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Experimental and Numerical Analysis of a PCM-Supported ...

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Figure 7.18: Effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>PCM</strong> thermal conductivity on condensation rate<br />

under different inlet cooling water<br />

7.4 Conclusions<br />

A numerical study has been carried out to optimize the design <strong>of</strong> the evaporator <strong>and</strong><br />

direct contact condenser utilizing spherical <strong>PCM</strong> elements as packing media in a<br />

solar driven humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination plant. Fundamental<br />

variables <strong>and</strong> critical parameters affecting the system performance such as the<br />

effect <strong>of</strong> column geometrical aspect ratio, packing size, air to water mass flow rate<br />

ratio, <strong>PCM</strong> thermal properties, <strong>and</strong> the effect <strong>of</strong> different types <strong>of</strong> packing media<br />

were studied. A system parameters analysis <strong>and</strong> characteristic guidelines for the<br />

optimum parameters <strong>and</strong> operation conditions have been obtained <strong>and</strong> presented.<br />

Comparative performance <strong>of</strong> the system is clearly documented using <strong>PCM</strong> <strong>and</strong> Non-<br />

<strong>PCM</strong> packing elements. Table (7.4) summarizes the recommended design<br />

parameters to produce 1000 [l/day] fresh water when the inlet hot water temperature<br />

is maintained at 83°C. The study concluded that, conductive media with optimum<br />

thermal conductivity (as indicated in table 7.4), 40mm packing diameter, <strong>and</strong> lower<br />

cost would be the ideal c<strong>and</strong>idates for the present application, rather than <strong>PCM</strong><br />

media that usually have poor thermal conductivity <strong>and</strong> high cost.<br />

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