Parametric effects of phase change material on solar still productivity: Thermal modeling and selection guides

Abstract

A solar still utilizes solar energy to produce freshwater by evaporating and condensing saline water, known for its simplicity but limited by low productivity and intermittent solar availability. Phase change materials (PCMs) provide an attractive technique to overcome these drawbacks. In order to investigate the effect of PCM parameters besides providing a clear guide for PCM selection, the current paper presents a thermal modeling on solar sill-PCM behavior for different parameters. The results indicated improved productivity with higher PCM mass, melting point, latent heat of fusion, specific heat, or thermal conductivity. Under extreme conditions, moderate PCM mass or high melting point is optimal, while moderate conditions benefit from high PCM mass or moderate melting point. Long-term use favors high PCM mass or large latent heat of fusion. Combining high mass and melting point mitigates extreme condition challenges. Enhanced thermal conductivity alongside other parameters significantly boosts productivity, though excessive specific heat can reduce output. Improving the heat storage capacity holds significant promise for mitigating the challenges associated with selecting an appropriate melting point. Optimizing PCM selection by prioritizing mass, latent heat of fusion, thermal conductivity, melting point, and specific heat enhances solar still efficiency across diverse environments.