A Computational Model for Performance Optimization of a Stepped Solar Still

DOI

10.2991/aer.k.211106.022How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Insolation; Stepped solar still; Reflector; Wire mesh; Heat transfer

Abstract

In modern times, several coastal and remote regions still face a scarcity of safe drinking water sources. The conventional fossil fuels used for boiling the water are also running short day by day, so using renewable energy sources to purify the water is a dire need. In the present research, a computational model has been developed using appropriate equations and data, thus optimizing the solar still performs. The daily drinking water production rate still depends on several factors such as solar insolation, ambient temperature, wind velocity, etc. The production rate also depends on still size, shape, inclination angle, wick material properties, insulation system, water depth, heat-storing mediums, etc. The main challenge is the low production rate that depends on the natural conditions and still parameters. Besides, installation and maintenance costs are also the great concerns. So, the primary goal of this research is to increase the production rate and design the still as a cost-effective one. The study was conducted by using meteorological data of specific locations in Bangladesh. At first, a preliminary design of the stepped solar still was prepared by using a design software then its performance was optimized by using the computational model. Finally, it results in the final design of the solar still. Maximum distillate water achieved on a typical day of March for Dhaka city was around 4 liters by using polystyrene foam as the wick material, copper wire mesh and external reflectors. A cost estimation shows the price per liter of desalinated water is around 1.422 BDT.

Copyright

© 2021 The Authors. Published by Atlantis Press International B.V.

Open Access

This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Ishrak Sarwar
AU  - Munna Das
AU  - Mahzuzah Zahan
AU  - Mazharul Islam
AU  - Farid Nasir Ani
PY  - 2021
DA  - 2021/11/23
TI  - A Computational Model for Performance Optimization of a Stepped Solar Still
BT  - Proceedings of the 2nd International Seminar of Science and Applied Technology (ISSAT 2021)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 137
EP  - 144
SN  - 2352-5401
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/aer.k.211106.022
DO  - 10.2991/aer.k.211106.022
ID  - Sarwar2021
ER  -