Advanced techniques for enhancing solar distiller productivity: a review

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, drinking water shortages are a major concern. In many parts of the world, fresh water sources are deteriorated and polluted by human activities and population growth. Using fossil fuels to distill water for human consumption requires a large amount of energy. It was suggested that solar energy could be used to distill polluted or salty water without harming the environment. The sun is a free and abundant energy source, especially in swampy and remote regions. However, the design and operation of solar stills limit their efficiency and productivity. Solar freshwater production systems are discussed in this review in terms of the latest developments in production and distillation efficiency. Based on various performance criteria, the study analyzes direct solar desalination processes. Detailed discussions of recent modifications and innovations are also included and highlighted in this paper. It is the goal of all the studies reviewed to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency, low capital costs, and ease of installation. Among the developments reviewed are phase change materials (PCMs), nanoparticles, and solar reflectors with high efficiency. In addition to features of solar stills, current modifications have been evaluated in terms of location, water temperature, solar radiation intensity, production level, inclination angle, productivity, and efficiency. Solar still performance parameters were also studied in relation to modifying the absorption area and using reflectors and condensers. Several improvements were made which resulted in high productivity rates. The distiller’s productivity increases from 10% to 180% when a phase change material is added. When a nanomaterial is added to paraffin in the still, productivity increases by 25% to 320%. Furthermore, Wicks increase the still’s yield by 20%-300%, depending on design. A few recommendations are made regarding future work in solar desalination based on this review at the end of the study.

KEYWORDS:

• Solar distillation
• single slope distiller
• double slope distiller
• PCM
• nanomaterials
• water magnetization

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Notes on contributors

Miqdam T. Chaichan

Miqdam T. Chaichan Recieved his BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Baghdad University and University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq at 1982 and 1989, respectively. Now, he is a professor and researcher in Energy and Renewable Energies Technology Center, University of Technology- Iraq. He authored about 330 articles published in scientific journals and confrences and six scientific books.

Hussein A. Kazem

Hussein A. Kazem Recieved his BSc and MSc in Electrical Engineering from University of Technology , Baghdad, Iraq at 1995 and 1997, respectively. His PhD was from Newcastle University, UK at 2005. Now, he is a professor and staff member in Sohar University, Oman. He authored about 400 articles published in scientific journals and conferences and six scientific books.

Ali H. A. Al-Waeli

Ali H. A. Al-Waeli Recieved his BSc from Sohar University and his PhD from UKM, Malaysia. Now, he is an assistant prof. in the American University of Iraq, Sulimania, Iraq. He authored about 200 articles published in scientific journals and confrences and three books.

Wissam H. Elawee

Wissam H. Elawee Recieved his BSc, MSc and PhD from Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Technology- Iraq. Now, he is the manager of Factrios and Training Center in University of Technology- Iraq. He authored about 200 articles in scientific journals and confrences.

Mohammed A. Fayad

Mohammed A. Fayad Recieved his BSc in Mechanical Eng. from Al-Rasheed Engineering Collage at 1999. He recieved his MSc in Mechanical engineering from Mechnical Engineering department, University of Technology- Iraq at 2004 and his PhD from Birmingaham, UK in 2017. Now, He is the head of Energy and Renewable Energies Technology Center, University of Technology- Iraq. He authored about 200 articles in scientific journals and confrences.

Kamaruzzaman Sopian

Kumaruzaman Sopian Recieved his BSc from Wisc-Madison, USA; and his MSc from Pittsburgh, USA and his PhD from Maiami University, USA. Now, he ia a professor in the universiti Technology PITRONAS, Malaysia. He authored about 1401 articles in scientific journals and confrences and three books.