Transient analysis of a photovoltaic thermal heat input process with thermal storage

A novel heat input process that is optimized for use with multi-effect desalination technology has been analyzed. The system proposes the use of heat pumps combined with photovoltaic thermal solar collectors, such that a renewable energy-based desalination process can be developed to distill ocean water. The proposed system implements an additional heat pump loop, compared to existing heat input systems, such that an optimal use of electrical and thermal power from the solar collector can be achieved. The system is anticipated to be used in remote locations where clean drinking water is often scarce, and a lack of existing infrastructure and highly trained labor do not allow for conventional desalination methods. A case study is then given that shows how the operating parameters of the system can be optimized such that the distillate output per unit of solar collector area is maximized. Finally, the model predicts that the proposed system produces distillate at a rate of 30.7 kg/m2/day given a case study location of Phoenix Arizona.