Performance evaluation of a one-sided vertical solar still tested in the Desert of Algeria

In arid zones of Algeria lacking in pure water and endowed with an important solar potential, solar distillation represents a good solution for desalting water. Man has depend on underground water reservoirs for fresh water requirements, but the use of water, from such sources is not always possible, on account of the presence of salt. The paper presents performance evaluation of one-sided vertical solar still tested under desert climatic conditions of Algeria, in summer and autumn seasons 2003. Hourly and daily measurements of still productivity, temperatures of water film, glass cover, inlet of brackish water into solar still, ambient air temperature and solar radiation were recorded. The prototype has been tested at test field platform of the renewable energy research unity at Adrar (latitude 27.88°, longitude −0.28°). The still has an absorbing sponged surface of 0.817 m2. Out door tests has been carried out on the prototype to determine its performance. For short term performance, still yield varies from 0.2 75 to 1.31 l/m2.d for a corresponding energy varying from 8.42 to 14.71 MJ and daily overall efficiency ηd ranging from 7.85 to 21.19 %.