Theoretical and CFD Modeling of Humidification-Dehumidification (HDH) Desalination Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Methodologies, Challenges, and Future Directions

Othman, Mahmoud M.; Essa, Fadl A.; Omara, Zakaria M.; Abou Al Sood, Maher M.

doi:10.21608/jctae.2025.385991.1056

Theoretical and CFD Modeling of Humidification-Dehumidification (HDH) Desalination Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Methodologies, Challenges, and Future Directions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt

10.21608/jctae.2025.385991.1056

Abstract

The sustainable management of water resources represents a critical global challenge. In this context, HDH desalination is gaining attention as a sustainable solution for freshwater production, especially in decentralized and low-energy applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination systems with a particular focus on theoretical (mathematical) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling approaches. The study reviews the fundamental working principles of HDH systems, including various configurations and thermodynamic aspects, before delving into mathematical modeling techniques ranging from analytical to numerical methods. It further explores CFD’s role in resolving complex heat and mass transfer phenomena within HDH units, highlighting the capabilities and limitations of current CFD practices. A comparative evaluation between theoretical and CFD models is presented, emphasizing their applications in system design, performance prediction, and optimization. The review also identifies existing challenges and research gaps, offering insights for future advancements in HDH modeling through hybrid and AI-assisted approaches. Overall, this study aims to aid researchers and engineers in selecting appropriate modeling strategies for efficient and optimized HDH desalination systems.

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