Modeling and performance analysis of a hybrid conventional solar still–adsorption desalination system

Abstract

This study presents a thermodynamic modeling and performance analysis of a hybrid desalination system consisting of a conventional solar still (CSS) and an adsorption desalination system (ADS). To evaluate the performance of the system, a small scale model of a hybrid CSS-ADS system is designed, fabricated and tested under the meteorological condition of Kollam, Kerala, India. Water productivity of the hybrid CSS-ADS, followed by, assessing the coefficient of performance of the system is also carried out. The maximum water productivity of the system is estimated as 750 ml. The proposed hybrid system is able to produce the cooling effect along with desalination during its operation. The coefficient of performance (COP) is obtained as 0.58. The performance of the system is also assessed based on the second law of thermodynamics to study exergy loss and exergy efficiency of each and every component of the system. It is observed that the main sources of exergy destruction in the hybrid system occurs in the solar still basin and adsorbent bed of ADS. The total exergy loss and exergy efficiency of the hybrid system is found to be 0.224 W and 29.6%, respectively. Variation of brine water temperature, heat transfer coefficients, water productivity of CSS and ADS are also presented in this study. The study aims at a formidable solution to the low performance of conventional solar still.