Mathematical modelling and simulation of an inclined solar water desalination unit

Abstract

A Mathematical model was developed to determine the efficiency of producing fresh water on a small scale when changing some parameters of an inclined solar water desalination unit. The object was to investigate the effect of changing various parameters such as the flow rate, irradiance and average temperature suitable for weather conditions in the Western Cape, Cape Town. The optimal water flow rate of 100 ml/min over a 1 m2 flat plate absorber was found suitable to achieve the maximum evaporation. The Solar irradiance was limited between 500 and 1000 W/m2. The ambient temperature was set at 280C, the wind factor was ignored at this stage. The steady state of the system was reached after an hour and the determination of fresh water production during 8 hours of daylight was found to be between 3.5 and 7.7 l/day respectively. The results found were in good agreement with experimental results in similar environment as Cape Town.