Drinking Water from Solar Stills: A Renewable Technology for Sudan

Abstract

The harsh climate in the Red Sea area, for example the Sudan, presents unique challenges in meeting growing demands for power and water. The international demand for water increases compared to the available water resources. Many areas, and especially in the Red Sea areas already experience a serious shortage of potable water and this is likely to grow. These areas enjoy, however, a high intensity of solar energy. Among the renewable energy options that have received special attention are solar stills. A solar still was built based on the principle of the packed tray array for tandem distillation and heat recovery. This article provides a brief overview of efforts to expand such renewable technologies in the Sudan in a cost-effective and sustainable way, and the environmental benefits associated with displacing fossil fuels.