Performance Assessment of Coupled Concentrated Photovoltaic-Thermal and Vacuum Membrane Distillation (CPVT-VMD) System for Water Desalination

Numerical simulations were carried out to assess the technical and economic feasibility of a solar water desalination system that has novel hybrid Concentrating Photovoltaic Thermal (CPVT) collector coupled with Vacuum Membrane Distillation (VMD) process. A special characteristic this CPVT is its triangular receiver PV cells facing reflecting surface. This type advantage generating more electricity less surface area great potential be used hybridize conventional parabolic thermal collectors. TRNSYS was employed analyze annual performance CPVT-VMD evaluating parameters such as fraction, specific permeate production energy for different coastal cities. In dynamic simulations, local weather data information about characteristics operating conditions real VMD module considered. From parametric analysis optimal collectors input temperature VDM determined. maximum 218.410 m 3/m2VMD Acapulco, MX, minimum 170.365 Singapore, SG, achieved proposed four an set 55 °C. An profit found after 7 years Acapulco city, which showed use from process provide freshwater in