Solar Thermal Desalination Technologies for Potable Water (eBook)

This book covers the basics and advancements in various solar thermal desalination systems that are highly affordable and viable even for applications in low-income countries. Fresh water is an essential natural resource needed for the continuous existence of living organisms on earth. Civilizations have started and flourished along riverbanks which can be understood from historical literature. This precious resource has also been a cause for a lot of past and current wars and conflicts among different ethnic groups and nations around the globe. In the current scenario, access to clean drinking water is getting harder and more expensive for most of the population in middle- and low-income countries. This volume provides detailed knowledge on effectively utilizing solar energy for desalination to fulfill clean water supply demands. The content presents detailed thermodynamic modeling of various solar thermal desalination systems and highlights the role of the solar thermal distillation process in wastewater treatment and improved sanitation through a case study. The book also provides a detailed methodology for assessing the economics, environmental footprints, and sustainability of desalination systems. The book will be highly beneficial for researchers, professionals, and activists dealing with water, energy, and the environment.