Solar desalination system using spray evaporation

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2014-11, Vol.76, p.276-283
• Main Authors: El-Agouz, S.A., Abd El-Aziz, G.B., Awad, A.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Desalination; Drinking water and swimming-pool water. Desalination; Evaporation; Exact sciences and technology; Experimentally; Fresh water; Hot water; Inlets; Pollution; Productivity; Salty water; Solar desalination system; Spray evaporation; Sprayers; Sprays; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2014.08.009

This paper evaluates a one-stage technique to improve fresh water production from salty water by enhancing the evaporation and condensation. A pilot plant is designed and constructed in an arid area with 1 m2 solar water collector area to evaluate the one-stage process. The effect of main parameters on fresh water production of the unit is studied. The results show that, the productivity, efficiency, productivity rate, and Gained Output Ratio of the desalination unit are strongly affected by the inlet hot water temperature and flow rate. Within the studied ranges, the maximum daily productivity reached to 9 l/m2. According to these results, fresher water production of the present system is higher than that solar humidification–dehumidification desalination system in the previous studies. The maximum daily efficiency in the desalination system is about 87%. A TDS (total dissolved solids) of fresher water is 40 ppm. Finally, the cost of distilled water per liter is $0.029. •Solar desalination using spray evaporation to improve water productivity.•The effect of main parameters on fresh water production of the unit is studied.•The maximum productivity reached to 9 l/day m2 at Thi)av = 58 °C and 288 l/h.•The maximum day efficiency in the desalination system is about 87%.•Productivity, efficiency, PR, and GOR are strongly affected by the Thi and mw,hi.