A novel desiccant-based humidification-dehumidification system to harvest freshwater from the atmospheric air

Freshwater is transforming into a rare asset in numerous areas around the globe. Populace extending causes an expansion in utilization of freshwater, particularly in the stressed regions including Saudi Arabia. Humanity is confronting a water lack, with demand projected to exceed supply by 40% in 2030. Saudi Arabia is a major consumer of desalinated water with vast share in the Middle East. In many regions of Saudi Arabia especially coastal ones such as Eastern and Western Provinces, the moisture content holding in the air is substantial. In such humid zones, the harvesting water from the atmospheric air is promising to help in securing good amounts of freshwater. In this regards, this proposal will experimentally achieve the collecting of freshwater from the humid air by using desiccant-based humidification-dehumidification (HDH) system coupled with air dryers. The setup of the proposed system includes two portions, namely, a conventional HDH cycle that utilizes desiccant (solution) rather than saline water plus a desiccant air dryer. The desiccant solution leaves the HDH cycle concentrated because of the freshwater removal. It, from that point, enters the desiccant air dryer where it is weakened by retaining vapor from the humid ambient air. This weakened desiccant solution is taken to the HDH cycle to close the desiccant loop. An experimental rig for the proposed system will be articulated, studied, and analysed. This data will be validated with the theoretical model. The objective of the project is to investigate numerically and experimentally the performance of air dryer, dehumidifier, and humidifier before and after extraction and monitor its performance in Dhahran. Different types of the main components are available and the most suitable one for Dhahran climate conditions will be selected and used. Finally optimized design will be developed for possible mass production for such systems in Saudi Arabia with the ultimate objectives of reducing the energy consumption, increase the environment protection and improve the performance with less operating and initial cost.