Numerical simulation and geometric optimization of a desalination system using solar energy using two-phase mixing method with alumina nanoparticles

Abstract

This research paper presents 2D numerical simulations of a single-slope solar desalination system from a nanomaterial science perspective, utilizing the two-phase mixture method. Alumina nanoparticles with a volume percentage of 0.1 % are introduced into the water storage tank for thermal analysis. The system features a trapezoid-shaped glass wall to harness solar energy. Key variables studied encompass ambient temperature, glass wall angle, front wall height, glass wall temperature, and air temperature inside the system. Temperature and velocity contours within the system are obtained through numerical simulations. To enrich the analysis, artificial intelligence techniques and response surface methodology are employed to examine the maximum and minimum temperatures. The results indicate that, at medium ambient temperatures, the lowest maximum air temperature inside the desalination system occurs at a front wall height of 0.2 m and a glass angle of 45°. Additionally, the lowest air temperature is observed at an ambient temperature of 10 °C and a front wall height of 0.05 m, corresponding to a glass angle of 27.5°. On the other hand, the highest maximum air temperature is recorded at a front wall height of 0.125 m, with a glass angle of 45° and an ambient temperature of 55 °C. Increasing the ambient temperature from 10 °C to 55 °C for a wall height of 0.2 m leads to a 26.81 °C rise in the air temperature inside the system, equivalent to a 9 % increase. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the design and performance of single-slope solar desalination systems integrated with alumina nanoparticles from the perspective of nanomaterial science.