Analysis of solar still integrated with phase change material and pin fins as absorbing material

Solar desalination is the most promising approach for obtaining clean water from brackish water in an arid area having scarcity of potable water as well as electricity. In the present study, experimental, energy, exergy, and economic analysis of single basin solar still using phase change material with and without pin fins as absorbing materials was undertaken. For the analysis, three cases were considered, namely Case I: conventional solar still, Case II: solar still with phase change material, and Case III: solar still with phase change material and pin fins. Palmitic acid was used as the PCM in the solar still, with variation in the mass of PCM (0 kg, 3.67 kg, 7.34 kg, and 11 kg) and the mass of water (4.9 kg, 9.8 kg, 14.7 kg, and 19.6 kg) considered as study parameters. The total accumulated productivity in Case II and Case III improved by 24 % and 30%, respectively, as compared to Case I. The energy and exergy efficiency were found highest for the solar still with PCM and pin fins (Case III). Based on the payback period and the cost per liter of potable water generated, it can be concluded that the usage of solar still using the PCM material along with the pin fin is a cost-effective option.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that in arid areas, using phase change material and pin fins in solar desalination can increase productivity and efficiency, making it a cost-effective option.