Software for sizing and simulating of SMCEC desalination process

This work presents a computer program developed for sizing and simulating a solar-powered desalination station using the SMCEC principle. This is motivated by the absence of such software in this area. The computer package includes mathematical models for different compartments of the desalination unit. It provides displays for sizing, rating, flow charting and curves of performances and allows interactive parameter selection and data files manipulation. For illustrative purposes, an example is presented in order to show an application of the developed software. This software presents many advantages: eliminates the expense of building prototypes; provides comprehensive understanding of system operation and component interaction; optimizes the system components; estimates the energy consumption and predicts temperature variations and distillate water production, etc. This software can be used for education purposes, training programs, research, and as a support for practicing engineers in the desalination community.

A computer package is designed and developed for sizing and simulating desalination stations using SMCEC process. The software presented in this work is the first of its kind to be made available to the desalination community. Features of the computer package are demonstrated for the case of systems and components sizing and process simulation. Results can be viewed on the curves and table to assist in understanding the relations between various design and operating parameters. The data generated by the software, including graphics and tables, can be easily exported to other software of common use. Given its modular structure, the software can be easily used for other similar cases like dimensioning of solar collectors used in various domestic and agricultural applications (water heating, food drying, etc.) and the sizing or the simulation of condensation towers and evaporation towers for cooling such the case of the geothermal water. A more advanced version of the software is being developed, including thermoeconomic analysis and operation diagnosis for maintenance.