Process and apparatus for producing fresh water by desalination of sea water

摘要

The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for producing fresh water by desalination, using solar energy, the solar energy heating at least one collector medium in a collector system to a working temperature. Known plants in which evaporation and condensation are carried out in a single unit are technically complex and difficult to maintain, in combination with high capital costs. An increase in production of the fresh water flow rates is only possible to a slight extent. The problems are solved according to the invention in that sea water at roughly the working temperature in direct contact with a carrier gas is at least in part evaporated, the carrier gas being enriched with water vapour and then cooled, the fresh water condensing out. The sea water and/or the carrier gas are heated by means of solar energy.