Estimation of the Solar Thermal Array for a Directly-Coupled Desalination Process: a 100m³/day Membrane Distillation

[摘要] The demand for potable water is increasing and one solution is to desalinate sea water or brine. To ensure sustainability, such desalination should be power by renewable energy sources. Membrane distillation is an emerging desalination process that might have a significant solar thermal input. The aim of this work is estimate the solar thermal array for a directly-coupled 100m³/day membrane distillation process at selected locations in Australia.This work reviewed the methodology described by MEDESOL (2010) to estimate and compare several solar collectors. It considered a commercial transient system modelling package to perform equivalent methodology. It then estimated the size of solar thermal array required for six very different solar locations in Australia.The different methodologies produced significantly different results and the exact reasons for the differences have not yet been identified. Using a TRNSYS model, of the location considered, the best Australian solar thermal location for membrane distillation plant is in Learmonth (WA).Further work is required to resolve the differences in methodologies for estimating the solar thermal array. The model should also be expanded to include consideration of piping and heat exchanger heat losses, provision for thermal storage as well as electrical energy requirements, such as pumping energy. Prior to any final design calculations, real solar data for the intended location(s) will need to be measured for at least year.

[发布日期] 2011-07-14 [发布机构] CSIRO

[学科分类] 地球科学(综合)