Performance evaluation of multi-effect distiller for optimized solar thermal desalination

In this study we have carried out a performance evaluation on a recently developed multi-effect distiller with a 3 m(3)/day capacity and Shell & Tube type heat exchanger, which has been optimized for solar thermal desalination systems in order to increase mechanical efficiency and economical efficiency. Also, the effective heat transfer of Shell & Tube heat exchanger was used in Cu (90%) - NI (10%) corrugated tube. The parameters relating to the performance of multi effect distillation are known as hot water flow rate. The experimental conditions for each parameters were 18 degrees C for seawater inlet temperature, 6 m(3)/h seawater inlet volume flow rate, 75 degrees C for hot water inlet temperature, 2.4, 3.6, and 4.8 m(3)/h for hot water inlet volume flow rate, respectively. The results are as follows, development for multi effect distillation was required about 40 kW heat and 35 kW cooling source to produce 3 m(3)/day of fresh water. And, performance ratio of development multi effect distillation was about 2.0191. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.