Assessment of a Hybrid Renewable Energy Solution for Arid Regions: Integration of Photovoltaic-Thermal, Distillation, and Thermoelectric Systems (VMED-PVT-TC)
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Assistant Professor, Jundishapur University of Technology, Dezful, Dezful, Iran
Abstract
Given the increasing challenges in providing fresh water in remote and arid regions, the use of solar distillation systems, particularly in combination with modern technologies, has gained attention as a sustainable approach. Although vertical multi-effect diffusion solar stills (VMED) are widely used due to their simple design, high efficiency, and good water quality, optimizing their energy consumption and improving their productivity remains a challenge. In this context, the existing research gap pertains to the loss of thermal energy and the lack of effective integrated approaches for its recovery. This study aims to enhance the efficiency of solar-thermal desalination systems by analyzing the performance of a hybrid system consisting of photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) panels, thermoelectric modules, and a vertical multi-effect diffusion distillation unit. In the system design, PV/T panels are responsible for simultaneously supplying electrical and thermal energy, while thermoelectric modules are used for cooling and reducing the temperature of the condensation plate, which directly affects freshwater production. Performance evaluation of the system indicates a maximum freshwater production of 2.5 liters in 8765 hours. Over a year, the use of the thermoelectric effect on the distillation unit increases the system’s freshwater production efficiency by 23%. Additionally, it was found that the thermoelectric cooler performs better at lower temperatures, as it can reduce the outlet air temperature below the dew point. The maximum moisture removed by the thermoelectric cooler was 0.035 kg in 8765 hours.
kamyab, M. H., Abbassian Arani, A. A., & Esfandeh, S. (2025). Assessment of a Hybrid Renewable Energy Solution for Arid Regions: Integration of Photovoltaic-Thermal, Distillation, and Thermoelectric Systems (VMED-PVT-TC). Fluid Mechanics & Aerodynamics, 14(1), -.
MLA
Mohammad Hassan kamyab; Ali Akbar Abbassian Arani; Saeed Esfandeh. "Assessment of a Hybrid Renewable Energy Solution for Arid Regions: Integration of Photovoltaic-Thermal, Distillation, and Thermoelectric Systems (VMED-PVT-TC)", Fluid Mechanics & Aerodynamics, 14, 1, 2025, -.
HARVARD
kamyab, M. H., Abbassian Arani, A. A., Esfandeh, S. (2025). 'Assessment of a Hybrid Renewable Energy Solution for Arid Regions: Integration of Photovoltaic-Thermal, Distillation, and Thermoelectric Systems (VMED-PVT-TC)', Fluid Mechanics & Aerodynamics, 14(1), pp. -.
VANCOUVER
kamyab, M. H., Abbassian Arani, A. A., Esfandeh, S. Assessment of a Hybrid Renewable Energy Solution for Arid Regions: Integration of Photovoltaic-Thermal, Distillation, and Thermoelectric Systems (VMED-PVT-TC). Fluid Mechanics & Aerodynamics, 2025; 14(1): -.
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