CFD simulation of a modified solar still system with enhanced productivity

Document Type

Book Chapter

Source of Publication

CFD Simulations for Advances of Solar Thermal Systems

Publication Date

12-5-2025

Abstract

Low productivity presents a significant challenge in solar stills which are considered cost-effective and practical devices for converting brackish water into potable water in remote and rural areas of developing countries. This study aims to enhance solar still productivity by incorporating fins. The modified solar still (MSS) is developed using ANSYS FLUENT and modeled with FLUENT software. The CFD simulation employs the volume of fluid method, capturing solar radiation through the Rosseland radiation model, and incorporates turbulence modeling with the RNG k-ε model. The results obtained indicate improved heat transfer with the use of fins. Specifically, employing ten fin plates results in a 33.9% increase in water temperature and a 10.6% boost in freshwater productivity, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of the solar still.

ISBN

[9780443274190, 9780443274183]

Publisher

Elsevier

First Page

289

Last Page

302

Disciplines

Engineering

Keywords

CFD, Fin, Freshwater production, Solar still, Temperature, Water volume fraction

Scopus ID

105027154114

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

Link to Full Text

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