Comparing energy and exergy of multiple effect freeze desalination to MEE MSF RO

Abstract

Freeze desalination is a promising technique for wastewater treatment and zero/minimum liquid discharge systems, often requiring multiple stages to produce potable water. This research focuses on developing a Multiple Effect Freeze Desalination (MEFD) system based on experimental data for Single-Stage Desalination Efficiency (SSDE) and Single-Stage Recovery Rate (SSRR). The study analyzes various MEFD setups, calculating cooling energy consumption and correlating it with electrical usage through the coefficient of performance (COP). Comparisons with Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multi Effect Evaporation (MEE), and Multi-Stage Flashing (MSF) suggest that MEFDs may face challenges in matching RO efficiency but can compete with MEE and MSF within specific operational ranges. Exergy assessments indicate difficulties against even 10-stage MSF systems. Achieving SSDE and SSRR levels above 65% enables MEFDs to rival 10-stage MSF plants in terms of energy efficiency, surpassing MEE and MSF at over 85% efficiency. Despite these challenges, MEFDs offer benefits for treating high salt concentrations and resisting corrosion.