From Theory to Practice: A Sustainable Solution to Water Scarcity by Using a Hybrid Solar Distiller with a Heat Exchanger and Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles

ACS Omega. 2023 Sep 5;8(37):33543-33553. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03283. eCollection 2023 Sep 19.

Abstract

The study presently conducted focused on analyzing a solar-powered desalination setup that had a double slope. It can recycle blackish water into drinking water with solar energy. Not only does this result in a significant decrease in carbon emissions but it also represents an environmentally beneficial alternative that is particularly suited for arid locations that are lacking of electrical infrastructure. This system was equipped with a PVT system which makes the system self-sustainable and a CPC collector and implemented the use of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles to enhance its energy efficiency. Energy matrices, economic analysis, and life cycle conversion efficiency were evaluated. The study was conducted annually in New Delhi, with input data provided by IMD in Pune, India. MATLAB was used for the analytical calculations. Energy and exergy were utilized to determine the average annual energy output, which was found to be 8.5%. Additionally, the average energy payback time was calculated to be 16.16%, the average energy payback factor was 13.91%, and the average life cycle cost conversion efficiency was 7.15% higher. The proposed system demonstrated superior performance compared to the previous system in terms of annual yield, energy payback time (EPBT), efficiency of life cycle cost (LCCE), and factor of energy payback (EPBF). The hybrid system has the potential to meet the future demand for potable water and become self-sustainable.