University of Mumbai

Solar desalination of seawater employing boiling of

water
Submitted at the end of semester VII in partial fulfillment of requirements
For the degree of

Bachelors in Technology

by

Mehlam Hamid
Roll No: 1515086

Guide

Prof. Prashant Jain

Department of Mechanical Engineering

K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering, Mumbai-77
(Autonomous College Affiliated to University of Mumbai)

Batch 2015 -2019

K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering, Mumbai-77

(Autonomous College Affiliated to University of Mumbai)
 Certificate

This is to certify that the dissertation report entitled Solar desalination of sea water
employing boiling of water submitted by Prashant Jain at the end of semester VII of
LY B. Tech is a bona fide record for partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree
of Bachelors in Technology in Mechanical Engineering of University of Mumbai

_________________ _____________________
Guide Head of the Department

_________________
Principal

Date:
Place: Mumbai-77

Department of Mechanical Engineering Semester VII 2015-19 Batch Page ii

 K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering, Mumbai-77
(Autonomous College Affiliated to University of Mumbai)

DECLARATION

We declare that this written report submission represents the work done based on our and / or
others’ ideas with adequately cited and referenced the original source. We also declare that we have
adhered to all principles of intellectual property, academic honesty and integrity as we have not
misinterpreted or fabricated or falsified any idea/data/fact/source/original work/ matter in my
submission.

We understand that any violation of the above will be cause for disciplinary action by the college
and may evoke the penal action from the sources which have not been properly cited or from whom
proper permission is not sought.

______________________________
Signature of the Student

_______________________________
Roll No.

Date:

Place: Mumbai-77

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 Abstract

It is well-established that minimizing water depth is one of the most vital key features to enhance
the performance of solar stills. Accordingly, the performance of most recent attempts and proposed
ideas tackling this point is limited. Thus, this work introduces a new approach that permits
governing the water depth as desired and simultaneously evades all previous experienced
interrelated implications through creating a thin re-established film of saline water on a particular
manner in the solar still. This has been performed by feeding the saline water into the still through a
controlled spraying system on the form of fine droplets to spread on the top surface of a stepped
shape absorber of solar still. The application of the saline water thin film with the very low warming
up period on this way has numerous significant advantages on the still performance. Consequently,
the present approach has undergone a systematic study to examine its anticipated validity in real
practice and to optimize its performance at various varying operating conditions. The performance
results at any operating conditions reveal extraordinary superiority over those obtained from other
recent stills by other investigators. These findings are a result of improving the performance along
the whole daytime and, particularly, on the morning hours.This emphasizes the flexible, consistent
and robust characteristics encountered with this approach that fold on many practical benefits.

Key words: Solar still, quick vaporization, productivity enhancement, spray system

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 Contents
List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………….. vi

List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………… vi

1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………... 1

1.1 Motivation .……..……………………………………………………….. 1

1.2 Methodology …………………………………………………………….. 2

1.3 Scope of thesis …….…………………………………………………….. 4

1.4 Organization of the report……………………………………………….. 4

2 Literature Survey………………………………………………………………. 5

3 Design of solar unit …………………….…………………………………… 8

3.1 Selection of geometry……………………………………………………. 8

3.2 Material selection………………………………………………………… 9

3.3 CAD model …………………..…………………………………………. 10

3.3.1 Dimensions ………..……………………………………………… 12

4 Analysis of solar unit …………………………………………………………. 13

4.1 Analysis ……………………………………………….………………… 13

4.2 Procedure ……………………………..………………………………… 14

4.3 Calculations …………………………………………………………….. 15

4.4 Results ………………………………………………………………….. 15

5 Fabrication of solar unit……………………….……………………………… 16

5.1 Bending and painting of the basin………………………………………. 16

5.2 Spray mechanism……………………………………………………….. 17

5.3 Plywood casing…………………………………………………………… 19

5.4 Condenser………………………………………………………………. 20

5.5 Collector………………………………………………………………… 20

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 5.6 Dimensions of the solar unit……………………………………………. 21

