Statistical Model for the Sizing of a Prototype Solar Still Applicable to Remote Islands

Abstract

The topography and location of many remote islands limit the available freshwater resources present for use by the inhabitants. However, the abundance of solar and seawater resources and small population size makes them ideal candidates for solar still application. A prototype solar still was designed and fabricated for use on such applications; however, for its implementation, a statistical model was developed to assess its productive performance at a pilot location, Dongji Islet. Experiments were conducted to collect data and construct a multivariable regression model by means of the jack-knife procedure and best subsets technique. The model was then used to size the solar still for implementation by applying the TMY data of Dongji Islet. The daily total global solar radiation, average ambient temperature, and extent of cloud cover were found to be the most suitable predictor variables for the model based on their correlation to the productivity of the protype solar still and their p-value. The model predicted a maximum daily yield of 5.88 L/day in July and a minimum of 1.97 L/day in December. In relation to the annual predicted yield, the length of the solar still can be increased by 88.6% in order to satisfy the daily minimum requirement of 7.5 L per day per person.