Optimization of design parameters for multi-effect active distillation systems using the Runge-Kutta method

The Runge-Kutta method has been used to solve one-order coupled differential equations for multi-effect active solar distillation systems to evaluate daily yields. Numerical computations have been carried out for hourly variation of various temperatures, yield and an overall thermal efficiency up to the fourth effect. The results for each effect has been compared with other effects. It has been observed that the maximum yield is obtained at different collector areas for a different number of effects for a given basin area. The model has also been validated for single-effect active distillation systems using a modified value of C and n.