Experimental design and computer simulation of multi-effect humidification (MEH)-dehumidification solar distillation

In this paper, the experimental design and computer simulation model of a multi-effect humidification/dehumidification (MEH) solar desalination system has been presented. The pilot plant on MEH was designed, fabricated and tested at the Center for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India. The heat collection part has been designed to provide continuously the hot water to the distillation unit. The distillation chamber consists of humidifier and dehumidifier towers. The circulation of air in the two towers is being maintained by natural convection. The system modeling is based on various heat and mass transfer equations and their numerical solutions. The developed model is useful in the estimation of the distillation plant output and optimized various components of the system viz. solar water heater, humidification chamber, and condensation chamber.