Abstract
This paper describes the theoretical rationale for a new low temperature phase-change desalination process, and six examples of applications to illustrate how this process can be engineered for sustainable desalination. In this process, brackish water is evaporated at near-ambient temperatures under near-vacuum pressures created by the barometric head without any mechanical energy input. Thermodynamic advantages and benefits of low temperature phase-change desalination are discussed and results from simulation studies and a prototype test system are presented. Three of the examples illustrate how the proposed process can be driven by solar energy: a) utilizing direct solar energy; b) inclusion of an external reflector; c) utilizing photovoltaic energy during non-sunlight hours. The other examples illustrate how the proposed process can be driven by waste heat: i) waste heat rejected by an absorption refrigeration unit driven by grid power; ii) waste heat rejected by an absorption refrigeration unit driven by solar collectors; and iii) waste heat rejected by an absorption refrigeration unit supported by a photovoltaic array. Merits of utilizing solar energy and process waste heat in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are discussed in detail.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 78-85 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Energy |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Desalination
- Renewable energy
- Solar energy
- Solar still
- Sustainability
- Thermal energy storage
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Building and Construction
- Pollution
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering