Experimental study and 4E analysis on vertical solar desalination system integrated with flat external reflectors

This study investigates the effectiveness of a vertical solar desalination system in Semnan, Iran, using different mass flow rates. The results showed that the maximum productivity, energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and recovery ratio for the stand-alone system were 1844.2 ml/m 2 , 25.6 %, 1.2 %, and 45.7 %, respectively. Integrating the reflectors at optimal angles into vertical solar desalination improved productivity, energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and recovery ratio to 2705 ml/m 2 , 35 %, 1.6 %, and 65.3 %, respectively. Consequently, the output of distillate water increased compared to the stand-alone mode by about 37.8 %, 33.2 %, and 28.6 %, respectively. Economic analysis was conducted for both modes, revealing that the costs of producing freshwater for the stand-alone system and with reflectors were 0.072 and 0.116 $/l/m 2 . The maximum payback time for energy is 2 years. Additionally, the minimum guaranteed emission reduction potential over a 20-year lifespan in stand-alone mode is approximately 15.20 tons of CO 2 , 0.109 tons of SO 2 , and 0.045 tons of NO. When reflectors are used, the potential increases to 20 tons of CO 2 , 0.144 tons of SO 2 , and 0.060 tons of NO. The proposed vertical distiller, with its high yield, reasonable production costs for distillate, and environmental benefits, is a strong device for freshwater generation. • A vertical solar desalination system in Semnan, Iran with and without reflectors has been investigated. • Maximum efficiency, energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and recovery ratio increased by using reflectors. • The evaporative heat transfer coefficients in stand-alone mode range from 2.0 to 12.0 W/m 2 -K, and with reflectors range from 0.6 to 31.4 W/m 2 -K. • Distilled water production cost of the stand-alone and reflector desalination systems is 0.072 and 0.116 $/l/m 2 .