Abstract
This study focused on finding the maximum productivity by optimizing vertical multi-effect diffusion solar distiller (VMED) and lowering the water cost of that. The numerical model of the VMED was experimentally validated, and then used to find the optimal conditions for the essential variables. The VMED consists of a glass cover, plates, wicks, and a seawater feeding unit. Each effect has a cotton-cloth wick attached to one side of the plate. This VMED repeatedly using condensation latent heat can get more production than that of conventional solar still. The numerical result showed that the optimum values of the gap distance of double glass cover and the number of effects were 25–30 mm and 10–15, and the feed flow rates of spring, summer, fall, and winter were optimal in 9, 16, 10, and 3 g/min, respectively in supplying same flow rate into all the effects. The maximum productions for all seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter) were 16.6, 36.0, 19.0, 2.5 kg/(m2·d), respectively in South Korea. Economic analysis showed that the potential water price of the VMED was 6.1 $/m3, which was more competitive in the market than other solar desalination systems with a small capacity of <100 m3/d.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
