Grey water reclamation utilising solar thermal energy

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to obtain clean drinkable water from treatedsewage effluent by using a solar-powered distillation cycle. Technologies andconcepts were borrowed from the solar desalination industry to propose a uniquecircular distillation cell design. From the design, a specific mathematicalcorrelation was developed to predict the distillate mass flow rate by using onlyevaporation and condensation temperature as inputs.This model was incorporated into a simulation model built using TransientSystem Simulation software. Long-term simulations were carried out to determinethe operating capabilities of the design. A prototype was successfully constructedand operated. Experimental results indicated good agreement with the mass flowrate mathematical correlation. Water quality levels were tested against the SouthAfrican National Standard 241 national drinking water quality standard. Fourquality parameters are outside acceptable levels. Evidence suggested thatacceptable quality levels could be reached.The circular distillation cell design is a major contribution made by this research.Another contribution is the simulation model capable of predicting an output fordifferent locations. Finally, the proposed prototype is potentially a very valuabledevice contributing towards the reduction of consumer demand in terms of waterand energy as well as the household load on the wastewater treatment system.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University