Implementation and testing of a solar desalinator with water preheating

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to develop a novel approach for obtaining drinking water in arid regions that are severely affected by droughts, by utilising brackish water sourced from pre-existing wells. A prototype active solar desalination unit was constructed, utilising Ferro-cement and masonry collector to desalinate brackish water. The unit was composed of a flat solar collector, which served to preheat water, and an evaporation and condensation chamber, which facilitated the boiling desalination process. Upon conducting several tests, it was observed that the unit produced an average of 3.3 litres of desalinated water per square metre on a daily basis. The utilisation of solar energy for both heating and desalination purposes proved to be highly advantageous for individuals who faced limited access to drinking water. Furthermore, the alternative materials employed in this study demonstrated efficiency in desalination processes. The scope of this study focused on developing an active solar desalination unit, which aimed to preheat water using a flat solar collector, and subsequently perform boiling desalination through an evaporation and condensation chamber. The outcomes of this investigation resulted in significant benefits for communities confronted with restricted access to potable water.

KEYWORDS:

• Desalination
• solar collector
• evaporation
• condensation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).