ABSTRACT

The main goal of this project is to design and manufacture a solar based seawater
desalination system that aims to provide pure and clean water that is applicable for human
drinking. It should be considered that the design should encounter a space of future
modifications and improvement. The constraints in this design involve the need to fulfill some
standards concerning particular parameters; such as, the purity of the water, the salt
concentration, the electrical conductivity, and the PH level of the condensed pure water. These
standards are satisfied in correlation with the international ASME standards (American Society
of Mechanical Engineering) standards.

In the preliminary design phase, the goals that the design is intended to satisfy and the
possible constraint and limitation on the design were presented. More information about some
designs about the solar desalination system and the main function for each component was
obtained. An excessive literature research on the patents that is related to our design and
assessment of the patents was encountered through finding the advantages and disadvantages for
each patent.

In the conceptual design phase, generation of the appropriate alternatives of the design
were obtained. Accordingly, each part of the system components has some alternatives.
Assessment of the alternatives is encountered to decide and choose which alternative is optimal
for the specified considerations and criteria. The material alternatives for the parabolic trough
was the first to consider. Then, the alternatives of the piping connections that transport the water
throughout the system is considered. Research for the materials that will be used was introduced
in the further section. After the materials search and comparisons are done for each component
of the system, the suitable material will be selected. Finally, a presentation of the conceptual
design of the system is presented, which conclude the conceptual design phase.

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 Moreover, after the conceptual phase is done and brief alternatives are highlighted and
compared with each other, comes the detailed design phase where the appropriate material for
each component is selected. Then, a crucial part is done which is the calculation of some
important aspects that will define the direction of our design; such calculations include
concentrated heat flux on the parabolic trough collector, designing the length of the trough and
the pipes, evaporated thermal analysis, and condenser designing calculations.

Next, a detailed cost analysis of each component that will be used in the component,
along with any labor fees for the manufacturing and assembly of the parts should be illustrated to
have a clear idea on the total cost required to fulfill our design goal of the prototype. Then, initial
tests for our prototype was done, and the results were discussed briefly with the consideration of
all the variables, also a test was done to ensure that all goals, constraints, and standards were
satisfied. Before the closure, a commercialization study should be carried out to have an idea on
how our product is handled, and how it will compete against what is available in the market.

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Table of Contents

MOTIVATION...............................................................................................................................iii

DEDICATION................................................................................................................................iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...............................................................................................................v

PLEDGE OF HONOR....................................................................................................................vi

ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................vii

1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................1

1.1 Problem Statement............................................................................................................2

1.2 Problem Description and Objectives.................................................................................2

1.3 Research Methodology.....................................................................................................3

2 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.................................................................................5

2.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................5

2.1.1 Photo Voltaic Reverse Osmosis Desalination...........................................................5

2.1.2 Solar Desalination Using Humidification-Dehumidification Process.......................9

2.1.3 Ion Concentration Polarization (ICP)......................................................................11

2.1.4 Solar Desalination by Evaporation..........................................................................13

2.2 Patent Search...................................................................................................................15

2.2.1 Patent Name: Parabolic Trough Solar Reflector....................................................15

2.2.2 Patent Name: Parabolic Trough Solar Collector....................................................17

2.2.3 Patent Name: A Solar Parabolic Trough Collector or Reflector System.................19

2.3 Summary of Literature Review.......................................................................................20

3 Chapter 3: CONCEPTUAL DESIGN....................................................................................21

3.1 Evaporator Design Alternatives......................................................................................21

3.1.1 Concentrating Solar Power, Parabolic Trough Concentrator (PTC).......................21

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 3.1.2 Parabolic Dish Concentrator (PDC)........................................................................23

3.1.3 Flat Plate Collector (FPC).......................................................................................24

3.1.4 Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC)..............................................................25

3.2 Condenser Design Alternatives.......................................................................................26

3.2.1 Air Cooled Condenser.............................................................................................27

3.2.2 Water Cooled Condenser.........................................................................................27

3.2.2.1 Double Pipe or Tube-in-Tube Type.....................................................................28

3.2.2.2 Shell and Coil.......................................................................................................29

3.2.2.3 Shell and Tube Type............................................................................................29

3.3 Design Alternative 1.......................................................................................................30

3.3.1 Prototype Alternative 1 Drawbacks.........................................................................31

3.4 Preliminary Design Selection..........................................................................................32

3.4.1 Collector Type Selection.........................................................................................32

3.4.2 Condenser Type Selection.......................................................................................33

3.5 Apparatus Parts...............................................................................................................34

3.5.1 The Collector (Parabolic Trough Collector)............................................................34

3.5.2 Parabolic Reflector..................................................................................................35

3.5.3 Absorber Pipe..........................................................................................................36

3.5.4 Condenser................................................................................................................37

3.6 Material Selection...........................................................................................................38

3.7 Preliminary Cost Analysis..............................................................................................40

4 CHAPTER 4: DETAILED DESIGN.....................................................................................43

4.1 Final Material Selection..................................................................................................43

4.2 Final Design....................................................................................................................44

4.3 Concentrated Heat Flux Calculations.............................................................................47

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 4.4 Designing the Length of the Trough...............................................................................49

4.5 Evaporator Thermal Analysis.........................................................................................52

4.6 Condenser Designing Calculations.................................................................................56

4.7 Focal Point......................................................................................................................59

4.8 Final Cost Analysis.........................................................................................................60

5 CHAPTER 5: FEM RESULTS AND DISCUSSION............................................................61

5.1 Meshing...........................................................................................................................61

5.2 Boundary Conditions......................................................................................................63

5.3 Results and Solutions......................................................................................................63

6 CHAPTER 6: EXPERIMENTAL TESTING AND RESULTS............................................64

6.1 Test Producer..................................................................................................................64

6.2 Testing Results................................................................................................................64

7 Chapter 7: COMMERCIALIZATION...................................................................................70

7.1 Value Proposition............................................................................................................70

7.2 Innovation.......................................................................................................................71

7.3 Minimum Viable Product (MVP)...................................................................................73

7.4 Market Opportunity.........................................................................................................73

7.5 Customer and Market Demand.......................................................................................74

7.6 Early Adopters................................................................................................................74

7.7 Total Served Market........................................................................................................74

8 CHAPTER 8: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION..............................................75

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................77

APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................81

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List of Figures

Figure 1 Research Methodology......................................................................................................4

Figure 2 Reverse Osmosis Process Diagram...................................................................................6
Figure 3 Reverse Osmosis Process..................................................................................................6
Figure 4 Photo Voltaic Modules......................................................................................................7
Figure 5 Humidification-Dehumidification Process........................................................................9
Figure 6 Ion Concentration Polarization Process..........................................................................11
Figure 7 Ion Concentration Polarization Phenomena....................................................................12
Figure 8 Solar Desalination Processes...........................................................................................13
Figure 9 Water Desalination by Evaporation-Condensation.........................................................14
Figure 10 Parabolic Trough Solar Reflector..................................................................................15
Figure 11 Parabolic Trough Solar Collector..................................................................................18
Figure 12 Parabolic Trough Concentrator Sketch.........................................................................22
Figure 13 Parabolic Dish Concentrator.........................................................................................23
Figure 14 Sketch of Parabolic Dish Concentrator.........................................................................23
Figure 15 Flat Plate Collector........................................................................................................24
Figure 16 Compound Parabolic Concentrator...............................................................................25
Figure 17 Refrigeration Cycle T-S Diagram.................................................................................26
Figure 18 Air Cooled Condenser...................................................................................................27
Figure 19 Double Pipe...................................................................................................................28
Figure 20 Shell and Coil................................................................................................................29
Figure 21 Shell and Tube...............................................................................................................29
Figure 22 First Design Alternative................................................................................................30
Figure 23 Collectors Performance Comparison.............................................................................32
Figure 24 Parabolic Trough Concentrator.....................................................................................34
Figure 25 Parabolic Mirrors Reflector...........................................................................................35
Figure 26 Light Beam Reflection Through Mirror Strips.............................................................35
Figure 27 Receiver Pipe.................................................................................................................36
Figure 28 Overall Prototype..........................................................................................................37

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Figure 29 Condenser Part..............................................................................................................37
Figure 30 Tanks Prices..................................................................................................................40
Figure 31 Pipes Prices...................................................................................................................41
Figure 32 Fan Price........................................................................................................................41
Figure 33 Prototype Material Selection.........................................................................................43
Figure 34 Final Design Sketch......................................................................................................44
Figure 35 Final Design - Inventor View 1.....................................................................................45
Figure 36 Final Design - Inventor View 2.....................................................................................45
Figure 37 Final Design - Inventor View 3.....................................................................................46
Figure 38 PTC................................................................................................................................47
Figure 39 T-v Diagram..................................................................................................................49
Figure 40 Thermal Resistances......................................................................................................52
Figure 41 Focal Point.....................................................................................................................59
Figure 42 Mesh..............................................................................................................................62
Figure 43 Total Heat Flux..............................................................................................................63
Figure 44 Electrical Conductivity Meter.......................................................................................67
Figure 45 pH Number Papers........................................................................................................67
Figure 46 Drinkable Water Scale..................................................................................................68
Figure 47 pH Number Test for Seawater.......................................................................................68
Figure 48 pH Number Test for Purified Water..............................................................................69
Figure 49 Salt Concentration Test for Seawater............................................................................69
Figure 50 Electrical Conductivity Test for Pure Water.................................................................69
Figure 51 Value Proposition Chart................................................................................................70
Figure 52 Innovation Chart............................................................................................................71
Figure 53 Meshing.........................................................................................................................82
Figure 54 Total Heat Flux..............................................................................................................82
Figure 55 Thermodynamics Properties Table................................................................................82
Figure 56 Emissivity Table............................................................................................................82
Figure 57 Heat Transfer Property Table........................................................................................82

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List of Tables

Table 1 Air Cooled vs. Water Cooled...........................................................................................33

Table 2 Quantitative Properties of Some Recommended Materials to Be Used for the Collector
Pipe................................................................................................................................................38
Table 3 Properties of Some Recommended Materials to Be Used for the Envelope Pipe............39
Table 4 Preliminary Cost Analysis................................................................................................42
Table 5 Final Material Selection....................................................................................................43
Table 6 Final Cost Analysis...........................................................................................................60
Table 7 First Day Experiment Results...........................................................................................65
Table 8 Second Day Experiment Results......................................................................................66
Table 9 Product..............................................................................................................................71
Table 10 Thermal Analysis Results Summary..............................................................................81
Table 11 Mesh Quality Criteria Skewness.....................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

viii
Nomenclature

PTC Parabolic Trough Concentrator 𝑐𝑝 Specific Heat

𝐶𝑜𝑝𝑡 Optical Concentration ℎ𝑖 Inner Heat Transfer Coefficient

𝐶𝑔𝑒𝑜 Geometric Concentration ℎ𝑜 Outer Heat Transfer Coefficient

𝐷𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 Aperture Diameter 𝑅𝑒 Reynolds Number

