Performance investigation of a tubular distiller using parabolic concentrator with various modifications

Authors：Swellam W. Sharshir*, Zhanhui Yuan*, Marwan Elsharkawy, Mohamed A. Hamada, Ahmed Swidan, Gamal Bedair, A. S. Abdullahe and M. O. A. El-Samadony

Abstract:In this experimental study, two units are held and studied: the traditional tubular solar still (TTSS) and the developed tubular solar still (DTSS). The influence of a developed solar parabolic concentrator (DSPC) employed with carbon black nanoparticles (CBNs), a V-corrugated Aluminum basin (VCAB), and wick martial on the thermal efficiency and productivity was investigated in four cases: (Case A): DTSS with DSPC, (Case B): DTSS with DSPC and CBNs, (Case C): DTSS with DSPC and V-corrugated Aluminum basin (VCAB), and CBNs, (Case D): DTSS with DSPC and VCAB and CBNs by using factors such as air temperature, cover temperature, water temperature, air speed, and sun radiation. It was found that case four was the best case, where it had the highest hourly efficiency at 18:0 for each of the traditional unit and the modified unit, and that the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and daily productivity increased by 129.8%, 365.44%, and 120.536%, respectively, compared to the traditional unit, its cost, which was 0.026$, was reduced by 23%.

Keywords:Tubular; solar still; Parabolic concentrator; Nanoparticles; V-corrugated aluminum; Wick material

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2023.09.024