Conventional Solar Still Augmented with Saltwater Bottles: An Experimental Study

This article presents advancements in the working of Single slope conventional solar still (CSS) through the integration of saltwater bottles. The saltwater contained within these bottles (totalling 40 in number) is dyed black to enhance its solar radiation absorption ability. Using their high heat capacity, these bottles efficiently store solar energy during peak radiation hours, subsequently releasing it during the evening or nocturnal periods. Results have demonstrated a consistent increase in the temperature of water within the Modified solar still (MSS) compared to its typical counterpart, notably observed after 14:00 h. Moreover, the cumulative yield obtained from the MSS surpasses that of the CSS variant by 25.4%. Augmentation with saltwater bottles has increased the efficiency of MSS by 25% as compared to the CSS. Furthermore, incorporation of saltwater bottles results in a notable reduction in the cost of distillate production, with a decline of 20%, as compared to the CSS. The study emphasises how using saltwater bottles as thermal energy storage reservoirs in solar distillation systems could have real-world applications. The results offer important information on enhancing the effectiveness and economic viability of water purification, especially in areas where there are issues with water scarcity.