seawater or air. Thus, the HDH systems are pri­
marily classified as water-heated or air-heated; consequently, the system
is described based on the seawater and air cycle that can be closed or
open. The detailed classifications of the basic HDH systems are shown in
Fig. 2. The classifications may also be according to the used energy
source, such as wind, solar, geothermal, electrical, or hybrid systems.
This classification portrays the most promising and appealing advan­
tages of the HDH concept of utilizing renewable and low-grade energy
sources. The streamflow can be natural or forced in all these configu­
rations [4]. However, the forced circulation is the only preferred method
to produce a good amount of water production.
Fig. 3 shows typical schematics of the basic HDH systems. Fig. 3(a) is
a line diagram of water-heated closed-air open-water (CAOW) HDH
system [58]. In this system, saline water flows through the dehumidifier
to cool down hot-humid air coming from the humidifier, resulting in
condensation of the water vapor and producing pure water. The
seawater leaves the dehumidifier to be first heated by a heater and then
circulated into the humidifier to exchange water content and heat with
the recirculated air coming from the bottom of the humidifier. The
remaining seawater is accumulated and rejected as brine through the
bottom of the humidifier. Fig. 3(b) is the schematic of a water-heated
open-air closed-water (OACW) HDH system. Its operating principle is
similar to that of Fig. 3(b) except that the water, in this case, is
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem
Fig. 4. Schematics of some modified HDH systems: (a) water-heated OACW, (b) air-heated CAOW, (c) water-heated multi-extraction CAOW, and (d) multi-stage
heating and humidifying.
Fig. 5. Solar air heater of a single pass connected to the packed-bed HDH
system [66].
recirculated, and the air leaves the system after condensing water vapor.
Fig. 3(c) shows a schematic of the air-heated closed-air open-water
(CAOW) HDH system. The air heater is positioned between the humid­
ifier and dehumidifier, to heat the air entering the humidifier while in
the last system (air-heated open-air closed-water (OAOW)), as shown in
Fig. 3(d), the heater is only connected to the bottom of the humidifier.
It has been discovered that the performance of basic HDH systems
can be further improved through some modifications to the HDH cycles.
Thus, Fig. 4 shows the major modified HDH systems that may offer
improved performances. Fig. 4(a) portrays a modified water-heated
OACW HDH system. In this system, an enormous amount of seawater
passes through the dehumidifier to enhance the water vapor conden­
sation from the humid air while a minimal amount of this seawater
serves as make-up to compensate the minimizing amount of seawater
that evaporates and to dilute the brine concentration. Some brine could
be rejected to avoid a significant increase in salinity [11]. Fig. 4(b) is
4
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
similar to that of Fig. 3(c) except that the heater is connected at the top
of the humidifier to enhance the performance caused by raising the
temperature of the saturated air from an already elevated temperature
after achieving heat recovery in the humidifier [10].
Fig. 4(c) is a schematic of a multi-extraction HDH system. It was first
initiated as a multi-effect HDH to improve heat recovery [63]. A sig­
nificant improvement in the system’s performance was observed [3,4,
64]. It was called a multi-extraction HDH system under the principle of
thermodynamic balancing that aims at minimizing entropy generation
in the system by reducing the water and air temperature (or enthalpy)
difference for each extraction. Fig. 4(d) shows an example of a
multi-stage HDH system [65]. The difference between multi-extraction
and multi-stage HDH processes is that the multi-extraction HDH usu­
ally has one humidifier and one dehumidifier while the second could
have a number of humidifiers and one or more dehumidifiers and so for
heaters.
3. Humidification-dehumidification systems driven by thermal-
based renewable energy
3.1. Humidification-dehumidification systems driven by solar energy
Renewable and low-grade energy sources can drive the HDH desa­
lination system. One of the most popularly utilized renewable energy
sources to operate HDH systems is solar energy. Solar radiation is used in
the form of solar heaters to increase the temperature of any working
fluid. For HDH desalination systems, either the water stream or the
carrier medium (air/helium/or other gases) has to be heated. On other
occasions, both the water stream and the carrier medium are heated
simultaneously. It is worth mentioning that the most widely used carrier
medium for HDH desalination systems is air, which is free and available
in abundance. Therefore, this review is directed at those systems that use
air as the carrier medium. The reported works of HDH systems driven by
solar energy are reviewed in this section.
3.1.1. Solar air heaters
To elevate air temperature in the HDH system, solar air heaters can
be employed. Increasing the thermal energy of the air enhances its ab­
sorption capacity for water vapor. Different types and designs of solar air
collectors integrated with HDH systems have been investigated.
Different HDH cycles are implemented to be integrated with solar air-
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem
Fig. 6. Parabolic trough collectors serve as air heaters [67].
collectors, i.e., OACW, OAOW, OAOW, and CAOW. A simple example of
a single pass connected to the packed-bed OAOW HDH system is shown
in Fig. 5 [66]. The air temperature is elevated by a solar heater and then
humidified due to exchange of some of the water content in the
packed-bed humidifier to be later condensed as pure water in the
condenser as shown in the top of the schematic (see Fig. 5).
Parabolic trough collectors can be used as an air heater to drive HDH
systems. Fig. 6 shows two designs of using a parabolic collector (before
and after the humidifier) to operate the HDH system [67]. Despite the
fact that evacuated-tubular solar water collectors are commonly used as
water heaters, they also could be exploited to run HDH as air heaters
[68].
A detailed summary and comparison of different studies conducted
with the HDH system driven by different solar air heaters are listed in
Table 1. The humidifier, dehumidifier, and collector specifications, in
addition to cycle type, are described. The key performance factors, such
as GOR, water production, and collector’s thermal efficiency (η) are
highlighted based on data availability. It is observed that shell and tube
heat exchanger and coil finned tubes are dominantly used for the
dehumidifier to increase the area of condensation while different
packed-bed materials are used for the humidifier. The water production
is found to be less than 3 kg/h for each square meter of solar collector,
which may be considered as a low production. The average GOR, water
production, and freshwater cost based on the tabulated values are 3.1,
0.869 kg/m2.h, and 17.82 $/m3, respectively. The collector thermal
efficiency is in a range of 35–78% [69,70].
3.1.2. Solar water heaters
For an effective humidification process, water temperature supplied
to the system needs to be elevated. To achieve this, solar water heaters
can be integrated with an HDH desalination system to elevate the water
temperature flowing to the humidifier. Solar water heating HDH system
has garnered great attention in comparison to the solar air heating HDH
system [3] because the heat capacity of air is lower than that of water
[79].
Flat plate water solar collectors were used to drive HDH [80,81].
Fig. 7 shows a typical flat plate solar water collector that was used to
elevate the temperature of the water before been distributed over
packed-bed materials in the humidifier using a simple distributor [82].
Evacuated tubes solar collectors are the common type available in
the market to be used as water heaters. They are used to power many
devices, including HDH desalination systems [83–88]. A photo of an
actual HDH system powered by an evacuated tubes collector is shown in
Fig. 8. Fresnel lens solar water collector was also reported in the
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Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
literature to drive HDH system [89].
Alternatively, parabolic trough solar water collectors were also used
to power the HDH systems. Abdullah et al. [90] experimentally assessed
the performance of a parabolic trough solar water collector of 120 cm
length and 42 cm width to power an HDH system coupled with solar still
(basin of 0.5 m2 active area), as shown in Fig. 9. Photovoltaic (PV)
panels served the purpose of supplying electricity to the parts requiring
electricity (pumps and fans, and so on).
Moreover, solar dishes with a proper receiver can be integrated with
HDH systems. Different shapes of solar receiver cavities, including
cubical, cylindrical, and hemispherical, were investigated to drive the
CAOW-HDH system, as shown in Fig. 10 [91]. The total aperture area
used for each collector in the study was 2.545 m2. Photovoltaic thermal
(PV/T) panels were used to generate the required power of about 274 W,
and to pre-heat (about 1.28 kW) the saline water flowing to the solar
collector heat exchanger. The generated power from the PV panels
(3.162 m2) covered the power requirements for mechanical equipment
such as pump and fan. The mechanical equipment required only 232 W
of electrical energy, while the rest of 42 W remains the net positive
power output of the system. The heat input from the solar collector to
the saline water varies between 30 and 15 kW.
Table 2 summarizes the studies that have been conducted on the
coupling of HDH systems and solar water heaters. The main component
and performances of water-heated HDH systems are described. It can be
noticed that the best GOR obtained for the system of [92] is 12.24.
However, this system has a low water production (0.14 kg/h). Adequate
water production of about 7.47 kg/h per square meter of the solar col­
lector has been reported by using a hemispherical receiver concentrator
(solar dish collector) [91], while the best water production cost is about
3.86 $/m3 [93] for parabolic trough collector. Based on the data avail­
ability, the thermal efficiency is about 80% for flat-plate [94], 70% for
Fresnel lens [89], 65% for evacuated tubes [84,85] solar collectors. In
general, for solar water-heater driven HDH systems, the average GOR,
water production, and freshwater cost are 2.72, 7.80 kg/m2.h, and 24.83
$/m3, respectively. Comparing the solar water-heated HDH systems
listed in Table 2 with the solar air-heated HDH systems listed in Table 1,
the water solar collectors seemed to be more efficient to power HDH
systems.
3.1.3. Solar dual air and water heaters
Some researchers have presented solar-driven HDH desalination
systems where solar heaters are used for both water and air. In this
section, the solar air and water collectors are discussed, and the general
performance of HDH is summarized in Table 3. Flat-plate collectors can
 Table 1
Summary of solar air-heated HDH systems.
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Collector GOR Water Cost η Study type Observations Ref.
production ($/m3) (%)
(kg/h)
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

OACW – –
OAOW Pall rings packed-bed
(2 m high and 20 cm
diameter; 103 m2/m3
specific surface area)
OACW Humidifying tower
OACW Plastic pad humidifier
consisting of four pads (35
Shell-and-tube heat exchanger
(1 m length and diameter of 20
cm)
Condenser coil surface
Finned-tube heat exchanger
(10.5 m2)
4.9 m2 polycarbonate flat-
plate (four-fold-web-plate
FFWP)
2 m2 flat plate collector
(galvanized iron sheet)
1 m2 double-pass flat-plate
heater with double glazing
cover
0.5 m2 double-pass flat-plate
heater with double glazing
– – – 56 Exp. and Theo. - The influence of the ambient temperature, inlet [71]
air humidity, air mass flowrate, wind velocity,
inlet air temperature, and solar radiation on the
collector efficiency was highlighted.
– 0.35 – – Exp. and Theo. - Solar air heater of a single-pass was connected to [66]
the packed-bed HDH
- The system efficiency (overall exergetic) was
found to increase with a decrease in the air inlet
temperature, tower length, and an increase in
tower diameter.
- Reducing the inlet air temperature improved the
exergy efficiency of the system.
- The maximum exergy efficiency was 99.85%.
– 0.425 – – Theo. - Solar air heater of double-pass with two glass [72]
covers was used.
- A double-pass solar air collector was reported to
increase the system productivity by 8% when
compared to a single-pass.
- The storage tank water mass and temperature
significantly affected the unit performance.
– 0.313 – – Exp. - Solar air heater of double-pass with two-glass [73]
covers was used.

