Enhancing water evaporation rate in hemispherical solar distillers through innovative modifications and Nano-PCM integration

Solar distillers have been acknowledged as a promising solution to tackle water scarcity challenges, particularly in regions with limited access to clean water, both in remote and urban areas. They offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly method of water purification by utilizing solar energy to produce freshwater through the vaporization and condensation processes. However, one of the primary challenges faced by solar distillers is their few productions. The main objective of this work is to enhance the evaporation rate of the hemispherical distiller (HSS). To achieve this goal, the researchers modified the HSS by introducing an upper absorber with dangled wick cords. The cords wick HSS was abbreviated by CWHSS. The study examines the impact of using square baffles inside the CWHSS. Furthermore, to further improve the system's performance, front and rear mirrors were utilized to enhance the intensity of radiation directed onto the absorber. Additionally, as part of the modifications, Phase Change Material (PCM) combined with Silver (Ag) nanoparticles was incorporated beneath the surface of the absorber. The results revealed that, the best operation for CWHSS was found while employing baffles, reflectors and nano-PCM, where the production rise and efficiency were 245 % and 65 %, where the distillates of HSS and CWHSS-B with nano-PCM and reflectors were 4050 and 14000 mL/m².day, respectively.