# Improvement and Nocturnal Extension of the Efficiency of a Solar Still

Authors: Benaissa Mandi; Younes Menni; Rachid Maouedj; Giulio Lorenzini; Mohammad Hossein Ahmadi; Sampath Emani
Journal: International Journal of Photoenergy
 (2021)

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## Abstract

Various studies have been made to improve the efficiency of the solar still. These studies had devoted to the combination of solar collectors with solar still. This article proposes the use of all forms of solar thermal or photovoltaic energy. In addition, photovoltaic electric storage systems convert them to thermal energy that increases the temperature of a greenhouse solar still. We investigated the possibility of improving the productivity of a greenhouse still and prolong solar distillation overnight. The proposed system is the incorporation of thermal energy produced by a parabolic-cylindrical concentrator, a greenhouse still, and photovoltaic solar energy by panels. The production at 14 pm reaches 110 L/m2 thanks to the various thermal sources made up of the hybrid still. It has better productivity than other distillers. The distillation is extended in the evening thanks to a storage system using electric batteries. The production at 18 pm to 18 L/m2 is reduced at 24 pm to 5 L/m2 in the dark. The accumulated temperature decreases the negative influence of the physical parameters on the production which exceeds 100 L/m2 per day. In the evening, the production is reached 16 L/m2 at 22 pm, which is an advantage compared to other distillers.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

The increase in the volume of pollution disrupts the natural water cycle, causing drought in different areas and lack of water. The problem of water scarcity has worsened over the past centuries, due to careless and heavy consumption of water. In addition to water scarcity, supply of energy is another challenge that should be properly addressed to have better welfare level [1]. Therefore, the use of renewable energy and developing integrated systems are widely discussed and analyzed to answer these problems [2, 3]. Desalination techniques are means that produce water economically in rural and urban areas [4–7]. Research has been done to improve solar desalination (SD) techniques to produce enough water, which can reduce water scarcity. Uses of conventional solar systems, modifications of the heat utilization mechanism are suitable methods to improve the efficiency of the distillation [8]. The most common method is solar distillation [9–11]. Many studies have been done for example; Li et al. [12] used the technique of membrane distillation (MD) through an integrated system by harnessing solar thermal energy. Wang et al. [13] conducted an experimental study for a new design of a seawater distillation system for use in agricultural irrigation. Gopi et al. [14] used radiation energy for sustainable desalination. Muraleedharan et al. [15] designed an active distillation system using solar energy. The performance of this modified system has been compared with the traditional system. Parsa et al. [16] discussed the influence of different altitudes on the efficiency of solar still. The first height is about 3964 m at the top of Mount Tochal, while the second altitude is estimated at 1171 m for the Tehran city. Miladi et al. [17] studied the technique of recycling hot cooling water, contained to condense the flow, and thus its impact on the efficiency of the vacuum MD station and on its daily production. Hejazi et al. [18] investigated the impact of intermittent operation on the performance of DM. Afzal et al. [19] gave a new system to develop the production of essential oils from plants. Alawee et al. [20–22] augmented the solar distillation yield by using different methods in various geometries. In order to avoid the disadvantages of traditional distillation systems, al-Nimr and Qananba [23] cited another distillation configuration, which relies on a combination of focused optical engineering technique and a nanofluids’ spectral-splitting PV/T method. Using the solar distillation (SD) technique, Bhardwaj et al. [24] reported the total water produced with various surfaces of condensation. Kiwan et al. [25] presented a new SD model by developing a conventional power plant for a solar chimney that has the ability to produce both distilled water and electrical energy. Sharshir et al. [26] studied a solar still (SS) integrated in a solar humidification-dehumidification (HDH). The CSS and SS water production with HDH hot water outlet is 37 L/day. Omara et al. [27] analyzed a desalination system using wicks, an evacuated solar water heater, and a solar still. Water productivity has increased by 114% compared to conventional still. Tian and Zhao [28] investigated an examination of solar collectors and thermal energy storage in solar thermal applications. Three different types of concentrated solar collectors have been described and compared: heliostat field collectors, flat parabolic collectors, and trough parabolic collectors. The materials used for high temperature thermal energy storage systems were compared, and a comparison between different categories of thermal storage systems was presented. Molten salts with excellent properties are considered the ideal materials for high temperature thermal storage applications. Ayoub et al. [29] studied a SD system still with productivity. A simple amendment in the form of a slowly rotating drum is introduced allowing the formation of thin layers of water which evaporate quickly and is constantly renewed. The performance of this system was compared to a control without an introduced drum. The system was performed considerably with an average increase in daily productivity of 200%. Abdallah et al. [30] studied solar distillation using a vacuum tube coupled to a photovoltaic system. The system produced 12 L/m2/day and gave an efficiency of over 60% for more than 5 h in daylight. Sampathkumar et al. [31] reported that many traditional and nontraditional techniques have been developed for distillation. The production is related to the thermal conductivity of coating and condensing materials, and copper has good performance because it has high thermal conductivity. Allouhi [32] studied the progress of thermoelectric solar thermal cogeneration processes and the integration of solar thermoelectric generators in solar thermal collectors. This integration provides thermal and electrical energy, which implies a good control of solar radiation. Dev and Tiwari [33] studied the characteristics of a hybrid solar still (PV-T). A hybrid solar still is a combination of a solar still and a flat plate collector integrated in a glass-to-glass photovoltaic module. It has been observed that the performance of the nonlinear characteristics is better than that of the linear characteristics. Kabeel et al. [34] have studied different types of solar still. The results show that the maximum production is obtained from a solar still with a single slope and pyramidal shape. Qin et al. [35] theoretically studied solar thermal sources of interest for hybrid solar distillation. In another study, Qin [36] provided a measure of the albedo of an urban prototype. They sequentially covered a target area with an opaque white sun mask. They simultaneously measure incident radiation and reflected radiation. Other data in different formulations and subject to distinct conditions have been recently dealt with Sharan et al. [37], Alawee et al. [38, 39], Essa et al. [40], Xiong et al. [41], and Mandi et al. [42].In this study, we are investigating the possibility of improving productivity and extending nighttime solar distillation using a hybrid solar still and the reduction of the negative impact of weather factors on the production of the solar still. The proposed hybrid still is a coupling system between a greenhouse still, a parabolic cylindro concentrator, and an autonomous photovoltaic generator with a thermal electric converter. These various sources are temperature generators which are used to evaporate the water in the solar still.


