Theoretical study of multi-stage flash distillation using solar energy

Solar energy was utilized as a clean renewable heat source for operation of a multi-stage flash (MSF) distillation system in Benghazi to produce distilled water. The optimum Th for operation of the MSF system with a typical flat-plate collector is 80°C; 1 m2 of a flat-plate collector produces annually 8.2 m3 of distilled water at Th = 80°C. When 1 m2 of a compound parabolic collector (CPC) is used at Th = 122°C, 13.1 m3 of distilled water are produced.