Enhancing solar desalination using parabolic trough concentrators and phase change materials/RT 111 HC in tubular solar stills.

Solar distillation is a method employed to generate clean water using a Tubular Solar Still (TSS). Nonetheless, direct utilization of solar energy within TSS presents certain limitations in terms of its capacity to augment the productivity of clean water. In response to this challenge, the present research seeks to address the issue by integrating the Parabolic Trough Concentrator (PTC) and the application of Phase Change Material (PCM), specifically in the form of RT 111 HC, into the TSS system. The primary objective of this study is to enhance the productivity of clean water within the TSS system by incorporating PCM and PTC. The research endeavors encompass a series of experiments conducted over four days, commencing from September 6 to 9, 2023, wherein two of these days involved the application of PCM, and the remaining two were conducted without PCM. The measurements of feedwater temperature (Tw) and vapor temperature (Tv), both in the presence and absence of PCM, were undertaken utilizing thermocouple instruments. Additionally, the quantification of clean water productivity was conducted using measuring cups. The study's findings reveal that incorporating PCM results in a notable increase in Tw and Tv temperatures, with an approximate elevation of 10 to 15 °C, culminating in a maximum temperature of 85 °C. Furthermore, clean water productivity experiences a substantial enhancement, with an average output of 0.15 L/hour in the absence of PCM, compared to an average output of 0.4 L/hour when PCM is integrated. These outcomes substantiate that integrating PTC and PCM in the TSS system significantly enhances the efficiency of solar distillation and consequently leads to increased clean water production. The implications of these findings hold substantial relevance for the development of sustainable desalination systems and the enhancement of the availability of clean water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]