Investigating the yield improvement of modified passive solar still using nanoparticle coatings and nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials

Abstract

Passive solar still is a feasible and cost-effective option for the desalination of saline water in rural areas. However, its efficiency and daily yield are low. This research is carried out to improve the daily yield of the solar still by making design modifications and improve its efficiency by incorporating heat transfer enhancement mechanisms. The performance comparison of the modified and conventional solar still and its corresponding daily yield has been experimentally investigated by varying the basin water depth. The modified pyramid solar still has a unique combination of modifications such as a v-corrugated absorber surface, a nano-coated absorber surface, internal reflective mirrors and nano-embodied phase change material. The experimental test result of the system gives a daily yield of 2.95 and 5.73 l/m2 distilled water from conventional and modified solar still, respectively. This shows a yield improvement of 94.2%. Finally, the water quality is tested and drinkable as per the WHO standard.