Experimental analysis of a pyramid-type solar desalination unit improved by thermoelectric coolers

Access to clean water is an important problem worldwide today, and clean water resources are rapidly depleting due to the increasing population and the impact of global warming. It is predicted that half of the world's population will have problems accessing clean water by 2030. Therefore, obtaining clean water, especially from sources such as sea/ocean water, is a very important issue. Another issue that needs to be taken into consideration is not causing environmental disasters by using fossil fuel-based energies while obtaining clean water from these sources. In this regard, solar-powered desalination systems attract attention as an effective and efficient method. Thanks to these systems, clean water needs can be met in an efficient and environmentally friendly way, especially in rural areas far from the electricity grid. In this study, the clean water production performance of a pyramid-type solar desalination unit integrated with thermoelectric coolers was experimentally analyzed. A chamber with dimensions of 600X600 mm and a depth of 200 mm was produced, and a pyramid-type solar desalination unit was created with four glass surfaces with a height of 300 mm and a base area of 500 mm. By using thermoelectric coolers on glass surfaces, the condensation and collection of evaporated water in the channel is accelerated. Except for the glass surface, other parts of the chamber are insulated to prevent thermal losses. Experiments were carried out on different radiation fluxes and the results were observed.