ENERGY EFFICIENT DESALINATOR

Objectives. The aim of the research is to develop a thin-film semiconductor thermoelectric heat pump of cylindrical shape for the desalination of sea water.Methods. To improve the efficiency of the desalination device, a special thin-film semiconductor thermoelectric heat pump of cylindrical shape is developed. The construction of the thin-film semiconductor thermoelectric heat pump allows the flow rates of incoming sea water and outflowing fresh water and brine to be equalised by changing the geometric dimensions of the desalinator. The cross-sectional area of the pipeline for incoming sea water is equal to the total area of outflowing fresh water and brine.Results. The use of thin-film semiconductor p- and n-type branches in a thermo-module reduces their electrical resistance virtually to zero and completely eliminates Joule's parasitic heat release. The Peltier thermoelectric effect on heating and cooling is completely preserved, bringing the efficiency of the heat pump to almost 100%, improving the energy-saving characteristics of the desalinator as a whole. To further increase the efficiency of the proposed desalinator, thermoelectric modules with radiation can be used as thermoelectric devices.Conclusion. As a consequence of the creation of conditions of high rarefaction under which water will be converted to steam, which, at 20° C, is cold (as is the condensed distilled water), energy costs can be reduced. In this case, the energy for heating and cooling is not wasted; moreover, sterilisation is also achieved using the ultraviolet radiation used in the thermoelectric devices, which, on the one hand, generate electromagnetic ultraviolet radiation, and, on the other, cooling. Such devices operate in optimal mode without heat release. The desalination device can be used to produce fresh water and concentrated solutions from any aqueous solutions, including wastewater from industrial enterprises. The construction materials of the desalination device are environmentally friendly