Performance Optimization of Single Slope, Double Slope, and Stepped Basin Solar Stills for Sustainable Water Desalination
نویسندگان
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 602105.
2 Department of Mathematics, St. Mother Theresa Engineering College, Vagaikulam, Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu, India.
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Mother Theresa Engineering College, Vagaikulam, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
4 Department of Chemistry, St. Mother Theresa Engineering College, Vagaikulam, Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu, India.
doi
10.30501/jree.2025.514519.2330چکیده
This paper presents a performance optimization and comparative assessment of single slope (SSSS), double slope (DSSS), and stepped basin (SBSS) solar stills to achieve sustainable water desalination and address the growing challenge of global water scarcity. The experimental studies were conducted under identical climatic conditions at St. Mother Theresa Engineering College, Tamil Nadu, India. The major performance indicators, namely thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, freshwater yield, and economic payback period, were evaluated. Among the configurations, the SBSS exhibited the best performance with a thermal efficiency of 39.3%, an exergy efficiency of 2.9%, a daily water yield of 5.8 L/m²/day, and the shortest payback period of 18 days, confirming its superior cost-effectiveness. The integration of exergy and economic analyses provides a comprehensive approach to identifying the most viable solar distillation system for sustainable freshwater production. Further research will focus on optimization using artificial intelligence and nanoscale PV, thermal hybrid systems to enhance productivity and scalability for water-scarce regions.
