Published Paper Details:

The present study focuses on the hybrid solar thermal water purification system with metaheuristic optimization for improved efficiency aimed at addressing the growing demand for safe drinking water using renewable energy sources. The proposed system utilizes solar energy as the primary power input, which is stored in a battery and subsequently used to operate a heating unit. Water is heated to a controlled temperature below its boiling point to initiate the purification process. The generated vapor is then condensed to obtain distilled water, which undergoes an additional filtration stage using a suitable filtering medium to enhance water quality. A secondary condensation stage ensures that the purified water is delivered at ambient temperature for direct consumption. The development process followed a systematic product design approach, beginning with the identification of user requirements and proceeding through design, prototyping, and evaluation stages. Furthermore, an economic assessment was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of large-scale production. To improve system performance, metaheuristic optimization techniques were applied to key processes, including heating, cooling, and purification. The results indicate that the proposed system is an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for decentralized water purification, particularly suitable for rural and remote areas. If implemented effectively, the system has significant potential to alleviate the scarcity of potable water.