Mechanical vapor compression desalination process: approaches to optimize compressor’s consumption for brine valorization

  1. Calleja Cayón, Pablo 2
  2. Pakere, Ieva 1
  3. Vera García, Francisco 2
  1. 1 Institute of Energy Systems and Environment , Riga Technical University , Azenes street 12/1 , , Latvia
  2. 2 Technical University of Cartagena , Plaza Cronista Isidro Valverde, 30202 Cartagena, Murcia , Spain
Journal:
Environmental and climate technologies

ISSN: 2255-8837

Year of publication: 2024

Volume: 28

Issue: 1

Pages: 477-489

Type: Article

DOI: 10.2478/RTUECT-2024-0037 GOOGLE SCHOLAR

More publications in: Environmental and climate technologies

Related Projects

Life-Desirows: Brackish-Groundwater Desalination And Denitrification For Sustainable Irrigation: Net Zero Waste And Energy

2020/00446/001

Abstract

Valorization of residual brines is one of the proposed solutions for minimizing the environmental effects of desalination plants, reducing the volume of wastewater generated at the time it increases both the freshwater production and the final concentration of the residue. Nevertheless, it is an energy-demanding process: the higher the final concentration of the fluid, the higher its energy consumption. We can approach this challenge from two different perspectives, either focusing on the final amount of concentrated residue or focusing on the energy demand of the installation. In this work, the behaviour of the compressor and the variables that affect its operation in a mechanical vapor compression (MVC) desalination system are studied. Using an own develop TRNSYS model of a compressor and adjusting with a real MVC desalination plant, it is done by analysing the connections between the final volume of residual brine and its energy consumption, comparing them with the values available from the LIFE Desirows experimental facilities as well. Moreover, the paper also explores some of the environmental and economic benefits of residual brines valorization.

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