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Enhancing solar still performance using a truncated pyramid geometry coupled with a salt-gradient solar pond: An experimental investigation

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  • Choubani, Karim
  • Dhaoui, Sirine
  • Almeshaal, Mohammed A.
  • Bouabidi, Abdallah

Abstract

Water scarcity is an escalating global challenge, driving the need for cost-effective freshwater production technologies. Solar distillation offers a sustainable solution by harnessing abundant solar energy for evaporation and condensation. This study presents the design and experimental evaluation of a truncated pyramid solar still (TPSS) coupled with a salt-gradient solar pond (SGSP) to improve thermal efficiency and distillate yield. Under identical climatic conditions, the TPSS achieved an average daily output of 1.6 L/day, representing a 30 % increase over a conventional single-slope solar still (CSS). Coupling with the SGSP raised daily output to over 2.0 L/day and thermal efficiency to 19 %, compared to 12 % for the CSS. The cost of freshwater production was reduced to 0.043 $/L, demonstrating competitiveness with other small-scale desalination systems. These results confirm that combining optimized geometry with passive thermal storage can significantly enhance solar still performance, offering a practical solution for water-scarce regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Choubani, Karim & Dhaoui, Sirine & Almeshaal, Mohammed A. & Bouabidi, Abdallah, 2026. "Enhancing solar still performance using a truncated pyramid geometry coupled with a salt-gradient solar pond: An experimental investigation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PF).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pf:s0960148125020798
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124415
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alatawi, Ibrahim & Subhani, Tayyab & Ahmed, Mohamed M.Z. & Alqsair, Umar F. & Abdullah, A.S. & Elashmawy, Mohamed, 2022. "Experimental investigation of a developed tubular solar still with longitudinal wicked fins," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 1074-1081.
    2. Wang, Lu & Zheng, Hongfei & Jin, Rihui & Ma, Xinglong & He, Qian, 2022. "Experimental investigation on a floating multi-effect solar still with rising seawater film," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 194-202.
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