## 2. System Description

Figure1 illustrates a solar still which was combined with a photovoltaic generator and a parabolic cylindro-parabolic concentrator to have a hybrid system [42]. The operation of this system is based on passive solar energy and the conversion of thermal energy through a cylindro-parabolic concentrator and an autonomous photovoltaic system. The latter supplies converters from electrical energy to thermal energy.Figure 1
Thermal balance of the absorber tube of the CCP concentrator [42].The batteries store electrical energy and keep the system running, at times when the sun’s rays are weak. The productivity and the operating time determine the size and the cost of the system. The hybrid system can operate during the additional hours of sunset thanks to the autonomy of the photovoltaic generator.


## 3. Mathematical Model

### 3.1. Assumptions

For the calculation of the energy balance, one poses the following:(i)
The fluid is incompressible(ii)
The parabola is symmetrical(iii)
The ambient temperature is uniform(iv)
The glass is opaque to infrared radiation(v)
The flow is one-dimensional(vi)
Temporal variations in the thickness of the absorber and the glass are negligible(vii)
The exchange by conduction in the absorber and the glass is negligible(viii)
The effect of the shadow of the absorber tube on the mirror is negligible(ix)
The solar flux of the absorber is uniform


### 3.2. Cylindro-Parabolic Concentrator

#### 3.2.1. Energy Balance for the Fluid

The energy balance of the fluid moving in the absorber is [43](1)ddtΔQfz,t=qinlz,t−qoutz+Δz,t⋅Δz.The amount of heat recovered by the fluidΔQFz,t in the interval Δz is(2)ΔQFz,t=ρF−cFAinternal⋅ΔzTFz,t,AA,internal=π⋅DA,i.The amount of heat entering and leaving the element of lengthΔz is(3)qenteredz,t=ρFCFV′TFz,t,qenteredz+Δz,t=ρFCFV′TFz+Δz,t,ρFcFAA,internal⋅ΔzdTFz,tdt=ρFcFV′⋅TFz,t−ρFcFV′⋅TFz+Δz,t+qexitz,t.The partial derivative with respect to the abscissa z is(4)dTFz,tΔz=dTFz+Δz,t−TFz,tΔz.In divisions byΔz and after substitution, we get(5)ρFCFAA,internaldTFz,tdt=−ρFcFV′⋅dTFz,tdt+qusefulz,t.The initial conditions and the boundary conditions are(6)TF0,t=TF,enteredt=Tambt,TFz,0=TF,initialz=Tamb0.


