Various methods applied to solar still for enhancement of distillate output

• Published in: Desalination Vol. 415; pp. 76 - 89
• Main Authors: Panchal, Hitesh, Mohan, Indra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-08-2017
• Subjects: Energy absorbing materials; Fin; Multi-basin; Solar still; Multi-basin; Solar still; Fin; Energy absorbing materials
• ISSN: 0011-9164; 1873-4464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2017.04.015

Solar still is not so much attractive in a market due to its lower productivity. Researchers from all around the world have tried to improve distillate output of solar still, but still, no one has tried solar still to put as a commercial product. Hence, there is a lot of scope of research work on the solar still. In this present review paper, various research works done by researchers have shown, and three primary methods like use of fin, energy storage materials and multi-basin solar still have discussed. All of above methods are crucial for improvement in distillate output of solar still. Fin enhances the surface area of water inside the basin for even distribution of water for increment in distillate production. Energy storage materials have pore holes to store the hot water and excess energy during sunshine hours and release during off-sunshine hours for the increase in distillate production. Multi-basin solar still uses the latent heat of condensation from lower basin to increase a temperature of the top or middle basin for increment in distillate production. Hence combination all of above method in the solar still, then the solar still can be used as a commercial product for potable water in household and industry.
•Performance analysis of solar still with attachment of fins is investigated.•Performance analysis of solar still with energy absorbing materials is investigated.•Performance analysis of multi-basin solar still is investigated.