Experimental investigation of dual-slope and pyramid structural solar stills with various latent heat absorption materials for enhanced solar energy conversion

• Published in: Hyperfine interactions 2024-07, Vol.245 (1)
• Main Authors: Arul, Vivek V, Srividhya, P K, Pandiaraj, V, Ramkumar, P, Vivek, C M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption; Configurations; Distillation; Distilled water; Efficiency; Energy conversion efficiency; Heat; Latent heat; Performance measurement; Productivity; Solar energy; Solar energy conversion; Thermal environments
• ISSN: 0304-3843; 1572-9540
• DOI: 10.1007/s10751-024-02036-3

The study explores the performance of dual-slope and pyramid structural solar stills, focusing on the addition of an additional basin to improve efficiency. The methodology involves fabricating and testing both single-basin and double-basin configurations under controlled conditions. Key findings indicate a consistent increase in productivity for the double-basin configuration, with enhanced solar energy conversion efficiency and higher heat absorption rates. Stable temperature differentials confirm a controlled thermal environment, crucial for successful distillation. Key performance metrics such as productivity, solar energy conversion efficiency, heat absorption rate, and temperature differentials were examined. Results showed a consistent increase in productivity by up to 15% for the double basin configuration, indicating enhanced solar energy conversion efficiency and higher heat absorption rate. The stable temperature differentials also confirmed a controlled thermal environment within the solar stills, crucial for successful distillation. The findings contribute to the understanding of sustainable water desalination technologies and highlight the potential for tailored designs to address specific environmental conditions and enhance efficiency.