University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Experimental and mathematical analysis of a solar desalination system: a step towards sustainable water production

Ahlawat, Saurav

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120150

Description

Title
Experimental and mathematical analysis of a solar desalination system: a step towards sustainable water production
Author(s)
Ahlawat, Saurav
Issue Date
2023-05-02
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
  • Woollands, Robyn
  • Allen, Jont
Department of Study
Aerospace Engineering
Discipline
Aerospace Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
  • Water desalination
  • Solar desalination
  • Mathematical modeling
  • Thermodynamics
  • Heat transfer
  • Renewable energy
Abstract
This thesis presents a comprehensive study of the modeling and predicting the behavior of a solar desalination experimental setup. The main objective of this research is to design and develop a mathematical model for the solar desalination system that can accurately predict the performance of the system under various operating conditions and assess the use of solar energy for desalination process. The system consists of a heater simulating solar energy, an evaporation chamber, a condensation chamber, and a heat exchanger. The heater is used to generate heat and transfer it to the evaporation chamber, where the sea water is heated and evaporated. The resulting water vapor then flows to the condensation chamber, where it is condensed through the heat exchanger to produce fresh water. The mathematical model is developed using fundamental principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer. The model considers various parameters such as the heating element function, ambient temperature, flow rates of the sea water, and the geometry of the system. The model is fitted with experimental data collected from the solar desalination setup using least squares curve fitting. The results of this study show that the mathematical model accurately predicts the performance of the solar desalination system under various operating conditions. The model can be used to optimize the design and operation of the system, which can lead to increased efficiency and cost savings. The research presented in this thesis provides a valuable contribution to the field of renewable energy and water desalination and can be used as a foundation for future research in this area.
Graduation Semester
2023-05
Type of Resource
Thesis
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2023 Saurav Ahlawat

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