MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION OF SOLAR STILL YIELD USING HYBRID PV-T SYSTEMS WITH PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS AND FORCED CIRCULATION

Abstract

This study investigates the improvement of solar still yield by integrating forced circulation, enhanced heat recovery, and advanced techniques such as nanofluids, phase change materials (PCMs), and hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) systems. A robust numerical model is developed to simulate the performance of conventional passive and active solar stills, considering optimized operating, design, and environmental parameters. Experimental validation confirms a substantial increase in distillate yield (50–85%) compared to traditional systems. The research highlights the synergistic effects of forced circulation, heat recovery, and advanced materials on solar still efficiency, offering a sustainable solution for clean water production in arid and water-scarce regions. A cost-benefit analysis demonstrates the economic viability of the proposed enhancements. The findings provide critical insights for scaling solar distillation technology in off-grid and resource-limited communities.