Integration of Phase Change Material and Heat Exchanger for Enhanced Solar Desalination – A Comparative Performance Investigation

Abstract

The performance and comparative analysis of several solar desalination systems using various configurations and materials are examined in this study. The study looks at how these systems perform by measuring their overall productivity, temperature differentials, energy storage capacity, and thermal efficiency. A thorough assessment across a variety of characteristics was made possible by the consistent environmental conditions of the experiments. When phase change materials (PCM) were used as an energy storage medium, the overall amount of heat loss was significantly reduced. Studies comparing different solar stills revealed clear benefits, especially when heat exchangers were used. Improved evaporative heat transfer coefficients, higher temperature differentials (ΔT), more usable heat absorption by the distilled water, and increased daily output were all seen in solar stills equipped with heat exchangers. The modified solar still with PCM and a heat exchanger had the best thermal efficiency, reaching 56 %, according to the results. The key objective of the research was to minimize heat loss and maximize freshwater yield. This design proved to be the most successful method for producing freshwater. This thorough assessment and comparative study of several solar desalination systems offers insightful information for improving the productivity and efficiency of solar-powered water distillation technologies under a range of environmental circumstances.