Solar Energy Based Water Purification System: Process Modelling and Real-Time Study

IJEP 43(11): 1014-1021 : Vol. 43 Issue. 11 (November 2023)

Nisha Gaur1*, Ayush Kumar2 and Eti Sharma1

1. Gautam Buddha University, Department of Biotechnology, Greater Noida – 201 312, Uttar Pradesh, India
2. National Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tiruchirappalli – 620 015, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Water treatment systems are continuously evolving with the latest technologies in order to fulfil the increasing water demand in all walks of life. Present work deals with the validation and process modelling of a solar energy-based water purification system. Different process parameters were studied and a theoretical foundation was laid for the water purification process formulating a prediction system for the expected flow rate corresponding to the voltage produced by the solar PV system. All experiments were performed by collecting the samples from strategic operation of the WPU and all the physico-chemical and microbiological tests were performed on the collected samples. Water quality parameters, like TDS, turbidity, salinity, pH, conductivity and resistivity were studied and were related to the process parameters, like voltage, temperature, flow rate, power, etc. The obtained data was compared with the theoretical data and the efficiency of the machine was determined. The water purification system was found to be appropriate in terms of quality parameters within the permissible limits by the IS standards and with economical energy consumption and flow rates.

Keywords

Microbial analysis, Physico-chemical analysis, Process modelling water treatment, Solar PV system, Validation

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