An experimental investigation and thermo-economic performance analysis of solar desalination system by using nano-enhanced PCM

Abstract

Desalination combined with nano-enhanced phase change material has the potential to significantly transform water sustainability by offering an ecologically responsible resolution. This work introduces single-slope solar still coupled with a novel helical parabolic collector, incorporating nanoparticles doped phase change materials to enhance desalination system performance. Various objective functions include as heat transfer coefficient, useful heat gain, productivity analysis, energy efficiency, overall thermal efficiency, exergy analysis (for both collector and solar still), and economic parameters are thoroughly examined. Experimental studies explore the impact on objective functions by comparing PCM coupled system to the system without PCM. Varying mass concentrations of nanoparticles (CuO/TiO₂), PCM (Paraffin Wax, KCl, MgCl₂.6H₂O) are taken as decision values. Additionally, PCM configurations (1–6) are examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis resulted an average evaporative heat transfer coefficient range of 14.74–26.79 W/m².K, maximum productivity yield of 3268 ml/m²/day. Energy and exergy efficiency are 46.23% and 10.67% respectively with a payback period of 129 days, and a cost per liter of $ 0.012. The study further highlights an increment in temperature drop between water and glass temperature and improved daily yield with PCM-3. Preheating of feed water exhibited improved efficiency of solar still desalination system. A comparative study of solar desalination systems is also included.