Optimum Model of a Solar Desalination System based on Multi-effect Distillation (Solar-MED)

Behrooz Heidari Dehkordi¹, Fatemeh Saberi^2, , Abtin Ataei³, Hossein Salehfar⁴ and Farhad Abdollahzadeh Bina⁵

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA

²Department of Energy & Petroleum Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA

³School of Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, USA

⁴UND School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Grand Forks, USA

⁵Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA

Cite this paper:
Behrooz Heidari Dehkordi, Fatemeh Saberi, Abtin Ataei, Hossein Salehfar and Farhad Abdollahzadeh Bina. Optimum Model of a Solar Desalination System based on Multi-effect Distillation (Solar-MED). American Journal of Energy Research. 2025; 13(2):26-64. doi: 10.12691/ajer-13-2-1

Abstract

This study evaluates the performance of Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) and Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) desalination systems integrated with solar energy and conventional boilers. Simulations using numerical software modeled all systems to produce 1200 cubic meters of freshwater per day under similar conditions along the Persian Gulf coast. Results indicate that system type and energy source significantly affect costs, efficiency, and sustainability. The MED-Solar Field system emerged as an economically viable and eco-friendly option, with a production cost of $3.22 per cubic meter in the first year and reduced emissions. The MED-Conventional Boiler system had the lowest cost ($1.55/m³) but relied on fossil fuels. The MSF-Solar Field system, with a high cost of $7.93/m³, was deemed unfeasible due to substantial initial investment. The MSF-Conventional Boiler system, with a cost of $4.66/m³ and high efficiency (85%), demonstrated reasonable economic performance but posed environmental concerns. The study also analyzed the effects of environmental factors on solar system efficiency to enhance future designs. These findings offer insights for selecting optimal desalination technologies across climates, promoting renewable energy integration, cost reduction, and advancing water and energy resource management.

Keywords:
MED-Solar Field system MED-Conventional Boiler system MSF-Solar Field system MSF-Conventional Boiler system optimization sensitivity analysis

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