Theoretical and Experimental Investigation on The Influence of Still Glass Cover Cooling on Water Productivity.(Dept.M)

Abstract

This p aper presents a theoretical and experimental investigation on the optimization of a solar still. The theoretical approach is based on the simulation of the solar desalination system, the influenced parameters were isolated and their corresponding effects were numerically evaluated. According to these results, the optimization methodology is based on the concept of recuperation of the condensed heat. Two solar stills having the same dimensions were constructed. A descending film of salt water cools the glass cover of the first still. The cooling water is then recycled and fed into the supply of the solar still. The other still is simple and conventional, it is used only for comparison and reference purpose. Both stills are similar in geometry, and inclination angle. The theoretical and experimental results show that the productivity increase with cooling the glass cover. The experimental results show important increment in productivity, reaches in some cases 60%. The influence of cooling water flow rate was also investigated. The experimental investigation has shown the non-linear behavior of the flow rate on the performance. The objective of the present research work is to reach an optimum system configuration in order to provide a simple and high effect solar distillation unit.