A comparative study on 3E (energy, exergy and economic) analysis of solar PV operated dome-shaped solar stills

The present investigation centres on the empirical examination of a solar

photovoltaic (PV) system that is integrated with a dome-shaped solar still

(DSSS) in order to facilitate the process of desalination. The objective is

to increase the production of freshwater through the utilisation of saline

water at elevated temperatures. The assessment of the DSSS system's efficacy

is conducted through the examination of various parameters, including water

yield, energy, exergy, concentrator performance, and economic feasibility.

The study's results demonstrate that the DSSS system's water yield, energy,

and exergy were evaluated under varying inlet temperatures and mass flow

rates. The study recorded the water yield, energy, and exergy at 4.73, 4.27,

and 4.91 l/m?, respectively, with respect to the ambient inlet temperature.

The water yield was observed to range from 6.9 to 7.7 litres per square

metre under different input temperatures and air mass flow rates. The DSSS

system's energy and exergy efficiency were evaluated, indicating encouraging

results for various inlet air temperatures. Furthermore, the economic

evaluation revealed that the rate of freshwater production was

cost-effective in comparison to conventional solar stills. In summary, this

research offers empirical proof of the efficacy of a solar

photovoltaic-powered dome-shaped solar still for the purpose of

desalination. It emphasises enhancements in the output of fresh water,

energy and exergy efficiency, and the economic viability of this technology.