Evaluation of the Efficiency of Pyramid solar stills under Different Salinity and Water Depth Levels in a Semi-Arid Region

Sadeghi, Razieh; Ahmadaali, Khaled; Kosari, Sina; Zare, Salman; Khalighi Sigaroodi, Shahram

doi:10.22092/idser.2025.368750.1608

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

² Department of Irrigation and Reclamation Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

³ Department of Irrigation and Reclamation Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

10.22092/idser.2025.368750.1608

Abstract

Extended Abstract
Introduction
       Freshwater scarcity is a critical global issue, especially in arid and semi-arid regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where water demand is rising due to population growth and increasing competition across agricultural, domestic, and industrial sectors. To address these challenges, utilizing unconventional water sources such as seawater, brackish water, and agricultural drainage water becomes essential. Among the various desalination methods, solar desalination has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective solution, particularly for remote areas with abundant solar radiation but limited freshwater resources. Pyramid solar stills, due to their simple design, low operational costs, and minimal maintenance requirements, provide an efficient and environmentally friendly approach to freshwater production. These systems harness renewable solar energy, making them a clean and sustainable alternative that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and minimizes environmental impact. As a result, pyramid solar stills are a practical and viable option for decentralized water supply in water-scarce regions.
Methodology
       The experiment was conducted at the Soil and Water Research Farm of the University of Tehran, located in Karaj, to evaluate the freshwater production efficiency of pyramid solar stills under varying salinity levels and water depths. The study area covered a total surface of 70 m² (20 m × 3.5 m). Saline water required for the stills was sourced from a drainage canal. Five pyramid solar stills with glass covers were used, each having a base area of 1 × 1 m and a height of 0.18 m. Three different water depth scenarios were investigated: D₁ (1 cm), D₂ (3 cm), and D₃ (5 cm). Additionally, five salinity levels were considered: S₁(5000 µS/cm), S₂ (10000 µS/cm), S₃ (20000 µS/cm), S₄ (30000 µS/cm), and S₅ (40000 µS/cm). The experiment was conducted during both spring and summer to account for seasonal variations in meteorological conditions. Finally, different regression models were developed to predict the performance of pyramid solar stills under varying water depths and salinity levels, and their accuracy was evaluated using two statistical indices, R² and RMSE.
Results and Discussion
       Meteorological analysis showed that peak ambient temperature and solar radiation occurred between 12 PM and 3 PM in both spring and summer, with temperatures decreasing as solar radiation declined. The key driver of freshwater production in solar still pyramids was the temperature difference between the water and the glass cover, which enhanced evaporation. Water temperature analysis at depths of 1 cm, 3 cm, and 5 cm indicated faster heating at shallower depths, with a peak of 50°C at 1 cm depth. Freshwater yield decreased as salinity increased from 5000 to 40000 µS/cm, with reductions of up to 20% at a depth of 5 cm. Similarly, increasing water depth from 1 cm to 5 cm at 5000 µS/cm salinity reduced freshwater production by 12%. This decline was attributed to increased osmotic pressure lowering the evaporation rate. Overall, system performance decreased with rising salinity and water depth, though efficiency remained higher in summer. Nonlinear models, including power, rational, and polynomial models, provided better predictions than linear models, highlighting the nonlinear nature of system performance concerning salinity and water depth.
Conclusions
       This study underscores the importance of optimizing solar still designs to enhance fresh water production under different environmental and operational conditions. The findings reveal that the temperature difference between the water and glass cover plays a crucial role in the distillation process, with higher temperature gradients leading to improved evaporation rates. Additionally, the results show that reducing water depth and salinity significantly boosts system performance. Nonlinear models were found to be more effective than linear ones in predicting the performance of the stills, reflecting the complex relationships between key variables. Moreover, the research emphasizes the need for considering local environmental conditions, such as latitude and solar radiation, for optimal design. Overall, these insights provide valuable guidance for improving solar still efficiency in arid and water-scarce regions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Pressurized Irrigation Systems

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Irrigation and Drainage Structures Engineering Research

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Pyramid solar stills under Different Salinity and Water Depth Levels in a Semi-Arid Region

References

References

Volume 25, Winter - Serial Number 97
February 2025
Pages 118-95

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Pyramid solar stills under Different Salinity and Water Depth Levels in a Semi-Arid Region

References

References

Volume 25, Winter - Serial Number 97February 2025Pages 118-95

Volume 25, Winter - Serial Number 97
February 2025
Pages 118-95