Prototype and model of solar driven desalination plant in arid environment

Abstract

Water shortage and salinity are crucial factors affecting plant growth in arid and semi-arid regions, where irrigation water shortage and capillary rise from shallow saline water tables are often encountered. The objectives of this study are to construct a prototype of solar driven desalination plant in an arid area of Jordan Rift Valley, to develop a mathematical model predicting thermal dynamics in the prototype, to calibrate model parameters with measured physical parameters, and to discuss the performance of the prototype as well as its applicability to other areas under different environment. Results of measurement and numerical simulation show that the model is capable to reproduce the thermal dynamics of the desalination plant and to predict dew yield. Overall, the developed model provides a sound basis for describing and explaining the mass and energy balance mechanisms in the developed desalination plant. This study offers also a useful tool for analysis and assessment of the dew yield and thermal dynamics of such a desalination plant in general. Using the constructed prototype, performance analysis based on crop cultivation is ongoing.