Abstract
This article reports on mathematical modelling and control of a solar-driven humidification–dehumidification desalination plant. Mathematical models for the components are constructed using CARNOT toolbox in MATLAB environment. Model validation has been shown by comparison with published experimental data. Solar collector outlet temperature control is a key parameter to optimize plant performance. In this study, solar field pump flow rate is controlled to maintain the collector outlet temperature at a predetermined set value. Three types of PID controllers are tested. These include PID, nonlinear PID and fractional-order PID. Controllers’ gains are optimized using genetic algorithm technique. The results show that FOPID controller offers a superior dynamic and static performance and can be automatically adjusted to compensate for weather changes.
Highlights
Water and energy crises are major challenges in many places of the world
Comparison of different control techniques The performance of different controllers has been examined for two different cases: Case 1 represents solar field operation under normal weather condition and Case 2 investigates the control performance under sudden change in solar radiation
A complete model for a solar-driven humidification and dehumidification (HDH) plant has been constructed in MATLAB Simulink
Summary
The lack of drinkable water is often intensified in arid regions. This is generally accompanied with abundant sources of solar energy which can be used to drive desalination and water treatment systems. Fresh water is retrieved by humid air condensation in a cooling coil in the dehumidifier section. The basic components of HDH cycle include a heat source, air humidifier and dehumidifier. Nafey [6] carried out an experimental investigation of HDH processes using a solar water heater and a solar air heater to heat the water and the air streams, respectively. Antar [8] experimentally investigated an air-heated HDH desalination system with single- and two-stage heat recovery systems
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