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Updates on Evaporation and Condensation Methods for the Performance Improvement of Solar Stills

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  • He Fu

    (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Health and Land Resource, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China
    The Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China)

  • Min Dai

    (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Health and Land Resource, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China)

  • Hanwen Song

    (The Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
    The Institute of Seawater Desalination and Multipurpose Utilization, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tianjin 300192, China)

  • Xiaoting Hou

    (The Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China)

  • Fahid Riaz

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore
    Mechanical Engineering Department, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates)

  • Shuai Li

    (The Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China)

  • Ke Yang

    (Instituto de Metalurgia, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí C.P. 78210, Mexico)

  • Imran Ali

    (Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

  • Changsheng Peng

    (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Health and Land Resource, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China
    The Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China)

  • Muhammad Sultan

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60000, Pakistan)

Abstract

Solar still, a small equipment using evaporation and condensation processes to get clean water, is expected to be widely used for sea/brackish water desalination, water purification, and wastewater treatment because of its convenient carrying, friendly environment, and low energy consumption. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in improving the productivity of solar still. This paper will reclassify the methods to improve the solar still by elevating the evaporation rate and condensation rate. The main methods increasing evaporation rate are as follows: (i) adding heat storage materials; (ii) using nanoparticles; (iii) changing structure of the absorption plate; and (iv) using photothermal materials. The primary methods increasing the condensation rate are as follows: (i) cooling the condensing surface; (ii) increasing the condensation area; (iii) changing the wettability of the condensing surface; and (iv) using a separate condenser. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are compared. Furthermore, this paper includes an economic analysis of current solar stills and a forecast of future developments. The freshwater cost of solar still is in the range of about USD 0.0061–0.277/L, which provides reference and direction for future researching solar stills on their low cost and high productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • He Fu & Min Dai & Hanwen Song & Xiaoting Hou & Fahid Riaz & Shuai Li & Ke Yang & Imran Ali & Changsheng Peng & Muhammad Sultan, 2021. "Updates on Evaporation and Condensation Methods for the Performance Improvement of Solar Stills," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-26, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:21:p:7050-:d:666655
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    1. Ewelina Radomska & Łukasz Mika & Karol Sztekler & Wojciech Kalawa & Łukasz Lis & Kinga Pielichowska & Magdalena Szumera & Paweł Rutkowski, 2023. "Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Single-Slope Passive Solar Still with Phase-Change Materials," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-29, January.
    2. Shatar, Nursyahirah Mohd & Sabri, Mohd Faizul Mohd & Salleh, Mohd Faiz Mohd & Ani, Mohd Hanafi, 2023. "Investigation on the performance of solar still with thermoelectric cooling system for various cover material," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C), pages 844-854.

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