Theoretical Analysis of a New Design of a Concentration Based Solar Distiller

Abstract

This paper includes a theoretical study of energy balance for all parts of new design of solar concentration distiller using a parabolic concentrator with a half-cylinder basin. Our goal is to analyze the thermal efficiency of the new device to use in the Morocco's Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region. The methodology concentrates on solving the thermal collector's energy balance equations whose components are the glass cover, the brackish water and half-cylinder absorber. Numerical resolution of the energy balance equations was performed using a MATLAB code based on the method of 4th order Runge-Kutta. The results show a good theoretical performance of the new device.

Development of Solar Desalination Units Using Solar Concentrators or/and Internal Reflectors

“…The most often used linear concentrators for solar thermodynamic conversion are PTCs, which are practically used in home and industrial settings when the working temperature is required around 80°C and 160°C. PTCs are among the most extensively utilized innovations to supplant nonrenewable energy sources (fossil and nuclear fuels) in the manufacturing sectors, such as desalination, combination power stations, refrigeration, irrigation, and air conditioning [6][7][8].…”

“…where h c, w-g is the heat transfer coefficient by convection between the water and the glass [8,[20][21].…”

“…The thermal transfer coefficient due by evaporation is h e, w-g using the following formula [8,[20][21]:…”

“…Using Stefan-Boltzmann law, h r, w-g is the radiative thermal transfer coefficient of water to the glass cover [8,[20][21]:…”

“…where h c, b-w is the convective thermal transfer coefficient between the water and basin that can be calculated using the Nusselt number correlation for horizontal cylinders [8,23]:…”