Solar Distillation: Construction and Working Principle

In this article we will learn about Solar Distillation: Construction and Working Principle.

Solar distillation

With the help of solar energy, salt water can be converted into clean water. This clean water is required for battery, automobiles and many other industries.

The device that produces clean water using solar energy is called “solar water still”. The model structure of the solar still is shown.

It is a bowl with a dark surface called a basin liner. It contains shallow salt water. The entire exterior surrounding the bowl is covered with an airtight reflective coating. Impure water is poured into the bowl through a filter.

The reflective element is set inclined towards the collecting tank. After passing through the reflecting element, solar energy is absorbed and converted into heat in the basin liner. Then, the salt water is heated and water vapor forms inside the chamber.

The water vapor touches the inner cold surface of the reflecting element. The water vapor then cools. Cold water (condensate) is collected in the tank. It handles salt water at a rate of about 30,000mg / lt. It also removes toxic ions and bacteria. The production rate depends on the concentration of solar radiation available.