Simulation of the performance of a solar distillation system as an alternative for brine treatment

The objective of this paper is to determine the thermal performance of three proposed models of solar stills as an alternative for brine treatment using the point evaporation method. The Monte Carlo ray tracing method (MTCR) was applied to develop the optical evaluation process through the open access software "Tonatiuh". Geometries and material characteristics of each model were taken into account. The behavior of the models was simulated in a range from 7 am to 5 pm, in 1-hour intervals. The direct normal irradiance (DNI) was varied from 400 W/m2, 600 W/m2 and 800 W/m2, with reflectance levels of 60 percent and percent. The results obtained showed that the surface area of the model is inversely proportional to the yield, i.e., the smaller the surface area, the higher the unit yield. Additionally, the percentage of reflectance directly affects the yield; the higher the level of reflectivity, the higher the yield. In turn, the level of DNI, directly affects the performance of the system; the higher the DNI level, the higher the performance. Finally, if large volumes of brine are to be handled, it is necessary to implement several units; however, costs must be evaluated to determine the viability of the system.