Architectural and real-time monitoring design of multi-stage solar still for solar water purification

Qi Zhao, Yumeng Wei, Yawei Yang, Mengyuan Qiang, Linjing Fu, Yong Ma, Bowen Liu, Yihong Liu, Xuedong He and Wenxiu Que

Renewable Energy, 2025, vol. 244, issue C

Abstract: Multi-stage solar still with separated photothermal/evaporation interfaces have high energy utilization and water collection efficiency compared to widely reported single-stage upward solar interfacial evaporation. Despite progress, it still faces a "black box" issue regarding internal conditions like evaporation and salt accumulation due to its enclosed design. Herein, we developed a real-time operating status monitoring system for multi-stage solar stills with separated photothermal/evaporation interfaces. Firstly, we designed an optimal 5-stage solar still architecture with two-way water supply to achieve rapid water collection rate (1.72 L m−2 h−1 under 2.0 kW m−2) and desalination effects. Secondly, the optimal operating status (12 h of solar irradiation + 12 h of dark rinsing) was achieved through verification of different salinities and operating conditions. Finally, the resistance and temperature monitoring strategies applied to determine the operating status of multi-stage solar stills were explored: The water supply status, irradiation intensity, and salinity can be monitored by resistance change at the water supply inlet; and the salt precipitation status in the evaporation dead zone can be monitored by the temperature change at evaporation layer. This study holds significant value for implementing and optimizing multi-stage solar stills in solar desalination, offering insights into intelligent, automated operation and monitoring systems for enhanced sustainability.

Keywords: Photothermal effect; Desalination; Multi-stage solar still; Operating status monitoring (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:244:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125003222

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122660

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