Experimental analysis of solar still with thermal storage medium

Abstract

In this experimental work, the effect of double coating with energy storage medium on the productivity of a single sloped solar still was studied. The double coating was wont to reduce the reflective heat loss to extend solar still productivity. Experiments were performed employing a solar still fabricated using locally available materials. The experiments were administered by placing a 25 kg Omani rock stone bed as an energy-storing medium and therefore the basin was crammed with 50 L of seawater. The study was administered by varying the double coating area as 70, 80, and 90% for 3 clear sky days in each position. The temp at various locations of the still and yield was estimated. The thermal efficiency was estimated using temp measurements. It was observed that increased double coating area from 70% to 90% improved the yield from 24.5% to 33%. The use of double coating and energy storing medium increased the overall yield and thermal efficiency of the still. This approach can be used with slight additional cost in any part of the world.