Working characteristics of MVC evaporation systems with three feed configurations

The mathematical models of thermodynamic performance for multi-effect evaporation system (MEE) with parallel, forward, and backward feed coupled with mechanical vapor compression (MVC) are established. The working characteristics of MVC-MEE systems under different feed concentrations are discussed. It is found that under the same working conditions, the backward feed MVC-MEE system has better operation efficiency than the other two feed systems. It achieves the maximum water production, the highest concentrative ratio (CR), and the lowest specific power consumption (SPC) and coefficient of performance (COP). The parallel and forward feed systems follow in terms of efficiency. Under the specified balanced working conditions of the MVC system, variations in feed concentration within a certain range have a negligible effect on the steady-state water production, CR, SPC, and COP of the system.