Evolution of Solar Still - a Review

Abstract

Solar still is a device which gives distilled water as a yield using solar thermal energy on a distillation of brackish water and seawater. This study discusses the results of previous efforts ratify that insulation thickness has a significant impact on the performance of the device. Also, the basin material has an ample effect on the production of distillate. Use of solar storage material in the basin increases productivity. Previous researches show that nano-fluids are widely used to enhance the evaporation rate, which increases distillate production. The results intimate that basin water level plays a significant role in the performance of still. Some modifications like installation of solar mirrors, fins, shallow solar pond, mini solar pond are done on still, which shows an increase in productivity of the device. This review paper gives an overview of the basics of solar still working, performance, and developments to enhance its efficiency.