Comparative Evaluation of a Conventional and Photovoltaic/Thermal-Integrated Solar Distiller under Iraqi Climatic Conditions

Abstract

The integration of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors with solar distillation processes is explored in this investigation, which seeks to augment the efficiency of solar distillers. Development and experimental assessment of a novel solar system, employing a PV/T collector for performance enhancement of a solar distiller, were carried out in Kirkuk City, Iraq, located at 35.46˚N latitude and 44.38˚E longitude. Two experimental models were constructed: a conventional double-slope solar distiller served as the baseline, whereas the second model was a double-slope solar distiller integrated with a PV/T collector. Four water depths (3, 4, 7, and 10 cm) were investigated to ascertain their effects on the system's output and efficiency. It was observed that the integration of the solar distiller with the PV/T collector resulted in a significant enhancement in system efficiency, achieving 18.81%, compared to a 5.15% efficiency demonstrated by the conventional distiller. The study further confirmed the substantial influence of water depth in the basin on the performance of both the hybrid and traditional solar distillation systems. Optimal results were achieved with a water depth of 3 cm, yielding productivity of 1.55 and 0.447 litre/day, and efficiency of 18.81% and 5.15%, for the integrated and conventional systems, respectively. When the water depth was increased to 5 cm, the respective productivity decreased to 1.252 and 0.243 litre/day, with corresponding efficiency of 16.87% and 3.22%.

Enhancing Water Purification in Solar Stills Through Incorporation of Renewable Energy Technology: An Experimental Study on the Efficiency and Cooling Mechanisms - A Review

“…Reduced system design and installation hassles System size, materials, and site circumstances affect solar distillation system installation costs. basic design and solar energy source reduce maintenance [34]. When solar stills and PV/thermal solar collectors are combined, the result is a viable option for rural communities that lack access to clean water and consistent energy.…”