A comparative study for enhancing solar still performance and efficiency through PCM-integrated fin design

Abstract

This study introduces a novel solar still design that stores energy in a PCM with the use of fins. Three distinct types of stills were considered for this study of the fin and energy storage unit. Type I stills were conventional type, whereas Type II stills added round hollow fins above the basin liner. As with Type II, Type III used fins in addition a PCM-packed energy storage unit located below the basin liner. Over the basin liner, fins were added to the absorber to increase its surface area. Experiments were conducted using all three types, with the water level in the basin maintained at 3 cm throughout. It was calculated that conventional solar still may produce up to 3.25 L per m2 per day. In contrast, Type II and Type III show increases in production of 17.54% and 48.61%, and 55.69%, respectively. In addition, modified solar still is proven to have a shorter pay-back period than conventional solar still.