Performance analysis of modified solar still integrated with flat plate collector

Abstract The solar still is the simplest method used for desalination. But it needs improvement as it has low productivity. In this project the modification was made in the pyramid shaped solar still. The absorber tray was modified in the shape of pyramid structure. This will reduce the glass and absorber tray gap and so the productivity is increased. The Solar flat plate collector is used to preheat the inlet water, which is send into the solar still for desalination. When the higher temperature water into the solar still, the heat required for vaporizing the salt water is less and thus the productivity is increased. The low cost solar flat plate collector was designed and tested in this project. The experimental and theoretical analysis of the pyramid solar still and low cost solar flat plate collector was made. The productivity of the ordinary solar still is 1610 ml. The productivity of the modified pyramid solar still is 2250 ml. The improved in the productivity of 50% in the modified pyramid solar still is due to the less water and glass distance. Also the productivity of the modified pyramid solar still when it is integrated with the low cost solar flat plate collector is 3100 ml. This is 60% in the productivity because of higher temperature inlet water temperature and less water and glass distance.