Thermodynamic analysis of solar assisted steam distillation system for peppermint oil extraction

Abstract

AbstractScheffler reflector (10 m2) integrated peppermint oil (PO) extraction distillation system is developed. Optical loss in reflector and thermal loss in solar still, steam line, and condenser are determined. A solar distillation system of peppermint plants is also subjected to thermal energetic and exergetic study. Exergy and optical efficiencies are 27.58% and 52.25%, respectively, with an average irradiance of 970.5 W/m2 and 6 kg of peppermint for 4 h. Thermal efficiency of solar still, steam line, and condenser are 95.90%, 95.68%, and 87.96%, respectively. Efficiency of system and oil yield per unit of energy consumed is 41.98% and 6.24 ml/kWh, respectively, without insulating steam line. System's efficiency is 46.36%, with an improvement of 2.67% in energy gain by insulating the steam line. Thermodynamic analysis of developed solar steam distillation system (SSDS) for PO extraction will help in finding out energy saving potential at various parts of distillation unit and in improving the performance of distillation unit. This research would provide energy conservation opportunities in various parts of PO extraction SSDS. Exergy analysis and detailed investigation of condenser and steam line are also performed. As a result, incorporating solar energy into PO extraction technology improves opportunities for the source of income in rural areas and increases both income and level of food security for farmers.Practical applicationsThis research would provide energy conservation opportunities in various parts of peppermint oil (PO) extraction solar steam distillation system. Exergy analysis and detailed investigation of condenser and steam line are also performed. As a result, incorporating solar energy into PO extraction technology improves opportunities for the source of income in rural areas and increases both income and level of food security for farmers.Novelty StatementMentioned literature includes thermodynamic analysis of oil extraction system available for crops such as rosemary leaves, basil leaves, etc. Thermodynamic analysis of such a system is limited to these crops and applied to other crops like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, etc. As these crops possess different chemical properties and have large potential in essential oil market, a comprehensive thermal analysis is needed to identify various thermodynamic parameters to extract peppermint oil (PO) using solar‐assisted steam distillation system. Present work aims to identify energy and power loss due to convection and radiation at different parts of a solar distillation unit. Exergy analysis and detailed investigation of condenser and steam line are also performed. This research would provide energy conservation opportunities in PO extraction solar steam distillation system. Furthermore, the outcomes of present study have been compared with previously published studies.