Ahmed, Omer K. , Algburi, Sameer , Daoud, Raid W. , Khaoula, Hidouri , Ali, Zaid H. , Aziz, Enas F.
2025-07-01 ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT-X 2025 27(卷), null(期), (null页)
This study reviews the performance of solar distillation systems when integrated with photovoltaic/thermal systems (PV/T), highlighting them as a promising and sustainable solution to address water scarcity issues, particularly in remote and arid areas. The research highlights the effectiveness of this integration in improving the productivity of pure water and increasing the thermal and electrical efficiency of the system. Studies have shown that integrating PV/T systems with solar distillers increased distilled water by up to 161.5 %, improving thermal efficiency by approximately 75.11 %, with recorded increases in electrical efficiency exceeding 20 % in some designs. The paper relied on a comprehensive review of experimental studies and numerical simulations published over the last decade, analyzing the impact of system design, water depth, and the use of materials such as nano oxides and phase change materials (PCM), in addition to climate conditions. Despite the noticeable performance improvements, the review indicates the presence of multiple challenges facing these systems, the most prominent of which are: high initial construction costs, maintenance difficulties, and complexities of expansion, especially in desert environments or areas with weak infrastructure. This review aims to provide a solid knowledge base to support researchers and designers in developing more efficient and sustainable hybrid systems to meet the increasing demand for drinking water through renewable energy solutions.