A review of the application of a thermoelectric module (TEM) in solar still

Abstract

A solar still is a low-cost device for the generation of freshwater. However, the yield of conventional solar still is meagre; thus, the researchers have used various active and passive methods to augment the freshwater production from a solar still. This article reports the various developments in solar stills using TEMs. TEMs are used for heating, cooling or simultaneous heating and cooling purposes or even generating electricity in solar still. Researchers have used the TEMs in solar still with evacuated tubes, parabolic collectors, heat storage materials, heat sinks, heat pipe and finned tanks. The maximum freshwater yield on TECs is eight times more than the yield with the glass. It is observed that with the use of TEGs to produce electricity and using this electricity to produce forced convection, the daily yield is increased by 14%.

Abbreviations: HDH: humidification and dehumidification; PCM: phase change material; PTSS: portable thermoelectric solar still; PV: photovoltaic; SS: solar still; TEC: thermoelectric cooler; TEG: thermoelectric generator; TEM: thermoelectric module

Highlights

• A solar still is a low-cost device for the generation of freshwater.

• The present study reviews the use of TEMs in solar still for the last two decades.

• The use of TEMs in solar still enhances its productivity.

• Solar still using TEMs are also equipped with other devices like evacuated tubes, parabolic collectors, heat storage materials, heat sinks, heat pipe and finned tank.

• The portable solar still using TEMs are also discussed, but their yield is low.

KEYWORDS:

• Solar still
• thermoelectric
• water productivity
• desalination
• yield

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).