Performance and exergoeconomic assessment of a novel combined ejector cooling with humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination system

Abstract

In recent decades, innovations in desalinating water and cooling have led to improving the living standards and well-being. The significance of these technologies provides a path for synergistic integration. In the present study, a novel combined ejector cooling with a humidification-dehumidification desalination system for cogeneration of a considerable amount of cooling and water was thoroughly studied in two configurations: solar-driven (system A) and waste heat-driven configurations (system B). The mathematical models were based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics and exergoeconomic relations to predict the performance and economic feasibility of the proposed systems. The studies were conducted under variation of the generator, condenser, and evaporator temperatures, and solar irradiance intensities. Many parameters were studied, including freshwater production, cooling capacity, COP, GOR, exergy destruction, and product costs. The freshwater and cooling costs for system A were 24.61 US$/m3 and 0.01544 US$/kWh, whereas, for system B, they were 3.84 US$/m3 and 0.001677 US$/kWh. However, the cost of the above products from system B can be as low as 2.39 US$/m3 and 0.001670 US$/kWh, respectively. It was concluded that the 24-hour operation and replacement of solar collectors with free waste heat recovery resulted in drastically reducing the cost of the products.