Numerical Analysis to improve the efficiency of a Solar Still (Single-Slope)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.v11i1.886Keywords:
Reflective mirrors. solar still. sustainable. technology. water scarcityAbstract
Purpose: This study investigates enhancements to maximise the efficiency and performance of the single-slope solar still for sustainable water solutions.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This research focuses on the design of a solar still (single-slope) and integration with phase change materials (PCMs), reflective mirrors, and black dye into the solar still (single-slope) to augment its improvement in efficiency. PCMs, such as paraffin wax, are known for their latent heat storage, sustaining higher temperatures within the still to enhance evaporation.
Findings: The study found that reflective mirrors amplify solar radiation entry, increasing thermal efficiency. Black dye, added to the basin water, enhances heat absorption, accelerating water evaporation rates. Finally, all improve the efficiency of solar stills (single-slope).
Research Limitation: The research uses renewable energy (solar power); therefore, it has been limited to work in the daytime only.
Practical Implication: The results show that the insulated basin, PCMs placement at the base, reflective mirrors encircling the still, and black dye in the water significantly improve the efficiency of solar stills (single-slope). Therefore, the quest for sustainable water solutions amid global water scarcity may be achieved through solar still technology, particularly the single-slope solar still.
Social Implication: The study endorses the proposed system, which can provide sustainable and reliable water solutions through renewable solar energy as a clean energy.
Originality/Value: Comparative analysis with conventional solar still underscored significant performance gains: The enhanced configuration produced an average of 3.04 litres of distilled water daily, a 42% increase over the conventional 2.14 litres. Hourly yield data highlighted peak performance at midday, with the enhanced still yielding 260 mL/hr compared to 180 mL/hr from the conventional.
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