MUMBAI, India, Aug. 17 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641096772 A) filed by Renjith Thomas; St. Joseph'S College Of Engineering And Technology; Adarsh S.; Cyriac K. M.; Fredin P. Biju; Zain Mohammed; and Rajesh Baby on August 11, 2026, for Integrated Passive Solar Desalination Apparatus Employing A Double-Basin Evaporator And Phase Change Material-Based Thermal Energy Storage.
Inventors include Renjith Thomas; St. Joseph'S College Of Engineering And Technology; Adarsh S.; Cyriac K. M.; Fredin P. Biju; Zain Mohammed; and Rajesh Baby.
The application for the patent was published on August 14, 2026, under issue no. 33/2026.
Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated passive solar desalination apparatus employing a double-basin evaporator and a phase change material (PCM)-based thermal energy storage system for producing potable water from saline or brackish water using renewable solar energy. The apparatus comprises an upper basin, a lower basin, a saline water inlet, an inclined condensing glass plate, a phase change material (PCM) chamber, thermal insulation, a solar collector, copper heat transfer pipes, and a distillate collection channel arranged in a thermally integrated configuration. During daytime operation, solar radiation heats the saline water within the evaporation chambers while the solar collector transfers additional thermal energy through the copper pipes to enhance evaporation. Simultaneously, excess thermal energy is absorbed and stored by the PCM in the form of latent heat. During periods of reduced solar irradiation or nighttime, the stored thermal energy is gradually released by the PCM to maintain the temperature of the lower basin, thereby sustaining the evaporation and condensation processes beyond daylight hours. The inclined condensing glass plate facilitates efficient condensation of water vapour, and the condensed freshwater is collected through the distillate collection channel. The integrated passive thermal architecture minimizes heat losses, improves thermal energy utilization, enhances freshwater productivity, and eliminates the need for external electrical power, pumps, or active heat circulation systems. The invention provides a compact, energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective desalination apparatus particularly suitable for freshwater production in remote, rural, coastal, island, and off-grid regions.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
