Energy minimization strategies and renewable energy utilization for desalination: A review

Although seawater is abundant, desalination is energy intensive and expensive. Using the Sun as an energy source is attractive for desalinating seawater. Although interesting, current passive devices with no moving parts have unsatisfactory performance when operated with an energy flux lower than 1 kW m−2 (one sun). We present a passive multi-stage and low-cost solar distiller, where efficient energy management leads to significant enhancement in freshwater yield. Each unit stage for complete distillation is made of two hydrophilic layers separated by a hydrophobic microporous membrane, with no other mechanical ancillaries. Under realistic conditions, we demonstrate a distillate flow rate of almost 3 l m−2 h−1 from seawater at less than one sun—twice the yield of recent passive complete distillation systems. Theoretical models also suggest that the concept has the potential to further double the observed distillate rate. In perspective, this system may help satisfy the freshwater needs in isolated and impoverished communities in a sustainable way. Solar desalination is an attractive alternative to energy-intensive conventional seawater desalination. In this study, the authors present a completely passive, multi-stage and low-cost distiller using layers of membranes to achieve a distillate flow rate of almost 3 l m–2 h–1.

Passive solar high-yield seawater desalination by modular and low-cost distillation

Emerging trends in informal sector recycling in developing and transition countries.

https://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1843&context=eispapers1

Application of solar energy in water treatment processes: A review

Factors affecting solar stills productivity and improvement techniques: A detailed review

Design, fabrication and performance analysis of an improved solar still

Mass and heat transfer model of Tubular Solar Still

Experimental study on evaporation, condensation and production of a new Tubular Solar Still

A production model of a Tubular Solar Still based on a film-wise condensation theory that takes into account of thermal resistance in unsaturated humid air inside the still is developed in this study. The condensation coefficient due to thermal resistance is inversely proportional to the dry air pressure fraction. In the present model, the overall heat transfer coefficient between the humid air inside the still and the ambient air outside the still is used for the first time because the measurement of the ambient air temperature is easier to obtain than the inner surface temperature of the tubular cover. The analytical solution of this condensation theory could provide a good agreement with the observed production flux obtained from this laboratory experiment. Furthermore, in order to assess the model accuracy, the model prediction is compared with field experimental data and proves that the model can be used to precisely predict the production flux.

/pdf/condensation-mass-transfer-in-unsaturated-humid-air-inside-49hf5vkeay.pdf

Teruyuki Fukuhara

Papers

Design, fabrication and performance analysis of an improved solar still

Mass and heat transfer model of Tubular Solar Still

Experimental study on evaporation, condensation and production of a new Tubular Solar Still

Condensation mass transfer in unsaturated humid air inside tubular solar still

Development of a bio-physicochemical technique for arsenic removal from groundwater