Reconfigurable 3D Stretchable Fabric Evaporator with Spiral Cone Array for Dynamically Matched Solar Intensity and Efficient Desalination

Abstract

Maintaining the match between input solar energy and required energy through evaporator density management is crucial for efficient solar steam generation compared to conventional static rigid evaporators. Herein, we developed a 3D spiral cone evaporator with dynamic stretchability and investigated the matching relationship between light intensity and evaporator density by employing coupled numerical and experimental approach. This evaporator not only has high mechanical strength, but also has excellent stretching and rebound properties. This design takes full advantage of the dynamic adjustability of 3D spiral cone arrays controlled by the tensile module when encountering different solar illumination, which successfully improves the solar energy utilization. In addition, the fabric cone and spiral surface structure have excellent thermal management capabilities, achieving localized salt crystallization at the apex and excellent antibacterial performance, effectively extending the service life of the evaporator. Consequently, solar energy utilization and vapor diffusion synergies are greatly promoted synergistically, with evaporation rate of 2.55 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ and solar efficiency of 94.3%, which is 34.9% higher than static evaporation. This dynamically stretchable evaporator provides a new strategy for evaporation systems, which helps to establish energy matching.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Fabric evaporator / Interface evaporation / Stretchable / Evaporator density / Dynamic matching

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Funding

Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Committee(JCYJ2022081810040601)

National Natural Science Foundation of China(22309077)

High Level of Special Funds from SUSTech Energy Institute for Carbon Neutrality(G03034K001)

Project for Building a Science and Technology Innovation Center Facing South Asia and Southeast Asia(202403AP140015)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Donghua University, Shanghai, China