Investigation on Solar Still Design to Enhance the Performance of Solar Water Desalination System

Abstract

The current research aims to improve the efficiency and productivity of an inclined solar still through several methods. Firstly, various porous and energy-absorbing materials are utilised inside the still to minimize heat loss. Secondly, different wick materials and wire mesh are employed to ensure consistent thickness and wetness of the water inside the still. Thirdly, different absorber plate configurations are tested to prolong the time that water remains in the still. Lastly, a basin still is integrated to effectively utilise excess waste hot water that drains from the inclined solar still. The trials were conducted in three distinct periods. Prior to conducting experiments, the traditional and several innovative wick materials were characterised to analyse critical features such as porosity, water absorbency, water repellency, capillary rise, and heat transfer coefficient.
The suggested integrated distillation system may be used to meet the drinking requirements and other household needs of a modest family living in the southern region of Tamil Nadu, India. The payback time for the integrated solar still is 184 days, which is about equivalent to half a year. The suggested integrated solar still has a greater distillate output compared to the standard inclined solar still.