Theoretical and experimental investigations on solar distillation of IZTECH campus area seawater

The world demand for potable water is increasing steadily with growing population. Desalination using solar energy is suitable for potable water production from brackish and seawater. In this paper, we present a theoretical and experimental study of solar distillation in a single basin constructed at İzmir Institute of Technology Urla Campus. The still has a base area of 2100 mm × 700 mm with a glass cover inclined at 38°. In order to obtain extra solar energy, an aluminium reflector (2100 mm × 500 mm) is also assembled to the still. We model the still and conduct its energy balance equations under minor assumptions. We take into account the temperatures of glass cover, seawater interface, moist air and bottom in theoretical calculations and measurements. The comparison of the theoretical and experimental results highlights the benefits of the proposed model of the still and the efficacy of its energy balance equations.