Performance of single slope solar still with various operation parameters—An experimental, statistical, and CFD simulation approach toward optimality

Abstract

Potable water is a basic need in various aspects of daily life. The conversion of brackish water to potable water through conventional sources is costly and environmental issues are associated. In this regard, solar energy is a preference over fossil fuel or another energy source because of its cost and environment. Therefore, solar still is very popular, but the performance still must be improved to meet our potable water demand. In the present work, the productivity of the still is tested with various operational parameters such as glass plate inclination 27°, 28°, and 29°, and basin heat absorption capacity was also observed with sand, clay sand, and granite for water yield. Water yielding is also affected by water depth in basing investigated as 2, 3, and 4 cm for productivity. Performance of still with various operation parameters was analyzed by using RSM (response surface methodology). The process optimization to get maximum output was analyzed through the RSM technique to save time and effort for experiments. After analysis, a better yield of 630 mL may be obtained with clay sand at 27° glass inclination and 2 cm water depth. The analyzed optimum parameters were validated through experimental data. This optimum condition was also verified by CFD analysis by using ANSYS Fluent v17, in which glass temperature ( TG) and water temperature ( Tw) variation was noted, and water yielding was found proportional to the heat transfer coefficient. The economy of the operation was calculated as 2.87 Rs/liter best price of yielded distilled water with clay sand.