#### 3.2.2. Between the Absorber and the Glass Envelope

(7)dzΔQAz,tdt=qabsorbedt−qinsidez,t−qusefulz,tΔz,ΔQabsz,t=Aabs⋅ρabs⋅Cabs⋅Δz⋅Tabsz,t.The power absorbed per unit of opening area is written as follows:(8)qabsorbed=I⋅ρ⋅τ⋅C⋅γ.After substitution, we get the following expression:(9)ρabs⋅Cabs⋅AabsdTabsdt=qabsorbedt−qinsidez,t−qusefulz,t.The initial conditions are(10)TAz,0=TA,initialz=Tamb0.


#### 3.2.3. Between the Glass Envelope and the Environment

(11)ρvCvAvdTvz,tdt=qinternalz,t−qexternalz,t.The amount of external heat between the glazing and the surrounding environment is shown.The initial condition is as follows:(12)Tgz,0=Tg,initialz=Tamb0.


### 3.3. Green House Distiller

Figure1 (part B) illustrates the different heat exchanges that occur in a solar still. The equations, which express the heat balance at the level of each part of the still [44], are written as follows:(i)
In the cover:(a)
Outside:(13)Mg2⋅cpgAg⋅dTgedt+qg−ac+qg−ar=λgeg⋅Tgi−Tge(b)
Inner face:(14)Mg2⋅cpgAg⋅dTgidt+λgeg⋅Tgi−Tge=qw−gc+qw−gr+qw−gev+Pg(ii)
In the brine:(15)Mw⋅cpwAw⋅dTwdt+qw−gc+qw−gr+qw−gev=pw+qb−wc(a)
In the absorbent tray:(16)Mb⋅cpbAb⋅dTbdt+qb−wc+qb−isicd=pb(iii)
In the insulation:To reduce heat loss through the base, we use thermal insulation. The inner side of the still receives the heat lost from the absorber and the outer side releases heat to the outside by radiation and convection, hence the equation:(a)
Inner face:(17)Mis2⋅cpisAis⋅dTisidt+λiseis⋅Tisi−Tise=qb−isicd(b)
Outside face:(18)Mis2⋅cpisAis⋅dTisedt+qis−ac+qis−ar=λiseis⋅Tisi−Tise


### 3.4. Hybrid Distiller

(19)MwcpwAwdTwdt+qw−gc+qw−gr+qw−ger=pw+mcpTcc−Tw0+mcpTel−Tw0+qb−wc.


### 3.5. Estimated Consumption

The power of all the devices that will be part of the installation must be determined individually, as well as the average duration of use of each of them [45]:The alternating and direct current devices will be(20)EAC=∑PACi⋅tdi,EDC=∑PDCi⋅tdi,ET=EDCηBAT+EACηBAT⋅ηINV.


### 3.6. Dimensioning of the Photovoltaic Generator

The total number of photovoltaic modules to be installed can be calculated from the following expression [46]:(21)NT=ETPpGmβPG.The number of modules to be connected in series is calculated as follows:(22)NS=VBatVm.The number of modules connected in parallel is(23)NS=VBatVm.


### 3.7. Autonomy

To define the size of the accumulator, the following parameters must be taken into account:


#### 3.7.1. Maximum Discharge Depth

This is the maximum level of discharge that is allowed to the battery before disconnecting the regulator.


#### 3.7.2. Autonomy Days

This is the number of consecutive days in the absence of sunlight. The accumulation system is able to respond to consumption, without exceeding the maximum depth of discharge of the battery [47].(24)CnWh=ETNPd,CnAh=CnWhVBat.


