Experiments’ feasibility study of solar stills in Indonesia, using evaporator covers and cornerless solar collectors

Desalination is a pivotal method for purifying water, offering a reliable means to obtain clean, potable water. Its operational simplicity and utilization of solar energy render desalination a promising technology. In desalination, condensation is the final stage for collecting purified water. However, the persistent challenge of high evaporator glass temperatures significantly impacts the nucleation rate and subsequent condensate release. This research aims to enhance the efficiency of the desalination system by focusing on increasing the rate of condensate water collection. The methodology involves a seven-day direct testing period using a single slope model desalination device featuring dimensions of 1 m 2 and an evaporator glass tilt angle of 35°. Solar energy is the primary energy source, absorbed by a collector comprising 3/4-inch diameter copper pipes (14 pipes, 1 m in length) designed without slope. The glass cover is insulated with Styrofoam covered by aluminum foil to mitigate heat ingress from the sun, thereby reducing the temperature of the inner glass surface and accelerating nucleation rates. The maximum water temperature in the evaporator reached 68.7 °C, with the system absorbing energy at a rate ranging from 1048.40 W/m 2 to 289.19 W/m 2 . The energy efficiency of the desalination system was measured at 39.82 %. The highest freshwater production during testing reached 2.33 L/day, with a daily average of 1.52 L/day. Overall, the solar test results still have the potential to be utilized and continue to be developed due to low-cost materials that can overcome the clean water crisis, especially in remote areas. • Innovative Design: Introduces a cornerless solar collector with glass cover cooling. • Energy Efficiency: Achieved 39.82 % efficiency and 1.52 kg/day clean water production. • Remote Applications: Suitable for low-cost desalination in remote areas. • Environmental Impact: Analyse solar radiation and wind effects on desalination efficiency. • Performance Comparison: Higher temperatures don't always boost production or efficiency.