Experimental Investigation of Absorber Design on the Performance of a Solar Tracking Distillation System

Abstract

The problem of water scarcity, especially in North Africa and Libya, has been reviewed. A distillation apparatus has been proposed that uses solar energy as a source of unlimited energy. It should be noted that most countries in North Africa to a relatively favourable area between 35° north latitude and 37° south latitude. Because of this, they can rely on sunlight as an unwavering source of fresh water. The setup used in the experiment uses a solar parabolic concentrator, which collects solar radiation and concentrates it on an evaporator. The parabolic reflector increases the amount of incoming solar radiation and its concentration on the evaporator, thereby increasing the heat output and production rate of the solar still, thereby increasing the efficiency of the solar still. The suggested distillation unit-body consists of a parabolic reflector, an evaporator (Tube absorber) which was placed on the focal line of the parabolic reflector, and a pyramidal glass frame that acts as a condenser. Motors and electronics that expose the reflector to the sun's rays throughout the day from sunrise to sunset. The results show that increases in solar intensity, ambient temperature, and evaporation area increase specific productivity. Using the tracking system as an automatic control unit to make the reflector the sun rays all over the day from sunrise to sunset.