A Study on the Prediction of the Optimum Performance of a Small-Scale Desalination System Using Solar Heat Energy

Abstract

Although water is an essential element for the survival of all humankind, there are, however, still areas where water is not sufficiently supplied. It is a reality today that supplying energy for producing clean water is also difficult in such areas. This study develops a fresh water generator using solar heat, which is a clean energy source, and a small-scale desalination system which can be configured in parallel so that it can cope with various changes in the water supply situation. In addition, this study has developed a simulation program capable of estimating the optimum installation angle of a solar collector in such a way as to be suitable for the period of water demand, as well as the environment of the installation area, by allowing for the fact that it is difficult to change the installation angle or conditions after the installation of a fixed solar collector. In order to carry out these issues, this study has set up the experimental apparatus of a small-scale desalination system and obtained data on the amounts of fresh water generation depending on solar heat storage temperatures through empirical experiments. By applying the data in the simulation program, this study proposed the optimum installation angle for the necessary conditions.