6
cm � 35 cm � 12 cm each) - A double-pass solar air collector was reported to
increase the system productivity by 15% when
compared to a single-pass.
- The tank’s initial water temperature profoundly
influenced water production.
- Integrating evacuated-tube solar water collector
with the system greatly increased the system’s
productivity.
OAOW Packed bed Coiled condenser Parabolic trough heater (10 1.5–4.7 17.7–52.1 – 71 Theo. - Two layouts of HDH systems integrated with solar [67]
m long, 2.5 m wide, and air collector of parabolic trough type were
absorber outer diameter of investigated.
0.06 m) - Parabolic trough solar collector provided effective
heating to the HDH system.
CACW Packed bed Coiled finned-tube heat Single and two-stage modes – 0.146 – – Exp. - Results showed that heat losses and the pipelines [68]
exchanger evacuated tube collectors (single-stage) and fittings pressure drops were reported to
and 0.25 influence the performance of the system greatly.
(two-stage)
OACW Cellulosic material pad Coiled finned-tube heat 14 m2 dual-wall glass – 41.67 – -. Exp. - Air’s relative humidity and outlet temperature [74]
humidifier (0.5 m � 0.4 m, exchanger with a cooling evacuated tube from the pad humidifier were reported to increase
and a thickness of 0.15 m). power of 2.1 kW from 35 � C to 42 � C and from 89% to 97% by
increasing the temperature of distributed water in
the humidifier from 9 � C to 27 � C, respectively.
- Increasing the distributed water temperature,
increased the temperature of outlet air from the
humidifier.
- Increasing the outlet air temperature and relative
humidity increased freshwater productivity.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 1 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier
– –
OACW Solar humidifier still (A
height of 0.2 for the lower
end, 0.29 m for upper ends
and area of 0.5 � 0.5 m2)
CAOW Corrugated cellulosic
material humidifying pad
(GLASdek or CELdek) of
0.3 � 0.6 m2 and thickness
of 0.75 m
7
CAOW Falling film type
CAOW Direct contact
polypropylene packing
(0.36 m2 and packing
height of 1 m)
CAOW Alveolate structure packing
material (0.45 m � 0.45 m
� 0.30 m)
a
CACW: closed-air closed-water, OACW: open-air closed-water, CAOW: closed-air open-water, OAOW: open-air open-water.
Dehumidifier
– 3 m2 flat-plate collector (with
Shell and coiled-tube heat
exchanger (0.11 m, 0.08 m and
0.05 m diameter concentric
coils containing a wounded
tube of 6 mm diameter)
Finned-tube heat exchanger
(83.1 m2 and a size of 1.1 m �
0.66 m � 0.6 m)
Coiled heat exchangers
Direct contact polypropylene
packing (0.36 m2 and packing
height of 1 m)
Condenser
Collector
thickness of 10 cm phase
change material)
0.71 m2 flat-plate collector
with turbulators made from
GI pipe of 0.054 m diameter
positioned in 6 � 4 zigzag
configurations
205.2 m2 (five-stage heating)
four-fold-web-plate collector
1 m2 flat-plate collector
16 m2 flat-plate solar
collectors
3.2 m2 flat-plate collector
GOR Water Cost η Study type Observations Ref.
production ($/m3) (%)
(kg/h)
– – – 35 Exp. and Theo. - The collector was equipped with an energy [69]
storage phase change material (PCM).
- The study revealed that placing PCM (having a
thickness of 8 cm) at the bottom of the absorber
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem
plate was sufficient to obtain a constant output
temperature throughout the day and night. it
enhanced the overall performance of the system.
– 0.61 – 78.6 Exp. - The turbulators used in the study were circular, [70]
semi-circular convex, and semi-circular concave
as the case I, II and III, respectively.
- Results showed that a decrease in depth of water
in the humidifier elevated the temperature of the
water, and increased the humidity ratio.
- It was reported that an increase in air flowrate and
the production of turbulence in the flow caused by
turbulators, enhanced the temperature of the
outlet air from the solar collector.
- Maximum Specific humidity gain was found to be
0.187 kgwater/kgair.
– 21.5 31.64 – Exp. - Multiple-heating multi-effect HDH process. [75]
- Several changes were made to the process flow,
which reduced heating–humidifying stages from
18 to 15, 9, and 4 stages, respectively.
- Freshwater production was optimized.
- The freshwater cost was 43.5, 35.8, 33.8, and
28.65 €/m3 for 18, 12, 9, and 5 stages plants,
respectively.
– 0.213 – – Theo. - Solar energy sources significantly affected [76]
freshwater production.
- Freshwater production increased to 0.6 kg/s by
elevating the flowrate of air
- Air flowrate greater than 0.6 kg/s had a marginal
influence on the system freshwater production.
- The system freshwater production was not
affected by the variations in flowrate of the feed
water and the effectiveness of the dehumidifier.
– 5 4 – Theo. - Recirculating air and water enhanced freshwater [77]
production.
- The mean specific electric energy consumption
was 3.6 kWh/m3.
- There was no need for external cooling water for
the process of freshwater production
– 2.5 – – Exp. and Theo. - A solar air collector, as well as a heat pump [78]
condenser, were used to elevate the air
temperature.
- The unit of electrical energy consumed to produce
about 60 L/day of desalinated water was 0.5 kW
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

be used for both air and water heaters [108–110]. An example of these
heaters for operating the HDH system is shown in Fig. 11. It is a sche­
matic illustration of two flat plate collectors (2-m2 for each) used to heat
the air and water of the OACW-HDH system for 24 h operation. The
system can yield about 12 m3/yr of freshwater production. Rajaseeni­
vasan et al. [111] used a flat plate solar air collector, while the hu­
midifier was a bubble column served by a flat-plate water collector. One
collector could be employed to elevate the temperature of both water
and air streams of the HDH system [112].
It is a norm in the literature to use evacuated tubes for the solar water
heater and tubeless flat-plate collector for air heaters [113–115]. Fig. 12
shows an illustration of HDH systems driven by two flat plate air heaters
and evacuated tubes water heater [116]. Each of the solar air collectors
has an external dimension of 116 � 121 cm2 and a thickness of 18.6 cm.
The evacuated tube solar water heater contains 15 tubes of 1800 mm
length and a diameter of 58 mm. The air leaving the drying unit is ducted
to the humidifier for the humidification process. The two-stage dryer has
recorded about 71.78% improvement in moisture content removal over
the single-stage dryer.
Using evacuated tubes for both water and air heaters were investi­
gated to improve freshwater production [117,118]. Based on successive
research since the year 2007, HIMIN Solar Co. Ltd and the Chinese
Academy of Sciences designed, constructed, and tested an HDH desali­
nation system. The system is consisted of an air heater field comprising
of 72 evacuated tubes solar collectors of 100 m2 surface area (see Fig. 7. Water-heated HDH driven by flat plate solar collector [82].
Fig. 13), and water heater field containing a total number of 10 evacu­
ated tubes solar collectors of a 14-m2 surface area [117]. The system
productivity reached 1000 L/day. The water and air streams in the HDH
system were heated by solar water and air heaters (evacuated tube
collectors) having a collector area of 10 m2 to produce pure water of
about 350 L/day [118]. The employment of a parabolic shape concen­
trated solar collector [119] and a solar concentrator of cylin­
drical/curved Fresnel lens [120] to drive HDH systems has also been
investigated in the literature.
The summary of the performance of the investigated HDH systems
operated by both solar air and water heaters is illustrated in Table 3. In
comparison to the tables mentioned above for air heaters (see Table 1)
and water heaters (see Table 2), the performance of using both air and
water solar heaters is reasonably efficient. The maximum reported GOR
is about 4.6 [121]. However, water productivity and thermal perfor­
mance seemed to be in the same order of magnitude for all solar heaters.
The system’s use of dual air and water solar heaters are expected to have
higher constructive cost. The average GOR, freshwater production, and
freshwater cost by consideration all data listed in Table 3 are about 2,
2.88 kg/m2.h, and 40 $/m3, respectively.
In general, using solar energy as a cheap energy source to operate
HDH systems is an efficient way to be employed in off-grid, rural,
decentralized, and desert zones. The water production and its cost are
still out of the competition with the commonly used technologies such as Fig. 8. An example of HDH driven by an evacuated tube water solar collec­
reverse osmosis and multi-effect desalination. Therefore, further tor [88].
improvement in the HDH system performance should be conducted.
Some suggested methods to enhance the performance of HDH systems
are thermodynamic balancing [122–125] and multi-stage HDH systems
the most investigated systems were pilots, while the cost for industrial-
[120,126].
scale will be expected to be less than 5 $/m3 [115].
A performance comparison between the heating method using solar
collectors in accordance with the average performance values listed in
(Tables 1–3) is shown in Fig. 14. It can be seen that the air-heated HDH 3.2. Humidification-dehumidification systems driven by geothermal
has the lowest cost and freshwater production and relatively highest energy
GOR. While the water-heated HDH systems have an excellent produc­
tion with a comparative cost and GOR values, the dual air- and water- Unlike solar energy, which may be interrupted at sunset without a
heated HDH systems have a higher freshwater production cost and storage unit, geothermal energy is abundant, continuous, and uninter­
low productivity and GOR. It can be drawn from the given figure that rupted. Therefore, the systems operated by the geothermal energy
solar water heaters could be recommended to operate HDH systems. source can operate all day long. The underground heat is efficiently used
Moreover, low density, low heat capacity, and leakage mishaps enlist air to run HDH systems. It can supply water temperature in a range of
heaters to be practically undesirable. Another point is that the fresh­ 60–90 � C [129–131]. The discharge of geothermal energy after heating
water cost is considerably higher for all used collectors. That is because saline water could be used to preheat the air flowing to the humidifier

8
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem
Fig. 9. An example of exploiting parabolic trough collectors to run HDH systems [90].
Fig. 10. The use of a solar dish with proper receivers to run HDH systems [91].
[129]. The water production could be as high as 250 kg/h [131].
It has been observed that geothermal energy sources are commonly
utilized for cogeneration plants with HDH systems [132]. Fig. 15 shows
such integrated systems between HDH and Rankine cycle, driven by
geothermal energy source [133]. The system produced about 712 kg/h
freshwater. Geothermal-biogas energy sources are able to power
multi-generation systems for producing heating load, cooling effect,
electric power generation, and freshwater production [134,135].
Geothermal energy was, also, integrated with solar energy to power
HDH systems to produce an optimal freshwater amount by 192 L/m2 day
[136].
The studies conducted with the geothermal energy to power HDH
systems are summarized in Table 4. The important HDH features and
performance are described and listed as well. It is observed that the
water as a heating medium is preferred more than air, as shown in the
fourth column of Table 4, due to higher heat capacity and lower flow­
rates. The GOR values occur between 1.2 and 1.6, which might be
9
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
considered low. However, the water production is so high compared
with the solar-based energy. The cost of production could be lower than
3 $/m3, while plant efficiency varies between 10 and 95% based on the
reported studies in the literature. Based on the tabulated data, the
average performance of HDH system is 1.4 for GOR, 198 kg/h for
freshwater production (excluding the exaggerated value of 38,916 kg/h
[135]), and 2.1 $/m3 for pure water price (excluding the exaggerated
value of 1880 $/m3 [137]).
3.3. Humidification-dehumidification systems driven by different
integration of renewable energy sources
Yang [139] analyzed an ocean-based CAOW-HDH desalination sys­
tem. The system was powered by solar, ocean, and wind energies. The
system produced zero brine and did not require pre-treatment or intake.
The results indicated that the system’s operation at ambient pressure
conditions yielded higher productivity over operating it at different
pressure levels. The highest freshwater production per HDH line was
about 11 L/h with a minimum vacuum pump electric energy con­
sumption of 0.9 kWh/m3.
Okati et al. [140] theoretically investigated the performance of a
novel water production system for agricultural and cooling effect pur­
poses driven by thermal-solar, PV panel, and geothermal energy sources.
Flat-plate solar air heater and flat-plate solar water heater (with a total
surface area of 15 m2) were used. The humidifier was a solar still (15 m2)
with an air blower, while the dehumidifier was buried tubes (five pieces)
under the ground (50 m2 each). The heated air and water were supplied
to the solar humidifier where humid air was produced and transported
to the underground geothermal heat exchanger, which consists of a
dehumidifier and air heat exchanger. The vapor in the air was condensed
in the geothermal heat exchanger to produce freshwater. The outlet air
from the geothermal heat exchanger was used for improving produc­
tivity in solar photovoltaic and HVAC cycles. The results obtained
showed that the solar air heater and the solar water heater improved
freshwater production by 4.45% and 30.35%, respectively. For five
buried pipes, the total freshwater production was 230.1 kg/day, while
the price of freshwater production has been estimated to be 0.027 $/kg.
 Table 2
Summary of solar water-heated HDH systems.
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Collector type GOR Water production Cost η Study type Observations Ref.
(kg/h) ($/m3) (%)

OACW Maisotsenko cycle-based air Shell and tube heat 1.5 m2 flat-plate 0.8 0.564 30 – Theo. - Results showed less than 7.1% CO2 [81]
saturator exchange (1.5 m2) collector emissions when compared to direct
contact humidifier.
- The system showed better
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

performance under hot and dry

CAOW Wooden slats packed-bed
(58 m2/m3)
CAOW Thorn trees and aspen
pad packing materials of
55 � 45 cm2 cross-sectional
area
Finned coil heat
exchanger (8.9 m2)
Coiled tube heat
exchanger (1.6 cm
diameter and a total
length of 15 m)
conditions.
2.77 m2 flat-plate – 2.3 – – Exp. and Theo. - The air in the unit was circulated [82]
collector either by natural or forced draft.
- Air flowrate had less effect leading to
supporting the natural draft operation.
0.5 m2 parabolic 2.5 (HDH 2.5 – Exp. - The system was a hybrid HDH coupled [90]
trough solar collector daytime), with six identical wick solar stills.
4.5 (HDH - Photovoltaic (PV) panels served the
night), and 5.7 purpose of supplying electricity to the
(hybrid parts requiring electricity (pumps and
system) fans, etc.).
- The impact of mode of operation
(night and daytimes) on the
performance of the system was
investigated.
- Aspen pad provided higher
productivity.
- Increasing water flowrate increased
GOR.
- The solar stills had a basin heights of
44 cm (high-side wall), 15 cm (low-

10
CAOW Wooden slats packed-bed Finned coil heat exchange
(14 and 87 m2/m3) (4 m2 (single) and 8 m2
(double) for pilot unit and
0.6 m2 (single) and 1.2 m2
(double) for bench unit)
OACW Nozzle flash humidification Inner cylindrical wall
surface
CAOW Packed bed Finned coil heat
exchanger
side wall), and an active area of 0.5 m
width � 1 m length (0.5 m2 each).
2.0 m2 flat-plate 1.25 and 1.61 0.417–0.667 – – Exp. - Two units of different sizes (bench and [95]
tubeless type for two cycles (after pilot scales) were constructed from
extrapolation) different materials.
- The air in the unit was circulated
either by natural or forced draft.
- The water flowrate significantly
affected the system’s performance.
- Results suggested that the unit can be
operated by natural air circulation at
high temperatures.
- 2.5 kW electric heater was used for
steady-state.
1.15 m2 flat-plate – 0.431 500 – Exp. - The electric heater of 3 kW was used to [96]
solar collector keep the water temperature constant
during the test.
- The system production corresponded
to about 1.6 L/kWh of solar energy
input.
- Increasing saline water temperature
improves system performance
gradually
- Expensive water production cost.
4.35 m2 evacuated 2.7 2.22 32 – Theo. - The study performed optimization on [83]
tube solar collectors a couple of evacuated tubes solar
collectors and the HDH systems.
- The analysis was carried out on
multiple locations in Saudi Arabia.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 2 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Collector type GOR Water production Cost η Study type Observations Ref.
(kg/h) ($/m3) (%)

CAOW Packed bed 80 m2 Finned coil – – 24.16 – – Exp. - The performance of the two-stage [97]
heat exchanger system was about 20% in the system’s
productivity over a single-stage unit.
- Higher freshwater productivity
reduced the solar collector area.
– – –
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

