Simulation of a solar powered vapor compression desalination system (SPRVCD)

This article is concerned with the analysis of a solar powered vapor compression desalination system. It consists of three loops, namely, a collector loop, a power loop, and a vapor compression desalination loop. The system is operated by a parabolic collector trough of concentration 4 and R11 as a working fluid with an optimum boiler firing temperature of 410/sup 0/K. A single stage impulse wheel is used to operate the system at a speed of 3600 rpm. The system is simulated for different heat storage capacities (700,000 and 1,400,000 J/(km/sup 2/ of collector area)). Results showed that the storage capacity of 1,400,000 J/km/sup 2/ is required if the oscillations of the output is to be reduced. On the other hand, dividing the heat storage capacity into two tanks with 700,000 and 70,000 J/km/sup 2/ with adequate control strategy leads to similar results. However, more improved control strategy may be used to smooth off the oscillation of system output.