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Life cycle assessment and energy-exergy-economic performance of solar photovoltaic/thermal desalination system integrated with copper coils condensation

Author

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  • Hua, Fengjiao
  • Liu, Wei
  • Li, Fuhui
  • Hao, Wengang
  • Wang, Lei

Abstract

Although solar stills are promising in response to regions with barren water and abundant solar resources, enhancing the thermal utilization and condensation capacity of the solar stills remains a challenge. In this study, a novel photovoltaic/thermal collector integrated tower solar still with copper coils condensation desalination system was developed. The research aims to analyze the energy, exergy and economic performance of the proposed system. Furthermore, life cycle assessment method was adopted to quantify the environmental impact of the system. The sensitivity analysis was also performed considering the two factors of region and lifetime. The results exhibited that the maximum hourly water production was revealed to be 446.4 ml/m2 and average daily yield was 2.31L/m2. The maximum hourly thermal, electrical, overall and exergy efficiencies of the system were obtained at 12.07 %, 22.99 %, 60.61 % and 22.39 %, respectively. The payback period was assessed as 2.96years. In addition, the tower solar still had the largest proportion in environmental impact, accounting for 26.49 %. In terms of endpoint indicator, the system showed the greatest influence on human health, with a value of 104.40 mP t/year. Finally, sensitivity analysis results implied that regions of high annual solar radiation demonstrated low environmental impact. Extending the lifetime of system was an effective strategy for minimizing environmental impact. These insights will provide theoretical guidance for the application of photovoltaic/thermal solar stills.

Suggested Citation

  • Hua, Fengjiao & Liu, Wei & Li, Fuhui & Hao, Wengang & Wang, Lei, 2026. "Life cycle assessment and energy-exergy-economic performance of solar photovoltaic/thermal desalination system integrated with copper coils condensation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pi:s0960148125022888
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124624
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    References listed on IDEAS

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