𝐷𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 Receiver Diameter 𝑁𝑢 Nusselt Number

𝑞̇ Heat Flux 𝑃𝑟 Prandtl Number

𝑞̇c Concentrated Heat Flux 𝑓 Focal Point

h Enthalpy x PTC Diameter

𝑄̇ Amount of Heat Transfer

𝑚̇ Mass Flow Rate

𝑙 Length of the Pipe

𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣. Convection Resistance

𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑. Conduction Resistance

𝑅𝑟𝑎𝑑. Radiation Resistance

∆𝑇 Temperature Difference

𝑘 Thermal Conductivity

𝜀𝑐 Emissivity

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1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Lack of drinkable water poses a big issue in arid and semi-arid areas of the world where
fresh water is becoming very scarce and somehow expensive. Clean potable water is one of the
most important worldwide health problems nowadays. The United Nations Environment
Program (UNEP) stated that “one-third of the world’s population lives in nations with
insufficient fresh water to support the population and, by 2025, two-thirds of the world
population will face water scarcity”. The regions which has the most water scarce are the warm
arid countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. These areas are characterized by the
increase in ground water salinity and infrequent rainfall. Water shortage has become one of the
major issues due to the fast growing in population and with the increase in industrial and
agriculture irrigation all over the world contributes to the depletion and pollution of fresh water
resources. However, since solar desalination plants are characterized by free energy and
insignificant operation cost, this technology is, on the other hand, suitable for small-scale
production, especially in remote arid regions like small countries and islands, where the supply
of conventional energy is scarce. Apart from the cost implications, there are environmental
concerns with regard to the burning of fossil fuels. In the case of many countries, where the dry
climate and low rainfall provide limited freshwater resources to support current and rapidly
growing population. Further, as the regional water sources continue to succumb to an increased
demand, people in these countries are limited to domestic fresh water that is increasingly
polluted. Desalination of sea water is a means by which this problem can be overcomes. The
majority of the areas lacking fresh water are short of a supply of energy that is a need to drive the
desalination system, but they have enough solar irradiation in almost all over the year. According
to this, the solar thermal desalination is a favorable solution for water supply problems. All
thermal desalination systems make demand for heating steam to achieve the process of
desalination. For instance, heating sea water in the evaporator of the first effect and stage of the
multi effect desalination and multistage flash desalination plant. The parabolic trough collectors
are preferred for solar steam generation since high temperatures can be obtained without any
degradation of the collector efficiency. There are several of methods that the desalination process
can be done through, and these methods will be discussed in details later on in the report with
their advantages and disadvantages.
1
1.1 Problem Statement
Design of Solar based seawater desalination system: The solar based desalination system
uses solar photo-thermal effect to evaporate seawater and then condensate from a closed natural
convection loop in thermally insulated chambers. The project will include an extensive
thermodynamic and electrochemical analysis for the slat concentration of the processed seawater
in each processing stage. In addition to the analysis, this projects will include the design and
Matlab simulation.

Consequently, due to plans in many countries which is trying to mostly rely on renewable
energy resources for a clean and green environment. As well as many countries are suffering
from electrical energy shortage. Therefore, the usage of solar energy for water desalination can
reduce the consumption of electrical energy, and will provide pure and desalted water with less
price comparing with the other desalination types and methods.

1.2 Problem Description and Objectives

The main objective of this project is to design a solar based seawater desalination system
that aims to provide pure and clean water that is applicable for human drinking. Sea water
contains approximately 35,000 ppm of salt concentration, electrical conductivity is about 50,000
μS/cm, and seawater pH is limited to the range 7.5 to 8.4 which is considered to be basic. While,
our aim to design a solar energy based desalination system that purifies the seawater to pure
water that contains approximately less than 50 ppm of salt concentration, electrical conductivity
is less than 800 μS/cm, and pure water PH is 7 which is neutral. Seawater is classified as brine
and pure drinkable water is classified as non-saline. The solar energy based purification system
utilizes sunlight thermal effect to evaporate only pure water particles and leaves behind salt and
other unwanted contaminants. After that condensate the water vapor through a condensation
mechanism where pure drinkable water will be collected. This environmentally friendly process
will help in collecting pure water from contaminated seawater without the use of electrical
energy that plays an important role in providing fresh water to countries with no access to it and
that have shortage in electrical energy with the help of sunlight energy through thermos-dynamic
analysis.

2
1.3 Research Methodology
This design research methodology consists of 9 main stages that are background research,
conceptual design, material selection, detailed design, experimental testing, results and
discussion, commercialization, conclusion, and recommendation. Firstly, the background
research consists of literature search that summarizes the most related information found about
the study and research on the web related the project design, patent search is a crucial step that
lets the researcher to understand how other inventors carried out a similar design to his own idea
that will play an important role in enhancing the quality of the project. Problem description may
include function decomposition analysis, input-output analysis, generation of initial specification
sheets and overall design limits, preliminary specifications identify initial and preliminary
specifications required for the project. Secondly, conceptual design outlines the concept and
ideas based on the researches carried out in the background research, and it states all sub-
functions that you identified in the preliminary design and give a brief description of each. Also,
it consists of generating some alternatives for the design with clear drawings and satisfying the
same constraints.

Next, is the material selection where the appropriate material for all components of your
system is selected, making a proper and brief justifications to your choices. Detailed design, in
this section there are a couple of sub-functions as required where each should consist of the final
analysis, constraints for the design, all detailed design calculation and selection procedure.
Experimental testing states the need for experiment and identify limitations and assumptions.
Discuss setup and procedures, discuss goals and objectives of the experiment and the required
data.

Moreover, results and discussion consists of a brief and clear statements about the
findings of the project with the support of graphs, and tables, it also includes a comparison with
other or similar results in the literature. Discussion must clearly identify your main achievements
and findings from all the above sections and the results section. Commercialization is an
important section for all design projects, a full business plan should be developed discover and
evaluate business opportunities based on the technology invention in your project; perform a
market search and feasibility study for marketing your product; and have a tentative business
development model with financial projections.

3
 Finally, is the conclusion and recommendation where the conclusion should summarize
the things achieved from the study and should be based entirely on previously stated information
in the report addressing weather your design met the initial specifications and requirements or
not. Recommendations section should include logically derived thoughts from the conclusion
section, and be supported by data in the report body, and may be positive or negative.

1- Backgroud
Research

9-Recommendation 2- Concptual Desgin

8-Conclusion 3-Material selection

Research
Methodology
7-Commercialization 4-Detailed Desgine

6-Results and 5-Experimental

discussion Testing

Figure 1 Research Methodology

4
2 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction
The lack of the clean water generates a huge problem in some islands and countries in
Africa, the Middle East and many other regions of the world where the portable water is
becoming very expensive and hard to get in these regions. Providing the pure drinkable water is
becoming one of the major international health issues today. North Africa and the Middle East
are known as areas that have infrequent rainfall and the high ground water salinity and the
increase of population in these regions increase the demand of the clean water which contributes
to find other water recourses to satisfy the needs of the portable water.

However, since destination by solar energy has inconsiderable operational cost and runs
by free energy, this technology is found convenient for islands and regions where the supply of
electricity and energy is rare. As the insufficiency of water is a possible threat in the future,
several methods can be used to desalinate the sea water and get rid of the salt and the unwanted
contaminates. This includes the following;

2.1.1 Photo Voltaic Reverse Osmosis Desalination

Water desalination is a unique process to provide clean drinking water out of the brackish
and sea water by taking away the unwanted contaminants. The water desalination is becoming a
worldwide demand due to the rise for the world’s population that leads to increase the demand of
the clean drinking water. One of the affective Renewable energy methods to desalinate sea water
and turn it to drinkable water is known as RO (Reverse Osmosis) desalination.

The Reverse Osmosis desalination is a process where the water is being pushed under
pressure through a semi-preamble reverse osmosis membrane to de-ionize it. The reverse
osmosis can referred as a semi-permeable that allows the water molecules to go through and
block the unwanted organics, bacteria and dissolved salts. However the water needs energy or
pressure greater than naturally occurring pressure in order to be pushed through the RO
membrane and de- ionize the water to allow the pure water to pass while holding the unwanted

5
flaws.

6
 Figure 2 Reverse Osmosis Process Diagram

In order to increase the pressure of the water the Reverse Osmosis use a high pressure
pump to push the salt in the water to the side of reverse osmosis and make the water move across
the semi-permeable Reverse Osmosis membrane taking out almost all of the dissolved salt in a
rejection steam. As the concentration amount of dissolved salt in water increase the amount of
pressure required should increase to desalinate the water. The product water which desalinated or
de-ionized is called as permeate water, where the water blocked that contain the concentrated
unwanted contaminants is known as the reject stream.

Figure 3 Reverse Osmosis Process

7
Photo Voltaic Modules
The Photo Voltaic (PV) is a device that can act like a direct current (DC) generator that is
powered by the solar energy which is an effective way to reduce the use of fuel and electricity to
run the high pressure pump for the reverse osmosis desalination without the use of any external
electricity source. The photo voltaic module also known as Solar PV module is contained of an
assembled PV cells (Solar cells) that work to achieve a desired current and voltage where a
group of PV panels are wired into large array called the PV array.

The solar cells take their energy from the light photons and then it knocks the electrons free in
the silicon crystal-structure which will force them through what is known as external circuit such
like an inverter, battery or a direct current.

Figure 4 Photo Voltaic Modules

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Reverse Osmosis

Advantages:

 The energy requirements are low, thus Reverse Osmosis utilize a separation without any
phase change.
 Reverse Osmosis space requirements are less than other systems.
 Easier to maintain due to their modular design and it can be maintained without shutting
down the whole plant.
 Can provide the clean water to the communities that do not have a sufficient energy source.
 Spate the drinking water from the unwanted contaminates.

8
Disadvantages:

 The pressure applied to push the water has to exceed the osmotic pressure to manage the
flow.
 The reverse osmosis process can’t be applied without pretreatment because the all of the
reverse osmosis devices and membranes are susceptible to fouling.
 Reverse Osmosis feed streams have to be compatible with the materials of construction
used in the devices and the membrane where these must be removed in pretreatment.

