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Experimental investigation of solar desalination in Algeria: Performance, economic feasibility, and climatic variability analysis of geothermal-integrated and glass-cooled solar stills

Author

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  • Saada, Yasmina
  • Benmenine, Djamel
  • Settou, Belkhir
  • Korichi, Zineb

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of three solar still configurations: Traditional Solar Still (TSS), Modified Solar Still 1 (MSS-1) with geothermal integration, and Modified Solar Still 2 (MSS-2) with a glass-cleaning mechanism, under three distinct weather conditions: clear and stable, intermittent solar and wind variability, and high wind influence with solar fluctuations. Experimental results show that MSS-1 outperformed the other systems, achieving the highest daily freshwater productivity of 4.17 L/m2, compared to 3.08 L/m2 for MSS-2 and 2.89 L/m2 for TSS. Under fluctuating solar conditions, MSS-1 recorded a peak energy efficiency of 43.67 %, surpassing MSS-2 (36.96 %) and TSS (32.48 %), with exergy efficiency of 4.24 %, compared to 1.41 % for MSS-2 and 1.39 % for TSS. The economic analysis revealed that MSS-1 had the lowest cost per liter (CPL) at $0.0091/L and a payback period of 70.67 days, outpacing TSS ($0.0101/L, 78.25 days) and MSS-2 ($0.0104/L, 73.24 days). Furthermore, incorporating real climatic data for 8760 h revealed that 75 % of the year is favorable, improving the accuracy of long-term productivity forecasts. MSS-1 achieved an annual water yield of 1522.37 L/m2, compared to 1055.37 L/m2 for TSS and 1127.57 L/m2 for MSS-2. These findings highlight the significance of considering real-world weather conditions in solar desalination design to improve efficiency, economic feasibility, and reliability.

Suggested Citation

  • Saada, Yasmina & Benmenine, Djamel & Settou, Belkhir & Korichi, Zineb, 2025. "Experimental investigation of solar desalination in Algeria: Performance, economic feasibility, and climatic variability analysis of geothermal-integrated and glass-cooled solar stills," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 333(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:333:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225025174
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136875
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pandey, Nagendra & Naresh, Y., 2024. "A comprehensive 4E (energy, exergy, economic, environmental) analysis of novel pyramid solar still coupled with pulsating heat pipe: An experimental study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
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    4. Hassan, Hamdy, 2020. "Comparing the performance of passive and active double and single slope solar stills incorporated with parabolic trough collector via energy, exergy and productivity," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 437-450.
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