This paper examines the operation of the solar diffusion driven desalination process (humidification-dehumidification) under dynamic operating conditions. The solar heat input is recycled in a unique dynamic mode so that it does not require an external source of cooling water. A detailed analytical investigation that is based on numerical simulation suggests that this process can potentially produce 100 L/day distilled water with an average specific electric energy consumption as low as 3.6 kWh/m(3) using a total of eight 2 m(2) flat plate solar collectors. Water production and energy consumption have been investigated under various design and operating conditions. A unique operating mode has been explored to reduce the specific energy consumption. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.