Optimization of location of thermo-compressor suction in MED-TVC desalination plants

Multi-effect desalination with thermal vapor compression (MED-TVC) is particularly more attractive than other thermal desalination systems due to its low energy consumption. One of the major component of MED-TVC desalination system is thermo-compressor. The overall efficiency of the system is directly influenced by the performance of thermo-compressor. It enhances system's efficiency by reducing the energy consumption. The location of the steam extraction has a great effect on the performance of the MED-TVC plants. Higher gained output ratio of the desalination plant can be obtained at the optimum position of vapor extraction in the MED-TVC system. The optimization of location of suction position of thermo-compressor in MED-TVC desalination plants could result in maximization of gain output ratio (GOR) and consequently reduction in energy consumption. Furthermore, increasing the suction pressure also results in decreasing the energy consumption of the system. Therefore, this work will analyze the impact of suction position of thermo-compressor on the amount of energy consumption, specific heat transfer area, and GOR values of the plant. The effect of thermo-compressor's suction pressure on the energy consumption of a plant in different configurations of MED-TVC and MED was also analyzed in this work. A detailed mathematical model will be developed for the process in order to find the optimum location of thermo-compressor suction. The effect of changing the suction position of thermo-compressor on the entrainment ratio and the amount of energy consumption of the plant was analyzed.