9
2.1.2 Solar Desalination Using Humidification-Dehumidification Process

It is a unique method to produce drinking water, this process is used to efficiently

desalinate the salt water using the solar energy, it is basically an engineered version of a rain
cycle. In this process the salt water is basically heated in a storage or a collector and is flashed in
a separate chamber as an evaporator, and then it is condensed on a cooled surface as a condenser
in this way the quality of water can be controlled and improved. Many researchers used flat plate
collector as a heat source where as others used the concentrating parabolic trough collector. The
researchers also considered a design where different chambers are used for evaporator and
condenser the comparison of these two designs was not developed for the published work in
terms of the productivity. This have both the solar loop and desalination chamber also the
performance of this system will include both collector and desalination chamber. With this
description a system will be developed which is efficient only if it considers the previous
research. The present includes the flat plate collector which heats the salt water and then it feeds
naturally to a storage tank. The hot water in the storage tank will be injected through nozzles that
evaporate the hot water. Between the tank walls evaporated water will be condensed.

Figure 5 Humidification-Dehumidification Process

10
 To use this process, we must design and manufacture. Firstly, we need flat plate solar air
heater which also have two covers of the glass, we also need pad humidifier, dehumidification
exchanger and a tank for storing water. After experimenting it you will find that if double-pass
solar air heater is not used the productivity of the system will decrease and the improvement is
achieved when we increase the temperature of the water which is inside the storage tank.
Moreover, the productivity of system will increase if we increase the feed water’s mass flow rate
and the quantity of the water which is inside the tank. Productivity will be same when the air
mass flow will be increased. If we increase the mass flow rate of the cooling water, it will have
improvement in the system.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Humidification-Dehumidification Process

Advantages
 The productivity of the system will be improved a lot when using this process.
 It also produces many times of the simple distiller productivity.
 The system performance is improved with higher temperature. it will also produce more
water if we increase the temperature.
 When the difference between the water temperature and ambient temperature is increased
at higher temperature it improves the condensation process and desalinated water
production will also be improved.
 The system is simple, cheap and compact.
 There are advantages also which includes simple brine pretreatment, simple operation,
disposal requirement and maintenance.

Disadvantages
 The cost of the production is estimated at about 0.5 US$ per liter.
 The initial and running costs of this process will be increased.
 The higher temperature can improve the productivity, but it raises the possibility of salt
scaling which causes the nozzles blockage.

11
2.1.3 Ion Concentration Polarization (ICP)

Seawater desalination has potential to reliably produce enough drinkable water to support
the huge number of people who lives near the coast. One of the new methods for water
desalination is by ions concentration polarization. This method may lead to small and portable
desalination units that could be powered by solar cells, batteries, or electricity to deliver enough
fresh water to supply the needs of a city or a small village. Further, this type of system can also
remove many contaminants, bacteria, and viruses at the same time.

The ion concentration polarization method separates salts and microbes from the water by
electrostatically repelling them away from the ion-selective membrane in the system. So that, the
flowing water will never need to pass through a membrane. This should eliminate the need for
high pressure and the problems of fouling. Assuming the surface of both the microchannel and
Nano-channel are negatively charged, the Nano-channel becomes cation-selective. When
applying an external electric potential across the system, the counter-ions migrate toward the
cathodic electrode. This method works as a battery when applying the voltage and current into
the system, the minus charge ions move towards the positive side and the positive charged move
towards the minus side.

Advantages and Disadvantages of ICP

Figure 6 Ion Concentration Polarization Process

Advantages
 The system helps to remove and desalinate the water from salts and minerals.
 The system does not require a large area.
 It is considered as a costless system as it does not require big costs to build it.

12
Disadvantages
 The pH value of the contaminated water is a factor that affects the system’s performance.
 The ionic strength of the buffer solution also affects the performance of the system.
 The strong Ion Concentration Polarization can stop or even reverse the flow direction.
 The contact area between the microchannel and the Nano-channel is an issue.
 In this system, there will be a loss of water with the waste as the salts and minerals will
not be removed alone.

Figure 7 Ion Concentration Polarization Phenomena

ICP phenomena; (a) before voltage applied (b) movement of counter-ions due to the electric field
(c) movement of co-ions due to the electric field (d) formation of depletion and enrichment zone.

13
2.1.4 Solar Desalination by Evaporation

Water desalination is a multi-way procedure which can be applied using many different
ways. One of the oldest desalination processes is thermal desalination, that is based on the
concept of heating up the water to the evaporation temperature and once the water has
successfully evaporated from the bottom surface of the container, salt and the other contaminants
are left behind while the evaporated water is then condensed to fresh treated water. When there is
waste heat or sufficient electricity available, as is often the case with refineries and power plants,
thermal desalination is an efficient and viable solution.

Figure 8 Solar Desalination Processes

The shown figure clearly demonstrates the simple process of using sunlight energy in
order to heat up the contaminated water particles to the evaporating temperature of water and
then evaporation process will occur. Where the water particles will evaporate upward leaving
behind on the bottom black surface that absorbs the heat from the sun, the salt and other
contaminated particles.

14
 The water vapor will travel upwards due to its low density and once it reaches to the top
cover of the apparatus, the vapor will come in contact with the glass that is placed as a ceiling for
the apparatus to allow the sunlight to enter and heat up the unclean water. The glass is relatively
cold compared to its surroundings and the water vapor will condense on the glass surface as
droplets of clean water and it will be collected once it reaches to the bottom side of the glass by
using an outlet pipe connected to an outside container.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Evaporation Process

Advantages
 Supplies fresh treated water from contaminants to countries that lack pure fresh water
supply.
 Since the process is done using heat energy from the sun, poor countries will not have
any problems regarding the energy source required.
 The apparatus does not require a huge space, so it can be carried in a back bag and used
in an emergency where clean water is not available.
 Cost of such project is not high when compared to other processes, since there is no need
for complicated pipe connections and simple materials are used.

Disadvantages
 This process requires the change of the state of water from liquid to vapor, thus the
energy requirements are high.
 During the evaporation process, the temperature reached to evaporate the water particles
can also make some contaminants to evaporate with the water vapor. So, the condensed
water may not be purely purified. During the condensation process, some water particles
may condense earlier and drop back to the contaminated container.

Figure 9 Water Desalination by Evaporation-Condensation

15
2.2 Patent Search

2.2.1 Patent Name: Parabolic Trough Solar Reflector

Patent Number: US4611575A

Publication Date: Sep. 16, 1986

Patent Inventors: Roger A. Powell, 1589 Vernon Rd., Norristown, Pa. 19401

Figure 10 Parabolic Trough Solar Reflector

16
 A solar based trough reflector structure utilizing a single focused reflector skin, parabolic
molded ribs, and members to fundamentally close the opening develops high quality and
stiffness. Solar powered collectors having working fluid passed on through collector having
concentrating components, having reflectors as mirror strips as concentrating components semi-
parabolic trough.

The present development identifies to solar energy conversion apparatus, more

especially, improvements in solar energy collectors of the trough reflector compose and
techniques for assembling same. Extensive time and exertion is presently being expended in
deciding the plausibility of using the sun's energy as methods for giving the heating and power
needs of home and industry. While knowing how beneficial converting solar energy into
tremendous amounts of heat and electrical energy, the principal stumbling block confronting
widespread commercial use of the sun's radiation for such purposes is the economics.

Means for providing a sheet of reflective material framed into an open inward trough
shape and having a longitudinal pivot, most of the rib individuals situated opposite to said
longitudinal hub and connected to said sheet, a couple of lengthened longitudinal individuals
whose axis are parallel to said longitudinal hub, said longitudinal individuals being joined to the
closures of said rib individuals, a majority of cross individuals stretching out over the open bit of
said sheet with inverse finishes therefor appended to every one of said longitudinal individuals,
and shaping a rectangular edge, no less than one diagonal member reaching out on a pivot
skewed to the hub of said longitudinal individuals with inverse finishes thereof joined to said
rectangular casing at restricting corners, a lengthened receiver, significantly parallel to said
longitudinal hub and generously dislodged from said sheet of reflective material, said stretched
collector engrossing concentrated brilliant vitality reflected from said sheet of reflective material,
means for pivoting said trough reflector in regards to one axis during a day, in this way following
the clear movement of the sun.

An object of the present invention is to provide a solar collector that lends itself to low
cost manufacture, based on eliminating the rear sheet, pipe backbone, and thick transverse ribs.
Also, the solar collector of the present invention does not require expensive tooling for its
manufacture.

17
2.2.2 Patent Name: Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

Patent Number: US4423719A

Publication Date: Jan 3, 1984

Patent Author: Joseph A.Hutchison

A parabolic trough solar collector, it is one which can be automatically wielded or

tightened with rivets, bolts, etc. It has no need for any blind fastening systems. The present
applications are by such techniques.

In terms of the chosen version of the contraption, a parabolic trough solar collector is
provided that includes one monologue module also including a multitude of stressed parabolic
channels fastened to and supported by a few parallel parabolic bows. In another chosen version
of the contraption, the parabolic channels and parabolic bows are tightened to and supported by
edge channels that are perpendicular to the ends of the parabolic bows and extend longitudinally
down the edges of the module.

In terms of another variant of the mechanical device, a technique is offered for the
consistent manufacture of the interior parabolic mirror channels and the exterior parabolic
channels employed in the monologue parabolic solar collectors of the invention.

Advantages

 It can be wielded or tightened with spot welds, seam welds, rivets, bolts or the like
without the need for any blind fastening systems.

 It is one of the most reliable means of generating energy from solar radiation.

18
Figure 11 Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

19
2.2.3 Patent Name: A Solar Parabolic Trough Collector or Reflector System

Patent Number: WO2012076949A1

Publication Date: June 14, 2012

Patent Author: Siddarth Mukesh BhandariRavikumar Valjibhai KaroriaShailesh

Virendrabhai PandyaSachin Rameshchandra Shah

In this patent the current contraption pertains to a solar parabolic trough collector or
reflector system. In specific, the present parabolic trough collector /reflector system is installed
inclined, with all glass evacuated tube absorbers and passive heat collection.

The primary parts of the current contraption are a collector, an absorber tube, a heat
transfer system, a structure, a bearing blocks, and a tracking system including: Mechanism,
Electronics and Software. A solar reflector system has a bending major tracking axis as per the
location of the sun.

Advantages

 Very costly but efficient.

 The machine's operations are more balanced.

 The tracking system is a high-tech system.