5.7 Cost of the project………………………………………………………. 21

6 Testing and results.……..……………………………………………………. 22

6.1 Experimental setup.…………………………………………………….. 22

6.2 Methodology of the experiment……………………………………….. 23

6.3 Observations…………………………………………………………….. 23

6.4 Results……………………………………………………………………. 25

6.5 Comparison of different solar stills with this project…………………… 26

7 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………. 27

7.1 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………. 27

Refrences ………………………………………………………………………………... 28

List of Figures
1.1 Conventional solar still ……………………………………….…………………... 2

1.2 Solar unit of A.M. El-Zahaby[10]………………………………………………… 3

3.1 CAD model of Chassis …………………………………………………………... 10

3.2 Side view of the unit …………………………………….………………………. 10

3.3 Basin design ……………………………………………………………………… 11

3.4 Isometric view of the unit ………………………………………………………… 11

4.1 temperature measurement during the test …….………………………………….. 13

4.2 apparatus (base plate, thermometer, measuring jug & sprayer)…………….…… 14

5.1 design of basin………………………………………………………………….. 16

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 5.2 fabricated basin…………………………………………………………………. 16

5.3 sea water storage tank…………………………………………………………… 17

5.4 pressure gauge ……………………………………………………………………. 17

5.5 arduino controlled solenoid valve………………………………………………… 18

5.6 spray input system………………………………………………………………. 18

5.7 design of casing…………………………………………………………………. 19

5.8 plywood cutouts of casing………………………………………………………. 19

5.9 glass condenser with attached sprayers………………………….……………… 20

5.10 aluminum collector……………………………………………………………….. 20

6.1 Experimental setup …………………………………………………………………. 22

6.2 Observations made on 14/04/2019…………………………….…………….…… 23

6.3 Observations made on 16/04/2019…………………………….…………….…… 24

List of Tables
2.1 researches carried out on stepped solar still….…………………………………... 6

4.1 results from tests ………….……………………………………………………… 15

6.1 Observations made on 14/04/2019………..……………………………………… 23

6.2 Observations made on 16/04/2019……………………………………….……… 24

6.3 Comparison of different solar stills with this project…………………………… 26

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 Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter presents the motivation of thesis, the methodology that will be used to achieve
the said output and the scope for this project.

1.1 Motivation of Thesis

The increasing population and industrial agricultural development of rural areas are creating an
imbalance between drinking water demand and fresh water supply. It is well known that solar
desalination exhibits considerable economic advantages over other salt-water desalination
processes because of cost-free energy, reduced operating costs and its simple structure.
However, many investigators studied the effect of different factors such as solar radiation,
ambient temperature, water depth, and wind velocity, on the performance of the still. For most
cases, even under optimized operating conditions, the reported efficiency of the single basin
solar Still was in the range of 30–45%, with less than5 l/m2day of produced fresh water.

Purification of water involves separation of impurities and salt from impure water. This
process requires intensive energy and capital investment. In some locations fresh water is
inadequate and fossil energy cost may be high whereas solar energy is abundant. Such
places are southern India, Pakistan, South Africa, Oman and Iran. In such countries
water purification process can be achieved using solar still without any power input.
Since solar still uses no power input, purification process is free from noise pollution and
vibration. While some counties have adequate supply of fuel and coal. Such counties have
also started using solar still for controlling air pollution.

Due to the present continuous rapid growth in both the population and the development projects
worldwide, particularly, in rural and arid areas to preserve the equilibrium in the entire society,
the demand of the fresh water has increased. Therefore, every effort should be made to secure
the drinking water supply independently of the other resources.

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1.2 Methodology
A conventional solar still uses passive evaporation of water which separates the water and salt.
This is a slow process and hence is not economical to use.

Fig. 1.1 conventional solar still

The proposed solar unit will be quite different. It will actively spray water onto a preheated base
using nozzles. The base of the unit that will be heated using solar radiation will achieve
temperatures enough that when small droplets of water are sprayed on it will evaporate quickly.

To spray the salt water a tank will be set at a height. Water from the tank will pass through an
electronic valve into the nozzle. The will supply water in pulses, that will allow water on the
base to completely vaporize before the next spray.

