Performance Investigation of a Single Effect Evaporator Desalination Unit: A Simulation Model

This study introduces a performance model for a single-effect evaporation desalination process integrated with a condenser unit. Herein, the proposed desalination unit is developed, designed, and assessed in terms of its performance. The key input parameters used to evaluate system performance conditions include salinity, flow rate, temperature, and evaporator area. Based on the calculations, the model determines the steam temperature and flow rate, which influence the evaporation rate and energy consumption. The end condenser plays a crucial role in condensing vaporized water and maintaining the required temperature and pressure levels. Furthermore, the desalination system was developed using advanced modeling in the MATLAB/Simulink toolbox, which effectively integrates distinct mathematical relations. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the impact of brine blowdown temperature and feed mass flow rate on the evaporator performance ratio and productivity, as well as on the condenser power and effectiveness. It provides valuable insights into single-effect evaporation desalination operation, allowing the evaluation of efficiency, optimization of design and operating conditions, and informed decision-making regarding desalination plant performance.