HEAT LOSS MINIMIZATION STUDY IN A THERMAL DESALINATION SYSTEM WITH MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY OF 60%
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21575/25254782rmetg2025vol10n22335Keywords:
Optimization, Desalination, WaterAbstract
Water scarcity is a persistent problem in several regions of the world, especially in the Brazilian Northeast, characterized by a semi-arid climate. In this context, thermal desalination presents itself as a promising alternative for the conversion of brackish or salty water into drinking water. However, the high heat dissipation inherent to the process represents a significant challenge to its efficiency. This work aimed to model and optimize a small-scale thermal desalination prototype, focusing on minimizing heat losses. The simulations were performed in Python language, using two optimization methods: the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Differential Evolution (DE). The minimum heat loss values obtained were 3,063,432.87 J and 3,067,263.45 J, corresponding to the GA and DE, respectively. Additionally, a convergence analysis was conducted to evaluate the achievement of the global optimal solution or an adequate approximation. The results indicate that, after validating the model and the optimization strategies adopted, it was possible to significantly reduce thermal losses, promoting an increase in energy efficiency and an improvement in the productivity of the thermal desalination process.
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