 It is an excellent invention in terms of collecting heat passively.

20
2.3 Summary of Literature Review

There are various ways and methods to desalinate sea water by removing the salt and the
other minerals from the saline water. As discussed earlier each way has its own advantages and
disadvantages for producing the clean water.

However, the solar desalination by evaporation (using Parabolic Trough Concentrator)

was found as the best technique to follow as the condensed water in this method do not need
treatment of water and the processes of the evaporation itself is directly run by the solar energy
that falls on the absorber.

21
3 Chapter 3: CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

Various types of solar energy collectors and concentrators can be used to convert the
solar energy to thermal energy. In most of them, the water is heated by the sun lights as it is been
reflected from the solar concentrator into an absorber pipe. The solar concentrator can be static
that does not move around, or sun tracking device where it moves around in the way the sun
moves. The second one may has one or two axes of sun tracking. The solar concentrator may be
designed as flat, dish or trough. These alternatives is to be discussed in details, and to choose the
best design.

Shell and tube heat exchanger is one of the most condenser designs that is been used in
many applications. In this design, two fluid are flowing in the same direction or in opposite
direction. These types are called parallel flow and counter flow respectively. The condenser
design alternatives will be discussed later on in this chapter and we will choose the best
alternative that fits our design.

3.1 Evaporator Design Alternatives

3.1.1 Concentrating Solar Power, Parabolic Trough Concentrator (PTC)

One of the most important method to improve the system’s thermal efficiency and
increase the production rate of the freshwater is the concentration of the energy coming from the
sun. The concentration of the sun radiation can be done by reflecting the flux incident on mirrors
onto smaller receiver area.

A parabolic trough is a linear receiver with a parabolic cross-segment. Its reflective

surface concentrates sunlight rays onto a collector tube situated along the trough's central line,
heating the transfer fluid in the tube. Parabolic troughs regularly have concentration proportions
of 10 to 100, prompting working temperatures of 100– 400°C. Parabolic trough receiver is
required to keep track of the sunlight along one or two axes only. Thus, the receiver tube can
accomplish a considerably higher temperature than flat plate or evacuated tube collectors. The
parabolic trough collector system typically incorporates a mechanical control system that keeps
the trough reflector pointed at the sun for the duration of the day.
22
 Parabolic trough concentrating systems can give hot water and steam, and are usually
utilized as a part of business and mechanical applications. In any case, among solar thermal
advancement, solar based lakes and parabolic troughs are the most frequently utilized for
desalination. Because of the high temperatures parabolic troughs are equipped for delivering
high- grade thermal energy that is utilized for electric power generation. Parabolic troughs could
be an appropriate supply for most desalination strategies; however, practically speaking, it has
been mostly used for thermal desalination since it can get use of both the heat and the electric
power generated by the troughs. Different techniques for desalination would get almost no
advantage from the heat generated. The unit cost of these solar based energy generation
techniques directly increases with the temperatures they can yield.

Accordingly, flat plate collectors and solar powered lakes are the least costly of these on
a unit basis and the parabolic troughs are the most costly. Where land prices are cheap, at that
point sunlight based lakes are more favored because of their ease and their capacity to store
energy. This is the reason it is now even more financially beneficial to generate electricity from
solar ponds when thermal energy cannot be used. Where land costs are high or power or high
temperatures are required, parabolic troughs are usually the favored source for sunlight energy.

Figure 12 Parabolic Trough Concentrator Sketch

23
3.1.2 Parabolic Dish Concentrator (PDC)

One of the ways to concentrate the solar radiations coming from the sun is by using the
Parabolic Dish concentrator (PDC). The main concept of the PDC is to use the radiations coming
from the sun and focus it onto a single receiving point using a number of small mirrors that cover
of the dish. The mirrors which are highly polished can reflect around 90% of the sun light that
fall on them from the sun and focus it on the receiver located at the focal point of the dish where
the maximum temperature and the maximum efficiency are achieved.

The parabolic Dish concentrator has many advantages such as:

 The Maximum temperature of the PDC is the highest among the other collectors.
 High efficiency and high concentrating ratio.
 The receiver units and the modular collector Modular can function independently or as
part of a larger system of dishes which will allow for system scalability.

Figure 14 Sketch of Parabolic Dish Concentrator Figure 13 Parabolic Dish Concentrator

24
3.1.3 Flat Plate Collector (FPC)

The Flat plate collector is basically a heat exchanger in the shape of an insulated metal
box with a large heat absorbing plate (usually made of high conductivity material like aluminum
or copper) and it has a number of risers (parallel pipes) assembled on the fat plate to contain the
heat transfer fluid. Flat Plate collectors uses the solar energy coming from the sun and converts it
into heat using a method known as the greenhouse, this method used to make an air gab between
a glazing material sheets or glass and the plate to trap the coming heat and prevent it to escape
back to the atmosphere in order to minimize the heat loss. Although that the flat plate collector
technology is efficient for heating the water yet, there are not efficient enough maintaining the
high temperature to desalinate water.

Figure 15 Flat Plate Collector

25
3.1.4 Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC)

Another way of concentrating the radiant solar energy coming from the sun is by using
the compound parabolic concentrator (CPC). The CPC can be considered as another version of
the PTC that is designed in the use of rotated parabolic shape. This kind of concentrators is
mainly used for solar concentration and they started recently to use it to desalinate water. The
Compound parabolic concentrators has a stationary design to avoid the solar tracking having an
acceptance angle of 25 − 35 degrees, The CPC have low temperature achieved and low
concentration ration comparing to the other concentrators having generally about 6-10 suns.

Figure 16 Compound Parabolic Concentrator

26
3.2 Condenser Design Alternatives

The condenser is considered as one of the most important part of the desalination system.
In typical condensers, the water enters the condenser in the form of superheated state as water
vapor, afterwards the condenser starts to de-superheat the water vapor by rejecting the heat to an
outer medium .Due to the heat loss occurring to the water vapor from the condenser the water
will start to condense and it will change its phase from superheated vapor to saturated liquid.

Figure 17 Refrigeration Cycle T-S Diagram

The refrigeration cycle diagram shows how the superheated fluid can leave the condenser
in form of sub cooled liquid depending on the design of the condenser and the temperature where
the heat rejection process is shown at the process (2-3’) and the in process (3-4) the temperature
of the external fluid that is assumed to be exposed to sensible heat transfer only is shown by the
dashed line. Similarly the de-superheating processes is represented by the processes (2-3’) and
the processes of the condensation is represented by the processes (3’-3).

The condenser can be classified based on the external flow as:

a) Air cooled condensers

b) Water cooled condensers
c) Evaporative condensers (usually used in large capacity systems)

27
3.2.1 Air Cooled Condenser

The air cooled condenser is a condenser that uses a fan or natural air as the source of the
external fluid to cool down the superheated vapor. As the heat always flow from high
temperature to lower temperature, the water vapor rejects the heat to air flowing over the
condenser.

Moreover the air cooled condenser can be classified into forced convection type and natural
convection type, where in natural convection, radiation and buoyancy induced natural convection
is how the heat transfers from the condenser. On the other hand, the circulation of the air
maintained by the fan over the condenser surface is how the heat is forced to transfer and
exchange heat with flowing fluid.

Figure 18 Air Cooled Condenser

3.2.2 Water Cooled Condenser

The water cooled condensers mainly use the water as the working fluid or the external
cooling fluid, in this processes cool water is used to cool down the pipes carrying the water
vapor, as the cool water flow through the external surface of the pipe a heat transfer will occur
causing the water-vapor to cool down and change its phase from vapor to liquid.

28
Water cooled condenser can be classified as:

a) Double pipe or tube-in-tube type.

b) Shell-and-coil type.
c) Shell-and-tube type.

3.2.2.1 Double Pipe or Tube-in-Tube Type

In double pipe condensers the chill water flows through the inner pipe as the refrigerant
in counter flow through the annulus. In this type of condensers the pressure drop is reduced using
headers in both of the ends where it is helpful at reducing the pressure and it makes the length of
the condenser small. In this processes the refrigerant located at the annulus rejects the heat to the
surroundings by convection and radiation. In this processes the heat transfer coefficient depends
on the length of the tube and usually it has a low heat transfer coefficient if the tubes are long
due to the poor liquid refrigerate drainage.

Figure 19 Double Pipe

29
3.2.2.2 Shell and Coil

In shell and coil type the chill water flow through coils while the refrigerant flows
through the shell and exchange the heat with the cold coils as the temperature of the coils is
lower than the temperature of the for the refrigerant . In this processes the heat transfer
coefficient can be increased by using fins.

Figure 20 Shell and Coil

3.2.2.3 Shell and Tube Type

This type condenser is the most one used in the system due to its large capacity and high
efficiency. The shell and tube condenser use to the chill water to flow through tubes in single to
four passes while the refrigerant flows through the shell as shown on the figure. Sub cooling can
be achieved as the coldest water influence the liquid refrigerant; similarly the refrigerant rejects
heat to the surroundings due to the temperature difference between them.

Figure 21 Shell and Tube

30
3.3 Design Alternative 1

Generating alternative to assemble the parts of the system can be done with the help of
many softwares , in this designe Fusion 360 software were used to create, draw and assemble the
major parts of the system (shown on the figures below) that makes the prototype just as; water
tank, parabolic trough collector, fluid separation system and the pipes that carries the working
fluid.

Figure 22 First Design Alternative

The water in this design is set to flow from the water tank through a high thermal
conductivity pipes. The high thermal conductivity pipe is connected to the top of the tank and it
is set to go through the focal point of the parabolic trough collector where the solar energy is
concentrated. The main idea of this design is to increase the heat of the water flowing through
the pipes and use it to go back and heat up the water inside the tank. Heating the water inside the
tank will help the water to evaporate and it will maintain to keep the water flowing in the system
at high temperatures.

The fluid separation system in this design is made of T junction valve that will allow the
vapor to go up to flow towards the condenser and it will not allow the liquid to flow along with
the steam.

31
3.3.1 Prototype Alternative 1 Drawbacks

 If the water tank is holding a large amount , the water will take longer time to heat up,
and it might not reach the boiling temperature as this prototype depends on the solar
energy coming from the sun which is time limited.

 Using the pressure equation 𝑃 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ, we notice that the pressure of the water will
increase as the elevation of the water increases, that means the amount of pressure on the
tank inlet at the bottom is more than the pressure acting on the water exit on the top of the
tank as the pressure increase, therefore flow back will occur from the bottom of the tank
as the pressure at the bottom is higher than the pressure at the top.

