Lovedeep Sahota

Energy and Exergy Analysis of Solar-Distillation Systems

The performance of any renewable-energy system (RES) depends on the availability of useful energy and exergy from the system, and the energy and exergy analysis of RES (optimization of the design and operating parameters) is essential for minimum use of fossil fuel in order to preserve them for future generations. In this chapter, the energy and exergy analyses of different passive and active solar-distillation systems are performed.

Thermal Modeling of Active Solar-Distillation Systems

The coupling of a semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV) module with a conventional solar water collector in a single unit generates a new concept of PVT technology, and it can be considered a hybrid PVT concept. In this case, approximately 15–20% of the incident solar energy is converted into electrical energy, and the rest of the solar energy—approximately 80%—is absorbed by the PV module’s absorber plate, which generates thermal energy. Water as a thermal energy carrier is used for harvesting the generated thermal energy. The extraction of thermal energy using water or air as a medium in the system (by lowering the temperature) enhances the efficiency of the PV module. In active solar-distillation systems, this external thermal energy is transferred to the basin of the integrated solar still. The electrical energy of the PV module is used to run the mechanical water pump for circulation of the fluid in the forced mode of operation. In this chapter, thermal modelling of different active solar-distillation systems coupled with (a) N-flat plate collectors, (b) N-evacuated tubular collectors, and (c) N-compound parabolic concentrator collectors is discussed in detail.

Economic Analysis of Solar-Distillation Systems

The basic pillar of any implemented technique is the life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of any system. It sets the constraints as well as gives an idea whether to approve or reject the system for the execution of technology. LCCA of any system should be carried on the basis of energy and exergy analysis.

Parametric Study of Solar Distillation and Its Application

Solar-distillation systems have many applications. Various parameters, i.e., inclination angle of the transparent-glass cover, orientation of the distillation unit, wind velocity, sky and ambient temperature, basin-water depth, scaling of basin liner, and bottom insulation, significantly influence the productivity of solar-distillation systems.

Solar Radiation and Heat Transfer

Solar energy (i.e., from the Sun) is an ample source of energy in the universe. The Sun is responsible for all renewable energy sources to meet the need of all creatures (living organisms) such that their survival is not possible without solar energy reaching our planet. Solar radiation is the radiant energy emitted by the Sun (by way of nuclear fusion) that creates an electromagnetic wave with wavelength between \( 0. 30\mu m - 3\mu m \) as well as photons in visible wave length. In this chapter, the basic concepts of solar radiation and heat transfer are discussed.

Energy Matrices of Solar-Distillation Systems

Quantity exergy is based on the concept of the second law of thermodynamics, and it measures the potential to convert energy into work; this potential to produce work is called “exergy” (i.e., maximum useful work). Exergy analysis of any system incorporates all of the irreversibilities and inefficiencies that lead to the destruction of exergy. Exergy analysis plays an important role in measuring the important parameters, e.g., energy matrices (energy-payback time, energy-production factor, and life cycle–conversion efficiency) and CO2 mitigation of the renewable-energy system.

Exergoeconomic Analysis of Solar-Distillation Systems

In exergoeconomic analysis, the mutual techniques of scientific disciplines (mainly thermodynamics) with economic disciplines (mainly cost accounting) are used in order to attain the overall optimal design of the renewable-energy system.

History of Passive Solar-Distillation Systems

Deficiency of potable water has always been a problem given the population growth on the Earth. Solar distillation is the simplest environmentally friendly and economically viable technique for potable-water production; and this technique has been in continuous use during the past few centuries. In this chapter, various passive solar-distillation systems are discussed in detail.