Comparison of Transient Performance Predictions of a Solar-Operated Diffusion-Type Still With a Roof-Type Still

Abstract

A new type of solar-operated diffusion still is proposed. The still is powered directly by solar radiation and is easy to operate and maintain. Analyses of the proposed diffusion still and the conventional roof-type still are carried out to predict the transient performance of both stills at various operating and design conditions. Comparison of the performance of both stills on four sample days through the year is considered. The comparison shows that, although the diffusion still has a higher cover temperature, (i.e., larger heat loss to ambient) than the roof-type still, the diffusion still is superior to the roof-type still in both production rate and operation efficiency. The results also show that an increase in ambient temperature improves the performance of both stills.