CAOW Wooden slats packed-bed (58 Finned coil heat exchanger 1.9 m2 flat-plate collector 46.8 Theo. - The study simulated an existing multi- [98]
m2/m3) (8.9 m2) effect humidification unit by using a
rigorous model.
- The impact of several variables on the
system productivity was investigated.
- These parameters included water feed
flowrate, solar collector, condenser
and humidifier
CACW Thorn trees packed-bed (1.2 Plate type condenser (1.2 � 6 m2 flat-plate collector – 0.791 – – Exp. - The purpose of the experimental work [99]
� 0.5 � 2.55 m3) 0.36 � 3.0 m3) was to validate the developed model.
OA/ Humidification unit made of Condenser unit made of 0.35 m2 Fresnel lens solar – 0.875 (open air – 70 Exp. and Theo. - The miscarried water temperature was [89]
CA-CW galvanized steel (80 � 50 � copper (30 � 60 � 30 cm3) collector loop) and 1.63 high and sufficient to be introduced to
50 cm3) (closed air loop) a second stage of the humidification
system.
CAOW Indigenous structure packed- Copper tube of 50 m length 2 m2 flat-plate type – 8.28 – – Exp. and Theo. - Air was circulated by natural [80]
bed in the evaporation tower and diameter of 12.7 mm convection.
(1.5 � 0.5 � 1.0 m) - A pilot plant unit was designed,
fabricated, and tested.
- The developed model assisted
evaluation of the system output and
optimization of the system
components

11
CAOW Honey comb Packing
materials (0.3 m � 0.16 m �
0.3 m)
OACW Bubble column humidifier
CACW Bubble column humidifier
CAOW Cellulose papers of
honeycomb shape packing
materials (total wet area of 8
m2 for cellulose-5 mm and
6.8 m2 for cellulose-7 mm)
Plate type heat exchanger
Shell and tube heat
exchanger
Shell and tube heat
exchanger
A coiled copper tube heat
exchanger (15 m length,
1.5 mm thickness and 1.27
cm outer diameter)
10 m2 flat-plate collector
2.5 m2 Evacuated tube
solar collector
0.1 m2 evacuated tube
solar collector and
thermosyphon heat pipe
20 evacuated tubes
– 2.167 – – Theo. - The system was of two humidifiers, [100]
two dehumidifiers (condensers).
- Cooling water flowrate and collector
area are essential to attain maximum
freshwater production.
- The operation of the system for 24 h
enhanced freshwater production.
0.53 0.875 – 63 Exp. - The air bubble column attained better [84]
performance compared to
conventional humidifiers.
- For all measurements, there were less
than 2.5 � C in temperature difference
along the air column.
– 0.026 28 65 Exp. - The system performance increased [85]
significantly by adding an evacuated
tube solar collector and thermosyphon
heat pipe.
- The inlet air flowrate increased daily
freshwater production.
– 23.6 – – Exp. - The effect of cellulose papers of [86]
different wet surface area (cellulose 5
mm and cellulose 7 mm) on the system
performance was analyzed.
- The effect of force circulation and
natural circulation was studied.
- Force air circulation and cellulose-5
mm provided the highest freshwater
production.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 2 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier
CACW Evaporation chamber
OACW Hollow fiber membrane
module (814 m2/m3)
CAOW Polypropylene corrugated
plastic structured packing
12
(350 m2/m3)
CAOW Porous plastic balls (26 mm in
diameter) and the packed bed
thickness is 0.2 m
CAOW Cellulose papers of
honeycomb shape packing
materials (total wet area of
10 m2 for cellulose-5 mm)
CAOW Polypropylene structured
packing material (152 m2/
m3)
CAOW Metal packing materials (200
m2/m3)
Dehumidifier
Evaporative-condenser
chamber
Fin-and-tube heat
exchanger (1.884 m2)
Polypropylene corrugated
plastic structured packing
(350 m2/m3)
Finned tube heat exchanger
Copper corrugated fins
coiled tube heat exchanger
(15 m length, 1.5 mm
thickness and 1.27 cm outer
diameter)
Finned tube heat exchanger
(150 m, with a copper tube
inner diameter of 11 mm
and 30 aluminum fins)
Coiled-tube heat
exchangers (1.6 m2)
Collector type GOR
– 12.24
4.13 m2 evacuated tube – 4.453
solar collector
42 m2 evacuated tubes 1.4
solar collector
– 2.65
2 m2 twenty evacuated – 0.458
tubes
28 m2 flat-plate solar – 10
collector
– –
Water production Cost η Study type Observations Ref.
(kg/h) ($/m3) (%)
0.14 8.59 – Theo. - The proposed system replaced the [92]
vapor chamber and compressor in the
convectional mechanical-compression
desalination system with an evapora­
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem
tive condenser and an air blower,
respectively.
- The system used internal heat
recovery and weakly compressed air.
- Heat input (provided by solar water
collector) to the system was needed
only at the starting up of the HDH
system, while the additional heat
sources and saline water cooling are
longer required at the steady-state
operation.
- The specific energy consumption was
18.35 kg/kWh.
– – Exp. and Theo. - The specific energy consumption [87]
(solar energy and electric energy) was
lower than 924.35 kWh/m3 (905.12
kWh/m3-solar and 19.23 kWh/m3-
electrical).
- The COP of the system and the electric
COP were 0.75 and 36.13, respectively
63 3.86 – Exp. - The performance of a four-stage cross- [93]
flow solar HDH system of direct con­
tact dehumidifiers and the horizontal
arrangement was evaluated.
- The system recovery ratio was 5.73%.
- The system recorded lower costs of
freshwater production and higher
freshwater productivity.
182.47 – – Exp. - The performance of a three-stage [101]
multi-effect solar HDH system was
analyzed.
- An electric heater replaced the solar
water collector.
57.8 – Exp. and Theo. - The system performed well for [88]
continuous operation from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m.
- Increasing the feedwater temperature
increased freshwater productivity.
– – Exp. and Theo. - Experimental results showed that [102]
freshwater production from the plant
was 4% higher than those reported in
the literature.
- Reducing the condenser and packing
area, the dehumidifier and humidifier
heat transfer area ratios were essential
parameters with optimum values.
3.40 – – Exp. and Theo. - The air in the circuit was provided [103]
employing natural convection
between the humidifier and the
dehumidifier.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 2 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Collector type GOR Water production Cost η Study type Observations Ref.
(kg/h) ($/m3) (%)

- 2.4 kW two-electrical heaters replaced

the solar water collector.
2
– – –
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

CAOW Honeycomb packing material
of and solar still (1.16 m2
basin area)
CAOW Cellulose type honeycomb
packing material of and solar
still (1.0 m2 basin area)
Corrugated fins coiled tube
heat exchanger(2 m2 total
projected area with 20
vacuum tubes)
Corrugated fins coiled tube
heat exchanger (2 m2 total
projected area with 20
vacuum tubes)
2 m evacuated tubes
2 m2 evacuated solar – 2.75
water collector
1.541 Exp. and Theo. - HDH was hybridized with solar still. [104]
- The investigated systems were
conventional solar still (CSS),
continuous solar still (SS) connected
with HDH rejected brine, HDH, and
hybrid system (SS-HDH).
- Maximum freshwater production of
3.9, 13, 24, and 37 L/day came from
CSS, SS, HDH, and SS-HDH,
respectively.
- Using the discharged brine in SS
improved the productivity and GOR
over the CSS by about 242% and 39%,
respectively.
34 – Exp. and Theo. - HDH was hybridized with a four-stage [105]
(hybrid) solar still.
- The systems were conventional solar
still (CSS), single solar still (SSS)
connected with HDH rejected brine,
four solar stills (FSS) connected with
HDH rejected brine, HDH, and hybrid
system (SSS-HDH).

13
CA- Porous plastic balls packing
OW/ materials (each ball has a
CW diameter of 26 mm and balls
packing height of 400 mm)
OAOW Absorber plate with a pasted
porous fabric (2 m2)
Finned tube heat exchanger
Tubular heat-exchanger
condenser (21 copper tubes
with 12 mm outside
diameter, 2 mm thickness
and length of 0.5 m)
- The optimal freshwater production
was 3.2, 10.5, 42, 24.3, and 66.3 L/
day for CSS, SSS, FSS, HDH, and SSS-
HDH, respectively.
- Using the discharged brine in SS,
improved productivity and GOR over
the CSS by about 242% and 39%,
respectively.
- The freshwater cost for CSS, HDH, and
the hybrid system was 0.049, 0.058,
and 0.034 $/L, respectively
40 m2 solar collector 2.1 63.6 4.4 – Exp. - An innovative multi-effect solar desa­ [106]
lination system was designed and
constructed.
- The system was a solar-driven two-
stage HDH desalination system con­
sisting of two humidifiers and two
dehumidifiers.
- The payback period of the plant was
2.7 years.
- Three electric heaters were used to
simulate the solar collector.
2 m2 flat-plate collector 0.65 0.304 – 80 Exp. - circulation of air was by either natural [94]
or forced draft.
- GOR exhibited low values due to the
low energy performance of the
condenser.
- An optimal air velocity of 3.34 m/s
was attained for peak freshwater yield.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 2 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Collector type GOR Water production Cost η Study type Observations Ref.
(kg/h) ($/m3) (%)

CAOW Wooden slats packing Finned-tubes heat 2.545 m2 (for each) solar 0.904–1.25 19 (hemispherical) – – Theo. - Thermal oil-heated by the solar col­ [91]
material (30 m2) exchanger (150 m2) dish with different shape lector elevated the seawater tempera­
of receiver cavities: ture for the humidification process.
cubical, cylindrical, and - Photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) panels
hemispherical were used to produce the needed
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

power of about 274 Watts, and to pre-

heat (about 1.28 kW) of the saline
water flowing to the solar collector
heat exchanger.
- The generated power from the PV
panels (3.162 m2) covered the power
requirements of mechanical
equipment such as pump and fan.
- About 42 W remained the net positive
output power of the system.
- The input heat from the solar collector
to the saline water varied between 30
and 15 kW.
- The hemispherical cavity collector
yielded the lowest GOR and highest
freshwater production, and vice versa
for the cylindrical cavity concentrator.
OACW Packed bed Coiled heat exchanger Parabolic trough – 0.22–0.5b – – Theo. - Shell and tube heat exchanger was [107]
concentrators used to exchange heat from the hot
water exiting the collector to the
seawater.
- Increasing solar radiation increased

14
the collector thermal efficiency to
optimal value and then declined.
- Summer season yielded the highest
freshwater production.
- The productivity time was maximum
in the summer season, and it was
about 42% of the day.
a
CACW: closed-air closed-water, OACW: open-air closed-water, CAOW: closed-air open-water, OAOW: open-air open-water.
b
kg of freshwater per kg of air.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 3
Summary of solar dual air- and water-heated HDH systems.
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Air Water GOR Water Cost η Study Observations Ref.
collector collector production ($/m3) (%) type
(kg/h)

CACW Canvas packing Extended surface tubes 0.5 m2 tubeless flat-plate Parabolic shape concentrated – 0.708 – – Exp. - The temperature of the air and water [119]
material cooling coil heat with a reflected stainless steel and affected freshwater productivity
exchange (20 m2) sheet (0.5 mm thickness, 1 m Theo. significantly.
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

width and 2 m long) - Air temperature, water temperature,

and productivity increased by
increasing solar input energy.
OACW Cellulose papers of A Finned tube heat Two double passes corrugated Evacuated tube (15 tubes, 58 mm 1.38, 1.76 – – Exp. - The system was utilized for freshwater [116]
honeycomb shape exchanger of cross-flow absorber of 116 cm � 121 cm diameter and 1800 mm length) overall production and indirect solar dryer.
packing material of 45 type having total cross-section and height of 1.79 - The air leaving the drying unit was
cm � 45 cm total cross- 40 cm � 38 cm total 18.6 cm each. ducted to the humidifier for the
section and height of 60 cross-section and height humidification process.
cm of 10 cm. - Two-stage dryer records about 71.78%
improvement in moisture content
removal over the single-stage dryer.
- The maximum moisture removal from
products (plants and fruit) was 12.37
kg/day
OACW Honeycomb-structure fin-tube heat exchanger 100 m2 evacuated tubes 14 m2 evacuated tubes 2.3 50 6.58 – Exp. - The air relative humidity was in the [117]
packing material of 1.5 of 1.5 m � 1.5 m total range of 80%–90%, while the outlet air
m � 1.5 m total cross cross sectional area temperature is in the range of 40 and
sectional area 55 � C.
- At 760 W/m2 the outlet air
temperature from solar collector
increased to 118 � C.
- An experimental solar HDH

15
desalination unit demonstrated 1000
L/day.
CACW Textile (Viscose) Circular copper tubes 16 m2 flat-plate collectors 12 m2 flat-plate collectors – 0.906 107.2 – Exp. - The prototype consisted of five major [127]
packing material condensation chamber parts: condensation tower,
(14 m2, 52 m2/m3) (12 tubes, 14 mm inner evaporation tower, flat plate solar air
diameter and a total heater, humidifier, and flat plate solar
length of 1500 mm) water heater.
- The thermal performance of the unit
was higher in July.
- Increasing solar radiation increased
freshwater production.
- The system payback period was 6776
years.
OACW Jute cloth packing Shell and coil heat 0.713 m2 flat-plate dual- 0.713 m2 flat-plate dual-purpose – 0.4525 25.7 68 Exp. - Concave and convex turbulators were [112]
material exchanger consisting of purpose (air-water) (air-water introduced in the air-flow field to
three concentric copper enhance the system’s performance.
coils (0.05 m, 0.08 m, - Freshwater of 14.14, 15.23, and 12.36
and 0.11 m) kg/m2.day was recorded for the
convex, concave, and conventional
system, respectively.
CACW Corrugated ceramic Coiled tube Cylindrical/curved Fresnel lens Cylindrical/curved Fresnel lens 2.1 3.4 – – Exp. - The solar HDH desalination system [120]
packing material with a 0.3 m2 receiving surface with a 0.3 m2 receiving surface was heated directly by a curved
(350 m2/m3) and 3 m length and 3 m length Fresnel lens concentrator.
- Four-stage multi-effect desalination
system was proposed.
- The residual brine heat and latent heat
of condensation were recycled and
reused.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 3 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Air Water GOR Water Cost η Study Observations Ref.
collector collector production ($/m3) (%) type
(kg/h)

