ORIGINAL PAPER
Enhancing the thermal efficiency of solar stills using magnesium oxide nanoparticles in a phase change material on a rotating hollow drum
1
Kirkuk Technical Engineering College, Northern Technical University, Iraq
2
Renewable Energy Research Center Kirkuk, Northern Technical University, Iraq
Submission date: 2025-08-31
Final revision date: 2025-09-12
Acceptance date: 2025-09-16
Publication date: 2026-06-30
Corresponding author
Hussein Hayder Mohammed Ali
Kirkuk Technical Engineering College, Northern Technical University, 36001, Kirkuk, Iraq
Kirkuk Technical Engineering College, Northern Technical University, 36001, Kirkuk, Iraq
Polityka Energetyczna – Energy Policy Journal 2026;29(2):165-186
KEYWORDS
thermal efficiencymagnesium oxide nanoparticlesphase change materials (PCM)solar stillrotating hollow drum
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
This study experimentally investigates the enhancement of thermal efficiency and freshwater productivity in a double-slope solar still through the integration of a rotating hollow metal cylinder combined with nano-enhanced phase change material (NPCM). Paraffin wax served as the latent heat storage medium, while magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles at 1% volumetric concentration were dispersed to improve thermal conductivity and heat distribution. The nanofluid was prepared via mechanical stirring and ultrasonic dispersion to ensure uniform stability. Field tests were conducted in Kirkuk, Iraq, from February to April 2025 under clear-sky conditions. The modified system achieved a maximum productivity of about 3,400 ml/m2 · day at 0.25 rpm and 3 cm water depth, which is more than six times higher than the 520 ml/m2 · day of the conventional still. Incorporating MgO nanoparticles raised the PCM tube temperature to 62°C compared to 46°C without additives, enhancing evaporation rates and extending production into nighttime hours. The improved design attained a peak thermal efficiency of 90%, outperforming PCM-only (66.5%) and smooth-cylinder (52.5%) systems. These gains are attributed to increased heat transfer surface area, superior thermal conductivity, and optimized rotational control. Compared with previous designs, the copper-tube cylinder with NPCM showed superior performance. Future studies should examine varying nanoparticle types, higher rotation-speed adaptability, and hybrid solar collector integration to further optimize cost-effectiveness and scalability in arid regions.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
METADATA IN OTHER LANGUAGES:
Polish
Zwiększanie wydajności termicznej destylatorów słonecznych z wykorzystaniem nanocząsteczek tlenku magnezu w materiale zmieniającym fazę, umieszczonym na obrotowym wydrążonym cylindrze
sprawność cieplna, nanocząsteczki tlenku magnezu, materiały zmiennofazowe (PCM), destylator słoneczny, obrotowy wydrążony cylinder
W niniejszym badaniu eksperymentalnie zbadano możliwość zwiększenia sprawności cieplnej i wydajności słodkiej wody w destylatorze słonecznym o podwójnym nachyleniu poprzez zastosowanie obrotowego wydrążonego cylindra metalowego w połączeniu z materiałem zmiennofazowym wzbogaconym nanocząstkami (NPCM). Jako nośnik energii cieplnej o cieple utajonym wykorzystano wosk parafinowy, natomiast w celu poprawy przewodności cieplnej i rozkładu ciepła dodano nanocząstki tlenku magnezu (MgO) w stężeniu objętościowym 1%. Nanofluid przygotowano poprzez mieszanie mechaniczne i dyspersję ultradźwiękową w celu zapewnienia jednolitej stabilności. Testy terenowe przeprowadzono w Kirkuku w Iraku w okresie od lutego do kwietnia 2025 r. przy bezchmurnym niebie. Zmodyfikowany system osiągnął maksymalną wydajność około 3400 ml/m2 · dzień przy 0,25 obr./min i głębokości wody 3 cm, co jest ponad sześciokrotnie wyższą wartością niż 520 ml/m2 · dzień w przypadku konwencjonalnej destylarni. Włączenie nanocząstek MgO podniosło temperaturę rurki PCM do 62°C w porównaniu z 46°C bez dodatków, zwiększając szybkość parowania i przedłużając produkcję do godzin nocnych. Ulepszona konstrukcja osiągnęła szczytową sprawność cieplną na poziomie 90%, przewyższając systemy oparte wyłącznie na PCM (66,5%) oraz cylindry o gładkiej powierzchni (52,5%). Te korzyści przypisuje się zwiększonej powierzchni wymiany ciepła, lepszej przewodności cieplnej oraz zoptymalizowanej kontroli obrotów. W porównaniu z poprzednimi konstrukcjami cylinder z rurami miedzianymi z NPCM wykazał się lepszą wydajnością. W przyszłych badaniach należy przeanalizować różne rodzaje nanocząstek, możliwość dostosowania do wyższych prędkości obrotowych oraz integrację z hybrydowymi kolektorami słonecznymi, aby jeszcze bardziej zoptymalizować opłacalność i skalowalność rozwiązań w regionach suchych.
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