 The temperature of the pipe connected to the bottom of the tank is much lower than the
pipe located at the focal point of the PTC which can lower the temperature of the water.

32
3.4 Preliminary Design Selection

3.4.1 Collector Type Selection

In order to select the most efficient type of collectors to desalinate water using the solar
energy; the figure shown was used to compare them based on the performance curve showing
that the thermal efficiency of the PTCs at high inlet temperatures remains high. Therefore, at
ΔT/I when it is about 0.1 and at 100 degree Celsius, we find the PTCs has an efficiency of 64%
while the FPCs and CPCs have an efficiencies at about 10% and 31% which clearly shows the
PTCs are the best collect type to choose to desalinate the sea water using the solar energy.

Figure 23 Collectors Performance Comparison

33
3.4.2 Condenser Type Selection

Table 1 Air Cooled vs. Water Cooled

The table above compares between air cooled and water cooled condenser in terms of the
temperature difference, volume flow rate, heat transfer area, face velocity and the fan-or-pump
power.

As the water cooled condensers needs a source of water to function or a water pump in
order to keep the water circulating to exchange the heat between the refrigerant and the chill
water, the air cooled condenser was found better to use as it will not take a large space in the
system and it can be run by electricity or solar energy without the use of water pump or water to
cool the refrigerant .Air cooled condensers also considered as a simple construction condenser as
no tubes or pipes needed air in order to flow and the disposal of air is not a major issue.

34
3.5 Apparatus Parts

Parabolic trough collectors are employed in various applications, including the industrial
steam production and hot water production. These applications are the mostly preferred for the
solar steam generation because of that high temperatures can be with no serious degradation of
the efficiency of the collector. The design of the apparatus will be discussed in details, every
single part and its dimensions.

3.5.1 The Collector (Parabolic Trough Collector)

The parabolic trough collector is the main idea of our project, as it has the most
important mechanism which is reflecting and concentrating sun lights on the water pipes. The
design of the parabolic trough solar collector is mainly for maximum usage of solar energy
achieved by heating up the water to evaporation temperature for generating a mixture of water
vapor and hot water. The parabolic trough solar energy concentrator consists of the reflector
surface, reflector frame support, absorber pipe, and the stands where the collectors is fixed on.
The wooden support frame is the base where the parabolic tough collector is fixed on. The frame
is consists of rectangular wood strips with thickness of 2 cm for each strip.

The parabolic reflector also consists of mirrors. We use a rectangular mirror strips, and
paste the on the wooden frame along the arc surface in a parabolic shape that linearly extend into
a trough shape. The mirrors are made of a silvered glass sheet. The typical value of reflectivity
for a clean silvered glass mirrors are around 0.93.

Figure 24 Parabolic Trough Concentrator

35
3.5.2 Parabolic Reflector

The parabolic reflector used in this design is made of mirror strips with a thickness of
0.5cm as shown on the figure billow.

Figure 25 Parabolic Mirrors Reflector

The main objective of these mirrors is to reflect the solar energy towards the focal point
of the parabola. The mirror strips contains atoms known as sliver atoms, this atoms catch the
light beams falling on the mirror and reflect it back at the same angle that hit the mirror, along
these lines, the mirror strips is set to cover the whole parabola to reflect the light beams in all
possible angles. Assuming that the aperture width is equal to 1m as its can be handled and
manufactured
𝑥2
smoothly and the focal point of the parabola can be found using the equation =
4𝑓

Figure 26 Light Beam Reflection Through Mirror Strips

36
3.5.3 Absorber Pipe

The solar radiation absorption system consists of a copper pipe which is sit parallel to
the parabolic trough concentrator. Its placement coincides with the focal line. The copper pipe
has an inner and outer diameters as 𝐷 = 2.5 𝑐𝑚 an 𝐷 = 2.8 𝑐𝑚, respectively.

The radiation absorption method also consists of a glass pipe, where the copper pipe will
be centered inside it. The glass pipe inner diameter is 𝐷 = 3.75 𝑐𝑚, and the outer diameter is
almost 𝐷 = 4.0 𝑐𝑚. As the glass pipe’s thickness in small, thus the transfer of heat will be faster
to achieve. The absorber pipe absorb solar radiation and emit some of it by radiation and
convection heat transfer, therefore the temperature of the glass envelope will be reduced and
decrease heat transfer losses.

Figure 27 Receiver Pipe

37
3.5.4 Condenser

To condense the evaporated water, the pipe should have also an exit for the steam on the
other side. The exit should be placed in the upper side of the pipe, this exit will take the water
vapor up to the condenser part that acts like shell and tube heat exchanger. The water vapor pipe
will cross over a fan. The air coming from the fan is the cold fluid, and the water vapor is the hot
fluid. So that, the water vapor will lose heat till it condensate above the fan, and then will drop
out to the pure water tank.

Figure 28 Overall Prototype

Figure 29 Condenser Part

38
3.6 Material Selection

The design consists of five main parts: seawater tank, the parabolic trough
concentrator and the mirrors trough, the collector pipe, the envelope pipe, and the fan. The
selection of the body material mainly depends on the efficiency. Being an economical
design, and due to the budget limitations, the more expensive material may not be the
material of choice. The tables below illustrate some materials and their most relevant
properties that can be used to manufacture our design.

Table 2 Quantitative Properties of Some Recommended Materials to Be Used for the Collector Pipe

Property Units Copper Aluminum Brass

Density g/cm3 8.91 2.7 8.4

Thermal
W/m*K 385 200 109
Conductivity

Tensile Strength MPa 200 280 135

Melting Point C 1,085o 660o 900o - 940o

39
 Table 3 Properties of Some Recommended Materials to Be Used for the Envelope Pipe

Thermal
Material Strength Flexibility Weight Cost
Properties
Fiberglass Strong Flexible Insulator heavy cheap
Good in
Capable of
Normal Glass Strongest keeping heat Very light expensive
small flex
inside
Capable of
Clear PVC Stronger Insulator light cheap
small flex

Based on all professional consultancy received and the research done, copper pipe is
the best solution for the inner pipe that the water will be flowing in due to its thermal
conductivity, availability and its good properties. On the other hand, in the condenser part,
the copper is also the best material to use for the pipes that goes over the fan. This will help
the vapor inside to lose more heat due to its thermal conductivity, and the cold air flow
coming from the fan. However, normal glass is the best material to use for the envelope
pipe, due to its light weight, thermal properties, and strength.

The trough stand is made of wood, as it is easy to manufacture and to be shaped, and
also it is cheaper to use wood rather to use steel or any other material for the stand. The
reflector material is to be made from aluminum or mirrors. Due to get the main aim which is
reflecting the highest amount of sun lights, so the normal mirrors is the best choice to use,
and to manufacture it as a stripes.

40
3.7 Preliminary Cost Analysis

In any design project that requires the purchase, installation, and manufacturing of
material for building the prototype, there should be a preliminary cost analysis carried out to by
the consultation of appropriate catalogs and websites for estimate pricing of the main standard
components. This is done to have an estimate and clear idea about the total price that will be
required to build the prototype which will decide on weather this is sufficient to the available
funds put on the project.

This design project prototype consists of 6 major components to be analyzed and come out with
their estimate prices needed for our design:

Tank: The required volume for the main tank that carry the contaminated sea water is 150 gallons.

Figure 30 Tanks Prices

41
Pipes: The chosen material for the piping system that will have the flow of water inside after
doing the material selection analysis is copper, and the selected diameter for the design is 1 inch.

Figure 31 Pipes Prices

Fan: The chosen type of fan for the condenser system is a portable fan.

Figure 32 Fan Price

42
Wood: The manufacturing of the wood to make the parabolic trough costs 400 Dhs.

Mirrors: The cost of the mirror that will be shaped on the parabolic trough as strips for
reflecting the sunlight rays is 250 Dhs.

Joints: T-joints and 90-degree elbows where used for the pipe connections. The 90-degree
copper elbow connection joint of 1-inch costs in the market approximately 47 Dhs per box, and
the T- junction joints costs 71.5 Dhs per box.

Table 4 Preliminary Cost Analysis

PART PRICES

TANK (150 GALLON) 210$=767 Dhs

COPPER PIPES 21.1$=77 Dhs per 5ft long

FAN AS CONDENSER 99 Dhs

WOOD 400 Dhs

MIRROR 250 Dhs

90-DEGREE JOINT 47 Dhs per box

T-JUNCTION 71.5 Dhs per box

43
4 CHAPTER 4: DETAILED DESIGN

4.1 Final Material Selection

Table 5 Final Material Selection

Inner Outer Pipes Reflector PTC Seawater

Part Stand
Fan
Pipe Pipe Joints Trough Tank

Material Copper Glass Copper Mirrors Wood Plastic Sintex

Figure 33 Prototype Material Selection

44
4.2 Final Design

In this design, modifications were made to solve the issues faced on the previous design.
This design was made depending on the natural flow of the water (without the need of a pump to
return the water to the tank). In order to create the best design , the design were drawn first with
free hand sketching to identify the amount of pipe fittings needed and the dimensions of the
connections, after that the design were applied using inventor.

Figure 34 Final Design Sketch

In this design; the bottom of the water tank is the only way for the water to exit from the
tank. The water tank was shifted upwards so the outlet pipe of the water tank is now aligned and
on the same level of the PTC’s focal point. Moving the water tank’s exit to same level where the
pipe will go through the PTC will make it easier to assemble one straight pipe rather than using
an 45° elbow to connect the pipe at the exit of tank to the pipe at the focal point of the parabolic
trough, as a result of that flow back won’t occur as there is only one exit only for the water at the
water tank.

45
 Figure 35 Final Design - Inventor View 1

The main source of energy in this design is the energy coming from the sun as discussed
earlier, The parabolic trough and the mirrors plays major role in the heating process as the
mirrors reflect the energy falling and focus it on the receive pipe. The receiver pipe here is also
made of glass knowing that the glass will allow the heat to go in and reduce the heat loss on
copper pipe which will cause the water to heat up and evaporate.

Figure 36 Final Design - Inventor View 2

46
 The separation system for this design is also made using a T junction fitting and a gate
valve was added to this system. The gate valve is used to block the way of the water and it opens
manually for clean out in case of a blockage occurred inside the pipe. on the other hand, The T
junction pipe is made to be longer than the level of the water inside the water tank as the level of
the water in the tank and the level of the water in the T junction pipe will be the same, as the pipe
length is longer than the level of the water, the vapor will rise and flow towards the condenser
and the water levels at the tank and the t junction pipe will be the same.

