CFD Modelling and Experimental Validation of a Single-Slope Passive Solar Still for Efficient Water Desalination

Abstract

Water, vital for life, is largely unusable despite being renewable. Growing populations, urbanization, and pollution continually deplete the world’s drinking water supply. A third of the global population faces freshwater scarcity. Natural sources can’t fully meet demand, necessitating efficient water desalination. Solar stills, utilizing solar desalination, offer a low-energy solution, particularly beneficial in electricity-deprived rural areas. However, their potable water output remains a challenge. Hence, research on modelling and transport factors is essential for enhancing solar still design efficiency”. In this study, a multi-phase two-dimensional model of a single slope passive solar still was developed using Fluent, ANSYS 19.2. Using the simulated data, the solar still’s performance was evaluated against experimental data. The simulation model predicted a maximum distillate output of 0.0692 kg/m2.hr, which closely aligned with the experimental value of 0.58 kg/m2.hr, indicating strong agreement between the simulation and experimental results. The error percentage in terms of water temperature between the simulated and experimental results was found to be 1.55%.”