Experimental and mathematical evaluation of solar powered still equipped by nano plate as the principle stage of zero discharge desalination process

Abstract

To start with, finding a sustainable method to produce sweet water and electricity by using renewable energies is one of the most important issues at this time. So, experimental and theoretical analysis of the performance of a closed solar powered still, which is jointed to photovoltaic cells and vacuum pump and equipped by nano plate, as the principle stage of zero discharge desalination process is investigated in this project. Major goal of this work is to reuse the concentrated brine of the Mobin petrochemical complex in order to produce potable, sweet water from effluent saline wastewater and generating electricity in the same time by using solar energy instead of discharging them to the environment. It is observed the increase in brackish water temperature increases the average daily production of solar desalination still considerably. Therefore, the nano plate and vacuum pump are added to augment the evaporation rate. The insolation rate, evaporation rate, the average brackish temperature, ambient temperature, density are investigated during a year 2013. In addition to obtain the capacity of solar powered still, the highest and lowest amount of water and electricity generation are reported during a twelvemonth (2013). Results indicate the average daily production is increased 16%, which represents 7.78 kW.h energy saving comparing with traditional solar still.