Hybridization of a reversal multistage flash (MSFRV) and multi-effect evaporators (MEE) purification

methods was investigated. A waste heat source was employed to drive the hybrid system while the thermal energy of the

MSFRV reject brine was utilized as a sensible heat supply to the MEE process. The novelty of the work relied on

constructing a sustainable and energy-efficient desalination system. Efficiency was achieved by integrating two

desalination technologies to capitalize on their advantages and minimize their deficiencies. Sustainability was sought

through leveraging internal energy and utilization of low-grade energy. The boosted hybrid configuration recorded

561%, 91%, and 83% improvement in the recovery ratio, the specific energy consumption, and the gain output ratio

compared to the standalone MSFRV. The recovery ratio, normalized heat transfer area, levelized energy consumption,

and gain output ratio were found to enhance correspondingly with the feed temperature, and the temperature change

across the MEE sensible heat supplier. The best proposed hybrid configurations belonged to the one with booster units

that produced additional vapor. The superiority of this structure was not only due to the elevated production rate but also

to the efficient utilization of internal energy instead of incurring additional heat exchanger or external cooling water. The

exergy analysis indicated that the hybrid system without boosters was the most efficient structure in terms of lowest

exergy destruction and highest exergy efficiency. Indeed, it exhibited around 32% less exergy losses and about 17%

higher exergy efficiency.

Water desalination, Reverse multistage flash, Multi-effect evaporator, Hybridization, Waste energy

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