Experimental investigation of multi-stage solar still using phase-change material

摘要

In the present study, a five-stage solar still is investigated in which paraffin wax was considered as the phase change material. Considering the climatic conditions of Iran and its locating in an arid area and shortage of freshwater resources, it is essential to produce freshwater from saline water resources. So, herein, a multi-stage solar still as a commonly used water desalination apparatus with paraffin wax phase change materials was designed, fabricated, and tested. On the back of the collector absorber, the paraffin wax was applied for storing the additional solar energy. The results showed that the application of paraffin-wax phase-change agent leads to a 15% increase in freshwater production. The quantity of water generated was also studied in the flow rates of 0.7,1.3, and 1.8 L/min with and without phase change materials. The results showed that the highest quantity of water produced is obtained in the 1.3 L/min flow rate. Finally, the quantity of water generated in the five stages of the desalination process was separately measured and found that the water produced in the first stage was 70% of the total water.