Abstract
Modifying condensing surfaces can effectively improve the vapor condensation of solar stills, while the modification impact on the condensate collection remains unclear. Here, a numerical model based on the volume of fraction (VOF) is adopted to investigate the droplet motion and detachment on the modified condensing surfaces of the still. The results show that the duration of motion, travel distance, and terminal velocity of the droplet before detachment decrease as the surface hydrophobicity increases. At an inclination angle β = 30° and contact angle θ0 = 120° (relatively high hydrophobicity), the simulation results reveal a critical detaching volume (Vc) of 53 μL and a traveling distance of 6 mm after the volume reaching Vc. The average experimental values of Vc and the distance are 49.3 μL and 19.2 mm, respectively. Based on these findings, an optimized surface with interchange hydrophilic-hydrophobic patterns is proposed and evaluated through 3D simulation. The maximum travel distance can reach 62.1 mm at β = 30°, which is 520.8% longer than that of the non-optimized surface with the same droplet volume, facilitating condensate collection. Results from this study are expected to contribute to the optimal design of condensing surfaces in solar still.
Published Version
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