Determination of Technical and Economic Parameters of a Solar Water Desalination Plant with a Separate Condensation Chamber
Abstract
This study investigates the thermal performance and economic feasibility of a solar desalination system with separate evaporation and condensation chambers. Experimental trials were conducted in both laboratory and field conditions, revealing a thermal efficiency of 0.49 %. The system produces an average of 5 liters of freshwater daily. The payback period of the device ranges from 6.5 months to 2 years, depending on the price fluctuations of desalinated water. The system consumes 180 MJ of energy per desalination cycle, utilizes 45 m 3 of gas. and results in 700 kg of CO 2 emissions. The cost of desalinated water varies between 39.0 USD and 117.0 USD. These findings highlight the device's potential for sustainable and efficient water purification, using solar energy, making it suitable for decentralized applications in regions with limited access to freshwater.