Numerical modeling of the greenhouse effluent desalination process using solar energy by a multi-effect method with HYSYS software

• Innovative water reuse uses multi-effect distillation for effluent desalination. • HYSYS confirms effective desalination in two operational stages. • The solar-powered system needs 37 m 2 to yield 40 L/h for a 500 m 2 greenhouse. • The design reduces environmental impact by recycling treated water. • The system purifies effluent in five hours using only solar energy. In water-scarce regions, the desalination and purification of water and wastewater have become critical strategies to address dwindling water resources and the effects of prolonged droughts. Particularly in agriculture, the largest global consumer of water, implementing sustainable solutions is essential. This study investigates the desalination of greenhouse effluent, utilizing solar energy through a multi-effect distillation process. The simulation was conducted for greenhouses ranging from 500 to 2000 m² in Tehran Province over a yearly period. Results show that a 500 m² greenhouse requires 37 m² (irradiation 850 W/m²) and 48 m² (irradiation 650 W/m²) for energy supply and can produce 40 kg/h of freshwater. For a 2000 m² greenhouse, 148 m² (irradiation 850 W/m²) and 193 m² (irradiation 650 W/m²) are needed with a production rate of 160 kg/h. The evaporation system necessitates two operational stages, with power requirements of 17.91 kW for the first stage and 10.65 kW for the second in a 500 m² setup, escalating to 71.65 kW and 42.69 kW respectively for the larger greenhouse. This framework highlights the potential for greenhouse effluent desalination as a sustainable avenue for water reuse in agriculture.