Comparative Performance Analysis of Novel Single-Slope Conventional Solar Still and Solar Still with ZnO Water Nanofluids through Experimental Investigation

Abstract

Aim: This research primary aim is to explore efficiency of utilizing ZnO nanoparticles in elevating the solar still productivity for purifying saltwater into freshwater. The study involves a comparison of the output of a solar still with and without the use of nanoparticles to assess the influence of ZnO nanoparticles on the still's performance. The results of this investigation are expected to contribute to the development of more sustainable techniques for converting seawater into freshwater. Material and Methods: Two sets of experiments were conducted in this research: Group 1, which utilized a conventional solar still without ZnO nanoparticles, and Group 2, which utilized a modified solar still containing ZnO nanoparticles. The study included a total of 40 samples, with 20 samples in each group. SPSS software was used to calculate the size of the samples. The data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics to obtain the mean and standard deviation of the results. The data gathered from the experiments were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The study found that the most effective systems for reducing the payback period for the still with ZnO nanofluids were up to almost 3 years. This duration is lower than that of the still with ordinary water, and they also outperform carbon nanotubes and other nanofluids. The mean amount of clean water produced by Group 1 and Group 2 was compared using an independent t-test sample. Using SPSS v26 statistical software an samplet test was conducted on the obtained results, and the significance was ensured from the obtained (two- tailed) test p value 0.000 (p< 0.05). Conclusion: The utilization of ZnO nanoparticles as an additive to the base fluid has led to a considerable improvement in the solar still's productivity. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.3% has significantly increased the daily yield, evaporation, and condensation rates. This enhancement in performance can result in a boost of up to

Keywords

• novel solar still
• desalination
• water
• depth
• zno nanoparticles
• nanofluid
• sustainable
• productivity