Figure 37 Final Design - Inventor View 3

An air cooled condenser (air fan) is used to cool down the temperature of the pipe and
change the phase of the running fluid from vapor state to liquid state. The pipes above the
condenser is set to made U shapes using 90° elbows to increase the area of pipes over the
condenser, as a result of that, the cool air will have more contact area with the pipes that carries
the water vapor. The air fan will use the air to cool down the pipes above the condenser through
convention while the pipe cools down the water vapor through conduction. Condensed water will
flow through pipes and falls in the pure water tank.

47
4.3 Concentrated Heat Flux Calculations

As discussed earlier the parabolic trough concentrator using mirror strips to reflect the
energy coming from the sun and focus it on the receiver. In order to know the energy reflected
from the aperture and focused on the receiver the concentration ratio has to be found.

Figure 38 PTC

The concentration ratio is a factor used to know the amount of energy enhanced on the
receiving surface. The concentration ratio also can be represented by the energy flux ratio where
is termed as optical concentration ratio (𝐶𝑜𝑝𝑡) that can be applied in thermal calculations.

1
∫ 𝐼 𝐷𝐴
𝐶𝑜𝑝𝑡 = 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑥 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝐴
𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑥 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 = 𝑟 𝐼𝑟 𝑟

Having an ambient energy flux over the aperture and uniform irradiance we have:

𝐶𝑜𝑝𝑡 = 𝐶𝑔𝑒𝑜

Where 𝐶𝑔𝑒𝑜 referred as the area of the aperture over the area of the receiver (The surface area of
the PTC over the surface area of the tube that receiving the energy)

48
 𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝜋𝐷𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙
𝐶𝑔𝑒𝑜 = =
𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝜋𝐷𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑙

Where 𝑙𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 = 𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟

∴𝐶 𝐷𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
𝑔𝑒𝑜=
𝐷𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟

The amount of energy flux concentrated on the receiver is known by two main factors
(The Concentration ratio and the amount of energy that comes from the sun and falls on the
aperture of the PTC).

To know the amount of solar energy coming from the sun to earth surface we have to
consider the energy losses as some of the energy is scattered and absorbed by air and water vapor
and a small part of it goes back to space.

Considering that:
𝑤
- Heat flux coming from the sun = 1366
𝑚3

- Losses of the energy :

1. 8% scattered by air
2. 19% absorbed by air and water vapor
3. 6% goes back to the space

8% + 19% + 6% = 33%

This leaves 67% of the total amount of heat flux coming from the sun.

ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑥 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 = 𝑞̇ = 0.67 × 1366

𝑤 𝑘𝑤
𝑞̇ = 915.2 = 0.9152
𝑚2 𝑚2
∴ The amount of energy flux concentrated on the receiver

𝑞̇c = 𝑞̇ × 𝐶𝑔𝑒𝑜

49
4.4 Designing the Length of the Trough
The length of the evaporation pipe and parabolic trough concentrator depends on many factors
such as; the mass flow rate of the water, the temperature difference between the inlet and the
outlet temperatures of the water through the pipe and the heat flux. The T-v diagram on the
figure below describes the process of how the water change phase from liquid to superheated
vapor.

Figure 39 T-v Diagram

The dome shown on the T-v diagram clarifies that in order for the water to evaporate inside the
pipe it should go through some processes to achieve the superheated vapor state.

This dome can be divided into 3 regions;

1- Saturated liquid where in this region there is no phase change of the water but the
temperature of the water is increasing.
2- Two phase dome water start to evaporate and this region contains both water and vapor.
3- Superheated vapor and in this region the water changed the phase to vapor.
𝑚𝐿 𝑘𝑔
Having a mass flow rate = 500 = 0.00014 and a constant pressure;
ℎ 𝑠

50
 The length of the pipe can be calculated by the relation of total amount of heat transferred
at the system, the heat flux and the area, where the total amount of heat transferred is the sum of
the amount of heat transferred at the three regions.

In the first region and when the water is on the saturated liquid phase the water is
assumed to enter the pipe at the room temperature (𝟐𝟓℃) after that, the water will heat up and
the temperature will rise reaching the saturated liquid line where the liquid will start to vaporize
and the temperature reach 𝟏𝟐𝟎℃.

The amount of heat transfer at this region can be calculated using;

𝑄̇1→2 = 𝑚̇ 𝑐𝑝𝑤(𝑇2 − 𝑇1)

Using table A-
3
𝑘𝑗
𝑐𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 4.18
𝑘𝑔

We find

𝑄̇1→2 = 0.056𝑘𝑤

As the water will start evaporate the two phase dome will have a mixture of vapor and
water at a constant temperature as shown on the T-v diagram. The amount of heat transfer of this
region can be calculated using

𝑄̇2→3 = 𝑚̇ ℎ𝑓𝑔@120℃

Using Table A-
4
ℎ𝑓𝑔@120℃ = 2202.1 𝑘𝑗
𝑘𝑔

We find

𝑄̇2→3 = 0.308𝑘𝑤

51
 As the water heat up the reaming liquid will evaporate and the phase of the remaining
water will change from a saturated liquid to superheated vapor reaching a 𝟏𝟑𝟎℃ temperature,
the amount of heat transfer at the superheated vapor phase can be can found using;

𝑄̇3→4 = 𝑚̇ 𝑐𝑝𝑤(𝑇4 − 𝑇3)

Knowing that
𝑘𝑗
𝑐𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 4.18
𝑘𝑔

We find

𝑄̇3→4 = 0.0059𝑘𝑤

The total amount of heat transferred

𝑄̇𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑄̇1→2 + 𝑄̇2→3 + 𝑄̇3→4

𝑄̇𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 0.36𝑘𝑤

The relation between the amount of the heat transfer, the heat flux and the area of the
pipe can be used to calculate the required length of the pipe.

Knowing that;
𝑘𝑤
𝑞̇ = 0.9152 ,𝐷
= 0.286𝑚
𝑚2 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟,𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟

𝑄̇𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑄̇𝑛 𝑄̇𝑛

=𝑞̇ → 𝐴 = → 𝜋𝐷𝑙 =
𝐴 𝑞 𝑞̇

 The required length for the PTC and the pipe

𝑄̇𝑛
∴𝑙= = 4.37m
𝜋𝑞 𝐷̇

52
4.5 Evaporator Thermal Analysis

The concept of thermal resistance is a way to utilize and solve heat transfer problems by
calculating the thermal resistance of a system or a particular geometry such as; walls, pipes and
windows. The concept of thermal resistance can solve the heat transfer problems that include
heat transfer in series, parallel or combined (parallel and series) where the amount of heat
transfer in series is the same, similarly, this method can be used to find the different temperatures
in the system.

Figure 40 Thermal Resistances

Applying the concept of thermal resistance for the system;

1- As the heat transfer of water inside the copper pipes is transferred by convection and the
temperature of the water is set as 120oC, the 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣.𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 can be found using;

1
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣.𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 =
(2𝜋 𝑟 𝑙 )ℎ

Getting the convection heat transfer coefficient h from the equation;

𝑄̇
ℎ=
𝐴∆𝑇

53
Using the relation between the amount of heat transferred (𝑄̇ ), and 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣.𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 to find
𝑇2 having;

∆𝑇
𝑄̇ = 𝑅

𝑇2 − 𝑇1
𝑄̇ = 𝑅

∴ 𝑇2 = −(𝑄̇ 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 − 𝑇1)

2- The heat going through the copper pipe from the water is transferred by conduction, by
knowing 𝑇2 , the 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 equation can be used to determine 𝑇3 , thus;

𝑟2
𝑙𝑛( )
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑.𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = 𝑟1
2𝜋𝑙𝑘𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟

Using the relation between the amount of heat transferred (𝑄̇ ) and 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 to find 𝑇3 having;

∆𝑇
𝑄̇ = 𝑅

𝑇2 − 𝑇3
𝑄̇ = 𝑅

∴ 𝑇3 = −(𝑄̇ 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 − 𝑇2)

3- The area between the glass and the copper pipes will be filled with air, so that the heat
transfer method in between the glasses will be by convection;

𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣.𝑎𝑖𝑟 1
= (2𝜋 𝑟 𝑙 )ℎ

54
Using the relation between the amount of heat transferred (𝑄̇ ) and 𝑅𝑟𝑎𝑑 to find 𝑇4

∆𝑇
𝑄̇ = 𝑅

𝑇3 − 𝑇4
𝑄̇ = 𝑅

∴ 𝑇4 = −(𝑄̇ 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 − 𝑇3)

4- The energy falling on the glass from the parabolic trough concentrator will transfer the
heat through conduction, by knowing 𝑇4 , the 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 equation can be used to determine 𝑇5
, thus;

𝑟2
𝑙𝑛( )
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑.𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠 = 2𝜋𝑙𝑘𝑟1
𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠

Using the relation between the amount of heat transferred (𝑄̇ ) and 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 to find 𝑇5 having;

∆𝑇
𝑄̇ = 𝑅

𝑇4 − 𝑇5
𝑄̇ = 𝑅

∴ 𝑇5 = −(𝑄̇ 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 − 𝑇4)

5- Considering that there is no medium between the energy reflected from the surrounding
to the receiver, the heat will transfer through combined radiation and convection. The
combined radiation and convection can be represented in the thermal resistance analysis
as parallel resistance. The total resistance of the radiation and the convection can be
found by finding 𝑅𝑟𝑎𝑑 and 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 of the air and sum the reciprocals to find the total
resistance. Thus;

1
𝑅𝑟𝑎𝑑.𝑎𝑖𝑟 =
ℎ𝐴
55
Where the radiation heat transfer coefficient h is calculated by the equation;

ℎ𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 𝜀𝑐 𝜎 (𝑇𝑔 − 𝑇𝑎)(𝑇2 − 𝑇 2 𝑎 )

�

And the convection resistance is;

1
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣.𝑎𝑖𝑟 =
2𝜋𝑟𝑙ℎ
1
1 1
𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑅𝑟𝑎𝑑 + 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣

Using the relation between the amount of heat transferred (𝑄̇ ) and 𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 to find 𝑇𝑎 having;

∆𝑇
𝑄̇ = 𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙

𝑇5 − 𝑇𝑎
𝑄̇ = 𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙

∴ 𝑇𝑎 = −(𝑄̇ 𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 𝑇5)

56
4.6 Condenser Designing Calculations

The air cooled condenser is one of the major parts in the system where it is used to
change the water vapor flowing from the evaporation pipes to the condensation pipes and change
the phase from vapor to liquid creating the pure water.

