Solar humidification-dehumidification desalination systems: A critical review

Shortage of potable water resources is becoming a major and concerning threat to sustainable development. This situation prompts the importance of employing urgent solutions of water desalination. However, desalination is very capital-intensive and consumes significant amounts of energy; since it is currently mostly driven by fossil fuels across the world, it could leave a very large carbon footprint. In this regard, moving towards green energy supplies for desalination is a must for today's world. Among multiple desalination techniques, humidification-dehumidification is one of the most efficient methods to be considered for remote regions with moderate fresh water demand. This is majorly because it requires minimal operational and maintenance considerations. In this review paper, solar humidification-dehumidification desalination is investigated and studied throughout the literature. Accordingly, all considerable research efforts of the field are analyzed and they are classified into three major categories, namely experimental studies, numerical studies, and optimization, exergy, and economic studies. This classification is conducted to make an appropriate balance among the performed studies based on the research methodology. Each section is in turn categorized and discussed comprehensively and the corresponding major research points are introduced. Finally, major research findings and gaps of the field are outlined and future research prospect is discussed.