Performance assessment of a solar water distiller using circular parabolic absorber: An experimental investigation

Abstract

When distilling water using a solar still, utilization of a circular parabolic absorber increases the absorber surface area over the flat absorber. It enables a solar energy tracking system, which increases the solar heat gained and the evaporation rate inside the distillation cavity with a compact design. The recent research describes an experimental study of a solar-powered water distiller with a circular parabolic absorber (SWD-PA). The experimental model has been designed, built, and trialed in Ras El-Bar City's actual operational weather conditions., Damietta, Egypt (Latitude of 31.49° N, Longitude of 31.30° E). The SWD-PA thermodynamic and economic analyses and water yield were investigated and discussed. The SWD-PA maximum daily water yield was 2.31 L/(m2.day) with first and second law efficiencies of about 41.7% and 3.021%, respectively. The cost of distillate water for SWD-PA at a 20% interest rate was between 0.00213 US$/(L.m2) and 0.00278 US$/(L.m2) at water yield between 2189.8 mL/(m2.day) and 2047.7 mL/(m2.day). The water cost reduces by about 6.5%, with the increment of water yield by about 7%. The proposed system with a circular parabolic absorber is a good design, gives considerable performance and productivity, and is qualified to install a solar tracking system.