In this paper, an experimental and theoretical investigation is performed on a novel water desalination system based on a humidification–dehumidification technique using a heat pump. An ultrasonic water atomizer is used in the humidification process in order to improve the humidification system. In addition to that, a new configuration is employed in the humidification process (hybrid atomization system), which combines the traditional spraying atomization system and the ultrasonic water atomizer. The new humidification system performance is investigated and compared with the spraying water atomizer system in terms of humidification effectiveness and freshwater productivity. The results show that the ultrasonic water atomizer has enhanced and improved humidification effectiveness, and consequently, the productivity of freshwater. The maximum humidification effectiveness and productivity achieved by the ultrasonic water atomizer are 94.9% and 4.9 kg/h, respectively, meaning an increase of 25.2% and 18.8%, compared to the traditional spraying atomization system. The hybrid system increases humidification effectiveness and productivity by 3.8% and 8.2%, respectively, in comparison with the stand-alone ultrasonic water atomizer. A cost analysis was also carried out in this paper in order to perform an economic comparison of different humidification processes (spraying, ultrasonic; and hybrid atomization systems). The minimum production cost of one liter of freshwater amounts to $0.0311 with the spraying system, $0.0251 with the ultrasonic system, and $0.0250 with the hybrid atomization system. These results reveal the profitability of the new configuration.

Do solar green roofs contribute to SDGs, fostering energy efficiency and environmental conservation?

The pressing demand for clean water worldwide has increased attention to developing innovative desalination processes. In this work, the second law of thermodynamics is used to examine and assess two coupled desalination systems: a separation-based reverse osmosis (RO) system and a thermal desalination-based humidification–dehumidification (HDH) system. The HDH unit configuration used here is based on the working principle of the heat pump, where the process is open-air, open-water, and air-heated. The RO system is equipped with a pressure exchanger (PX) and has been examined under various operating circumstances, such as different feed water pressures, salinities, and flow rates. To improve the system’s sustainability, a solar photovoltaic system (PV) was integrated. An exergy model was used to precisely evaluate the system components and the hybrid systems by employing a proper exergy efficiency definition. The evaluation of the second law of thermodynamics for the RO–HDH–PX and RO–HDH–PX–PV systems indicated maximum efficiencies of 23% and 23.25%, respectively. A cost analysis was also performed on the hybrid RO–HDH–PX–PV desalination system using two approaches: the first included a battery storage system, whereas, in the second, the battery was not considered. When a battery storage system is included, the cost per cubic meter varies from USD 3.22 to USD 5.10. In contrast, it varies from USD 3.96 to USD 7.12 without a battery storage system.

In response to growing energy demands and climate pressure in hot regions, this study presents an integrated techno-economic and environmental assessment of building envelope retrofit strategies aimed at facilitating the transition of existing buildings toward Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB) targets. Three advanced retrofit solutions—radiative coatings (RC), glazing-integrated photovoltaic (GIPV) systems, and solar green roofs—are evaluated using a validated building performance simulation framework across four representative climatic zones in Egypt. The results demonstrate that radiative coatings provide the most favorable economic performance, achieving return on investment (ROI) values between 12.37% and 21.72% and payback periods ranging from 3.5 to 6.2 years. Solar green roofs and GIPV systems deliver substantial reductions in annual electricity consumption and operational CO₂ emissions, with their performance strongly influenced by climatic conditions and cooling demand intensity. Solar green roofs achieve ROI values of 5.15–6.54% with payback periods of 11.7–14.9 years, while GIPV systems yield ROI values of 4.0–5.24% and payback periods between 14.6 and 17.1 years. Overall, the findings indicate that climate-adapted envelope retrofit strategies can significantly enhance building energy performance while providing measurable economic and environmental benefits. This study offers a robust, data-driven basis for retrofit prioritization and policy formulation in hot regions.