Abstract—This paper presents a novel approach of the work-potential of the available energy in a low temperature phase-change desalination process operating near ambient temperature and low pressure. Exergy analysis is done when the system is operated at evaporator pressures between 1.3 KPa and 2.3 KPa. The thermodynamic efficiency of the major components are evaluated and graphs are presented to show the conditions to minimize exergy destruction. Exergy performance and recommendations to further improve the Exergy efficiency is also proposed.

Index Terms—Desalination, Exergy analysis, Exergy destruction, Second law of thermodynamics

Cite: K Gnana Sundari, Veerabhadra Ponnaganti, and T Michael N Kumar, "Exergy Analysis of a Low Temperature Thermal Desalination System," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, Vol.2, No. 1, pp. 284-289, January 2013.