Experimental analysis of a portable solar still with evaporation and condensation chambers

• A single slope portable solar still with phase change material was designed.
• PCM divide a single slope portable still into evaporating and condensing chambers
• The maximum efficiency of 14% of the solar still with PCM is achievable.
• After sunset, PCM acts as a heat source and more than 34% of total yield is given.
• Daily yield obtained with PCM is 52% more efficient than obtained without PCM.

In this paper, a new model portable solar still is designed, fabricated and tested in the summer conditions of Chennai climatic condition. The phase change material is used in order to divide a single slope portable solar still into evaporating and condensing chambers. The result shows that a maximum efficiency of 14% of the solar still with phase change material is achievable. The accumulated yield and obtained with PCM is 52% more efficient than accumulated yield obtained without PCM. The still continues to produce fresh water after the sunset. More than 34% of total water production is pertaining to this time.