IN-24-C024 - Analyzing the Performance of a Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle Coupled with a Heating and De-Humidification Desalination System

The present study focuses on a novel desalination system integrating a vapor-compression (VC) refrigeration cycle with a humidification-dehumidification (HDH) unit for water desalination. The heat rejected by the VC cycle provides an input to the HDH system, while the cooling effect of the VC cycle is used to cool the saline water entering the HDH unit to increase water production. The HDH unit employs the thermodynamic balancing method in which multiple air extractions are applied to minimize irreversible losses. The VC system is equipped with a liquid-suction heat exchanger to increase the cooling effect and, in turn, enhance the freshwater productivity of the whole system. Additionally, using a liquid-suction heat exchanger protects the compressor of the VC cycle by preventing liquid refrigerant droplets from entering the compressor. The study comprehensively explores a VC-HDH desalination system, combining theoretical analysis with experimental validation. The inclusion of experimental validation adds credibility to the findings, indicating a practical application of the proposed hybrid system. The study's key findings encompass various aspects, including: (a) Water Production Cost: Considering the cost of water production through single and multiple extractions, the research sheds light on the economic viability of the proposed desalination system. (b) HDH Unit Effect: The investigation seeks to uncover the positive impacts of the HDH unit on the desalination unit's overall performance. (c) Influence of Feed Water Temperature: The study will also explore how changes in feed water temperature affect the VC-HDH system's performance. Understanding this influence is crucial for optimizing the system across diverse environmental conditions. (d) Theoretical Maximum Performance: Aiming to ascertain the theoretical maximum performance of the VC-HDH system, the research provides a benchmark for evaluating the hybrid system's efficiency. The highlighted factors, such as the HDH unit's performance, the number of air extractions, and the influence of feed water temperature, are crucial considerations for optimizing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of desalination processes. The findings contribute to advancing the integration of refrigeration and desalination technologies, offering potential improvements in water production efficiency, improved cooling capacities, and overall cost-effectiveness.