Date of Award

9-1-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2017.

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Drazen Fabris

Abstract

Since drinkable water resources are limited, as the human population increases it is predicted that providing pure water is a future human challenge. However, a huge resource of the water exists on the earth surface in seas and oceans, which are not proper for drinking and cultivate. Exploiting of a solar powered water purification system is an economy and environment-friendly solution to this human problem.

In this thesis, we present computerized heat transfer model for solar powered water purification system. This Model can be used for calculating the heat transfer, system temperature, and other variable parameters such as boiler pressure, solar collector length, HTF mass flow rate, etc. when the system operating under steady state condition. We modeled system solar collector and boiler using Engineering Equation Solver (EES). System operation was studied under the steady-state condition, and by defining three out of five parameters, vapor mass flowrate, system pressure, heat transfer mass flow rate, solar collector length or boiler coil length, the code can predict the other parameters and properties. Also, we analyzed the outcome data under conditions, and explore effects of the boiler pressure, solar length and flow type on output and system efficiency. Also, we analyzed wind effects on the amount of the absorbed heat by the system. These codes and analysis help engineers to design a water purification system based on their needs. Using the analyses included in this thesis and considering the external parameters such as cost enables them to design their desired water purification system. Based on the analysis that we had done, one recommended design point is, when the system pressure is 0.064 [atm], HTF mass flow rate is 0.2 [kg/s], and solar collector length is 21 [m]. In this case, the vapor mass flow rate, and system COP would be 0.00787 [kg/s], and 91% respectively. These specific numbers are valid for the system geometry that will be discussed in the thesis.

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