As the concept of thermal resistance shows that the amount of heat transfer is equal in
series, this technique can be used to determine the mass flow rate needed from the fan to
condensate the water vapor and change the phase from vapor to liquid.

Thus,

𝑄̇𝑓𝑎𝑛 = 𝑄̇𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒
Where

𝑚̇ 𝑓𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑝∆𝑇 = 𝑚̇ 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑓𝑔
Solving for 𝑚̇ 𝑓𝑎𝑛;

𝑚̇ 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑓𝑔
𝑚̇ 𝑓𝑎𝑛 =
𝑐𝑝 ∆𝑇

After that, as a design project, we have to get out the length of the pipe that should be in front of

the fan. While having the 𝑄̇ , we can use the overall heat transfer coefficient, area, and the log
mean temperature difference to find the required length of the pipe.

𝑄̇𝑓𝑎𝑛 = 𝑈𝐴𝑠∆𝑇𝑙𝑚

𝐷
1 ln( 𝑜⁄𝐷 ) 1
𝑈𝐴𝑠 = ( 𝑖 −1
ℎ𝑖𝜋𝐷𝑖𝐿 + 2𝜋𝑘𝑙 + ℎ𝑜𝜋𝐷𝑜𝐿 )

57
To get ℎ𝑖 and ℎ𝑜;

1) For ( ℎ𝑖 );

𝑚̇
𝑚̇ = 𝜌∀̇ ∀̇ =
𝜌

Where,

∀̇
𝑣=
𝐴𝑐
Having,

𝜌𝑣𝑙
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇
Knowing that 𝑃𝑟 = 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘 = 0.0275

1⁄ 1 5⁄
0.62(𝑅𝑒) 2(𝑃𝑟) ⁄ 43227 4⁄
𝑁𝑢 = 0.3 + 3 [1 + (28200 8 5

0.4 2⁄ 1⁄
)
[1 + ( 3 4 ]
) ]
𝑃𝑟

ℎ 𝑖𝐷
𝑁𝑢 =
𝑘

𝑁𝑢 𝐾
ℎ𝑖 =
𝐷

58
2) For ( ℎ𝑜 );

Having,

𝑚̇
∀̇ = 𝜌

∀̇
𝑣=
𝐴𝑐

𝜌𝑣𝑙
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇

ℎ𝑜𝐷
𝑁𝑢 =
𝑘

𝑁𝑢 𝐾
ℎ𝑜 =
𝐷

59
4.7 Focal Point

The main function of the parabolic trough concentrator as discussed earlier is to collect
the energy coming from the sun and reflects this energy through mirror strips that placed on the
surface of the trough. The energy reflected from this mirrors usually falls on point known as the
focal and the rest falls on several points due to the location of the mirrors and the incidence angle
between the sun’s ray and the normal of the surface. The focal point is where the sun’s rays will
be the strongest and the light wave’s moves parallel to the axis of the parabola meet after
reflecting off the surface as shown on the figure below.

Figure 41 Focal Point

Using the formula of the parabola to find the focus point knowing that 𝑋 is the half of the
width parabola at its rim and 𝑎 is the depth of the parabola at its vertex. Thus,

𝑓 = 𝑥2 ⁄
4𝑎
Where 𝑓 found is the distance from the vertex of the parabola to its focal point.

60
4.8 Final Cost Analysis

Table 6 Final Cost Analysis

Total Price
Description Qty. Unit Price
Dhs.

Copper Pipe (1m) 8 40 320

Clear PVC Pipe (2m) 1 200 200

Parabolic Mirror Strips 1 300 300

PTC Manufacture 1 - 465

Stand Manufacture 2 200 400

Seawater Tank (150G) 1 300 300

Copper Elbow 9 19 96

Tee Junction 1 15 15

Gate Valve 2 49 98

Fan 1 250 250

TOTAL DIRHAMS 2,444.0

61
5 CHAPTER 5: FEM RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

ANSYS Workbench is one of the best programs used to design and simulate numerical
engineering problems in several fields which is preferable for most engineering researchers
nowadays. This program solves any problem using finite element in the smart and fast way. The
main chapter of this paper is to follow the major steps in order to simulate the evaporator of our
design system when subjected to the boundary conditions that are convection and radiation.
Values such as Heat Flux and the Temperature are be observed when preforming such simulation
However, the hand calculations are used to verify the problem results to ensure that the model is
the right simulation for the system.

5.1 Meshing

The terminology followed in generating the appreciated mesh is based on assigning a

medium mesh to the whole assembly and then start the process of refinement on the critical
section of interest. The medium mesh was the best in this case because the fine mesh will take
very long time to do the mesh, and the coarse mesh will give low quality meshing. The intent of
such terminology is to exclude any redundant elements that might not have a major contribution
in the final results of the simulation, and then refine the mesh on the critical sections to obtain
acceptable accuracy. Such terminology is preferred since the presented assembly is quite large,
and it can withstand very large number of elements which will exponentially slow down the
simulation. Moreover, it provides a rough varication of the assigned boundary conditions. To
start off, a global coarse mesh with the following settings was assigned to the whole assembly.

62
 The figure below show the meshing of the pipe with the fills inside it, this mesh was done
as coarse mesh. This meshing has quite good element quality and accepted amount of elements.
In this mesh, the element type used is tetrahedron, and there were 104839 elements, and 57347
nodes, and 81214 as exact tetrahedron elements.

Figure 42 Mesh

63
5.2 Boundary Conditions
The purpose of this numerical simulation is to obtain an estimate of the heat flux coming
on the pipe when subjected to convection, radiation, and the difference between the inlet and
outlet water temperature. In this assembly, there are one initial condition, and three main
boundary conditions that are applied on the pipe from the inner and outer sides. The initial
condition is the temperature of the pipe from its outer wall. Essential boundary conditions
applied to the assembly are the inlet and the outlet temperature of the fluid inside, and the
radiation that is coming from outside.

5.3 Results and Solutions

The study of the results will be based on the terminology of critical values. The critical
values that ultimately the simulation was made for are the heat flux. So, observation of the heat
flux in the critical sections in the assembly will be considered.

Figure 43 Total Heat Flux

𝑘𝑤
As shown in the figure, the maximum total heat flux is 𝑞̇ = 1.23 × 102
𝑚2 , and the
𝑤
minimum total heat flux is 𝑞̇ = 92.232
𝑚2 . Such results are reasonable as the heat flux coming
from the sun and to be able to evaporate the water inside the pipe with the difference in the
temperature between the inlet and the outlet.

64
6 CHAPTER 6: EXPERIMENTAL TESTING AND RESULTS

The seawater desalination by solar energy experiments were done in summer of 2018 during
the second week of May. The parabolic trough efficiency usually affected by many factors such
as: solar radiation reflection, position of the PTC, and weather condition (Wind Speed, ambient
temperature, humidity, etc.).

6.1 Test Producer

1) Clean the reflector (the mirror strips) from any dirt or dust gather on it.
2) Make sure the clean out valve is closed.
3) Fill the water tank with water level lower than the level of water at the separation system.
4) Open the water exit valve.
5) Check if there any damaged parts or leakage.
6) Run the air fan to cool down the pipes at the condenser pipe.
7) Check the pure water tank every one hour and take the measurements.

6.2 Testing Results

The experiment day start time is usually at 9AM and finish when the amount of solar
radiation coming from the sun is minimum (5PM). The test was run 3 times at the first week of
May and water did not desalinate due to the bad weather conditions (Wind, dust and clouds
generating shade of the PTC), as a result of the bad weather conditions the water in the receiver
got heated it up only but it did not reach the boiling temperature of the water.

The experiment was resumed at the second week of May and run for two days where the
weather was much better (slow wind and no dust). The table below shows the results of the
desalinated water at the first day of testing.

65
 Table 7 First Day Experiment Results

Amount of Desalinated
Time Temperature (℃)
Water (𝒎𝑳)

9AM-10AM 37 -

10AM-11AM 39 -

11AM-12PM 42-44 200

12PM-1PM 46 430

1PM-2PM 46 540

2PM-3PM 45 800

3PM-4PM 43 890

4PM-5PM 41 910

The table above shows the first actual day of testing and the data gathered after
conducting the experiment. At the first two hours of the testing, no water desalination occurred
because the water inside the pipes needs to get heat up first to reach the evaporation temperature.
Starting from 11PM, water starts to desalinate and fall into the pure water tank reaching up to
200mL water in the pure water tank. We noticed that as the ambient temperature and the amount
of solar radiation on the PTC increase, the amount of the desalinated water increase. Having
𝟒𝟔℃ maximum temperature and 𝟑𝟕℃ minimum temperature at the first day produced around
910 mL of desalinated water at the end of the day.

66
 Table 8 Second Day Experiment Results

Amount of desalinated
Time Temp (℃)
water (𝒎𝑳)

9AM-10AM 38 -

10AM-11AM 42 -

11AM-12PM 45 220

12PM-1PM 49 480

1PM-2PM 49 650

2PM-3PM 48 820

3PM-4PM 45 930

4PM-5PM 42 950

At the second day of the testing the weather was more helpful than the day before as the
water started to desalinate earlier than the first day by like 10 minutes. The amount of
desalinated water generated at the second day is equal to 950 mL as the maximum temperature at
that day is 49℃ and the minimum temperature was 38℃.

67
 It is crucial to carry out a test analysis that compares the experimental results with the
expected results to have a brief idea on whether the expected objectives are reached. In our
design project, it is essential to make sure that the purified water collected through our process
meets the required standards by the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME), to
ensure that the collected water is suitable for people to drink. There are several standards to meet
when it comes to supplying pure drinkable water, which are the salt concentration, electrical
conductivity, and the PH level of the water. The unpurified sea water approximately contains
35,000 ppm of salt concentration, electrical conductivity of 50,000 μS/cm, and the PH level is
ranged from 7.5 to 8.4. On the other hand, the purified water should contain approximately less
than 50 ppm of salt concentration, electrical conductivity of less than 800 μS/cm, and the PH
level is 7. The test was conducted on a sample of sea water from the Arabian Gulf and on the
pure water using two equipment.

Figure 44 Electrical Conductivity Meter

Figure 45 pH Number Papers

68
 Figure 46 Drinkable Water Scale

A difficulty encountered us when taking the readings for the salt concentration and the
electrical conductivity of the seawater, because the meter that was used to take the readings, can
only read up to four digits while the values for these two parameters according to the research
done on the web was of 5 digits. Nevertheless, the PH level test was conducted successfully and
the result obtained was in the expected range of the study, the underneath picture clearly shows
that the PH level of the seawater sample tested is between the required range of 7.4 up to 8.5.