Internal reflecting mirrors will be attached on the two side walls to increase the temperature of
the unit.

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A glass cover at the ceiling of the unit will act as a condenser, and condense the vapours. The
condensed distillate will then be collected in an external jar. A somewhat similar approach by
A.M. El-Zahaby[10] is shown in figure 1.2

Fig. 1.2 solar unit of A.M. El-Zahaby[10]

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1.3 Scope of the thesis

Various solar still can be used in coastal area where sea water is available in abundant. The solar
unit can be used where supply of water is impure.

Israel gets about 35% of its water supply through desalination, they employ reverse osmosis for
the process. Reverse osmosis is beneficial only for large scale national level desalination.
Smaller areas which still lack proper water supply cannot employ this energy extensive method.
Such places rely on water trucks. And it is for these regions that employing a small scale solar
desalination process would be beneficial. Solar desalination proves of produce enough water for
basic family needs.

The solar distillation process requires solar energy which is freely available and also there is no
greenhouse pollutant as in the case with other purification techniques using fossil fuels. In future
it can be used in remote places where there is no electricity and easy access of fuel.

1.4 Organization of thesis

This dissertation shows the experimental analysis of solar still with variation in different factors
like

Chapter 1 introduces motivation of thesis, scope of thesis,methodology and its organization.

Chapter 2 gives the brief outline of the literature referred and conclusion of each research. This
chapter also helps to develop understanding of the need of the thesis.

Chapter 3 gives the design of solar still and basin. After designing appropriate materials are
selected.

Chapter 4 gives an analysis to prove the concept of the project.

Chapter 5 shows the fabrication process follwed

Chapter 6 give the results after testing of the apparatus

Chapter 7 provides a conclusion on the whole project

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 Chapter 2
Literature Survey
This chapter presents the researches carried out by people around the globe and the
results they got. Lastly how this project is different from the rest is highlighted.

The motivation for this project is the limited availability of clean water resources and the
abundance of impure water available for potential conversion into portable water. In addition,
there are many coastal locations where seawater is abundant but potable water is not available.

Experiment on a single slop and double slop solar still are performed by varying angle of a glass
cover and orientation. It was found that maximum energy was transmitted when angle of
inclination is equal to latitude angle of location for a single slope solar still. Thus, Angle of
inclination of a solar still should be equal to angle of latitude of a location. There are two type of
solar still viz. active solar still and passive solar still [1]. Passive solar still just employee solar
radiation to distillate the water whereas active solar still employees some additional equipment’s
such as collector, pumps and valves to improve the output of solar still. Thus, efficiency and
output of active solar still is more than passive solar still. Rahim [2] introduces a new technique
developed to improve the efficiency of both evaporating and condensing zones, and concluded
that separating the evaporator and condenser in two different units allows the temperature
difference between the evaporator and condenser zones to be controlled independently to a
relatively large amounts during the day. As the potable water is collected in the condenser unit,
the re-evaporation of the condensed potable water is eliminated.

Yuan and Zhang [3] concluded that for a fixed solar area (absorber), the increase in feed water
flow rate would decrease fresh water production because of the spray temperature decrease. The
matching of the cooling water flow rate with the collector area is very important to obtain
maximum fresh water production. Variation in depth of water affect’s distilled output produced
by solar still. As height of water increases more energy is required to rise a temperature of a

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 water. This decreases output of a solar still. Hence it was found that still with minimum water
gives maximum output. So, height of water should be kept minimum for maximum productivity
[4, 5]. Xinshi [6] constructed and tested an indoor active regenerative solar still with an area of
1.03 m2. He concluded that the performance ratio is about two to three times greater than that of
a conventional basin-type solar still.

Solar radiation is minimum in morning, it goes on increasing and it becomes maximum around
13.00 and 14.00 hours then it goes on decreasing and becomes minimum around 17.00 hour. As
intensity of solar radiation is maximum at around 13.00 hours output of a solar still is maximum
at that time [7].

