Solar-Powered Humidifiers for Humidification–Dehumidification Desalination Systems: A Review

This work explores the advancement and potential of solar-powered humidification–dehumidification (HDH) desalination systems, addressing the critical challenge of global water scarcity. Emphasizing solar-powered humidifiers in HDH systems presents an innovative solution per the urgent demand for sustainable freshwater sources utilizing abundant energy resources. This work reviews various humidifier designs, pointing out their crucial role in the efficiency and yield of HDH desalination units and their operational, maintenance, and scaling issues. Key factors, such as design effectiveness, water-vapor capacity, and material selection, are assessed to understand their impact on the system's overall performance and energy consumption. Moreover, recent advancements in solar technology, particularly in solar collectors and heat exchange mechanisms, present significant improvements in humidifier functionality. By synthesizing current research findings, this paper identifies pivotal factors for optimizing humidifier design and operation, underscoring the growing importance of solar desalination technologies in combating freshwater scarcity. This comprehensive overview not only advertised the current technological capabilities but also outlined future research directions, aiming to enhance the viability and accessibility of solar-HDH systems for widespread application.