Design and analysis of a novel solar hybrid air conditioning-ventilation-HDH desalination system

This paper proposes an original and sustainable design for a Hybrid solar Air Conditioning-Ventilation-Humidification-Dehumidification (HDH) desalination system. The proposed design permits to produce both thermal comfort and desalinated water for residential buildings. The originality of the system design as well as its operating principle is described in detail. Mathematical models, that govern the heat and mass transfer in the different compartments of the proposed design and within the conditioned space, are elaborated. A numerical investigation is carried out to assess the heat and mass transfer performance of the designed hybrid system, as well as the produced thermal comfort within the conditioned space. All numerical simulations are carried out under the realistic climatic conditions of the region of Gafsa-Tunisia (34.4311°N, 8.7757°E). Results show that the performance of the proposed design and its ability to produce thermal comfort, in the conditioned space, are within the air conditioning standards. Buildings in hot and arid regions can fully benefit from such a sustainable design.