Theory and experimental investigation of a weir-type inclined solar still

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 71 - 80
• Main Authors: Sadineni, S.B., Hurt, R., Halford, C.K., Boehm, R.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 2008; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Distillation; Double-pane glass; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrolyzer; Exact sciences and technology; Experimental; Hydrogen; Renewable; Solar still; Theoretical; Weir-type still; United States; North America; America; USA, Nevada, Las Vegas; Distillation; Solar still; Renewable; Hydrogen; Weir-type still; Experimental; Double-pane glass; Theoretical; Electrolyzer; Electrolysis; Experimental study; Performance; Modeling; Weir; Hydrogen production
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2007.08.003

A weir-type solar still is proposed to recover rejected water from the water purifying systems for solar hydrogen production. This consists of an inclined absorber plate formed to make weirs, as well as a top basin and a bottom basin. Water is flowed from the top basin over the weirs to the bottom collection basin. A small pump is used to return the unevaporated water to the top tank. Hourly distillate productivity of the still with double- and single-pane glass covers was measured and the latter showed higher production rates. The average distillate productivities for double- and single-pane glass covers are approximately 2.2 and 5.5 l/m 2/day in the months of August and September in Las Vegas, respectively. Mathematical models that can predict the hourly distillate productivity are developed. These compared well with the experimental results. Productivity of the weir-type still with a single-pane glass was also compared with conventional basin types tested at the same location. The productivity of the weir-type still is approximately 20% higher. The quality of distillate from the still is analyzed to verify the ability of the still to meet the standards required by the electrolyzers.