Proving test for a solar-powered desalination system in Gaza-Palestine

A practical scale desalination system harnessing only solar energy as the heat source from solar collectors and the power source from solar cells is in operation at the Al Azhar University in Gaza. The unit was developed and manufactured by the Ebara Corporation (Tokyo) and the Water Research Center in Al Azhar University is performing the tests for the system. The unit is considered as a zero-emission (zero-brine-discharge) system, and the desalination method is evaporation distillation with triple-effect evaporators; basically it is a batch process for every-day operation with brackish water. This paper describes the unit, discusses the method used for distillation and results of the tests during the testing period. It also shows the feasibility of using the system in our region.