Perspectives of solar-powered desalination with the "SMCEC" technique

In this article, the survey, description and perspectives of a new solar-ba sed desalination technique - solar multiple condensation evaporation cycle (SMCEC) - are presented. This technique uses solar energy to heat brackish water and does not pollute the environment. Two pilot desalination faciliti es located in Sfax in the centre of Tunisia are the scope of this paper. Th e two facilities use the SMCEC technique but have different designs and equ ipment. The two units are operated under the supervision of the Ecole Natio nale d'Ingenieur de Sfax. The produced distillate water is used for drip-ir rigation. Performance analysis showed as much as 60% of daily water needed for irrigation has been produced by the pilot units during good weather con ditions.