To increase the free water surface area of a basin, capillary effect sponges are used in the
conventional and stepped basin solar still. Rocks and pebbles where placed on each step of
stepped basin solar still and also in the conventional basin. These where used as energy
absorbing materials. Also some commonly used PCM are potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7),
Magnesium Sulphate Hepta Hydrate (MgSO4 7H2O) and sodium acetate (CH3COONa) [8, 9].

Table 2.1 researches carried out on stepped solar still

Sr. no. Researchers Type of still with modification Result/Conclusion

1. Tabrizi et al. (2010) Weir type cascade solar still Weir solar still with LHTSSgives
[11] withlatent heat thermal storage productivity about 3.4
system (LHTSS).
kg/m2 and without LHTSS gives 2.1
kg/m2

2. Mohammad and Weir type cascade solar still PCM material increased the
Tabrizi (2011) [12] with PCM productivity in weir still about 31%.

3. Omara et al. (2012) Modified stepped solar still with At 5mm water depth, 120mm width
[13] preheating the water of stepped solar still gave 57.3%
more productivity than conventional
solar still.

4. Awad and El- Agouz Stepped solar still with The humidification dehumidification

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 (2013) [14] humidification and process with the conventional solar
dehumidifiction still increases hourly productivity by
about 57% and the hourly efficiency
by about 47%.

5. Zoori et al. (2013) [15] Energy and exergy in weir type In weir solar still efficiency of
cascade solar still energy and exergy increases 83.3%
and 10.5% respectively.

6. Yadav et al.(2016) Stepped and weir type solar still Stepped and weir type solar still
[16] increases the distillate output around
60-80%.

The use of solar thermal energy in seawater desalination applications has so far been restricted to
small-scale systems in rural areas. The reason for this is that relatively low productivity rate
compared to the high capital cost. However, the coming shortage in fossil fuel supply and the
growing need for fresh water in order to support increasing water and irrigation needs, have
motivated further development of water desalination and purification by renewable energies.

A new approach to solar desalination will be used to increase the productivity while keeping the
costs low and energy consumed renewable. The salt water instead of just sitting in the still to be
evaporated, will be sprayed on the solar heated base of the solar unit. This will instantly provide
a thin film of water which will vaporize quickly, hence quickening the distillation process.

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 Chapter 3
Design of Solar unit
This chapter presents the geometry of the unit was selected and the reason behind it. A
CAD model based on the discussed geometry is provided.

3.1 Selection of Geometry

Basin was designed so as to not allow the water droplets to run off as soon as they are sprayed.
Hence, a stepped basin was chosen. A flat basin wouldn’t be at the latitude angle of Mumbai
city, which would not allow the sun rays to be incident directly. So, sloped basin was a must, but
to avoid water run off, stepped basin with 20 o slope angle was designed. Basin was divided into
10 steps in refrence to A.M. El-Zahaby[10].
Shape of basin was decided to be square for effective spray coverage by the nozzle. Side of the
square is taken as 50cm for convenience of fabrication. The glass cover will be of single slope
type.

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3.2 Material Selection

While selecting materials factors to be considered are resistance to corrosion, heat conductivity,
availability, cost and weight withstand capacity. If thermal conductivity of material is high it will
conduct heat to other part of still by means of conduction and reflection, which is under shadow
of other geometry. Thus material is selected by neglecting shape factor. If material is easily
available it reduces buying time and cost of material. Material must be corrosion free otherwise
material will get corroded and lead to structural failure. Material must withstand weight of water
so that failure of material does not occur while experimenting.

Initially copper was selected as basin material due to high thermal conductivity of copper. Cost
of copper is high as compared to other available material. Steel is cheap and but has lower
thermal conductivity. Aluminum has good thermal conductivity and high corrosion resistance.
Cost of aluminum is higher than steel , but considering its advantages over the rest of materials,
aluminum is selected. The rest of frame will be made of plywood.

3.3 CAD model

Modelling on solid work: In order to fabricate the solar still, it is imperative that a CAD model
should be designed in initial stages for better understanding of geometry. Solid works was used
because software has good user interface and easy to use. Even stimulation of a working model
is possible on a software. Modeling gives better understanding of a geometry and it becomes
easy to fabricate a geometry. CAD files are made on MMGS (millimeter, gram, second) format.

