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Pyramid floating solar still with enhanced condensation surfaces operating under actual weather conditions

Author

Listed:
  • Wei, Xinyu
  • Zheng, Qingwen
  • Chen, Wenlong
  • Xie, Guo
  • Li, Yadong
  • Gao, Fengsheng
  • Liu, Yingzhang
  • Wang, Wenquan

Abstract

The potential solution offered by floating solar still (FSS) to water scarcity confronts challenges associated with condensate droplet loss and structural instability under oceanic and swaying condition. A novel pyramid FSS with reduced wettability surfaces (silicon nano-coated) was proposed, utilizing central symmetry structure of pyramid to reinforce the stability and adopting nano-coated surfaces to enhance the condensation. A 4-day outdoor experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance. The highest yield of nano-coated FSS was 1.017 kg/m2/d under an accumulated irradiation of 15.166 MJ/m2/d, which was 16.76 % higher than that of uncoated FSS. Furthermore, the yield of nano-coated FSS was 0.949 kg/m2/d in the river experiment, showing a significant improvement. Next, the enhancement of nano-coated surface on droplet collection was numerically analyzed, showing that the condensation droplets could retain their complete shape until detachment. In contrast, the detachment process on the uncoated surface involved a separation of neck, leaving a residue of liquid behind. Quantitative analysis showed longer movement distances and faster travel velocities for droplets on the nano-coated surface, and these two improvements could facilitate condensate collection. Furthermore, the cost analysis reveals a CPL of 0.129 $/L for the proposed FSS, suggesting its affordability for off-grid communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei, Xinyu & Zheng, Qingwen & Chen, Wenlong & Xie, Guo & Li, Yadong & Gao, Fengsheng & Liu, Yingzhang & Wang, Wenquan, 2024. "Pyramid floating solar still with enhanced condensation surfaces operating under actual weather conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:237:y:2024:i:pa:s0960148124016471
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.121579
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    References listed on IDEAS

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