OACW Bubble column Shell and coil heat Flat-plate of rectangular box Flat-plate dual-purpose solar air- 3.3 0.71 19 78 Exp. - A solar bubble column HDH [111]
humidifier (0.5 m � exchanger consisting of 0.95 m � 0.75 m in the middle water collector of a rectangular desalination system was coupled with
0.5 m rectangular box three concentric copper and variable-length ducts hollow box in the dimension of dual and single-purpose solar heaters.
with 0.2 m and 0.29 coils (0.05 m, 0.08 m, varying from 0.75 m to 0.30 m 0.95 m � 0.75 m � 0.12 m with an - The performance of the single-purpose
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

height at the shorter and and 0.11 m) and extended surface of 6 � 4 extended surface of 6 � 4 zigzag solar heater was lower than that of a
longer side, zigzag configuration configurations. dual-purpose solar collector.
respectively) - A maximum of 92% was attained for
humidifier efficiency.
- The dual-purpose collector achieved
the best system performance.
CAOW Packed bed (2.5 m in Double pipe heat 1.5 m2 flat-plate 2 m2 evacuated tube 3.43 2.14 23 (pilot) and – Exp. - The HDH system was tested at a [115]
height and 0.1 m in exchanger (1.58 m2) 4.1 variable humidifier pressure (sub-
diameter) (industrial atmospheric humidifier pressure)
scale) ranging from 50 to 90 kPa.
- The system also attained a minimum
specific electricity consumption of
0.21.
- The humidification system was more
efficient at sub-atmospheric pressures.
- Compared to other parameters,
humidifier pressure was more
effective.
CAOW Packed bed (2.5 m in Double pipe heat 1.5 m2 flat-plate 2 m2 evacuated 3.3 2.0 34 – Theo. - The pressure in the dehumidifier and [114]
height and 0.1 m in exchanger (1.58 m2) humidifier of system I was maintained
diameter) at over-atmospheric and sub-
atmospheric, respectively, while that

16
in system II was kept at atmospheric
and sub-atmospheric, respectively.
- The proposed HDH system works only
with a vacuum pump, and without
need for a compressor.
- The better performance is recorded for
sub-atmospheric pressures.
OA/ Vertical wetted-walls Surface heat exchanger 2 m2 flat-plate 2 m2 flat-plate – 3.583 – – Exp. - The system could be operated in an [110]
CA-OW covered by cotton wick (1.5 m2 and length of 28 and open or closed cycle for air.
m) Theo. - The results showed that closed- and
open-air cycles could yield an annual
freshwater production of 5791 L/m2
and 6170 L/m2, respectively.
- The optimal mass flowrate led to
optimal productivity.
- An electric heater replaced the solar
water heater.
CA/ Packed bed Surface heat exchanger 10 m2 evacuated tube collector 10 m2 evacuated tube collector 1.63 14.58 – – Theo. - The performance of the proposed [118]
OA-CW (air and water) (air and water) systems was maximized by switching
the open/closed modes of operations.
- Increasing the temperature of outdoor
air improved water recovery and
freshwater productivity.
- The system was equipped with a
chemical treatment unit in order to
attain freshwater salinity of 500 ppm
in accordance with WHO (World
Health Organization).
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 3 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Air Water GOR Water Cost η Study Observations Ref.
collector collector production ($/m3) (%) type
(kg/h)
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

OACW Cellulosic pad packed- Finned tube heat 1.7 m2 flat-plate collectors 1.7 m2 flat-plate collectors 0.97–1 1.12 98.1 31.54 Exp. - Solar PV panel of 130 W and 0.94 m2 [109]
bed (10 cm thickness) exchanger and surface area supplied the electrical
Theo. power needed to the HDH system.
- The most efficient time to operate the
HDH system is from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00
p.m.
- Daily exergy efficiency was 1.87%.
- The environmental (enviro-economic)
as found to be 2.4041 $ per year and
was evaluated for 10 years as 24.041 $.
OACW Cellulose papers Finned tube -cross-flow Double pass corrugated Evacuated tubes (15 tubes, 1800 0 1.488–1.967 – – Exp. - The system was a hybrid indirect [113]
packing materials of the heat exchanger absorber of the cross-sectional mm long and radius of 28 mm) evaporative air cooler and HDH system
cross-sectional area of (radiator, 40 � 38 cm2 � area of 112 � 119 cm2 and assisted by solar energy.
40 � 40 cm2 and height 10 cm thick) height of 17.6 cm - The overall daily COP rose from 1.78
of 70 cm to 2.256 when the airflow increases
from 60 to 90 m3/h, respectively.
- The cooling effect ranged between
253.26 and 417.4 W at 70 m3/h air
flowrate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
OACW Packed bed Surface heat exchanger 2 m2 flat-plate double pass 2 m2 flat-plate double – 1.188 – – Theo. - Using the 4th order Runge-Kutta [108]
solar collector pass solar collector method, a time-dependent HDH desa­

17
lination process was assessed.
- Increasing feed water and air mass
flowrate, increased freshwater
productivity.
- An optimum point for the air mass
flowrate existed at which freshwater
production was maximized.
OAOW Solar humidifier still Cold wall of buried tubes Direct solar heating Direct solar heating – 3.812 – – Theo. - The system consisted of a solar [128]
humidifier and a subsurface
condenser/dehumidifier.
- The system was analyzed using
response surface methodology (RSM) -
design of experiment (DoE).
- The freshwater production was greatly
influenced by variation in humidifier
water temperature.
- The cross-sectional area of the system
and inlet air temperature also affect
the rate of freshwater productivity.
- Increasing the temperature of the air
from 28 � C to 42 � C increased water
production by 23.78%.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

3.4. Summary and aspects of thermal-based renewable energy sources for

running humidification-dehumidification systems
[121]
Ref.

The majority of investigated studies on thermal-based renewable

The system was also assessed based on

- For the air-heated S-OAOW system, the

and dual air and water heating mode.

closed-air, open-air, or different per­

- Entropy generation in an air-heated

energy sources rely primarily on solar energy and then geothermal en­

centages of a partial open-air cycle.

heating mode, water heating mode,

system was higher than that of the

- At the heat capacity ratio of unity,
semi-open-air cycle could enhance

- The dehumidifier had the highest

- The system was evaluated for air

ergy sources. Solar energy sources can be used to heat the water, air, or

dual-heated HDH recorded its

both of the HDH system. Since the solar source is intermittent, the sys­
tem is more productive during the day hours under clean climate con­

maximum performance.

water-heated system.
ditions. Furthermore, HDH systems having low-size are preferred to be
system performance.

exergy destruction.
driven by solar energy sources in remote and rural areas. It can be an
efficient way for small systems when low amounts of water are needed.
Observations

The system’s performance is not high, as illustrated in Table 1, Table 2,

and Table 3.
On the other side, geothermal energy is continuous and can effi­
ciently be used to produce higher amounts of water (see Table 4). It is
usually used for power plants since it offers a high energy level to be
Study

Theo.
type

used. The geothermal energy source is preferred for larger HDH systems
than those driven by solar energy. The freshwater cost could be lower for
(%)

geothermal systems; however, the initial construction and earth digging

η

costs are expected to be high. A performance comparison between the

solar energy (based on 10-m2 water-heated collector as suggested early)
and geothermal energy-driven HDH system is shown in Fig. 16. As
($/m3)
Cost

evident, the solar-energy source could lead to more GOR while the
–

freshwater production and cost are better in the geothermal-based HDH

systems. More production and lower cost with an acceptable GOR could
production

push for the use of geothermal energy sources as efficient thermal-based

(kg/h)
Water

renewable energy for operating HDH systems, especially when large-size

–

systems are needed.

CACW: closed-air closed-water, OACW: open-air closed-water, CAOW: closed-air open-water, OAOW: open-air open-water.
GOR

4. Humidification-dehumidification systems driven by low-

4.6

grade energy sources

Low-grade forms of energy can powerfully be used to drive HDH

systems. Such sources involve energy obtained from the cooling process
of photovoltaic panels, the energy released by cooling hot streams in
condensers (e.g., refrigeration systems), the energy recovered from
power plants, the hot exhaust gases of combustion processes, and so on.
In this section, the exploitation of these types of energy sources to run
collector
Water

HDH systems is assessed.

–

4.1. Humidification-dehumidification systems driven by photovoltaic

thermal panels

Few investigations have been carried out on the integration of HDH

desalination systems and photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) systems. The
need for photovoltaic cells to be cooled is the key to the heat recovery
that is used to power HDH systems. The first study performed on the
collector

coupling of HDH and PV/T system is carried out by Wang et al. [141].
Air

They have experimentally and theoretically investigated the perfor­

–

mance of an integrated water-heated HDH system with PV modules for

Indirect contact surface

cooling PV panels and providing thermal energy needed for the HDH
system. The effect of process temperature was analyzed under forced
heat exchanger

and free convection mode. The HDH system consists of a humidifier (0.4
Dehumidifier

m � 0.4 m � 0.5 m for L � W � H), and a dehumidifier (0.4 m � 0.5 m

for Ф � H). Both the humidifier and dehumidifier are made of polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) materials. Results showed that forced convection mode
produced higher freshwater production compared to free convection
mode. The recorded peak freshwater production was 0.873 kg/m2.day
Direct contact spray

for the forced circulation. However, the cost of freshwater production

for free and forced convection modes were 2.3 and 21.8 $/m3, respec­
Humidifier
Table 3 (continued )

tively. The produced electricity from the PV panel was used to power fan
and pump as well as an electric heater (3.5 kW) for elevating the
brackish water temperature in the humidifier.
Giwa et al. [142] have theoretically studied air-heated CAOW-HDH
OAOW
Cyclea

Semi-

systems using recovered heat from the PV module for dual purpose
objective of simultaneously generating electric power from PV panels
a

18
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

Fig. 11. shows a typified OWCA-HDH driven by solar air and water heaters [108].

Fig. 12. A schematic and photo of the test rig of the HDH system driven by flat-plate solar air and evacuated tubes water heaters [116].

19
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

and production of freshwater from HDH system. The environmental

Fig. 13. A photo of the 100 m2 evacuated tubes solar-air collector field for solar
HDH desalination [117].
Fig. 14. A performance comparison between solar air-heated, water heater,
and both air and water-heated driven HDH systems.
impact of PV-HDH technology was investigated. The air to be heated for
the HDH system is fed to the air gap at the back of the PV panels. The air
gets heated while cooling down the PV panel, as shown in Fig. 17. The
heated-air is fed into the humidifier for the humidification process. The
dehumidifier is equipped with a coiled copper tube heat exchanger (6
m2) while the humidifier is filled with wooden slate sheet packing ma­
terial (6 m2). The thermal energy recovery has an area of (61 m2) while
the PV panel inverter is rated 100 W. Based on their findings, the system
could produce freshwater of 2.28 L/day per m2 of PV and electricity of
278 kWh/m2. The PV-HDH system decreases environmental impacts by
about 83.6% when compared with the PV-reverse system.
Elsafi [143] has theoretically assessed the performance of a
co-generation unit for the generation of power and production of
freshwater. The system was an integrated concentrated photovoltaic
thermal (C-PV/T) collectors and air-heated CAOW-HDH system. The
PV/T panels have a total area of 4.5 m2. HDH system was a direct contact
packed bed humidifier and indirect contact surface heat exchanger
dehumidifier. Freshwater production of 33 kg/day and electricity gen­
eration of 2.60 kWh/day were recorded for the solar irradiance of 1.88
MWh/yr. Based on the exergy-costing analysis, the cost of freshwater
and electricity was found to be 0.01 $/L and 0.289 $/kWh, respectively.
Techno-economic analysis of a water-heated CAOW-HDH system
coupled with PV modules was assessed [144]. The dehumidifier was an
air-water heat exchanger, while the humidifier was a Flexiring (Koch-­
Glitsch) packed-bed column. The average freshwater production, net
electricity production, and thermal energy consumption were found to
be 0.21 kg/m2.h, 0.07 kWh/kg, and 0.34 kWh/kg, respectively. The
price of electricity was estimated to be 0.11 €/kWh.
Mahmoud et al. [145] have theoretically assessed the performance of
a hybrid solar still-CAOW-HDH desalination process coupled with PV/T
and solar concentrator. The system consists of a single solar still (2.4
m2), double stage sprayed humidifiers (2 m2), and a single-stage surface
heat exchanger dehumidifier. Saline water going to the second humid­
ifier is preheated by one of the PV panels, while the other PV panel heats
the humidified air going to the second humidifier. The solar concen­
trator provides solar energy for the still basin water and first humidi­
fiers. The two PV/T panels were also used for generating electricity.
Results indicated maximum freshwater production, the temperature of
the water basin, electricity, and electrical efficiency of 21.68 kg/m2.day,
89.43 � C, 170 W/m2, and 14%, respectively.
Based on the studies mentioned above, the average performance of
HDH systems integrated with PV/T is about 0.57 kg/m2.h freshwater
production and 11.5 $/m3 freshwater cost.

