After design and numerical simulation of the Advanced Solar Dryer (ASD) under study, according to design criteria and the numerical model presented in [2], a prototype with a 20 m2 evaporation area was constructed at INETI, for testing under real brine evaporation conditions:

Common greenhouse materials were used in the prototype construction, resting over a concrete base with its entrance aperture due south.

• evaporation pond has been set with a liner having 1.5 mm thickness: High Density Polyethylene film;

• greenhouse structure constructed in galvanized steel tubes;

• greenhouse covered with 0.2 mm thickness 3 layer thermal polyethylene film (PE + Thermal PE + EVA);

• solar chimney constructed with 0.8 m diameter galvanized tube, painted black.

A data acquisition system was installed for continuous monitoring of prototype performance. Measuring points and variables are indicated in the Fig.2.5.

Prototype testing started right after a brine solution was produced with the expected MED effluent saline concentration (56 g/l), on February 12th.