Increasing evaporation in a solar still using a revolving hollow cylinder as an evaporation surface

Abstract

ABSTRACT The main problem hindering the implementation of traditional solar stills is their low productivity. This research aims to enhance the performance of solar stills by employing a rotating hollow cylinder. The impact of the cylinder’s rotation speed on the still’s productivity and efficiency was studied using five rotational speeds (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 rpm). The influence of covering the cylinder surface with fabric on the solar still’s performance was also investigated, highlighting the optimal rotation speed in both cases. Results showed a 43% improvement in the solar still’s productivity using the unclothed cylinder at a rotation speed of 0.5 rpm compared to the traditional still. Moreover, the clothed cylinder demonstrated a 65% enhancement at a rotation speed of 0.1 rpm. The better rotation speed for the unclothed cylinder found to be 0.5 rpm, while for the clothed cylinder 0.1 rpm.