4.2. Humidification-dehumidification hybridization with refrigeration

and air conditioning cycles

Integrating HDH systems with refrigeration systems is appealing for

achieving water desalination and space cooling. Different refrigeration
and air conditioning (AC) systems have been coupled with HDH systems,
including AC systems, vapor-compression refrigeration - heat pumps,
vapor-absorption refrigeration - heat pumps, desorption refrigeration,
and desiccant-based AC.
The AC system could be modified to be used for cooling space and
freshwater production [146]. The seawater could be sprayed or boiled to
increase the ambient air humidity to be later condensed in the evapo­
rator, as shown in Fig. 18 [147]. The performance evaluation of six
different systems of integrating AC with HDH was performed to produce
4750 kg/h freshwater at 2.5 $/m3 cost [148]. The system was further
modified to be hybrid vapor-compression air conditioning and solar
OACW-HDH [140]. The heat released by the condenser of
Fig. 15. The use of geothermal energy for cogeneration plants and HDH sys­ vapor-compression refrigeration (VCR) systems could be used to heat
tems [133]. the air of the HDH system, as shown in Fig. 19 [149].
Moreover, vapor-compression refrigeration (VCR) heat pump sys­
tems were frequently integrated with HDH to produce freshwater, such

20
 Table 4
Summary of HDH systems driven by geothermal energy.
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Energy Source GOR Water Cost η Study Observations Ref.
cooling production ($/m3) (%) type
mode (kg/h)
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

CAOW Direct contact Indirect contact surface Water Geothermal-biogas – 367.92 – 62.28 Theo. - Hybrid geothermal-biogas energy sources powered a [134]
packed bed heat exchanger heated multi-generation system for producing heating load,
cooling effect, electric power generation, hydrogen
production, and freshwater production.
- Results showed a heating effect, cooling load, hydrogen,
and net power output of 538.1 kW, 1799 kW, 0.2583 kg/
s, 367.92, and 443.4 kW, respectively.
- Total exergy destruction and exergy efficiency of the
system were 2036.19 kW and 74.9, respectively
- The absorption refrigeration cycle was the component
with the highest contribution (47.74%) to the degree of
irreversibility in the whole system.
CAOW Direct contact Indirect contact surface Water Geothermal-biogas – 584.4 1880 12.07 Theo. - The optimization of the system in Ref. [134] was [137]
packed bed heat exchanger heated conducted.
- The optimal net power production, hydrogen
production, heating capacity, and cooling effect were
1202 kW (TEOD mode), 1033.2 kg/h (EEOD mode),
852.8 Kw (EEOD mode), and 5215 kW (TEOD mode),
respectively.
- The corresponding optimal product costs were 78.02
$/GJ (TEOD mode), 2.92 $/kg (COD mode), 1164 $/GJ

21
(EEOD mode), and 60.5 $/GJ (MOOD mode),
respectively.
- Exergy efficiency was 5.16%.
- The product cost is reduced by 3.7% after the
optimization.
CAOW Direct contact Indirect contact surface Water Geothermal 1.55 38,916 – 94.99 Theo. - Thermodynamic and thermo-economic evaluation and [135]
packed bed heat exchanger heated optimization of a multi-generation system were studied.
- The optimal exergy efficiency and range of total sum
unit cost of the product were found to be 51.35% and
69.7–91.82 $/GJ, respectively.
- The net power, heating capacity, and cooling load were
3538, 18,880, and 23,430 kW, respectively.
CAOW Direct contact Direct contact Water Geothermal 1.42 236.81 – 31.19 Theo. - Cogeneration plant consisted of a regenerative ORC and [132]
polypropylene polypropylene packing heated HDH systems.
packing materials materials (10.53 m2 to - The heat transfer area for the seawater heat exchanger
(11.11 m2) 65.45 m2) and recuperator were 1.07 m2 and 5.28 m2, respectively.
- The maximum electricity generation was 42.68 kW
while the exergy efficiency and cost of the plant were
50.83% and 4983.83 $, respectively.
CAOW Direct contact Indirect contact plate Water Geothermal – 711.85 – 43.98 Theo. - A cogeneration plant consisting of a regenerative ORC [133]
polypropylene heat exchangers heated and HDH systems was assessed.
packing materials (76.07–116.58 m2) - The net electric power generated was 157.0 kW.
(38.94–39.06 m2) - Among all the components, the highest irreversible loss
occurred in flashing evaporation, contributing about
40.4% to the total irreversible losses.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 4 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Energy Source GOR Water Cost η Study Observations Ref.
cooling production ($/m3) (%) type
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

mode (kg/h)

OACW Solar humidifier Shell and tube heat Water and Solar (flat plate solar 1.2–1.58 2.26 3.0 – Exp. - The air supplied to the solar still was heated by solar [136]
stills (15 m2) exchanger (copper tube, air heated air heater of 0.33 m2) and energy (flat plate solar air heater of 0.33 m2 base area
inner diameter 1 cm and and Geothermal Theo. with a staggered arrangement of cylindrical pipes).
length 15 m). - Low-grade geothermal energy simulated by two electric
heaters of 2 kW each.
OAOW Packed bed Indirect contact surface Water Geothermal – 1.17 – – Exp. - Optimal system performance existed at the optimal mass [129]
heat exchanger heated and flowrate ratio in a range of 1.5–2.5.
Theo.
CACW Indirect contact Indirect contact circular Water Geothermal – 78.12 1.2 – Exp. - Results revealed that elevating air temperature and inlet [130]
circular plastic plastic (polypropylene) heated hot water temperature and decreasing the air flowrate
(polypropylene) tubes and cylindrical and hot water flowrate increased the system
tubes and insulated envelope heat performance.
cylindrical exchangers with a tube - The study determined the existence of a critical film
insulated envelope length of 3000 m flowrate at which freshwater production was
heat exchangers maximized.
with a 2000 m tube - Cost analysis showed that the presented system could
length. compete with conventional desalination systems.
CACW Indirect contact Indirect contact circular Water Geothermal – 250 – – Theo. - It was based on a one-dimensional mathematical model [131]
circular plastic plastic (polypropylene) heated of [130].
(polypropylene) tubes and cylindrical - Model results were valid for Reynolds number between

22
tubes and insulated envelope heat 400 and 630.
cylindrical exchangers with a tube
insulated envelope length of 3000 m
heat exchangers
with a tube length
of 2000 m
OACW Indirect contact Indirect contact circular Water Geothermal – 48.6 – – Exp. - Two setups were investigated. [138]
and circular plastic plastic (polypropylene) heated and - The 1st one was presented in Lab-scale in Marseilles
CACW (polypropylene) tubes and cylindrical Theo. [130].
tubes and insulated envelope heat - The 2nd one was a pilot plant in the south of Tunisia
cylindrical exchangers with a tube (OACW-HDH cycle).
insulated envelope length of 3000 m
heat exchangers
with a tube length
of 2000 m
a
CACW: closed-air closed-water, OACW: open-air closed-water, CAOW: closed-air open-water, OAOW: open-air open-water.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5
Summary of HDH systems hybridized with refrigeration systems.
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)

OAOW Steam distributor Wavy-finned-tube Air Vapor- R-143a – 2.35–6.13 – 4 Exp. - The steam boiler was [147]
heat exchanger dehumidification compression used to produce steam
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

(304.8 � 228.6 for the process of air

mm2 face area and humidification.
3.2621 m2 total - Three air heaters (3 kW
external surface each) heated the
area) incoming ambient air.
- Inlet air temperature
and relative humidity
promoted the rate of the
system’s productivity.
- Refrigeration capacity
was found to be about
6.7 kW
OAOW Steam humidifier Cooling coils Air Vapor- – – 375 (for 100 2.5 – Theo. - Six cases were [148]
dehumidification compression RT cooling theoretically
power) investigated.
- The maximum power
saving was about 89%.
- The energy cost was
0.02 $/kWh.
- The study identified the
configurations that
optimize the freshwater

23
productivity, total
saving cost, and power
saving
OACW Packed bed Surface Heat Air Vapor- – – 20.88 5.9 4.3 Theo. - Hybrid air conditioning [174]
exchanger dehumidification compression and solar HDH systems.
- The area of the solar
collectors varies
between 5 and 15 m2,
each for air and water
heaters.
- The cooling effect of the
system was 146.7 kWh.
- The system worked well
in more humid and hot
climatic conditions.
CAOW Alveolate Pre-condenser and Air Vapor- – – 2.5 – 3.0 Exp. and Theo. - A solar air collector, as [78]
structure packing evaporative dehumidification compression well as a heat pump
material (450 � condenser and air preheating condenser, were used to
450 � elevate the air
300 mm3) temperature.
- The system consumed
about 0.5 kW of
electricity to produce
about 60 L/day
desalinated water.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

OACW Honeycomb Evaporator and Air Vapor- R-22 3.6 for 2.5 – 3.0 Exp. - The HDH system [146]
packing material surface heat dehumidification compression desalination adequately used the
(280 � 280 � 80 exchanger and water heating and 6.0 for heat pump condenser
mm) air- waste heat r and heat
conditioning pump evaporator
cooling effect.
- Using the system for
dehumidification could
regulate outlet air
temperature in a large
range.
CAOW Atmospheric Finned tube coils Air Vapor- R-143a – 25.75–92.92 13.5 – Exp. - While supplying [151]
humid air evaporator (610 � dehumidification compression conditioned air to a
1219 mm2 frontal building, the system
area) condensed a humid
ambient air in the
evaporator.
- The exiting air from the
dehumidifier/
evaporator was as cold
as 8 � C to be used to

24
provide cooling comfort
to an office building.
- The specific power
consumption was
estimated to be 420
kWh/m3.
OACWOACW Honeycomb Finned tube coils Air Vapor- R-143a 4.07 11.99 10.68–20.39 4.85 Exp. - The system produced [175]
packing material heat exchangers dehumidification compression freshwater as the main
(27 � 25 � 10 cm) and water heating product and cooling
load for space
conditioning as a by-
product.
- The system’s peak
recovery ratio was 4.9%
- The energy utilization
factor was estimated to
be 1.22–3.05, while the
specific electrical
energy consumption
ranged from 160.16 to
311.89 kWh/m3.
- The cooling effect
ranged from 641 to
3070 W.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

CAOW Packed bed Finned tube coils 1st system is air Vapor- R-143a 8.88 (water- – 7.747–34.38 – Theo. - Two HDH cycles [155]
heat exchanger dehumidification compression heated) and integrated with a heat
and water heating. 7.63 (air- pump were analyzed.
2nd system is Air heated) - Increasing the
dehumidification effectiveness of both
and air heating dehumidifier and
humidifier increased
the system’s GOR.
- Optimum mass ratio
existed at which GOR
was optimal.
- Increasing the
temperature of the
saline water influenced
the system’s recovery
ratio and GOR.
- The system’s peak
recovery ratio was
6.4%.
- The system’s specific
work consumption and

25
GOR decreased and
increased respectively
when the flowrate of the
refrigerant increased.
CAOW Packed bed Finned tube coils 1st system is Air Vapor- R-143a 10.3 – 4.44–14.95 – Theo. - Three systems were [167]
heat exchanger dehumidification compression analyzed and compared.
and water heating. - A peak exergetic
2nd system is Air efficiency of 0.07%,
dehumidification 1.1%, and 0.06% was
and air heating recorded for water-
heated, modified air-
heated, and electrically-
heated system,
respectively.
- The degree of
irreversibility in each
component of the
system was in the same
order of magnitude.
- The system recorded a
peak GOR of 10.3 and a
minimum specific
electrical energy
consumption of 90
kWh/m3.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)

CAOW Direct Contact Direct Contact Water cooling and Vapor- R-143a 0.76 – 13–18.5 – Theo. - Specific electrical [152]
Packed bed Packed bed water heating compression energy consumption
(SEEC) of 260 kWh/m3
was estimated.
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

- The recovery ratio was

7%.
- The study indicated that
at given seawater and
freshwater
temperatures, varying
the mass ratio of either
saline water to air or
saline water to
freshwater can result in
a fully integrated heat
pump and HDH system
without additional
cooler.
CAOW Packed bed Surface heat Water cooling and Vapor- R-143a 3.91 8.5 7.33–34.27 – Theo. - Systems with energy [176]
exchanger water heating compression recovery showed better
performance.
- The cost of electricity
showed a more
significant effect on the
freshwater cost
compared to the

26
influence on the plant’s
life.
- The top system recovery
ratio was 3.1%, while
the least SEEC was 263
kWh/m3.
CAOW Direct Contact Surface heat Water heating Vapor- R-22 5.14 82.12 – 3.83 Theo. - The variation of the [150]
Packed bed exchanger compression compression pressure
ratio within the heat
pump affected the
system’s performance.
- The system productivity
was enhanced to the
tune of 106.53 kg/h
when the pressure ratio
increased to 5 while the
GOR remained
unchanged.
- Increasing the
humidifier and
dehumidifier
effectiveness enhanced
freshwater productivity.
- The system’s
compressor consumed
about 8.41 kW of
electricity and an
additional assisting
electric heater of 2.27
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)

kW based on the
demands.
CAOW Direct contact Direct contact Water heating Vapor- R-22 5.28 71.56 18 3.83 Theo - Direct contact [154]
Packed bed packed bed compression humidifier and
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

dehumidifier were
utilized.
- At the dehumidifier
heat capacity ratio
(HCR) of 1, the system
consumed about 7.17
kW of power for the
compressor and 1.94
kW for the additional
assisting electric heater.
- The terminal and pinch
temperature difference
promoted productivity
and electric energy
consumed.
OAOW Direct contact Surface heat Water heating Vapor- R-22 5.95 151.03 15 3.83 Theo - Particle swarm [177]
packed bed exchanger compression optimization (PSO)
technique was utilized
for system optimization.
- Correlations between
the performance of the
system and critical

