Multi-effect Tubular Solar Thermal Desalination Systems

The performance and distillate productivity of tubular solar desalination system can be enhanced by recovering and reusing its latent heat of condensation by incorporating multiple effects. Further enhancement in distillate productivity can be achieved by incorporating concentrators, immersion cooling, use of carrier gases, and adopting vacuum. These techniques along with the detailed thermodynamic modeling have been discussed. The concept of modular tubular multi stage tubular desalination system which is more advantageous than other configurations has also been elaborated.