Performance and reliability of a solar Desalination Plant during a five-year operating period

Abstract This paper presents the operational results of the Abu Dhabi Solar Desalination Plant over the five year period 1985 through 1989. It shows how some important plant performance parameters ,such as the evaporator's specific heat consumption and the efficiency of the collector field, varied over the operating period. The paper also reviews the major operational problems encountered and gave reasons for plant shutdowns. It was shown that only a small decline in plant performance took place during the five year period and that most of the shutdowns were for pump and evaporator maintenance.