Recent trends in thermal energy storage for enhanced solar still performance

Shankaranarayanan S and Deepak Kumar Murugan

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025, vol. 212, issue C

Abstract: Solar distillation stands as a crucial technology amidst growing global water scarcity, offering a sustainable means of producing fresh water. However, its effectiveness is constrained by its dependency on diurnal solar energy, resulting in limited daily yields—typically around 3 L/m2. This limitation arises primarily from the inability to consistently harness solar energy throughout the entire day. Recent advancements in material science have introduced sophisticated heat storage mediums capable of capturing excess solar energy during peak sunlight hours and releasing it during non-solar periods, thereby sustaining nocturnal distillation processes and enhancing overall productivity. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the latest developments in heat storage technologies for solar still applications, with a focus on both sensible and latent heat storage strategies. By critically assessing their performance, this review not only highlights the advantages and limitations of current approaches but also identifies key areas for future research. The insights gained aim to drive the advancement of solar distillation systems, fostering greater efficiency and expanding their applicability in both domestic and industrial contexts. This study aligns with SDG 6 by exploring innovative thermal energy storage systems that enhance the efficiency and productivity of solar distillation, providing a sustainable solution for clean water access and SDG 13 through environmental friendly water purification technologies.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115373

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