Performance optimization of an IoT ‐enabled vibratory double‐slope solar still with carbon aerogel‐impregnated carbon fiber felt and phase change material

Abstract Freshwater scarcity and the low productivity of conventional solar stills create a need for improved desalination systems that enhance freshwater production while enabling continuous monitoring. To address this limitation, an IoT‐enabled vibratory double‐slope solar still integrating carbon aerogel‐impregnated carbon fiber felt (CA‐CFF), phase change material (PCM), and vibration‐assisted heat transfer was developed and experimentally investigated. The IoT system enables real‐time monitoring of key thermal and operating parameters during desalination. The novelty lies in the combined integration of CA‐CFF for photothermal evaporation, PCM for thermal energy storage, vibration for enhanced water mixing and heat transfer, and IoT‐based monitoring within a single double‐slope solar still, together with systematic multi‐parameter optimization. Four operating parameters, namely vibration amplitude (0.25–1.00 mm), vibration frequency (10–25 Hz), PCM mass (0.5–2.0 kg), and basin water depth (10–40 mm), were optimized using a Taguchi L16 orthogonal array. ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to evaluate parameter significance and predict performance. The optimum combination was A 4 –B 3 –C 4 –D 1 : 1.00 mm amplitude, 20 Hz frequency, 2.0 kg PCM, and 10 mm water depth. The experimental freshwater productivity reached 5600 mL/m 2 /day, compared with 5647.7 mL/m 2 /day predicted by the Taguchi mean‐response method and 5625.1 mL/m 2 /day by regression, with prediction errors below 1%. Maximum basin water and glass temperatures reached 69.8 and 54.1°C, respectively. The proposed system demonstrates potential for decentralized solar desalination with real‐time monitoring and optimized operation. Operating conditions, demonstrating its potential for decentralized solar desalination applications.