Experimental tests to validate the simulation model of a Domestic Trigeneration Scheme with hybrid RESs and Desalting Techniques

Abstract

Experimental tests of a small polygeneration plant unit based on hybrid renewable energy and desalination have been used to validate a novel model simulation of this plant. It provides electricity by coupling photovoltaic/thermal collectors and a micro-wind turbine, fresh water by means of hybrid desalination (membrane distillation, and reverse osmosis), and sanitary hot water coming from the photovoltaic/thermal collectors and an evacuated tubes collector. Plant was designed to operate in off-grid conditions and conventional energy storage systems were used (lead acid batteries and hot water tank). Simulation model was performed in TRNSYS environment and it was fully validated by comparing several key plant measurements. The analysis was focused on five typical days of summer, fall and winter. Some differences found in experimental and simulated values were analysed. To reduce those gaps, some modifications have been suggested to the model or the pilot unit respectively. As a result, a validated model in TRNSYS of the plant was obtained. This model can be used for the further scale up of new projects to cover any other scheduled demands of power and water in isolated areas, whenever is based on the combination of the abovementioned technologies.