Design, Modelling and Optimization of a Novel Concentrated Solar Powered (CSP) Flash Desalination System Involving Direct Heating and Pressure Modulation Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Faizan Ahmed, Mohd Sharizal Abdul Aziz (), Mohd Remy Rozainy Mohd Arif Zainol (), Khor Chu Yee, Feroz Shaik, Dewi Suriyani Che Halin, Mohd Arif Anuar Mohd Salleh and Marwan Kheimi
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Faizan Ahmed: School of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal 14300, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia
Mohd Sharizal Abdul Aziz: School of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal 14300, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia
Mohd Remy Rozainy Mohd Arif Zainol: School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal 14300, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia
Khor Chu Yee: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Arau 02600, Perlis, Malaysia
Feroz Shaik: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia
Dewi Suriyani Che Halin: Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Arau 02600, Perlis, Malaysia
Mohd Arif Anuar Mohd Salleh: Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Arau 02600, Perlis, Malaysia
Marwan Kheimi: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh Branch, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 18, 1-14

Abstract: The main problem with existing desalination technologies is that they consume high input energy to generate fresh water. Secondly, this energy demand is usually met by conventional sources of energy such as fossil fuels. With limited conventional energy reserves predicted for the future, the focus is on the utilization of renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy for powering desalination systems. Such a transformation would make the desalination systems more energy efficient, sustainable, and economical. In this paper, a novel concentrated solar powered (CSP) flash desalination system with direct heating and pressure modulation is presented. A lab-scale prototype was designed, manufactured, and tested for feed water collected from the Arabian Sea and in climatic conditions of Al-Khobar city in Saudi Arabia. The effect of three process parameters, namely, feed water temperature (30–40 °C), feed water flow rate (0.003–0.006 kg/s), and vacuum pressure (0.1–0.3 bar) on distillate production, was investigated. System modelling and optimization were done using Design Expert software and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The central composite design technique was employed for the optimization of process parameters. The adequacy of the developed distillate production model was verified by ANOVA. The optimum values of feed water temperature, flow rate, and vacuum pressure are reported to be 40 °C, 0.005 kg/s, and 0.1 bar, respectively, resulting in distillate production of 0.001 kg/s.

Keywords: concentrated solar power; single stage; flash desalination; response surface methodology; optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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