Review on performance assessment of solar stills using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Danduprolu Purnachandrakumar1, Gaurav Mittal2, Ram K Sharma3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shiv Nadar University, NH - 91, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Tehsil Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India.
Summary
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is crucial for optimizing solar stills, a sustainable water purification method. Advanced CFD models now predict performance using only weather and solar data, enhancing efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science and engineering
- Renewable energy technologies
- Water resource management
Background:
- Environmental pollution and water scarcity are critical global challenges.
- Solar stills offer a sustainable solution for water purification.
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool for analyzing and optimizing solar still performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance and application of CFD in solar still analysis.
- To classify CFD modeling approaches for solar stills.
- To summarize key findings from CFD studies on solar still performance.
Main Methods:
- Classification of CFD studies based on modeling approach comprehensiveness (three categories).
- Presentation of assumptions and governing equations for different CFD models.
- Categorization of studies by solar still configuration, computational domain, and operational parameters.
Main Results:
- CFD modeling has evolved from simpler approaches requiring experimental data to advanced predictive models.
- Advanced CFD models can estimate solar still performance using ambient conditions and solar irradiation as inputs.
- Key results from various CFD studies on solar still performance are summarized.
Conclusions:
- CFD is an indispensable tool for the analysis, performance estimation, and design improvement of solar stills.
- The evolution of CFD modeling enhances the predictive capabilities for solar still technology.
- Comprehensive CFD analysis aids in maximizing the productivity of solar stills for sustainable water purification.
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