### 3.8. Sizing of the Regulator

The main purpose of the regulator is to obtain the maximum current that will flow through the installation. We need to calculate the current produced by the generator, the current that consumes the load. The maximum of these two currents will be at which the regulator must withstand in operation:(25)IG=IR⋅NR,IR=PpηmVm.The intensity consumed by the load is determined taking into account all the consumptions at the same time:(26)IC=PDCVbatm+PAC220.The regulator will have to withstand the maximum of the two currents which will be used for its election.(27)IR=maxIG,IC.


### 3.9. Dimensioning of the Converter

The operating characteristics that define an inverter or converter are DC-AC:(i)
Rated power(ii)
Input voltage(iii)
Rated output voltage(iv)
Operating frequency(v)
PerformanceThe power demanded by the AC load will be taken into account, so an inverter with a rated power slightly higher than the maximum will be chosen.


#### 3.9.1. The Expression of the Power of the Inverter

(28)PRinv≈PAC.


### 3.10. Dimensioning of the Wiring

In the load power cables, there will be losses due to voltage drops. These ohmic losses must meet the restrictive of the following two conditions:(1)
The low voltage electrotechnical standards must be checked(2)
The energy loss must be less than a predefined amountIts value can be calculated with the following expressions:(29)PPC=I2⋅Rc,Rc=ρ⋅LS.


### 3.11. Conversion of Electrical Energy to Thermal Energy

The system consists of a photovoltaic network which produces electrical energy feed heating resistors, which convert electrical energy into thermal energy.(30)Q=m⋅Cp⋅ΔT,P=V⋅R=R⋅I2,Q=P⋅Δt,ΔT=P⋅Δtm⋅Cp.


## 3.1. Assumptions

For the calculation of the energy balance, one poses the following:(i)
The fluid is incompressible(ii)
The parabola is symmetrical(iii)
The ambient temperature is uniform(iv)
The glass is opaque to infrared radiation(v)
The flow is one-dimensional(vi)
Temporal variations in the thickness of the absorber and the glass are negligible(vii)
The exchange by conduction in the absorber and the glass is negligible(viii)
The effect of the shadow of the absorber tube on the mirror is negligible(ix)
The solar flux of the absorber is uniform


## 3.2. Cylindro-Parabolic Concentrator

### 3.2.1. Energy Balance for the Fluid

The energy balance of the fluid moving in the absorber is [43](1)ddtΔQfz,t=qinlz,t−qoutz+Δz,t⋅Δz.The amount of heat recovered by the fluidΔQFz,t in the interval Δz is(2)ΔQFz,t=ρF−cFAinternal⋅ΔzTFz,t,AA,internal=π⋅DA,i.The amount of heat entering and leaving the element of lengthΔz is(3)qenteredz,t=ρFCFV′TFz,t,qenteredz+Δz,t=ρFCFV′TFz+Δz,t,ρFcFAA,internal⋅ΔzdTFz,tdt=ρFcFV′⋅TFz,t−ρFcFV′⋅TFz+Δz,t+qexitz,t.The partial derivative with respect to the abscissa z is(4)dTFz,tΔz=dTFz+Δz,t−TFz,tΔz.In divisions byΔz and after substitution, we get(5)ρFCFAA,internaldTFz,tdt=−ρFcFV′⋅dTFz,tdt+qusefulz,t.The initial conditions and the boundary conditions are(6)TF0,t=TF,enteredt=Tambt,TFz,0=TF,initialz=Tamb0.


### 3.2.2. Between the Absorber and the Glass Envelope

(7)dzΔQAz,tdt=qabsorbedt−qinsidez,t−qusefulz,tΔz,ΔQabsz,t=Aabs⋅ρabs⋅Cabs⋅Δz⋅Tabsz,t.The power absorbed per unit of opening area is written as follows:(8)qabsorbed=I⋅ρ⋅τ⋅C⋅γ.After substitution, we get the following expression:(9)ρabs⋅Cabs⋅AabsdTabsdt=qabsorbedt−qinsidez,t−qusefulz,t.The initial conditions are(10)TAz,0=TA,initialz=Tamb0.


### 3.2.3. Between the Glass Envelope and the Environment

(11)ρvCvAvdTvz,tdt=qinternalz,t−qexternalz,t.The amount of external heat between the glazing and the surrounding environment is shown.The initial condition is as follows:(12)Tgz,0=Tg,initialz=Tamb0.


