Energetic performance analysis on a membrane distillation integrated with low concentrating PV/T hybrid system

Abstract

Membrane distillation seawater desalination technology has received widespread attention. However, this technology has problems such as high energy consumption and high initial temperature requirements. A membrane distillation seawater desalination system integrated with low-concentrating photovoltaic/thermal (LCPV/T-MD) modules was designed. With the help of concentrating photovoltaic panels and solar collectors, the working fluid required for membrane distillation is cascaded heating to obtain distilled fresh water. The integrated LCPV/T-MD mathematical model the hybrid experimental system were established, and the thermal, electrical performance, and water yield were analyzed. The results show that the greater ΔP, the lower of the salinity c, and the higher the inlet water temperature Tin, the greater the water yield. The LCPV/T-STC heating subsystem can heat the water temperature above 60 °C, and then auxiliary heating by heating rod can meet the requirements of MD system for inlet water temperature. In the experiment, the thermal efficiency and the electrical efficiency of the system can reach 56.2% and 15.9%, respectively. The GOR of the total LCPV/T-MD system can reach 0.69, and the MD subsystem water yield can reach 0.579 L/(h·m2). The findings can provide guidance for the further study of membrane distillation.