27
variables were revealed.
- At the humidifier heat
capacity ratio (HCR) of
1, the system consumed
about 6.86 kW of power
for the compressor and
12.08 kW through
electric heating.
- Second law analyses of
the system were
presented.
OAOW Direct contact Direct contact Water heating Vapor- R-22 8.12 150.75 16 3.18 Theo. - The heat transfer area [178]
packed bed packed bed (Sulzer compression for the evaporator,
(Sulzer Mellapak Mellapak 250 Y, condenser, and
250 Y, 0.29 m2) 0.21 m2) recuperator were 5.48,
3.14, and 16.02 m2,
respectively.
- Results showed that the
optimal GOR and
freshwater production
rates were 4.17 and
89.27 kg/h,
respectively, without
optimization.
- The system was
optimized using PSO.
- The compressor power
was found to be 12.28
kW.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

CAOW Polypropylene Finned-tube heat Air Vapor- R-143a 8.12 0.692 – 2.29 Exp. - Heat pump auxiliary [168]
cotton cellular exchanger dehumidification. compression condenser heats the
porous packing Air heating and wastewater discharged
material water heating from the humidifier for
household washing and
cleaning.
- The freshwater
productivity per unit
energy consumption
was 1.9965 kg/kWh.
- The system had a
rejection factor of about
97%.
- The freshwater
production was
adequate for a
household family of 3–6
peoples.
CACW Plastic corrugated Finned-tube heat Air Vapor- R-410 A 1.93 17.45 24.6 – Exp. - The system was a heat [169]
honeycomb paper exchangers. water dehumidification compression pump driven two-stage
and polyhedron replenisher, and water pre- HDH desalination sys­

28
empty balls precooler and heating. tems assisted by solar
(PPEBs) evaporator act as energy with internal
(396 m2/m3) dehumidifiers with heat recovery.
a dimension of - The solar water
400 mm � 400 mm collector had a 15 m2
each collector area
(substituted by a
positive temperature
coefficient-PTC heater
of 7.5 kW).
- The heat pump had a
compressor power of
1.1 kW.
- The system
performance was
assessed based on two
different types of
packing material.
- Honeycomb paper
attained higher
productivity by about
27.76% over the PPEBs.
- The compressor power
rating was 220 V and
1.1 kW
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

CA/OA-CW Plastic corrugated The finned tube Air Vapor- R-410 A 1.24 12.75 29.78 – Exp. - A positive temperature [153]
honeycomb paper heat exchanger of dehumidification compression coefficient (PTC) for the
(windward area of 0.49 m2 area and water pre- water heater of 7.5 kW
400 mm � 400 heating. was used to replace the
mm, a thickness of 15 m2 solar collector
100 mm, a while the evaporator
corrugated angle condensed the water
of 45� , a height of vapor.
the corrugated - The compressor power
wall of 7 mm) rating of 220 V and
0.75 kW were recorded.
- System performance
was enhanced at a high
mixture ratio.
- The performance of the
system is impacted by
the variations in the
cooling seawater
flowrate.
- The productivity of
open cycle and closed

29
cycle increases and
decreases respectively
with a rise in cooling
saline water flowrate.
CACW Plastic corrugated Finned-tube heat Air Vapor- R-410 A 2.42 20.54 – – Exp. and Theo. - The system was a heat [171]
honeycomb paper exchangers. water dehumidification compression pump driven two-stage
(398 m2/m3) replenisher, and water pre- HDH desalination sys­
precooler and heating. tems assisted by solar
evaporator act as energy with internal
dehumidifiers heat recovery.
(outer area of - The solar water
4.36 m2, 4.36 m2 collector had a 14 m2
and 13.08 m2 collector area.
respectively) - Results showed that the
optimal flowrate of
process air exists at a
point in which the
system performance
was maximized.
- Increasing the collector
area increased the
system freshwater
productivity and
decreased the GOR of
the system
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

cooling mode Type production ($/m3)

(kg/h)

OAOW Cellulosic pads Finned-tube heat Air Vapor- R-22 2.08 2.79 11.4 3.44 Exp. - Heating and cooling [172]
packing material exchanger dehumidification compression load of the heat pump
(0.67 � 0.37 m2) (0.53 � 0.08 m2 and air heating. were simultaneously
outlet dimension) utilized in the HDH
process.
- System GOR increased
with increasing air
relative humidity and
volumetric flowrate.
- Increasing the ambient
air temperature
decreased the GOR.
OAOW Corrugated Finned-tube heat Air Vapor- R-22 2.05 22.26 51 4.0 Exp. - A multi-stage HDH [173]
polypropylene exchangers with dehumidification compression desalination system
packing total heat transfer and water heating. coupled with a heat
(480 � 480 � area of the 1st and pump system was
1500 mm3, 2nd stage studied.
400 m2/m3) dehumidifier of - The HDH system
approximately consisted of single-stage

30
28 m2 and 21 m2 humidification and
respectively double-stage dehumidi­
fication processes.
- Seawater temperature
and air flowrate
influenced system
performance, while the
air temperature has a
minimal influence on
freshwater production.
- The efficiency of the
humidifier was 100%,
while that of the
dehumidifier ranged
from 83.2 to 90.1%.
- The heat pump system
had a nominal input
power of 2.7 kW and a
nominal cooling
capacity of 10.8 kW.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)

OAOW Corrugated Finned-tube heat Air Vapor- R-22 1.843–4.154 42.55 24.1–56.6 4.0 Theo. - An integrated multi- [170]
polypropylene exchangers with dehumidification compression stage HDH desalination
packing (480 � gross heat transfer and water heating. system and heat pump
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

480 � 1500 mm3, area of the 1st and unit was analyzed.
400 m2/m3) 2nd stage - The HDH system
dehumidifier of consisted of one-stage
approximately 28 humidification and two-
m2 and 21 m2 stage dehumidification
respectively processes.
- The heat pump unit had
a 2.7 kW and 10.8 kW
nominal input power
and cooling capacity,
respectively.
- An optimal air flowrate
occurred at which
system productivity is
maximum.
- Increasing seawater
flowrate increased
freshwater productivity.
OAOW Corrugated Finned-tube heat Air Vapor- R-22 2.574 29.19 38.64 4.0 Theo. - An integrated heat [163]
polypropylene exchangers with dehumidification compression pump with a multi-stage
packing (480 � total heat transfer and water heating. HDH desalination pro­
480 � 1500 mm3 area of the 1st and cess was investigated.

31
and 400 m2/m3) 2nd stage - The HDH system
dehumidifier of consisted of one-stage
approximately 21 humidification and two-
m2 and 28 m2, stage dehumidification
respectively processes.
- The heat pump unit had
a 2.7 kW and 10.8 kW
nominal input power
and cooling capacity,
respectively, and 13.8
kW heating capacity.
- A multi-objective parti­
cle swarm algorithm
was employed to opti­
mize the system.
- The optimization results
were unaffected by the
temperature of the air
inlet.
- Elevating the
temperature of saline
water or humidity ratio
of inlet air promoted
optimization objective
- The optimized cost of
freshwater had a near-
linear relationship with
the cost of electricity.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)

CAOW Ceramic Raschig A double pipe heat Air Vapor- R-134a 0.62–1.5 1.05–1.83 3.4–5.12 2.2 Exp. and Theo. - The heat pump-driven [164]
ring packing exchanger dehumidification, compression variable pressure HDH
material (3 m long (24 m long and air pre-heating, desalination system was
and 0.1 m area of 1.58 m2) and water heating. assessed.
diameter) - Four different
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

arrangements of the
integrated systems
included conventional
HDH, HDH heat pump
(HDH-HP),
humidification-
compression heat pump
(HC-HP), and variable
pressure HDH heat
pump (VPHDH-HP).
- Variable pressure HDH
heat pump (VPHDH-
HP) configuration
yielded superior
performance over other
layouts.
- Water- air mass flowrate
ratio had more impact
on the performance
ratio than the
dehumidifier to

32
humidifier pressure
ratio.
- The obtained
freshwater cost,
performance ratio, and
productivity from the
conventional HDH,
HDH-HP, HC-HP, and
VPHDH-HP are 3.40
$/m3, 0.65 and 1.05 kg/
h; 3.42 $/m3, 0.62 and
1.34 kg/h; 5.12 $/m3,
1.0 and 1.35 kg/h; 4.68
$/m3, 1.5 and 1.83 kg/
h, respectively.
OAOW Vortex water Finned tube heat Air Vapor- R-22 – 12.8 – – Exp. - The heat pump [165]
atomizer with a 4 exchanger with a dehumidification compression condenser was used to
mm diameter cross-section of and air heating heat air before
nozzle 34 � 34 cm2 humidification, while
the evaporator was
utilized for the water
vapor condensation
(dehumidification)
process.
- The influence of water
spraying orientations
(parallel, cross, and
counter) and air
flowrate on the system
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)

performance were
investigated.
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

- Results showed that

cross-flow water spray­
ing direction provided
optimal productivity.
OAOW Cross fluted film A coiled tube heat Air Vapor- – 2.476 0.91 14 3.25 Theo. - The system employed [166]
fill media packing exchanger of dehumidification compression the direct use of a heat
material (packing 0.00278 m and and water heating. pump evaporator for
height of 0.1291 0.004 m and 3.727 water vapor
m and water flux m inner diameter condensation. Based on
of 1.5 kg/sm2) outer diameter and the fixed input
length, operational conditions,
respectively. the system components
sizes were evaluated.
- The system
performances were also
evaluated at off-design
conditions.
- At off-design condi­
tions, the characteristics
method was employed
to study the system.
OACW Gunny bags Copper coils Air Vapor- – 1.2 0.33b – 7.6 Exp. - The modified system [179]

33
packing material (0.006 m long and dehumidification compression reached a dehumidifier
(0.005 m � 0.38 wounded into and air heating. effectiveness of 87%.
m � 0.30 m 0.045 m diameter). - The extra power needed
dimensions) Attached to the coil to run the modified unit
is either twisted was 0.37 folds greater
tape turbulators or than the conventional
cone turbulators. setup.
- Compare to
conventional setup,
rejected heat from the
condenser to the
environment was
reduced.
OAOW Spray type The Finned tube Air heating. Vapor- R-22 0.81 4.63 165.8 – Exp. and Theo. - A maximum compressor [149]
humidifying unit heat exchanger compression (summer) power of 2600 W was
and 4.13 used.
(pre- - Results showed the
monsoon possibility of using
climate) waste heat from the
condenser of house-hold
refrigeration systems
for freshwater produc­
tion while maintaining
the thermal comfort in
the air-conditioned
space.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)

OACW Honeycomb Two shell and tube Water cooling and Vapor- Ammonia- – 50 – – Theo. - A flat plate solar water [156]
structure plastic heat exchangers air absorption water collector of 4.6 m2 area
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

packing (diameter (Tube: Φ 12 mm, dehumidification was used for heating the
of 300 mm and 500 mm length, 25 saline water, while a
height of tubes) each. parabolic trough
1250 mm) crossflow plate collector of 2.35 m2 was
finned type tube used for the vapor
compact heat absorption refrigeration
exchanger (50 (VAR) system.
tubes, each 500 - Using cooled water in
mm long). the second stage is
recommended for better
dehumidification
process.
- For enhanced energy
conversion, high saline
water temperature,
medium humidifier
efficiency and low
evaporator temperature
were suggested. The
maximum cycle
utilization factor (EUF)
of 0.333 and plant EUF

34
of 0.218 were reported.
- About one TR of cooling
was used, while the
available space
conditioning energy
was about 200 W.
OACW Packed bed Surface heat Water cooling and Vapor- Ammonia- – 675 – – Theo. - Hot saline water for the [159]
exchangers (220 air absorption water HDH cycle was
kW heat duty and dehumidification achieved through a flat
tube length of 35 plate solar collector of
m, 265 kW heat 1050 m2, while the
duty and tube necessary heat for the
length of 460 m, VAR plant was provided
and 75 kW heat by the concentrated
duty and tube solar collector of 350 m2
length of 115 m for area.
the 1st, 2nd & 3rd - The HDH system
dehumidifier, consisted of two-stage
respectively) humidifiers and three-
stage dehumidifiers.
- Results revealed a
cooling effect of 75 kW
and EUF of 0.33 and
0.58 for the plant and
cycle, respectively.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)

OACW Honeycomb Two shell and tube Water cooling and Vapor- Ammonia- – 1.5 – – Exp. and Theo. - The system was a solar [158]
structure plastic heat exchangers air absorption water pilot two-stage HDH
packing and plate-fin type dehumidification desalination system in­
heat exchanger tegrated with the VAR
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

cooling plant.
- Saline water for the
HDH cycle was heated
through a flat plate
solar collector, while
the Scheffler reflector
provided the necessary
heat for the VAR plant.
- The system generated a
cooling load of 200 W
and EUF of 0.35 and
0.45 for single and two
stages, respectively.
- Increasing the saline
water temperature and
flowrate enhanced
freshwater productivity
and decreases the
output cooling effect.
OACW Honeycomb Two shell and tube Water cooling and Vapor- Ammonia- – 2.5 – – Exp. - The system was a VAR [180]
structure plastic heat exchangers air absorption water plant integrated with a
packing and plate finned dehumidification two-stage pilot plant

35
heat exchanger HDH system.
- A 16 m2 solar water
collector heated saline
water.
- The system yielded a
cooling load of about
150 W
- The average value of
FUF for the 1st stage,
2nd stage, and
combined desalination
cooling plant were 0.35,
0.3, and 0.4,
respectively.
CAOW Structured Surface tube heat Water heating Absorption- Ammonia- 9.02 2329.2 7130 – Theo. - Optimization of [160]
packing-material exchanger compression water integrated HDH system
and absorption-
compression heat pump
was conducted using a
genetic algorithm (GA).
- Mathematical models
based on exergo-
economic, exergy, en­
ergy, and mass were
developed.
- Results indicated that
absorber, dehumidifier,
and humidifier, are the
components with the
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)

most considerable
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

exergy destruction
- The optimized results
reach an exergy-based
GOR of 3.04%, exergy
destruction of 162.9
kW, and specific work
consumption of 262.9
kW.
OACW Plastic packing Two shell and tube Water cooling and Vapor- Ammonia- – 2.205 – – Exp. and Theo. - The system was a hybrid [157]
material heat exchangers air absorption water VAR and multi-stage
and a plate-type dehumidification OACW-HDH desalina­
heat exchanger tion plant for cooling
and freshwater
production.
- The plant consisted of
flat plate solar water
collectors for HDH, two
air preheaters
(concentric tube heat
exchangers), two
humidifiers, three
dehumidifiers, VAR

