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Computational analysis for a multi-effect distillation (MED) plant driven by solar energy in Chile

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  • Saldivia, David
  • Rosales, Carlos
  • Barraza, Rodrigo
  • Cornejo, Lorena

Abstract

This study presents a numerical model for a multi-effect distillation (MED) plant driven by solar energy. The model is based on mass, energy, and heat transfer equations applicable to the coupled MED and steam generation plants. The MED plant model has been validated with experimental data from the multi-effect distillation plant of the Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) in Spain [1]. Additionally, the model of the solar steam generation plant is validated using experimental data acquired from the parabolic trough collector (PTC) at the SANDIA National Laboratory, USA [2]. Both validations show good agreement between model and measurements, with a relative error smaller than 3%. Additionally, the heat transfer processes that occur in evaporators and preheaters are studied herein, and several heat transfer correlations are tested. The heat transfer model used in evaporators appears to be a key factor for performance predictions and may require further studies. Finally, the validated model is used to assess the technical feasibility of the installation of a solar MED plant in Valparaíso, Chile. The main results are analyzed under variable weather conditions. In addition, the MED plant is evaluated in different Chilean cities, and a linear dependence between fresh water production and solar radiation is established. In conclusion, a powerful computational tool is developed that may be useful for the design, optimization, and assessment of the technical feasibility of installation of future solar MED plants.

Suggested Citation

  • Saldivia, David & Rosales, Carlos & Barraza, Rodrigo & Cornejo, Lorena, 2019. "Computational analysis for a multi-effect distillation (MED) plant driven by solar energy in Chile," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 206-220.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:132:y:2019:i:c:p:206-220
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.07.139
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Elminshawy, Nabil A.S. & Gadalla, Mamdouh A. & Bassyouni, M. & El-Nahhas, Kamal & Elminshawy, Ahmed & Elhenawy, Y., 2020. "A novel concentrated photovoltaic-driven membrane distillation hybrid system for the simultaneous production of electricity and potable water," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 802-817.
    4. Calise, Francesco & d’Accadia, Massimo Dentice & Vicidomini, Maria, 2019. "Optimization and dynamic analysis of a novel polygeneration system producing heat, cool and fresh water," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 1331-1347.
    5. Farzad Hamrang & Afshar Shokri & S. M. Seyed Mahmoudi & Biuk Ehghaghi & Marc A. Rosen, 2020. "Performance Analysis of a New Electricity and Freshwater Production System Based on an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle and Multi-Effect Desalination," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-29, September.
    6. Farzad Hamrang & S. M. Seyed Mahmoudi & Marc A. Rosen, 2021. "A Novel Electricity and Freshwater Production System: Performance Analysis from Reliability and Exergoeconomic Viewpoints with Multi-Objective Optimization," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-30, June.
    7. Angelica Liponi & Claretta Tempesti & Andrea Baccioli & Lorenzo Ferrari, 2020. "Small-Scale Desalination Plant Driven by Solar Energy for Isolated Communities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-16, July.
    8. Vazini Modabber, Hossein & Khoshgoftar Manesh, Mohammad Hasan, 2021. "Optimal exergetic, exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental design of polygeneration system based on gas Turbine-Absorption Chiller-Solar parabolic trough collector units integrated with multi-effect de," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(P1), pages 533-552.

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