DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR DESALINATION

This paper presents the design, development, and experimental investigation of a conventional single-slope solar still aimed at enhancing freshwater yield with improved accuracy and efficiency. The solar still was fabricated with optimized geometric and material configurations, focusing on improved thermal performance and effective solar energy utilization. Key design enhancements include optimized basin slope, high-absorptivity coatings, and effective thermal insulation to minimize heat loss and maximize evaporation. The system was tested under real-time environmental conditions, and its performance was evaluated based on parameters such as distillate output, thermal efficiency, and productivity per unit area. The experimental results demonstrate a notable improvement in freshwater yield compared to traditional solar still designs, confirming the potential of the developed system as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for small-scale desalination in water-scarce regions. This work contributes to the ongoing efforts in sustainable water resource management through renewable energy integration.