Single Slope Solar Still Integrated With N Identical Parabolic Trough Collectors

Abstract

Solar distillation is a method that harnesses solar energy, employing solar stills to mimic the natural water cycle in a closed loop to produce potable water. With water contamination escalating due to rapid industrialization, agricultural expansion, and population growth worldwide, ensuring access to drinkable water is becoming increasingly critical. To address this impending water scarcity, leveraging solar energy for both electricity generation and distillation presents a promising solution. In our current research, we have scrutinized basin-type passive and active solar stills, evaluating them based on energy matrices, exergoeconomic and enviroeconomic parameters, productivity, and several types of efficiencies. The objective is to devise an efficient solar distillation system capable of producing potable water at a competitive cost. In addition to conventional solar distillation systems, we have thoroughly investigated solar distillation plants integrated with (a) N-identical partially covered photovoltaic thermal (PVT) flat plate collectors (FPC), (b) partially covered PVT compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) collectors, and (c) evacuated tubular collectors (ETC). Integrating a single slope solar still with N identical parabolic trough collectors significantly improves freshwater output using only solar energy. This low-cost, eco friendly, and scalable technology directly addresses the global challenge of water scarcity, particularly benefiting rural, off-grid, and developing communities The proposed solar still has the potential to mitigate the contemporary issue of shortage of clean water in a sustainable manner. The distilled water produced by the system will be useful for batteries, cosmetics, as coolant in automobile, and pharmaceutical industry. It can also be consumed by human beings after adding the required minerals. Small business of distilled water can be established. The system can serve domestic purposes by purifying harvested rainwater, further extending its utility and potential impact on wa