36
system, and concentric
parabolic trough solar
collector for VAR.
- The output air relative
humidity and
temperature for space
conditioning was 67%
and 21 � C, respectively.
CAOW Packed bed Finned tube heat Air-heated Adsorption Silica-gel/ 7.8 25–30 6.4–6.5 >0.45 Theo. - An innovative coupled [51]
exchanger cooling water (scheme I) (scheme air heated HDH system
and 7.6 II) and adsorption (AD)
(scheme II) system for producing
freshwater and the
cooling load was
presented.
- Two cases of system
arrangement were
presented.
- For the first case, the
adsorption evaporator
precooled the inlet
seawater before feeding
to the HDH system,
while the seawater was
utilized to cool the
adsorption process in
the second case.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 5 (continued )
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating/ Refrigeration Refrigerant GOR Water Cost COP Study type Observations Ref.
cooling mode Type production ($/m3)
(kg/h)

CWOA Corrugated sheets Crossflow finned Air-heated Desiccant air Silica-gel 1.88 4.99 – 1.11 Exp. - Solar assisted desiccant [162]
of cellulose tube heat conditioner (scheme I) (scheme I) air conditioner
material exchanger and 2 and 5.93 integrated with an HDH
(scheme II) (scheme II) desalination system
using solar reheating
technology was studied.
- The performance of the
two layouts of the
system was evaluated.
Configuration #1 is a
solar-assisted desiccant
air conditioner inte­
grated with CWOA-
HDH unit, while the
configuration #2 was a
solar-assisted desiccant
air conditioner inte­

37
grated with CWOA-
HDH unit and solar-
reheating of regenera­
tion air
- The solar air heater was
a v corrugated double
passes collector of 116
cm wide � 130 cm long
� 17.5 cm high.
- Results indicated a
maximum cooling
capacity of 940.7 W.
a
CACW: closed-air closed-water, OACW: open-air closed-water, CAOW: closed-air open-water, OAOW: open-air open-water.
b
kg/m2 h, no data about the area.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem
Fig. 16. A general performance comparison of geothermal- and solar-energy
(using 10 m2 water collector) to operate HDH systems.
Fig. 17. Integration of HDH with PV/T panels [142].
as those of [150–154]. Lawal et al. [155] conducted heat pump driven
air-heated and water-heated HDH systems, as shown in Fig. 20 using
R-143a as a refrigerant. The rejected energy from the heat pump
condenser is used to elevate saline water or air flowing to or from the
humidifier, while the cooling load from the heat pump evaporator is
effectively utilized to decrease the saline water temperature coming to
the dehumidifier.
Fig. 18. Integration of AC system with HDH process to produce freshwater and to cool space [147].
38
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
Vapor-absorption refrigeration (VAR) systems exhibited an excellent
potential to run HDH systems [156–159], same as for
absorption-compression heat pumps [160]. The absorption-compression
system showed a freshwater production up to 2329 kg/h but at a higher
cost by about 7 $/L. The schematic of such systems is shown in Fig. 21.
Excellent water production and cooling effect were obtained from a
novel integration of an HDH system with a double-effect absorption
refrigeration system [161]. The system could produce freshwater of
1145 L/h at GOR of 4.54 and a cost of 2.89 $/m3 and a cooling capacity
of 62 TR at COP of 1.29. Recently, an adsorption-based refriger­
ation/desalination (AD) system was coupled with an HDH system [51].
The system arrangements of the investigated two schemes are shown in
Fig. 22. In Scheme #1, adsorption evaporator pre-cooled the seawater
before feeding it to the HDH system, while in scheme # 2, the seawater
was utilized to cool the adsorption process. Moreover, a coupling be­
tween HDH and desiccant (silica-gel) air conditioner was investigated
using solar reheating technology [162].
The components and performance details of the reported HDH sys­
tems driven by different refrigeration and AC systems are summarized in
Table 5. It is important to note that some reported systems used the
recovery heat in the condenser and/or in the evaporator to run HDH
systems for dual objectives (freshwater production and space cooling).
However, some studies used refrigeration or heat pump cycles to run the
HDH systems without any cooling effect for the air conditioning pur­
poses [152,155,160,163–173].
The performance of HDH systems driven by refrigeration/heat pump
systems is remarkably good and better than the standalone HDH sys­
tems. Based on the values listed in the table, with negligence to the
exaggerated values such a freshwater production of 2329.9 kg/h and
water cost of 7130 $/m3 [160], the average GOR, water production, and
freshwater cost values are about 3.77, 30.40 kg/h, and 19.20 $/m3,
respectively, for vapor-compression refrigeration systems. For HDH
systems driven by vapor-absorption refrigeration systems, the only
freshwater production index was reported to be about 17.8 kg/h
(average of the listed values). Adsorption system to operates the HDH
process shows about GOR of 7.7, the productivity of 27.5 kg/h, and pure
water price of 6.45 $/m3 based on only one research [51]. Similarly, the
desiccant AC system was efficient to power an HDH system by attaining
GOR of about 2, and productivity of about 4.88 kg/h of freshwater
[162].
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

Fig. 19. Schematic diagram of waste heat recovery from the condenser of the refrigeration system to drive the HDH desalination system [149].

Fig. 20. Water- and air-heated HDH driven by a heat pump. The condenser is used as an HDH heater while the evaporator cools the inlet seawater [155].

The advantage of the hybrid HDH-refrigeration systems is that an
excellent cooling effect can be produced with an average COP of 3.7.
Comparing these statistics with the HDH driven by PV/T panels, fresh­
water production by HDH-refrigeration systems are higher with
competitive cost. Moreover, the GOR of hybrid HDH-refrigeration sys­
tems is higher than all the systems mentioned above, while the cost and
water production, in general, are supreme for geothermal-energy driven
HDH systems.
4.3. Humidification-dehumidification systems driven by exhaust waste
heat from power plants
Hybridization of HDH systems with power plants where HDH sys­
tems are driven by the waste heat of the furnace, condenser, turbine, or
boiler was reported in the literature. In the furnace, the temperature of
flue gas can be used to power the HDH system. In this regard, a heat
exchanger could be used as an HDH heater in which the energy of the hot
gases exchanges with the HDH medium (seawater or air) to secure a
freshwater amount by about 84–137 kg/h [181–185]. Fig. 23 shows the

39
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem
Fig. 21. Absorption-compression system used to power the HDH system [160].
use of a waste heat recovery exchanger to power the HDH system.
The use of waste heat in the condenser of the organic Rankine cycle
(ORC) was also utilized to power the HDH systems [186–189]. This kind
of hybridization has proven to produce sufficient amounts of freshwater
as large as 394–544 kg/h. A representative example of such systems is
shown in Fig. 24 where seawater temperature is elevated in the
condenser of the ORC plant to be sprayed in the HDH humidifier. The
condenser of ORC can also be used to run an absorption cooling system
in which its (absorption system) condenser could, then, be used to
operate an HDH system, achieving both cooling and freshwater pro­
duction [189]. The use of boilers of ORC plants as an energy source to
power the HDH systems was also tested, leading to lower water pro­
duction (19.53 kg/h) [190].
The waste heat from a gas turbine power plant has proven to be
suitable to power HDH systems [191]. He et al. [192] performed a
parametric analysis of electric power and freshwater cogeneration plant
based on single-extraction ORC, as shown in Fig. 25. Vapor from the
turbine was extracted and used as a heat source to the HDH system. The
cogeneration system generates about 19.17 kW electricity, 121.42 kg/h
Fig. 22. Two hybridization systems of an HDH system and an adsorption desalination system [51].
40
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
freshwater production, and 59.71% plant efficiency. Waste
thermal-energy of the Stirling engine was delivered into the HDH to
produce 970.83 kg/h freshwater [193]. Biomass as an energy source to
power an HDH system was also investigated to produce a maximum
freshwater amount of 6.1 kg/h [194].
Table 6 summarizes the construction, hybridization, and key per­
formance parameters of the integrated power plants with HDH systems.
In this table, a CAOW HDH system is preferred. Different materials were
used as a packing bed for the humidifier, while the dehumidifier is direct
and indirect contact types. As explained previously, the dominant heat
source is waste heat of the furnace or condenser, while limited studies
focused on using boilers or extracting heat from gas-turbines to be a
source of energy for HDH systems. Chevron-type plate heat exchangers
are used when exhaust gases (flue gas) are used as a heat source to be
exchanged with the HDH medium. Using the furnace exhaust gases as an
energy source, the average HDH performance was found to be 2.3 for
GOR, 97.11 kg/h for productivity, and 23.82 $.h/kg for freshwater
price. While the ORC condenser is used to run HDH, the GOR, water
production, and water cost were reported to be 1.93 (based on one study
[186]), 414.72 kg/h and 0.73 $/m3, respectively. These performance
values for using the ORC condenser as HDH heater are outstanding
compared to the energy mentioned above sources, especially for water
production and cost.
Furthermore, the waste thermal energy of the Stirling engine
required to power the HDH has excellent performance (970.83 kg/h of
freshwater and water cost of 0.66 $/m3) [182]. However, to support this
system integration, more studies should be conducted to confirm this
outstanding performance. In the same vein, another investigation [190]
shows a GOR and water production of 2.82 and 19.53 kg/h, respectively,
using the waste heat coming from the ORC boiler.
Consequently, it is necessary to compare the performance of HDH
systems driven by the waste heat of furnace and condenser of ORC
plants. Fig. 26 shows that the use of condenser waste heat to power HDH
is more efficient. Therefore, this integration type is recommended to
represent this section to be compared with other low-grade heat sources.
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

Fig. 23. An example of exploiting exhaust gases to power an HDH system

through a recovery heat exchanger [183].

4.4. Summary and aspects of thermal-based low-grade energy sources for

running humidification-dehumidification systems

Based on Section 4, remarkable number of investigations have

focused on the use of waste energy of refrigeration/heat-pump systems
to power HDH systems. This is followed by the integration between HDH
and power plants. Photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) systems have also
attracted deserving attention with an acceptable performance of HDH
systems. However, PV/T depends on solar energy which is an inter­
mittent source. Table 7 illustrates the average performance of HDH
systems that are integrated with PV/T, refrigeration/heat-pump, and
power plant systems in terms of GOR, freshwater production, and cost. It
can be observed from the same table that the performance of the HDH
system powered by power plants (waste heat of condensers) is very
satisfied in terms of water production and cost with an acceptable GOR
value. Refrigeration systems also have appealing performance, espe­
cially for lower water production requirements with better GOR (3.77).
This kind of comparison provides an insight into the performance of
HDH systems using different low-energy sources. Nevertheless, each
kind of integration can be satisfactory under the available conditions, Fig. 24. The use of the condenser of the ORC plant to power an HDH sys­
location, and application. For example, in rural regions where there are tem [188].
no power-plants and electricity to operate vapor-compression refriger­
ation systems, PV/T systems could be the perfect systems to power the
HDH system. waste heat of power plants (mainly condenser of ORC) have the best
performance, especially for an optimal freshwater production (~415
5. General comparison of the performance of humidification- kg/h) and cost (0.74 $/m3). This outstanding performance put this kind
dehumidification systems driven by thermal renewable and low- of system in a relatively competitive angle with the commercial desali­
grade energy sources nation technology such as RO and multi-effect desalination.
Geothermal energy also leads to excellent HDH water production
To compare the performance of HDH systems driven by different (~200 kg/h) at reasonably cost values (2.1 $/m3). Refrigeration systems
thermal-based hybridizations as discusses in Section 4 for renewable lead to higher GOR and cost with lower production by about 3.77, 19.2
energy and Section 5 for low-grade energy sources, the tabulated data $/m3, and 30.4 kg/h, respectively. While solar collectors (certainly
were used in terms of average GOR, water production, and freshwater water heaters) results in high water production (78 kg/h using 10 m2 of
cost. Fig. 27 shows the impact of using geothermal energy and solar solar collector area) with reasonable GOR (2.72) and high cost (~25
energy (collectors) as renewable energy sources, and waste heat of low- $/m3). Using PV/T panel to power HDH can be useful to produce
grade energy sources, i.e., photovoltaic thermal panels, refrigeration freshwater by about 6 kg/h (using 10 m2 panel area) at the cost of 11.5
systems, and power plants. As evident, the HDH systems driven by the $/m3.

