Journal of Solar Energy Research

Water Desalination and Power Generation Using a New and Innovative Single-slope Double-basin System

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 College of Health and Medical Techniques Al-Dour, Northern Technical University, Iraq

2 General Directorate of Education Salahaddin, Salahaddin, Iraq

3 Al-Dour Technical Institute, Northern Technical University, Iraq

10.22059/jser.2025.406743.1670

Abstract

While solar stills represent a sustainable solution for water desalination, their practical application is often hindered by modest productivity rates. This study presents a novel design aimed to enhance daily productivity through a double-basin configuration with a single condensation surface that separates the two. Peltier units enhance the condensation process by transferring heat between the two basins while simultaneously generating power. The redesigned setup, utilizing the upper basin as a water source, enhanced water extraction by increasing the condensation rate on the glass surface, as determined by productivity, absorption temperature, and generated voltage. The maximum water yield was recorded between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching approximately 0.479 L/hour, corresponding to a thermal gradient of about 17˚C. The daily yield was recorded at 0.8 L/day, 1.328 L/day, and 1.770 L/day for the system without the upper basin, with the Peltier unit basin, and with the Peltier unit basin coupled with a distillation basin, respectively. These results represent productivity enhancements of approximately 66% and 121%, respectively, indicating that the final modification significantly outperformed the conventional solar still by 221% in terms of overall daily output.

Keywords

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Journal of Solar Energy Research
Volume 10, Issue 4
October 2025
Pages 2616-2632