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CAD model of the solar unit: Figure 3.1 shows the CAD model of the solar unit, the holes
provided are for 4 nozlles that will be used to spray fine water droplets.

Fig. 3.1 CAD model of Chassis

Fig. 3.2 side view of the unit

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Fig. 3.3 basin of the unit

Fig. 3.4 Isometric view of the unit

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Dimensions:

L= 50 cm

B= 50 cm

Area= 250 cm2

Thickness of plywood= 6mm

Thickness of glass cover= 3mm

Slope angle= 20o

Front wall height= 7.5cm

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 Chapter 4
Analysis for the solar unit
This chapter presents the analysis of the proposed unit to test whether the project will
achieve a greater output or not.

4.1 Analysis

The unit does not employs the conventional methods to desalinate water instead ,water droplets
are sprayed onto a solar heated basin, this leads to quick vaporization of water. This water vapor
is then condensed on the glass cover and collected in an external container.

Tests were carried out to test whether this new approach to solar desalination provides greater
output or not. A scrap aluminum sheet was purchased to mimic the actual basin. A kitchen
thermometer was used to keep tabs on the base temperature. A sprayer to get fine droplets of
water and a measuring flask to note quantity of water sprayed.

Fig. 4.1 temperature measurement during the test

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Fig. 4.2 apparatus (base plate, thermometer, measuring jug & sprayer)

4.2 Procedure

The tests were carried out in southern Mumbai. The blackened base was placed in the sun at
different times of the day. The temperatures of base plate were measured. Water was sprayed
onto the plate using a general sprayer. Two consecutive sprays were sprayed at some time
interval allowing the water on the plate to vaporize first. Only the rate of vaporization of water
was measured at this stage, which was assumed to be the output considering lower values.

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4.3 Calculations

Area of spray: 0.0476 m2

Volume of water in 1 spray: 1ml

Hence output in per hour per m2 of the unit= 3600 x 1 .

time interval area of spray

4.4 Results

Table 4.1 results from tests

Sr. no. Time of the day Temperature Time interval Expected Output
between 2 sprays

1. 9:30 – 10:30 42o 160 secs 0.472L

2. 10:30 – 11:30 48o 80 secs 0.945 L

3. 11:30 – 12:30 52o 70 secs 1.080 L

4. 12:30 – 1:30 55o 60 secs 1.260 L

5. 1:30 – 2:30 53o 70 secs 1.080 L

6. 2:30 – 3:30 48o 90 secs 0.840

Total estimated output for a day = 6.677 L/m2

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 Chapter 5
Fabrication of the solar unit

This chapter presents the steps and methods followed to fabricate the solar unit with its
reasons, costs incurred

5.1 Bending and painting of the basin

Aluminium due to its high thermal conductivity was used for the basin material. Aluminium
sheet of 1.5 mm thickness and 700x340 mm2 dimensions was bought. The basin was then
bended at right angles at marked points to make step like structure. The dimension of each step
was 50x340 mm2 and total of 9 steps were made. The height of the basin after bending was
200mm. the total projected area of the basin tus becomes 340x50x9 mm2 i.e. 0.153m2 .

The next step was to paint the basin black so that maximum solar radiation is absorbed. Spray
paint coating of mat-black was done on one side of the basin.

Fig 5.1 design of basin

Fig 5.2 fabricated basin

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5.2 Spray mechanism
5.2.1 Setting up the storage tank
The storage tank could’ve been a simple tank placed at an height for water head but that would
impair the portability of the solar unit and require a need for pump in the rural areas. To
eliminate the above deficiencies a water tank was fitted with a non return valve. The aim was to
pressurize the air inside the water tank to provide the required head for the spray mechanism.
The nonreturn valve was attached at the top of the tank and sealed. The pressurization of the air
was to be done by a simple bicycle pump.

Fig 5.3 sea water storage tank

5.2.2 Pressure gauge

A pressure gauge was attached to the outlet of the tank to measure the pressure of water i.e. the
water head. Only after reaching a certain pressure could the sprays work. This pressure was
found to be 1.2 bar.

