Numerical simulation and optimization of surface evaporation in a 3D solar still for improved performance

Abstract

This article focuses on the numerical simulation of the surface evaporation process within a 3D solar still. Inside the solar still chamber, water is maintained at a specific level and undergoes evaporation due to solar heat. The numerical simulation utilizes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. The primary objective of this study is to enhance the performance of the solar still system by increasing the rate of surface evaporation. The study optimized the system using design of experiments (DOE) and the response surface method (RSM). It investigated three input parameters – chamber height, water depth, and glass wall temperature – within defined ranges, measuring their impact on the target parameter. Optimal design conditions were determined, where the system exhibited peak performance with a chamber height of 1 m, a water depth of 0.2 m, and a glass wall temperature of 333.15 K. Under these conditions, the surface evaporation rate reached a maximum value of 0.00733960 kg/m³·K. Compared to baseline conditions, the optimal configuration yielded a significant 215.6 % increase in system performance. These findings underscore the substantial impact of these parameters on the efficiency of the solar still system.