Enhancement of distillate quantity and quality of a hybrid solar desalination system

Abstract

Abstract Clean water is a necessity, yet it is scarce due to the increase in demand. Desalination is the most reliable way of getting clean water. The commonest desalination process used and suitable in rural areas is solar still distillation. Although it faces low clean water production and requires enhancements alongside quality checks. This study aims to develop an improved solar desalination system with improved quantity and quality. This was achieved by introducing a heating water element powered by a photovoltaic system and a pre-treatment system using granulated charcoal with different dosages because of its adsorption properties to reduce pollutant strength before desalination. The results showed a 300% increase in freshwater yield from the conventional system. The pre-treatment system reduces pollutant strength by 25.08%. This indicates significant water quantity and quality improvement. In that regard, the work significantly will contribute to improving water quantity and quality in solar still.