## 3.2.1. Energy Balance for the Fluid

The energy balance of the fluid moving in the absorber is [43](1)ddtΔQfz,t=qinlz,t−qoutz+Δz,t⋅Δz.The amount of heat recovered by the fluidΔQFz,t in the interval Δz is(2)ΔQFz,t=ρF−cFAinternal⋅ΔzTFz,t,AA,internal=π⋅DA,i.The amount of heat entering and leaving the element of lengthΔz is(3)qenteredz,t=ρFCFV′TFz,t,qenteredz+Δz,t=ρFCFV′TFz+Δz,t,ρFcFAA,internal⋅ΔzdTFz,tdt=ρFcFV′⋅TFz,t−ρFcFV′⋅TFz+Δz,t+qexitz,t.The partial derivative with respect to the abscissa z is(4)dTFz,tΔz=dTFz+Δz,t−TFz,tΔz.In divisions byΔz and after substitution, we get(5)ρFCFAA,internaldTFz,tdt=−ρFcFV′⋅dTFz,tdt+qusefulz,t.The initial conditions and the boundary conditions are(6)TF0,t=TF,enteredt=Tambt,TFz,0=TF,initialz=Tamb0.


## 3.2.2. Between the Absorber and the Glass Envelope

(7)dzΔQAz,tdt=qabsorbedt−qinsidez,t−qusefulz,tΔz,ΔQabsz,t=Aabs⋅ρabs⋅Cabs⋅Δz⋅Tabsz,t.The power absorbed per unit of opening area is written as follows:(8)qabsorbed=I⋅ρ⋅τ⋅C⋅γ.After substitution, we get the following expression:(9)ρabs⋅Cabs⋅AabsdTabsdt=qabsorbedt−qinsidez,t−qusefulz,t.The initial conditions are(10)TAz,0=TA,initialz=Tamb0.


## 3.2.3. Between the Glass Envelope and the Environment

(11)ρvCvAvdTvz,tdt=qinternalz,t−qexternalz,t.The amount of external heat between the glazing and the surrounding environment is shown.The initial condition is as follows:(12)Tgz,0=Tg,initialz=Tamb0.


## 3.3. Green House Distiller

Figure1 (part B) illustrates the different heat exchanges that occur in a solar still. The equations, which express the heat balance at the level of each part of the still [44], are written as follows:(i)
In the cover:(a)
Outside:(13)Mg2⋅cpgAg⋅dTgedt+qg−ac+qg−ar=λgeg⋅Tgi−Tge(b)
Inner face:(14)Mg2⋅cpgAg⋅dTgidt+λgeg⋅Tgi−Tge=qw−gc+qw−gr+qw−gev+Pg(ii)
In the brine:(15)Mw⋅cpwAw⋅dTwdt+qw−gc+qw−gr+qw−gev=pw+qb−wc(a)
In the absorbent tray:(16)Mb⋅cpbAb⋅dTbdt+qb−wc+qb−isicd=pb(iii)
In the insulation:To reduce heat loss through the base, we use thermal insulation. The inner side of the still receives the heat lost from the absorber and the outer side releases heat to the outside by radiation and convection, hence the equation:(a)
Inner face:(17)Mis2⋅cpisAis⋅dTisidt+λiseis⋅Tisi−Tise=qb−isicd(b)
Outside face:(18)Mis2⋅cpisAis⋅dTisedt+qis−ac+qis−ar=λiseis⋅Tisi−Tise


## 3.4. Hybrid Distiller

(19)MwcpwAwdTwdt+qw−gc+qw−gr+qw−ger=pw+mcpTcc−Tw0+mcpTel−Tw0+qb−wc.


## 3.5. Estimated Consumption

The power of all the devices that will be part of the installation must be determined individually, as well as the average duration of use of each of them [45]:The alternating and direct current devices will be(20)EAC=∑PACi⋅tdi,EDC=∑PDCi⋅tdi,ET=EDCηBAT+EACηBAT⋅ηINV.


## 3.6. Dimensioning of the Photovoltaic Generator

The total number of photovoltaic modules to be installed can be calculated from the following expression [46]:(21)NT=ETPpGmβPG.The number of modules to be connected in series is calculated as follows:(22)NS=VBatVm.The number of modules connected in parallel is(23)NS=VBatVm.


