Investigation of freshwater production and temperature changes of various components of a conventional and enhanced solar desalination ponds

Solar desalination ponds are a simple yet efficient technology that utilizes solar energy to convert saline water into fresh water. This method is especially useful in arid and semi-arid regions with limited access to fresh water. The process comprises three stages: (a) evaporation, (b) condensation, and (c) collection of fresh water. In essence, solar ponds provide stable, large-scale heat storage, while parabolic collectors boost the heat intensity and expand the application range. When combined, they create a more versatile and efficient solar thermal energy system. In this study, three types of solar desalination ponds were investigated. The first type is a conventional pond. The second and third types of ponds are equipped with fixed and movable parabolic collectors. As shown in this study, the maximum radiation intensity occurs at 12:00 PM. However, the maximum operating temperature for the solar desalination pond is observed at 1:00 PM. Laboratory data indicate that the maximum radiation intensity at 12:00 PM is 1121.5 W/m 2 , while the minimum radiation intensity is observed at 6:00 PM and equals 170 W/m 2 . The results of this study show that the internal glass surface temperature is slightly higher than the external glass surface temperature. Results show that the range of internal and external glass surface temperature changes is between 39.5°C to 54.6°C and 39.1°C to 53.3°C, respectively. This study shows that the maximum internal and external glass surface temperatures occur at 1:00 PM, reaching 54.6°C and 53.3°C, respectively. This work shows that the minimum and maximum brine temperatures are 16.6°C and 31.7°C, occurring at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM, respectively. This study shows that the internal and external glass temperature variations range from 13.6°C to 20.3°C and 13°C to 20°C. In addition, this research shows that the steam temperature varies between 19.1°C and 40°C.