Modeling of Solar Water Desalination System for Clean Water Production

Abstract

This study investigates the design, construction, and performance evaluation of a double slope solar still as a sustainable solution for desalinating saline water. With water scarcity emerging as an increasingly severe global issue, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, there is a critical need for effective, low-cost desalination technologies that leverage renewable energy sources. The solar still system presented in this research utilizes solar energy to evaporate saline water and subsequently condenses it into potable water, offering an alternative to energy-intensive conventional desalination methods. Through an optimized 45° inclination angle for the still’s glass cover, the design maximizes solar absorption, leading to enhanced condensation and water yield by improving the trajectory and rate at which condensed droplets are collected. The still was tested over nine hours of peak sunlight, achieving an average yield of 2.4 liters per day, demonstrating both the system’s viability and its operational effectiveness under natural sunlight conditions. Key design elements, including the basin’s black liner, the optimal cover inclination, and insulation, were shown to significantly impact evaporation and condensation rates, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the desalination process. The findings highlight that double slope solar stills can be an economically feasible, environmentally sustainable solution for providing clean water in resource-limited areas. Furthermore, the study suggests future improvements, such as integrating phase-change materials and reflectors, to increase efficiency even further. This research contributes valuable insights into solar desalination technology, underscoring its potential for application in regions with abundant solar insolation and limited access to fresh water, thus addressing a critical need in global water management.