Enhanced Thermal Performance of a Hybrid Solar Air Distiller through Porous Baffle Integration

Abstract

In the context of growing global energy demand and increasing freshwater scarcity, the development of sustainable desalination technologies has become a major scientific and environmental challenge. Owing to its favorable geographical location, Algeria possesses considerable solar energy potential that remains largely underexploited. Among renewable energy applications, solar thermal distillation coupled with solar air heating systems represents an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for freshwater production, particularly in Saharan, arid, and semi-arid regions.This study presents the design and numerical modeling of a hybrid solar air distiller integrated with porous baffles to enhance thermo-hydraulic performance and heat transfer characteristics. The proposed system consists of a greenhouse-effect solar distiller combined with a flat-plate solar air collector. Porous baffles are incorporated within the airflow channel to improve turbulence intensity, increase air residence time, and promote convective heat exchange inside the distillation chamber. The operating principle is based on the greenhouse effect, where solar radiation is absorbed and converted into thermal energy. The heated air generated by the integrated solar collector is recovered and circulated through the distillation unit, leading to improved evaporation and condensation processes. The integration of porous baffles significantly enhances thermal energy utilization and contributes to higher system efficiency.The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid configuration improves heat transfer mechanisms and thermal performance compared with conventional solar distillation systems. Consequently, the developed system offers a promising renewable-energy-based solution for water desalination and solar heating applications in remote and water-scarce regions.