## 3.7. Autonomy

To define the size of the accumulator, the following parameters must be taken into account:


### 3.7.1. Maximum Discharge Depth

This is the maximum level of discharge that is allowed to the battery before disconnecting the regulator.


### 3.7.2. Autonomy Days

This is the number of consecutive days in the absence of sunlight. The accumulation system is able to respond to consumption, without exceeding the maximum depth of discharge of the battery [47].(24)CnWh=ETNPd,CnAh=CnWhVBat.


## 3.7.1. Maximum Discharge Depth

This is the maximum level of discharge that is allowed to the battery before disconnecting the regulator.


## 3.7.2. Autonomy Days

This is the number of consecutive days in the absence of sunlight. The accumulation system is able to respond to consumption, without exceeding the maximum depth of discharge of the battery [47].(24)CnWh=ETNPd,CnAh=CnWhVBat.


## 3.8. Sizing of the Regulator

The main purpose of the regulator is to obtain the maximum current that will flow through the installation. We need to calculate the current produced by the generator, the current that consumes the load. The maximum of these two currents will be at which the regulator must withstand in operation:(25)IG=IR⋅NR,IR=PpηmVm.The intensity consumed by the load is determined taking into account all the consumptions at the same time:(26)IC=PDCVbatm+PAC220.The regulator will have to withstand the maximum of the two currents which will be used for its election.(27)IR=maxIG,IC.


## 3.9. Dimensioning of the Converter

The operating characteristics that define an inverter or converter are DC-AC:(i)
Rated power(ii)
Input voltage(iii)
Rated output voltage(iv)
Operating frequency(v)
PerformanceThe power demanded by the AC load will be taken into account, so an inverter with a rated power slightly higher than the maximum will be chosen.


### 3.9.1. The Expression of the Power of the Inverter

(28)PRinv≈PAC.


## 3.9.1. The Expression of the Power of the Inverter

(28)PRinv≈PAC.


## 3.10. Dimensioning of the Wiring

In the load power cables, there will be losses due to voltage drops. These ohmic losses must meet the restrictive of the following two conditions:(1)
The low voltage electrotechnical standards must be checked(2)
The energy loss must be less than a predefined amountIts value can be calculated with the following expressions:(29)PPC=I2⋅Rc,Rc=ρ⋅LS.


## 3.11. Conversion of Electrical Energy to Thermal Energy

The system consists of a photovoltaic network which produces electrical energy feed heating resistors, which convert electrical energy into thermal energy.(30)Q=m⋅Cp⋅ΔT,P=V⋅R=R⋅I2,Q=P⋅Δt,ΔT=P⋅Δtm⋅Cp.