41
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem
Fig. 25. A part of exhaust gas extracted from the plant turbine to power the HDH system [192].
It can be inferred from Fig. 27 that the HDH integration with power
plants or geothermal energy is preferred. However, the use of HDH as a
secondary system to produce freshwater as a by-product is acceptable in
the whole investigated hybrid systems. Moreover, the use of power
plants and vapor-compression refrigeration systems are not available in
off-grid and rural regions. Thus, geothermal energy, solar energy, and
PV/T panels could be the proper selections to be hybridized with HDH
systems.
6. Conclusion and recommendations
Humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination systems driven
by thermal-based renewable and low-grade energy sources are critically
reviewed. The investigated renewable energy sources are solar and
geothermal energies, while the low-grade energy sources are the waste
heat of photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) panels, refrigeration and heat-
pump, and power plants. For each type of energy source employed to
power an HDH system, HDH system construction, performance, and
hybridization method are summarized and compared in tabular forms.
Different packed-bed materials are used in humidifiers, while different
types of heat exchangers are used to condense water vapor in de­
humidifiers. Also, different HDH cycles were studied, including closed-
air open-water (CAOW), closed-air closed-water (CACW), open-air
open-water (OAOW), and open-air closed-water (OACW). The hybridi­
zation is achieved by coupling the system of waste energy with the HDH
system as a heater to heat seawater stream, air, or both.
Based on the hybrid systems discussed in this review, some in­
ferences are concluded as follows:
42
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
� The use of solar collectors as air and water heaters was extensively
studied in the literature. The HDH systems driven by solar air-heaters
have low freshwater production (0.87 kg/m2.h) and water cost (~18
$/m3) with relatively high gained output ratio (GOR) of about 3.1.
Also, the solar water-heated HDH systems have a relatively excellent
water production (~8 kg/m2.h) with a comparative water cost and
GOR values (~2.7 and 25 $/m3, respectively). The dual air- and
water-heated HDH systems have higher water cost (40 $/m3) and
lower production (~3 kg/m2.h) and acceptable GOR (2). Hence, It is
recommended to be used as solar water-heaters to power HDH sys­
tems. Additionally, the low-density of air and leakage problems make
air heaters more practically undesirable.
� The geothermal energy source is continuous and can efficiently be
used to produce high amounts of freshwater (~200 kg/h at 2.1
$/m3). It is usually used for power plants since it offers a high energy
level available for use. The geothermal energy source is preferred for
larger HDH systems than those driven by solar energy.
� A large number of investigations have been directed towards the use
of waste heat of refrigeration/heat-pump systems to power HDH
systems. The HDH process, coupled with this kind of system, shows
an excellent performance by means of GOR of about 3.8, freshwater
of 30.4 kg/h, and water price of 19 $/m3.
� Photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) systems have also attracted some in­
terest with an acceptable performance of HDH systems. The average
water production and its cost are estimated to be 5.7 kg/h (for 10
square meters area of the panels) and 11.5 $/m3, respectively.
However, PV/T depends on solar energy, which is an intermittent
energy source.
 Table 6
Summary of HDH systems hybridized with power plants.
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating Energy source Heat exchanger GOR Water Cost Study Observations Ref.
and production ($/m3) type
cooling (kg/h)
mode

CAOW Sulzer Mellapak 250 Direct contact Water Furnace waste Chevron-type plate 1.44 84.60 6.20–13.41b Theo. - At higher air temperature and [181]
Y packing material dehumidifier filled heated exhaust gas (38.56 heat exchangers limited range of air mass flowrate,
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

(38.40 m2) with Sulzer Mellapak kW) and recuperator (3.06 m2 recuperator freshwater productivity cost was
250 Y packing material (62.44 kW) and 1.65 m2 waste reduced by increasing the
(32.30 m2) heat recovery) effectiveness and decreasing the
temperature of water sprayed in the
humidifier.
CAOW Sulzer Mellapak 250 Direct contact Water Furnace waste heat Chevron-type plate 2.01 105.26 – Theo. - Irreversible loss within the [182]
Y packing material dehumidifier filled heated and recuperator heat exchangers desalination system was analyzed.
(27.21 m2) with Sulzer Mellapak (3.34 m2 recuperator - Direct contact dehumidifier was
250 Y packing material and 0.56 m2 waste found to be superior over the
(33.91 m2) heat recovery) indirect contact dehumidifier in
terms of water cost.
- The modified HCRh, is always at
HCRh>1, while HCRd ¼ 1
CAOW Sulzer Mellapak 250 Plate type heat Water Furnace waste heat Chevron-type plate 1.28–1.85 99.05 35.31–40.35b Theo. - Reducing the seawater spraying [183]
Y packing material exchanger of heated (43.41 kW–53.7 kW) heat exchanger temperature reduced the heat
(23.34 - 114.93 m2) (6.09–29.05 m2) (16.82–6.42 m2) transfer area and freshwater cost.
CAOW Sulzer Mellapak 250 Plate type heat Water Furnace waste heat Chevron-type plate 2.51 136.8 – Theo. - Plate heat exchanger terminal [195]
Y packing material exchanger of (0.56 - heated (36.57 kW - 30.47 heat exchanger temperature difference had less
0.62 m2) heat transfer kW) (1.31–0.33 m2) impact on the system GOR.
area - Increasing seawater temperature
and operation pressure enhanced
the performance of the unit.

43
CAOW Packed bed surface heat exchanger Air heated Furnace waste heat Chevron-type plate 3.51 70.8 – Theo. - Due to negative specific entropy [184]
(15.32 kW–19.05 heat exchanger generation in the dehumidifier, the
kW) (5.25–15.90 m2) actual practical top GOR was 3.04.
- Entropy and energy balance
analysis were needed
simultaneously to ensure the
feasibility of the operation and to
achieve a good performance of the
HDH system.
CAOW Packed bed Surface heat exchanger Air heated Furnace waste heat Chevron-type plate 3.89 86.77 – Theo. - Due to negative specific entropy [185]
(16.37 kW–15.81 heat exchanger generation in the dehumidifier, the
kW) actual practical top GOR was 3.05.
- Second law analysis was performed
to judge the feasibility of the
desalination system.
- GOR had an improvement of
37.02% when the humidifier
effectiveness increased from 85%
to 95%.
OAOW Direct contact 25.4 Direct contact 25.4 mm Air heated Gas turbine power Chevron-type plate – – 0.287c Theo. - Multi-stage air-heated OAOW-HDH [191]
mm chemical chemical Porcelain plant waste heat heat exchanger desalination system driven by a gas
Porcelain Raschig Raschig Rings packed turbine power plant waste heat was
Rings packed bed bed type analyzed.
type - The system consists of seven
humidifiers, one dehumidifier, and
one cooling tower.
- A hot air-gas mixture consisting of
air and flue gas was humidified.
(continued on next page)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
 Table 6 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating Energy source Heat exchanger GOR Water Cost Study Observations Ref.
and production ($/m3) type
cooling (kg/h)
mode

- The air-flue gas mixture leaving the

dehumidifier was mixed with dry
air and might be utilized for space
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

air conditioning.
- The specific power consumption is
61.26 kJ/kg
CAOW Cellulose Indirect coiled tube Water and Stirling engine waste Heat exchanger – 970.83 0.66 Theo. - Multi-objective optimization of [193]
evaporative pads heat exchanger air heated heat electric power and freshwater
packing materials cogeneration plant was carried out.
- Three different HDH
configurations, including CAOW-
WH, multi-effect (ME-CAOW-WH),
and CAOW-AH were examined.
- The system generated electric
power of 2.58 kW.
- The price of electricity production
is 0.25 $/kWh.
CAOW Direct contact Indirect contact Water Turbine extract Heat exchanger 1.55 121.42 – Theo. - Parametric analysis on electricity [192]
packed bed surfaces heat heated and freshwater cogeneration plant
exchanger based on a single-extraction
organic Rankine cycle (ORC) was
studied.
- The system generated about 19.17
kW of electricity and has a total
plant efficiency of 59.71%.

44
- Extraction ratio and extraction
pressure influenced the plant
performance.
CAOW Direct contact Indirect contact Air heated Boiler waste heat Heat exchanger 2.82 19.53 – Theo. - Analysis of a cogeneration system [190]
packed bed surfaces heat producing electric power and
exchanger freshwater based on ORC and HDH
systems was conducted.
- The system generated about 6.04
kW of electricity and has a total
plant efficiency of 94.86%.
- Increasing the terminal
temperature difference from 10 to
20 K increased the electric power
output from 3.33 to 8.17 kW and
decreased the thermal efficiency
from 109.79% to 86.89%.
CAOW Direct contact Indirect contact Air heated Waste heat from Heat exchanger 1.93 381.66 – Theo. - Analysis of a cogeneration system [186]
packed bed surfaces heat condenser of ORC producing electric power and
exchanger freshwater based on ORC and HDH
systems was studied.
- The system generated about 14.90
kW of electricity.
- The regulation of pinch
temperature difference and
condensing temperature of the ORC
increased the power generation to
16.56 kW.
CAOW Polypropylene Indirect contact copper Water Waste heat from Heat exchanger – 326.52 0.765–1.005 Theo. - Using toluene as a working fluid [187]
meshed reticulum tubes condenser heated either ORC yields the highest power.
condenser, ORC
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

(continued on next page)

 Table 6 (continued )
Cyclea Humidifier Dehumidifier Heating Energy source Heat exchanger GOR Water Cost Study Observations Ref.
and production ($/m3) type
cooling (kg/h)
mode

structure packing evaporator, or - n-heptane provided the highest

material combined ORC distillate and the lowest freshwater
condenser and cost.
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem

evaporator - The maximum power generation,

thermal efficiency, and exergy
efficiency of the system were 416.7
kW, 18.62%, and 17.46%,
respectively.
- The least freshwater cost was 0.765
$/m3, 1.005 $/m3, and 0.925 $/m3
for Middle East energy costs,
natural gas-based global costs, and
a system with a renewable energy
source, respectively.
CAOW Polypropylene Indirect contact copper Water Waste heat from ORC Heat exchanger – 373.68 0.5723(Scenario Theo. - Two scenarios studied assessment [188]
meshed reticulum tubes condenser heated condenser (Scenario I) I) and 0.5977 and optimization of a water-power-
structure packing and 543.96 (Scenario II) heat tri-generation system based on
material (Scenario II) ORC and HDH desalination process.
- The optimal power generation,
thermal efficiency, and exergy
efficiency of the system were 392.3
kW, 17.75%, and 16.74%,
respectively.
CAOW Direct contact Indirect contact surface Water Solar-biomass Heat exchanger – – – Theo. - A hybrid solar-biomass tri-genera­ [189]
packed bed heat exchanger heated tion system was designed for

45
generating electric power, fresh­
water, and cooling load.
- Power generation was enhanced by
78.12%, and the system saved
about 50.5% of primary energy.
- The system’s highest energy and
exergy efficiencies were 49.35%
and 20.94%, respectively.
CAOW Bubble column type Indirect contact shell Water Biomass Heat exchanger – 3.5 (case I) 23.1 (case I) and Exp. - Fins were attached at the bottom of [194]
(0.09 m2) and coil type heat heated and 6.1 (case 13.3 (case II) the humidifier to promote heat
exchanger (6 mm and II) transfer.
0.15 m tube and shell - Two cases were examined.
diameters respectively) - The case I where the direct air
supply was used. Case II uses
preheated air.
- The humidifier attains a maximum
of 96% humidity efficiency, while
the fuel feed rate was reduced by
80% in case II.
a
CAOW: closed-air open-water.
b
$.h/kg.
c
$/kg.h.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

� HDH systems exhibit the best performance when they are coupled
with power plants (especially for the waste heat of condensers) with
GOR, water production, and water cost of about 2, 414 kg/h, and
0.74 $/m3, respectively.

It can be recommended to use the HDH system integration with

power plants or geothermal energy for satisfying water production.
However, to drive HDH systems by different sources, it is acceptable to
produce freshwater as a by-product of all the investigated hybrid sys­
tems. Furthermore, the exploitation of power plants and vapor-
compression refrigeration systems to drive HDH systems is not acces­
sible in off-grid and some of the countryside regions. Consequently,
geothermal energy, solar collectors, and PV/T panels could be the right
choice for hybridization with HDH systems.
To make the HDH systems more attractive and commercially viable,
Fig. 26. An HDH performance comparison of the use of waste heat of
more research and developmental activities should be focused on the
condenser and furnace of ORC plants.
hybridization of HDH technology with thermal plants and other con­
ventional desalination technologies such as RO, MSF, and MED. This can
significantly increase the overall efficiency of the combined systems.
Table 7 Producing multi-products by the integrated systems can improve eco­
Performance comparison of HDH systems driven by low-grade energy sources. nomic viability. For example, the integration of HDH technology with
Driving source GOR Water production Freshwater cost mechanical vapor compression, thermal vapor compression, and heat
(kg/h) ($/m3) pump systems have recently been focused and showed a promising
PV/T – 5.7 (for 10 m2 PV area) 11.5 technique that can make the HDH process commercially feasible. In
Refrigeration/heat-pump 3.77 30.4 19.2 addition, renewable energy, such as geothermal energy or biomass en­
Power plants 1.93 414.7 0.74
ergy, can continuously produce an abundant quantity of freshwater,
which is a critical step in the industrialization of HDH desalination
technology. Besides, renewable energy sources are environmentally
friendly. Proper optimization of the major components of the HDH
systems is expected to lead to further commercialization of this

Fig. 27. A general performance-comparison between the HDH systems driven by thermal-based renewable and low-grade energy sources.

46
D.U. Lawal and N.A.A. Qasem Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 125 (2020) 109817

technique. the work reported in this paper.

Declaration of competing interest Acknowledgments

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial The authors appreciate and acknowledge support from King Fahd
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Appendix A

Table A1
Different packing materials used in HDH humidifiers.

Packing material Ref

Zigzag packing (aluminum sheets) [196]
Gunny bag and sawdust [197]
Jute cloth [112]
Cross-fluted film fill [65]
Plastic screens [198]
Ceramic corrugated packing [120]
Plastic packing [73,159,199]
Corrugated cellulose material [9,60,75,200,201]
Cellulose paper [116,202]
Wooden shaving [95]
Wooden, PVC, Gunny bag cloth [203]
Honeycomb paper [100,204,205]
Ceramic Raschig rings [206,207]
Wooden slates packing [208,209]
Canvas [119]
Wooden surface [95]
Indigenous structure [80]
Thorn trees [99]
HD Q-PAC [210]

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