Evaluating energy-exergy-economics-environmental footprint-enviroeconomics (5e) framework and sustainability metrics with a case study of a twin wedge solar still based desalination system

This study evaluates a Twin Wedge Solar Still (TWSS) against a Conventional Solar Still (CSS) using the 5E framework (energy efficiency, exercise efficiency, economic sustainability, environmental impact, environmental economics) and sustainability index criteria. Results under different temperature...

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Main Authors: Wesley Jeevadason Aruldoss, C. Bharatiraja, Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-07-01
Series:Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25004332
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author Wesley Jeevadason Aruldoss
C. Bharatiraja
Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban
author_facet Wesley Jeevadason Aruldoss
C. Bharatiraja
Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban
author_sort Wesley Jeevadason Aruldoss
collection DOAJ
description This study evaluates a Twin Wedge Solar Still (TWSS) against a Conventional Solar Still (CSS) using the 5E framework (energy efficiency, exercise efficiency, economic sustainability, environmental impact, environmental economics) and sustainability index criteria. Results under different temperature conditions indicate that TWSS achieves higher freshwater productivity and thermal energy efficiency, ranging from 17.7 % to 27.9 %, especially during times of low solar radiation. This improvement is due to the twin wedge glass cover design, which increases the condensation surface and aperture area to absorb solar radiation. Economically, TWSS reduces the production cost per litre by 33 % compared to CSS, which has a sustainability index of 1.018. From an environmental point of view, it reduces CO2, NOX and SO2 emissions by 19 %–42.4 % and shows reduced toxicity by 30 %–36.8 % in impact categories such as Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP) and Human Toxicity Potential (HTP). These advantages make TWSS an excellent option for freshwater production, especially in remote areas. Future research will focus on detailed Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC), including production, operation and disposal. In addition, the integration of energy storage and hybridization can increase efficiency and competitiveness compared to conventional desalination methods.
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spelling doaj-art-a29605b07d064c8d99f7e10ca01a86872025-08-20T03:18:37ZengElsevierCase Studies in Thermal Engineering2214-157X2025-07-017110617310.1016/j.csite.2025.106173Evaluating energy-exergy-economics-environmental footprint-enviroeconomics (5e) framework and sustainability metrics with a case study of a twin wedge solar still based desalination systemWesley Jeevadason Aruldoss0C. Bharatiraja1Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban2Centre for Smart Energy Systems, Chennai Institute of Technology, Kundrathur, Chennai, 600069, IndiaCentre for Electric Mobility (CEM), Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India; Corresponding author.Department of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Cybernetics, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, NorwayThis study evaluates a Twin Wedge Solar Still (TWSS) against a Conventional Solar Still (CSS) using the 5E framework (energy efficiency, exercise efficiency, economic sustainability, environmental impact, environmental economics) and sustainability index criteria. Results under different temperature conditions indicate that TWSS achieves higher freshwater productivity and thermal energy efficiency, ranging from 17.7 % to 27.9 %, especially during times of low solar radiation. This improvement is due to the twin wedge glass cover design, which increases the condensation surface and aperture area to absorb solar radiation. Economically, TWSS reduces the production cost per litre by 33 % compared to CSS, which has a sustainability index of 1.018. From an environmental point of view, it reduces CO2, NOX and SO2 emissions by 19 %–42.4 % and shows reduced toxicity by 30 %–36.8 % in impact categories such as Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP) and Human Toxicity Potential (HTP). These advantages make TWSS an excellent option for freshwater production, especially in remote areas. Future research will focus on detailed Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC), including production, operation and disposal. In addition, the integration of energy storage and hybridization can increase efficiency and competitiveness compared to conventional desalination methods.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25004332Twin wedge solar stillSolar desalinationEnvironmental footprintEnergyExergyEnviroeconomics
spellingShingle Wesley Jeevadason Aruldoss
C. Bharatiraja
Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban
Evaluating energy-exergy-economics-environmental footprint-enviroeconomics (5e) framework and sustainability metrics with a case study of a twin wedge solar still based desalination system
Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Twin wedge solar still
Solar desalination
Environmental footprint
Energy
Exergy
Enviroeconomics
title Evaluating energy-exergy-economics-environmental footprint-enviroeconomics (5e) framework and sustainability metrics with a case study of a twin wedge solar still based desalination system
title_full Evaluating energy-exergy-economics-environmental footprint-enviroeconomics (5e) framework and sustainability metrics with a case study of a twin wedge solar still based desalination system
title_fullStr Evaluating energy-exergy-economics-environmental footprint-enviroeconomics (5e) framework and sustainability metrics with a case study of a twin wedge solar still based desalination system
title_full_unstemmed Evaluating energy-exergy-economics-environmental footprint-enviroeconomics (5e) framework and sustainability metrics with a case study of a twin wedge solar still based desalination system
title_short Evaluating energy-exergy-economics-environmental footprint-enviroeconomics (5e) framework and sustainability metrics with a case study of a twin wedge solar still based desalination system
title_sort evaluating energy exergy economics environmental footprint enviroeconomics 5e framework and sustainability metrics with a case study of a twin wedge solar still based desalination system
topic Twin wedge solar still
Solar desalination
Environmental footprint
Energy
Exergy
Enviroeconomics
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25004332
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