Performance enhancement of a modified solar still with inverted pyramid aluminum basin geometry: Experimental optimization, thermal, and economic assessment

Desalination is a promising solution to address the global challenges of water scarcity and energy demand, aided by industrialization and population growth. This study explores the potential to enhance solar still performance by redesigning the basin into an inverted pyramid shape constructed of aluminium. Aluminium's superior thermal conductivity and solar radiation absorption properties aim to increase the effective surface area and optimize thermal storage, thereby improving evaporation and condensation processes. Comparative theoretical and experimental investigations between a modified solar still (MSS) and a conventional solar still (CSS) under varying saline water quantities revealed a significant increase in daily water production and thermal efficiency for the MSS. The MSS achieved a 46.67% higher output (4.40 kg/m2/day at 30 liters) and a 14% increase in thermal efficiency compared to the CSS (29 %). In terms of exergy efficiency, the calculated daily exergy efficiency for CSS and MSS was 2.0% and 3.12%, respectively. The energy payback time of the CSS and MSS was 17.18 and 7.2 years, respectively, and they reduced CO2 emissions by 13.668 tons and 20.05 tons per year. Moreover, the MSS demonstrated a 45.45% reduction in the cost of freshwater production. Exergo-economic and exergo-environmental analyses further validate the MSS's potential as an efficient and sustainable solution for solar desalination, offering a significant advancement in addressing water scarcity and promoting environmental sustainability.