Different configurations of humidification-dehumidification desalination systems: Thermal and economic assessment

•Thermoeconomic performance of various HDH configurations is compared.•Single, double, and triple humidifiers are examined and contrasted.•The effectiveness of humidifiers and dehumidifiers influences freshwater production.•The water-heated multi-humidifier HDH cycle generates more freshwater.•A double humidifier air-heated HDH cycle generates fresh water at 2.06 $/m3.