Experimental Development and Performance Analysis of a Parabolic Solar Concentrator for Desalination and Treatment of Complex Wastewaters

Abstract

Facing the growing challenges linked to water pollution and the lack of potable water, solar distillation emerges as a promising solution. This study details the research and construction of a parabolic solar concentrator designed for the treatment of polluted waters. The targeted applications include treating effluents such as olive mill wastewater (marge), leachates, and conventional wastewater, alongside the desalination of seawater and brackish water. The primary objective of this work was to design an optimized prototype to maximize the efficiency of the distillation process utilizing solar energy. The research explored several critical factors that influence the concentrator’s performance. These factors included the geometry of the parabola, the type of reflective material employed, and the nature of the thermal receiver.Experimental trials were successfully conducted to evaluate the prototype’s effectiveness under varying climatic conditions. Crucially, physico-chemical analyses confirmed a notable reduction in pollutants present in the treated water.This work contributes to the preservation of water resources. By ensuring the necessary treatment of wastewater and offering a source of clean distilled water in resource-scarce regions, it actively promotes a transition toward sustainable and environmentally friendly energy.