An experimental study of a solar air heater used in desalination to examine the contribution of a solar air heater to the desalination process

Abstract

In solar energy systems, a solar air heater is a crucial component that is designed to capture solar radiation, convert it to thermal energy at the absorber surface, and then transfer that heat to the air as it passes through the collector. This study evaluates a flat-plate air solar collector's performance, which is intended to improve a solar desalination system that uses humidification and dehumidification procedures. Results that highlight how different operational and design elements affect the collector's efficiency are presented in the report. Significantly, the study shows that thermal efficiency rises with increasing wind speed, peaking at $80 \%$ efficiency between 3 and 7m/s.