Fig 5.4 pressure gauge

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5.2.3 Solenoid valve and Arduino control
Solenoid valve provides a pulsating output to the pressurized water. A 12v dc
Operated solenoid valve of ¼” openings was bought.

The solenoid was to be actuated by an Arduino uno to regulate the amount of water flowing
through the sprays and the interval between two sprays. The necessary circuit for the operation
was developed. And a simple blink code was written for the operation.

The Arduino held the solenoid valve open for 100miliseconds and then closed it, this resulted in
a single spray. The average interval between two sprays was kept at about 1 minute.

Fig 5.5 arduino controlled solenoid valve

Fig 5.6 spray input system

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5.2.4 Sprays
3 household plastic sprayers were attached to the top of the glass cover. These sprayers seemed
the best option due to its ability to operate at low pressures and to produce a variety of spray
formations.

Only a single setting of the sprayers was used throughout the testing.

5.2.5 Pipes and joints

All the elements of the spray mechanism were connected through hard pneumatic pipes of 10mm
and 6mm. Brass hoses and connectors were used to attach the components to the pipes.
Pneumatic tees were used to distribute the water flow into the three sprayers.

5.3 Plywood casing

The entire casing of the unit was made out of 8mm plywood. The cad model was refferred and
the plywood was cut in different parts accordingly.

The parts were painted white for 2 reasons, first to protect the wood from water and second to
reflect the incidents sunlight at different angles on to the basin

The casing was put together using fevicol and nails and the aluminum basin was screwed to it

Fig 5.7 design of casing Fig 5.8 plywood cutouts of casing

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5.4 Condenser
The condenser used for the unit is an 8mm glass cover with the dimensions 340x540 mm2. The
glass is supported in the unit using 2 wooden strips on the 2 sides of the casing.

3 holes were drilled in the glass to make space for the 3 sprayers. The 3 sprayers were attached
to the glass using silicone.

Fig 5.9 glass condenser with attached

sprayers

5.5 Collector
The collector was made to collect the condensed water from the glass. The collector consists of
an aluminum angle attached to the front end of the casing. The angle is titled to allow flow of
water outside the unit. The a plastic hose with pipe is attached at the end of the collector to
transfer the distilled water into a container.

Fig 5.10 aluminum collector

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5.6 Dimensions of the solar unit
Height of unit 390mm

Width of unit 358mm

Length of unit 520mm

Projected area of basin 0.153m2

Glass cover 0.1836m2

Height of basin 200mm

Inclination with respect to horizontal 20o

5.7 Cost of the project

Casing 700 rs.

Basin 780 rs.

Condenser 450 rs.

Solenoid valve and Arduino 1200 rs.

Pressure gauge 450 rs.

Thermometer 300 rs.

Pipes and joints 400 rs.

Collector and sprayers 150 rs.

Tank 190 rs.

Total 4620 rs.

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 Chapter 6
Testing and results
This chapter presents the experiments carried out after the fabrication of the unit to test its
productivity.

6.1 Experimental setup

The setup consists of a stepped solar basin unit. The aluminum basin is painted black. It has an
effective area of 0.153m2. The basin is housed in a wooden casing that is painted white. A glass
condenser holding 3 sprayers is supported at the top of the unit. An aluminum angle collects the
distilled water from the unit and brings it to a container.

The solar unit is supplied by sea water from an air pressurized tank. The water flows through a
pressure gauge to a solenoid valve to the sprayers. The solenoid valve is controlled by an
arduino circuit.

Fig 6.1 experimental setup

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6.2 Methodology of the experiment

The principle of solar water distillation is simple and replicates the way nature makes rain.
Solar radiation heats water to the point of evaporation. As the water evaporates, it starts
condensing on the glass surface. The condensed water is collected by means of V-channel. This
process removes impurities such as salts and heavy metals as well as eliminates microbiological
organisms. The end result is water with no impurities.

