Design, modeling, and optimization of a novel humidification-dehumidification desalination in a cartridge tray tower using response surface methodology (RSM)

• A new and unique structure, cartridge tray tower, is used for the humidification and dehumidification chamber. • System performance was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box–Behnken design. • Experimental validation showed <1 % error between predicted and actual values for both freshwater production and GOR. • Saltwater temperature had the highest and freshwater flow rate the lowest impact on produced fresh water, according to ANOVA. • optimized values of responses were predicted for freshwater production at 14.35 liters per hour and GOR at 2.91. Humidification-dehumidification (HDH) technology is an inventive desalination method that is dependable and reasonably priced for small-scale applications. In this study, a novel tray cartridge structure significantly enhances the efficiency of the HDH desalination process. A tray cartridge tower consisting of 4 sieves and 2 chimney trays has been used. In addition to the humidifier and dehumidifier tray tower, this device has saltwater heating and freshwater cooling systems, fresh and saltwater pumps and tanks. The tray tower has various advantages for gas and liquid two-phase contact, including a more reasonable price, simplicity, maintenance, and cleaning. Tower's diameter 25 cm and its height is 1.5 m. The performance of this HDH system has been investigated experimentally. Due to the wide range of parameters and variables, this research uses the experimental design method with the response surface method (RSM) to check the effective parameters and optimize the process. The variations in two system responses, freshwater production, and gain output ratio (GOR), were examined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a Box-Behnken design (BBD) technique was used to assess the experimental data. The recommended empirical model can predict freshwater production and GOR. The results showed that the optimized values of responses were predicted for freshwater production at 14.35 L/hr and GOR at 2.91.