Comparison of different operation modes of a single effect thermal desalination plant using waste heat from m-CHP units

•A single effect thermal desalination plant has been designed and tested.•The desalination plant can run both in batch and in continuous operation modes.•Waste heat from different m-CHP units can be used as energy input for the plant.•The plant performance in continuous operation mode is discussed and compared.•The fresh water production achieved a maximum of >7 L/h in both operation modes.