Investigational study on improving the yield from hybrid PV/T modified conventional solar still with enhanced evaporation and condensation technique - An experimental approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT Renewable energy source is insisted in all areas of technology, especially the adaptation of solar power for various purposes. The present investigational study is carried out to improve the efficiency of PV/T solar still using enhanced evaporation and condensation technique. A DC-powered blower is fixed inside single slope solar still which increases the turbulence of evaporated vapor from the saline water inside the solar still while the condensation is improved using the cover cooling technique. The experiment is conducted on a constant water depth of 1 cm with three different blow rate periods (5 min, 10 min, and 15 min). The blower runs and stops for 30 seconds time period in all blow rates. To improve the efficiency of the photovoltaic system, an inorganic phase change material (PCM) (Glauber salt (Na2SO4.10H2O) is used underneath the PV panel for cooling the panel. To obtain a higher production rate of distilled water, a nickel-chromium (NiCr) heater is placed in the solar still which is powered by the integrated solar PV system. This proposed work helps to enhance the freshwater production process from saline water and also solar power production. From this investigation, it is observed that the proposed PV/T solar still gives an improved overall thermal and electrical efficiency of almost 12.5% and 11.5% respectively, and is superior as compared to the conventional solar still.