Performance analysis of a solar still integrated in a greenhouse

The performance of a solar still integrated in a greenhouse was studied for Mediterranean climatic conditions in south-eastern Spain. The desalination module was equipped with 28 water basins located at the top of an experimental greenhouse. The inner surface of the roof was used as a condensation surface and the fresh water produced was collected in a storage tank. Fresh water production and hourly variation of the distillate were evaluated. Contrary to what happens in traditional solar stills, distillation took place after solar noon and during the night due to the low absorption of solar irradiation when the solar still is integrated into a greenhouse.