Improving solar still performance via the integration of nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials: A novel pyramid-shaped design with a numerical simulation approach

• Published in: Journal of energy storage 2024-09, Vol.97, p.112980, Article 112980
• Main Authors: Abed, Angham Fadil, Alshukri, Mohammed J., Hachim, Dhafer Manea
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: And COMSOL Multiphysics; Conventional solar still; Pyramid solar still; Thermal efficiency; Yield
• ISSN: 2352-152X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2024.112980

Over recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to innovating solar still designs in order to address the limitations associated with low water yield. In this study, solar energy is harnessed for the conversion of brackish or saline water into potable drinking water using solar stills. A pyramid-shaped solar still integrated with phase change material (PCM) and NanoPCM, containing 3 % nanoparticles, was specifically developed and numerically simulated as a thermal energy storage system. The investigation involves the comparative analysis of conventional solar stills and those equipped with various corrugated absorber shapes (rectangular, quadratic, triangular, and flat) to assess their performance. The conservation equations within a 3-D, unsteady, and laminar modeling framework were solved using the COMSOL Multiphysics software. The results show a significant increase in pure water productivity with the use of PCM and NanoPCM systems, particularly with rectangular corrugated absorbers, resulting in a 117.64 % and 79.41 % boost, respectively, compared to traditional pyramid-shaped stills. Additionally, a remarkable 112.34 % improvement in daily efficiency was observed for the modified pyramid-shaped still incorporating NanoPCM compared to its traditional counterpart. Furthermore, the rectangular corrugated pyramid with NanoPCM exhibits convective and evaporative heat transfer coefficients that are 41.4 % and 54.4 % higher, respectively, compared to those of a conventional still. The study concluded that the pyramid solar still with a rectangular absorber configuration is deemed the most suitable option for household desalination applications. •Different corrugated absorber shapes incorporated in pyramid solar stills•A corrugated absorber used with phase change material and nanoparticles•CFD analysis conducted for this novel modification