Testing the trays solar stills with yellow sand beds and reflectors

Abstract

Solar still (SS) are systems powered by solar energy that can provide drinkable water, however it has a low production issue. A solar distiller's production is influenced by a variety of factors. The water depth and thermal storage beds are the most influential factors. During rainy or cloudy days (sunlight is not available) a SS cannot work in its original state. During daylight hours, the SS can be powered utilizing energy saved in thermal storage materials. This paper aims to increasing water production from brackish water or seawater using renewable energies via a system of solar desalination. An experimental work for sand beds trays solar still (TSS) was performed to enhance performance of TSS, the yellow sand used as thermal storage materials. The effects of sandy bed height (1, 2 and 3 cm) and reflectors on the TSS performance were studied. Results revealed that the sandy layer (heat storage beds) improves the TSS productivity. The maximum increase in accumulated production of sandy TSS with internal and external reflectors was reached at sand beds height of 1 cm. In this case the daily production of TSS was improved by 112% over CSS.