Modeling and Simulation of a Vertical Multi-Effect Diffusion Solar Still Coupled With a Tracking Solar System and a PV/T-SWH system

Abstract

This paper aims to study the productivity of a vertical multi-effect diffusion solar still (VMEDSS) coupled with a solar tracking system and a photovoltaic/thermal solar water heater system (PV/T-SWH). The studied system can run continuously over 24 h to have a continuous production. The experimental climatic conditions of Ksar Challala (35 deg 13′ 12.835″ N, 2 deg 19′ 2.035″ E, Altitude: 800 m) in Algeria are used in this study, for 2 days: one in summer and one in winter. The obtained results were compared with those of the vertical still oriented southward. The results show clearly the effect of the solar tracking system on the increase of the still production during summer and winter. The production percentage increase has reached: 293.01% in summer and 15.1% in winter. Feeding the still equipped with a tracking system with hot water produced by the PV/T-SWH system gives good productivities during summer and winter where the increase in production reaches, respectively, 733.76% and 415.55%. The percentage production growth of the vertical still oriented southward fed with hot water is 376.38% and 394.78% of the days of summer and winter, respectively.