Water solar distiller productivity enhancement using solar collector and phase change material (PCM)

Abstract

This paper examines the use of a solar still associated with a solar collector, and phase change materials, in improving productivity in solar distillation. We contrasted productivity from a solar still associated with a solar collector both with and without PCMs, and explored relevant issues around design and installation. Experiments were conducted at an east–west orientation in Karbala at the end of October and beginning of November. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP K-30), polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt (CMC ), were used for their chemical properties as latent heat energy storage. The hourly output rose little where the solar distillation was coupled with solar collector but without LHTESS, through sunny days. There was an increase of about 30%–50% in freshwater output for LHTESS than was the case without. As daylight progressed the pure water created by the solar still increased. A solar still with solar collector for LHTESS is found to be increased according to the type of additive used. Water temperature was measured in a specified period. We studied the use of a solar still associated with solar collector both with and without PCM as thermal storage. The system run time was increased with the addition of PCM. System productivity and system efficiency also increased, by about 120 % and 40% respectively.