Desalination methods and systems

A desalination system, comprising:

• (a) an apparatus for diluting a liquid desiccant comprising a plurality of channels, each separated from an adjacent channel by a porous element, said apparatus configured to receive seawater in one or more channels and a liquid desiccant in one or more other channels such that as the seawater and liquid desiccant flow through the channels, the liquid desiccant draws water from the seawater through one or more porous elements into the liquid desiccant, thereby diluting the liquid desiccant;
• (b) a water recovery system, comprising:
• (i) a generally sealed enclosure;
• (ii) a first air treatment unit within the sealed enclosure, said first air treatment unit receiving the diluted liquid desiccant from the apparatus for diluting a liquid desiccant, drawing water vapor from the liquid desiccant, and transferring the water vapor to an air stream flowing through the first air treatment unit, said first air treatment unit including a plurality of first plate structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, each first plate structure having at least one surface across which the liquid desiccant can flow, wherein the air stream flows between the first plate structures such that the liquid desiccant humidifies the air stream, each first plate structure further includes a desiccant collector at a lower end of the at least one surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the at least one surface of the first plate structure;
• and
• (iii) a second air treatment unit within the enclosure receiving the air stream treated by the first air treatment unit, said second air treatment unit causing condensation of the water vapor in the air stream, without use of a desiccant, to produce drinkable liquid water that can be transported outside the enclosure, wherein the air stream treated by the second air treatment unit is received by the first air treatment unit;
• and
• (iv) an air mover for circulating air between the first and second air treatment units;
• (c) a liquid moving apparatus for circulating the liquid desiccant between the apparatus for diluting a liquid desiccant and the first air treatment unit.