Title: Energy and exergy analysis of solar stills by using single and hybrid nanofluid and experimentally determined climatic conditions

Authors: Fatih Selimefendigil; Fethi Ahmet Çakmak; Hakan F. Öztop

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Celal Bayar University, 45140 Manisa, Turkey ' Soma Vocational School, Manisa Celal Bayar University, 45140 Manisa, Turkey ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technology Faculty, Fırat University, 23119 Elazığ, Turkey

Abstract: In this study, the performance improvement of solar stills using different nanofluids was investigated analytically. Addition of CNTs to water (case 1), addition of Cu-Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (case 2) and addition of Al₂O₃-MWCNT-graphene nanoparticles (case 3) were considered. By using binary nanofluid, 26.67% more water was obtained compared to the traditional distiller. Similarly, a 24.41% energy efficiency and 33.32% increase in exergy efficiency was achieved. Outcomes is useful for selection of appropriate hybrid nanoparticles in nano-enhanced solar stills as hybrid nanofluids in energy systems is considered due to the cost, stability and synergistic impacts of individual nanoparticles on the overall performance.

Keywords: energy efficiency; nanofluid; nanoparticle; solar still; heat transfer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2026.151380

International Journal of Exergy, 2026 Vol.49 No.1, pp.45 - 59

Received: 01 Apr 2025
Accepted: 16 Jul 2025
Published online: 26 Jan 2026 *

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