Figure 47 pH Number Test for Seawater

69
 After collected sufficient amount of pure water, the test was conducted and the values of
the required parameters were recorded as following: the standard of the salt concentration is less
than 50 ppm and the recorded value of the test was 34 ppm, also the acceptable range for the
electrical conductivity should be 800 μS/cm and the recorded value was 680 μS/cm, finally the
PH level was recorded to be approximately 7 which is neutral and follows the standards of
drinkable water criteria and the pictures below shows the validity of the results obtained.

Figure 50 Electrical Conductivity Test Figure 49 Salt Concentration Test for Figure 48 pH Number Test for Purified Water
for Pure Water Seawater

70
7 Chapter 7: COMMERCIALIZATION

Commercialization is a key process for the success of any project, since it handles many
aspects; such as, focusing on the benefits of the project to the whole society around the world
and lightens its spectrum on the groups of people who will mostly benefit from this invention.
This study clarifies two subjects, the value proposition, and the business model that aims to find
out how it influences the clients, who could be the early adopters for the product, and how
feasible and economical is the product to the public.

7.1 Value Proposition

Gains: Substitutes:
Pure water from a naturalUse electricity resource of energy withas the energy
no need of electricity andsupply for
high costevaporation
which is costly
Pains:
The need for direct sunlight supply and sufficient amount of energy

Figure 51 Value Proposition Chart

71
Product

Table 9 Product

Gain:

 Having more reliable and natural

source
Products and services:  Providing reasonable efficiency

 Well-designed PTC and quality of pure water

 High quality solar collector

Pain relievers:
 High efficiency condenser
 Minimizing the cost
 Reduction of pollution
 Low usage of electricity

7.2 Innovation
Business Model Definition – The Magic Triangle:

Figure 52 Innovation Chart

72
 The innovation process is the essential idea that pulls in the customer to choose a
particular product over other competitors that are available in the market. For this, the magic
triangle stays as an instrument to feature the improvement of the product which evaluates its
ability to compete in the market.

 What do you offer to the customers?

Provide access to pure water with huge reduction in electricity usage, low cost since the
source of energy is the sunlight. Preserve the environment by reducing the pollution caused from
burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and gasoline to produce electricity.

 Who is the target customer?

Non-profit organizations and charities that is eager to invest in a project to support those
in need for pure water and do not have the capability to afford the cost of electricity. Also,
companies who are working on the development of solar panels; such as, Shams 1 that uses
parabolic trough collectors to use the energy and heat of the sun to produce clean and renewable
electricity.

 How is value proposition created?

The chance of good business plan model of action for progress is that it consolidates a
general supply of significant worth kept up item fulfilling the proposition they proposed at first.
This execution is not fundamental with any real plan; an appropriate and reliable collecting and
supply should be balanced with a convincing publicizing. For smoothed supply of the product,
merchant of the sections should be united to get the insignificant rates and steady supply of them.
Diverse manufacturers of PTC's, pumps, and segments of solar powered desalination system can
be approached to get the best kind of these segments at the most sensible cost where this
partnership will guarantee consistent supply of the components.

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7.3 Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

 The reason we are building our product is that we have hopes to change the world at a
significant scale.
 The partnership with non-profitable associations will help sustain larger segment of the
developing countries.
 The product initially solves the issue of the high costs of energy consumption.
 Through renewable energy, the project can then be scaled up beyond providing a
purification water system.
 Starting with the design of the solar purification system that gets the job done using
minimum energy consumption.

7.4 Market Opportunity

Market opportunity evaluation is a potential and capable tool for anyone who might want
to begin a new business as it gives a pre-sign whether the proposed item will work out or is there
an opportunity for disappointment. When beginning with the market opportunity for the item, the
principal thing is to see how enormous the market is, and who are the competitors. Another
essential piece of the market opportunity evaluation is distinguishing the client and the market
need. Likewise, it is fundamental to assess the development capability of the item in view of the
market opportunity contrasting if the item is fit superior to the current ones or not. Subsequently,
this acts as an assistance for the business person to alter and roll out improvements to the
proposed item in a way it is demanded by the market.

74
7.5 Customer and Market Demand
The customer requires a system that guarantees the regular supply of pure drinkable
water for a reasonable and affordable price. The market wants to ensure that the supplied water
keeps its consistency in terms of production and that the supplied pure water follows the safety
standards of ASME, with the usage of renewable resources as an energy supply to limit as
possible the use of non-renewable resources.

7.6 Early Adopters

Adopters were chosen by the requirement for a uniform water supply by cheap and
sustainable means. The nations toward the south of the African continent are viewed as the most
required for a uniform water supply by low costs to help in enhancing the disintegrated
cultivating sector. Taking in granted the need of the governments and foundations collaborating
with these nations toward having a cheap uniform water supply technique, we considered them
as our early and initial adopters.

7.7 Total Served Market

The served accessible market of this product would be the underdeveloped nation’s
agriculturists which are in a need of a uniform water supply guaranteed with an economic price.
As indicated by our evaluation, most of the foundations, association and governments would be
capable from an economical, and beneficial point of view to purchase the product. The market
would be worth a large number of dollars if all the served accessible market purchased the item.
The quantity of units would be as much as the quantity of cultivating towns in the
underdeveloped nations. We can assume that a huge number of units would be sold.

75
8 CHAPTER 8: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Altogether, we have learned and experienced a lot in working on this project. After a long
days of searching about the topic, we learned more about water desalination and its different
types and ways. Methods like Reverse Osmosis, Ion Concentration Polarization, and by
Evaporating and Condensation. The main aim of the project was to desalinate seawater
depending only on solar energy, thus the Evaporation Condensation method was the best
solution. Moreover, there are some other reasons behind choosing this method where the design
is simple, and it is easy to manufacture.

The key of designing a good seawater desalination system, is choosing the right material
of the pipes which will be the housing of the flowing water. The condenser part was made of a
fan where there is an airflow crossing the flow of the water vapor in the pipes, and it should have
a specific air mass flow rate.

Before building the system, the design calculations should be done to ensure that the
system will be able to evaporate the water, and the fan is able to condensate the vapor with the
same mass flow rate. Heat transfer and thermodynamics equations where used in the
calculations. At first, we had to get the heat flux which is concentrated on the copper pipe. Then
we got out the length of the pipe and the parabolic trough. After that we had to find the
resistances and the temperatures of the system from the flowing water till the surroundings away
from the pipe. For the condenser part, we had to get the air mass flow rate needed that is coming
out from the fan, and design the length of the pipes crossing the fan.

The seawater tank was bigger than it is supposed to be, thus we had to fill it only below
the length of the vertical vapor pipe so the water will not flow to the condenser part. The pH
number is also to be measured for the seawater, and then measured again for the desalinated
water after the condensation to see how much it has been desalinated and purified.

76
 For improving the seawater desalination system designed, one of the improvements is
that to replace the fan we have with an iced fan. The iced fan is designed to be a box filled with
ice, and the fan is put inside, thus the air flow coming from it is colder and so the condensation
method is done faster.

The solar radiation falling on the reflector is one of major parts for the water desalination
process and it is the main source of energy for the evaporation system in this project. Solar
radiation differs at each angle and to get the best solar radiation results the PTC should be moved
or shifted manually to the angle where the solar radiation are falling the max. Solar tracking
system mechanism can be helpful to keep the PTC receiving the max amount of solar radiation.

Basically the solar tracking system is used to help the PTC to track the sun motion; this
system is consisted of LDR (light dependent resistor) Photocell, contactors, relay, and electrical
actuators. In the case of solar radiation disappearance the electrical actuator’s motor will start
moving the frame of the PTC until solar radiation hit the photocell’s surface, after that the motor
will stop the movement of the frame by sending an electrical signal to the electrical contractor
from the motor.

Challenges must be present in all projects done. Time limitation is one of the hardest
challenges we have met, as the design project we have it is to be finished in one semester with
the pressure of other courses we have. Another problem in the design is that we did not find a
glass pipe shops nor manufacturers in Abu Dhabi, so that we have used the clear PVC pipe for
the first test. This pipe was not good enough to do the job required of the glass pipe. There are
also a lot of data and information cannot get, and that could affect the design calculation, and the
calculations would be difficult without getting some data and information.

77
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81
 APPENDIX

 Thermal Analysis Results Summary

Table 10 Thermal Analysis Results Summary

Constant Value
𝑚𝐿
Mass Flow Rate (𝑚̇ ) 1000
ℎ
Copper Pipe Inner Diameter 1 𝑖𝑛.

Glass Pipe Inner Diameter 1.6 𝑖𝑛.

𝑊
Copper Thermal Conductivity 385
𝑚𝐾
𝑊
Glass Thermal Conductivity 0.79
𝑚𝐾
𝑘𝐽
Specific Heat of Air 1.005
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
Specific Heat of Water 4.22
𝑘𝑔 𝐾

Name Value

Amount of Heat Transfer 0.1116 kW

Coming Heat Flux 0.9152 kW/m2

Concentrated Heat Flux (Glass) 22.88 kW/m2

Concentrated Heat Flux (Copper) 36.61 kW/m2

ℎ𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣.𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 9.63 W/m2K

℃
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣.𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 852.35
𝐾𝑊
T2 25.05 ℃
℃
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑.𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 8.38 × 10−6
𝐾𝑊

82
 T3 25.049 ℃
℃
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣.𝑎𝑖𝑟 126
𝐾𝑊
T4 25.028℃
℃
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑.𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠 5.87 × 10−3
𝐾𝑊
T5 25.027℃
℃
𝑅𝑟𝑎𝑑.𝑎𝑖𝑟 0.753
𝐾𝑊
℃
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣.𝑎𝑖𝑟 109
𝐾𝑊
Ta 24.94℃
𝑘𝑔
𝑚̇ 𝑓𝑎𝑛 0.0614
𝑠
𝑊
ℎ𝑖 4.796
𝑚2𝐾
𝑊
ℎ𝑜 25.134
𝑚2𝐾
Focal Point 12.5 cm

Name Max Min

Total Heat Flux 41.912 W/m2 37.856 W/m2

Directional Heat Flux 41.785 W/m2 -41.794 W/m2

Temperature 24.311 oC 1.58 oC

83
 Mesh

Figure 53 Meshing

 Total Heat Flux

Figure 54 Total Heat Flux

84
 Thermodynamics Properties Table

Figure 55 Thermodynamics Properties Table

85
86