Factors influencing the performance of basin-type solar desalination units

Abstract This investigation reviews the ordinary basin-type solar still and considers some developments that could be made to improve its performance through increasing the solar radiation penetrating to the still interior and increasing the rate of vapor condensation in the still. Five stills of the same dimensions but of different design were erected and tested. The top cover of all five was made of glass. Three side walls of three of these stills was made of glass, and the walls of the the other two stills were made of galvanized steel. The effect of substituting galvanized steel by glass is studied. Also three stills are equipped with a finned galvanized steel back to work as a secondary condensing surface, and its effect on productivity is studied. Besides, two stills were fitted with open glass tubes crossing its sides to help reach the dew point of the vapor inside. The effect of this design is investigated.