Optimization of production in single basin solar still using Taguchi method - Experimental and theoretical approach

Abstract

In this study, to enhance the distillate production, an attempt was taken to fabricate a robust design single basin solar still. From earlier research findings, four operational parameters were identified as performance enhancing and they were – basin glass cover thickness, basin water depth, wick material used to wrap the fins and size of heat storage material (blue metal). The next task was to identify the optimum parameter level for each parameter. The 4 parameters and 3 parameter levels were combined as per L9 orthogonal array and the experimental results were analyzed using Taguchi method. The optimum parameter levels were identified using S/N ratio and mean response. The significant parameters and contribution to production were calculated using ANOVA technique. The nature and degree of relationship between independent variables and dependent variable was analyzed using regression technique. The optimum production was estimated and it was compared with theoretical production and actual experimental production. The combination of 4 mm thick glass basin cover, 10 mm basin water depth, fins wrapped with glass wool and 15 mm size heat storage material were identified as optimum combination of parameter levels. Wick materials around the fins and basin water depth played significant role in determining the production. The actual production from solar still designed as per Taguchi method was about 86.82% of estimated optimum production.