## 4. Results and Discussion

Figure2 shows the temporal variation of latent heat during the evening. At 6 pm, the latent heat is at the minimum because the temperature is high, but at 24 pm, the latent heat is at the maximum because the temperature is at the minimum. It is concluded that the temperature influences the latent heat inversely.Figure 2
Temporal variation of latent heat of water.Figures3(a) and 3(b) show the temporal variation of the following parameters: the number of batteries and the number of panels, respectively. From 18 pm to 24 pm, the storage system produces the temperature overnight. It is noted that the number of photovoltaic elements increases, due to the temperature requested during the night.Figure 3
Variation of number of (a) batteries and (b) panels as a function of time of distillation.
(a)(b)Figures4(a) and 4(b) show the temporal variation of thermal power and electric power, respectively. At 18 pm, thermal and electrical powers are high due to thermal storage. From 18 pm to 24 pm, they are weak because of the solar radiation, which is zero.Figure 4
Temporal variation of (a) electric power and (b) thermal power.
(a)(b)Figure5 shows the variation in production over time. It is maximum at 18 pm due to the high thermal power generated by several energy sources in the system. From 18 pm to 24 pm, production decreases up to 24 h because the electrical storage is exhausted.Figure 5
Temporal variation of the production of the autonomous hybrid distiller.Figure6 shows the temporal variation of the specific heat of water which hangs from maximum values at 18 pm, then decreases to minimum values at 24 pm, due to the temperature, which is low at 24 pm.Figure 6
Temporal variation of the specific heat of water.Figures7(a)–7(c) show the temporal variation of the overall efficiency, internal efficiency, and performance, respectively, which hang from maximum values at 18 pm. These settings decrease slightly from 18 pm to 10 pm due to the stored temperature. From 10 pm to 24 pm, the above items decrease rapidly, as the temperature decreases to minimum values.Figure 7
Temporal variation of (a) global efficiency, (b) internal efficiency, and (c) performance.
(a)(b)(c)Figure8 shows the variation in electrical resistance which converts electrical energy stored by batteries to thermal energy overnight. A 68-ohm resistor maintains the distillation temperature for up to 24 hours. From 6 pm to midnight, we observe the evolution of the cost of distillation during the night.Figure 8
Temporal variation of the electrical resistance.Figure9 shows that the time and amount of distillation increase the number of batteries and solar panels. In addition, the cost increases due to the number of the two previous parameters.Figure 9
Variation of installation cost as a function of time.Figure10 shows the temporal variation of the water temperature. At 18 pm, the temperature is high due to multiple energy sources and heat build-up. From 18 pm to 24 pm, the temperature decreases slowly thanks to the energy stored up to 24 pm.Figure 10
Variation of water temperature at sunset.Figure11 shows the variation in production over time. From 12 pm to 14 pm, production reaches 100 L/m2, because the solar radiation is powerful. At 18 pm, the production is almost 20 L/m2 due to the absence of solar radiation. From 18 pm to 24 pm, the production is less than 20 L/m2 during the night, due to the autonomy of the system.Figure 11
Temporal variation of the production of the hybrid distiller coupled with CCP and the system of autonomy.Figure12 shows the temporal variation of the production with a stop of operation of the autonomy which illustrated in the diagram from 18 h to 19 h. Then, the autonomy system begins to operate from 19 pm to midnight, which is why production grows at an average value of 16 L/m2. At 23 pm, production slowly decreases to 0 L/m2 at 24 pm, as the electrical energy storage is depleted.Figure 12
Effect of the delay of operation of the autonomy on the temporal variation of the production of the distiller coupled with a CCP and the autonomy.Figure13 shows the variation over time in the production of the following distillers: greenhouse still, hybrid still, hybrid still coupled to the CCP, and hybrid still coupled to the CCP and the autonomy system. The latter is the most efficient than the others and offers the advantage of night distillation from 18 pm to midnight.Figure 13
Temporal variation of the production of distillers.


## 5. Validations

Two experimental have been made on the coupling which shows that this method is effective in increasing the efficiency of solar stills. Elbar and Hassan [48] experimented with the coupling of a photovoltaic module and the integration of phase change materials with the conventional solar tank (CSS). The results indicate that the combination of PV with CSS increases its production by 9%. Using the phase change pole with the PV coupled still increases their daily efficiency to 11.7%. Fathy et al. [49] experimentally studied the performance of coupling a parabolic collector with a double slope solar still. The results show that the solar still with the parabolic collector has a higher output than the conventional solar still. Freshwater production from the solar still with the parabolic collector followed about 142.3% at a saltwater depth of 20 mm in summer.


## 6. Conclusion

Combining several solar energy sources in one system, it improves and prolongs solar distillation at night. The coupling of concentrators or solar collectors and photovoltaic energy produces powerful thermal energy. It increases the thermal power of the passive still and improves its efficiency. The production reaches the maximum of 100 L/m2 from noon to 14 pm, because the solar radiation is strong. From 16 pm to 18 pm, the production decreases to 20 L/m2, due to the weak solar rays. From 18 pm to 24 pm, the production of the still takes average values thanks to the autonomy of the system. From 18 pm to 19 pm, a time difference is clearly visible in the production diagram due to an autonomy malfunction. From 19 pm to 24 pm, the autonomy system resumes operation and production increases to average values. Finally, the hybrid still, coupled with the CCP and an autonomous system, is more efficient than the other distillers proposed by various researches. In addition, it offers an advantage of distillation which lasts from 18 pm to 24 pm. The results show that the coupling of different thermal sources has several advantages for solar distillation. For example, it improves productivity, decreases the effect of meteorological factors on production, and prolongs the production time of the greenhouse still. From the study, it was noticed that thermal electrical conversion is a necessary factor that can improve still productivity to values of great interest for hybrid solar distillation.



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*Source: 6631121-2021-07-22.xml*