Experimental investigation of a novel-designed inclined solar still with bio-wick under dynamic water flow

Abstract

This study experimentally investigates the inclined solar still (ISS) with the incorporation of fins and natural bio-jute cloth under dynamic flow. Experiments are conducted on bright sunny summer days in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. The newly developed ISS features greatly support passive solar desalination. An increase in mass flow rate (Mf) increases heat transfer meticulously pointing out 0.65, 0.8, and 1 kg/min case absorber, and the water temperature difference is within 3°C. An Mf of 0.285 kg/min is secure for the maximum water temperature reach and clean water yield of 70°C and 4.1 kg/m2, respectively, along with jute cloth, it was 1.6 kg/m2 more against without jute cloth. The presence of a jute cloth cumulative water yield of 2.5 kg/m2 at 0.635 kg/min is very close to the absence of a wick cumulative yield of 2.3 kg/m2 during 0.285 kg/min. From these results, the authors conclude higher Mf is feasible to increase the still performance and clean water yield. The implementation of a fully renewable passive solar still is strongly recommended to attain renewable and sustainable desalination. HIGHLIGHTS The proposed modification of the still and wick substantially increases the water yield and reinforces the passive solar still desalination.; The presence of jute cloth has multiple benefits, such as porosity, and the height of the capillary effect enhance the evaporative rate by effective contact-making to absorber fin–wick–water.; A higher mass flow rate makes it possible to increase the still performance and clean water yield.;

Keywords

• bio-wick
• capillary effect
• desalination
• solar heat
• wastewater treatment