Initially, the impure water is poured into the tank. The tank is then pressurized using a bicycle
pump upto 1.6 bar. This pressure is indicated by the pressure gauge. Then a preprogrammed
solenoid valve releases the water at intervals of 1 minute for 100 miliseconds. This water reaches
the sprayers where it is sprayed onto a hot aluminum basin. The water then vaporizes after a
minute and the next set of spray is sprayed.

The water that vaporizes then condense on the glass cover. As the size of the condensate grow,
the water droplets roll down from the glass into a V-channel. The v-channel being slightly tilted
allows the water to flow out of the unit into the distillate collector.

6.3 Observations

Table 6.1 Observations made on 14/04/2019

Time interval Temperature of basin Distillate output

10 am – 11 am 46o 60 ml

11 am – 12 pm 51o 75 ml

12 pm – 1 pm 55o 125 ml

1 pm – 2 pm 52o 90 ml

2 pm – 3 pm 48o 40 ml

3 pm – 4 pm 40o 20 ml

Total 410 ml

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 Fig 6.2

Table 6.2 Observations made on 16/04/2019

Time interval Temperature of basin Distillate output

10 am – 11 am 44o 70 ml

11 am – 12 pm 54o 80 ml

12 pm – 1 pm 57o 150 ml

1 pm – 2 pm 54o 100 ml

2 pm – 3 pm 50o 40 ml

3 pm – 4 pm 42o 20 ml

Total 460 ml

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Fig 6.3

6.4 Results

The average of the outputs for the 2 days cane be taken as 435 ml

This out of 435 ml/day is for a basin area of 0.153 m2.

Therefore the output for an area of 1 m2 would be 435/0.153 =2843 ml

i.e. the out of the unit was 2.843 L/m2/day

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 6.3 Comparison of different solar stills with this project

Table 6.3 Comparison of different solar stills with this project

My Stepped solar basin with spray inlet 0.153m2 basin area 2.8 L/m2/day
project

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 Chapter 7
Conclusions
This chapter presents the conclusion reached based on the experiments carried out.

7.1 Conclusion

The solar unit for a spray feed mechanism was fabricated and tested. The output expected from
the experimental analysis was 6.677 L/m2/day, while the output from the actual testing was
found to be 2.843 L/m2/day. The difference between the expected and actual output can be
attributed to the leak of water vapours from the unit.

The output receive was an average output that would be received from a solar still placed in
Mumbai.

Department of Mechanical Engineering Semester VII 2015-19 Batch Page | 27

REFERENCES

[1] Hitesh N. Panchal “Enhancement of distillate output of double basin”, Journal of King Saud
University – Engineering Science (2015) 27, June 2013, pp 170-175.

[2] N.H.A. Rahim, Utilisation of new technique to improve the efficiency of horizontal
solar desalination still, Desalination 138 (2001) 121–128.

[3] G. Yuan, H. Zhang, Mathematical modeling of a closed circulation solar desalination

unit with humidification–dehumidification, Desalination 205 (2007) 156–162.

[4] [2] Naga Sarada Somanchia,Sri Lalitha Swathi Sagi, Thotakura Ashish Kumar, Sai
Phanindra Dinesh Kakarlamudi, Ajay Parik, “Modelling and Analysis of Single Slope Solar Still
at Different Water Depth”, International Conference On Water Resources, Coastal AND Ocean
Engineering 4 ( 2015 ), pp 1477-1482.

[5] Ibrahim U. Haruna, Maksha Yerima, Abalis D. Pukuma, Ibrahim I. Sambo, “Experimental
Investigation Of The Performance Of Basin Type Single-Slope Solar Still”, International Journal
of Scientific & Technology Research , 2014, pp 169-174.

[6] Z. Hongfei, Ge. Xinshi, Steady-state experimental study of a closed recycle solar
still with enhanced falling film evaporation and regeneration, Renewable Energy
26 (2002) 295–308.

[7] Hanane.Aburideh, Adel.Deliou, Brahim.Abbad, Fatma Alaoui, Djilali.Tassalit and Zahia

Tigrine, “Application on the sea water desalination of Fouka”, Procedia Engineering 33 ( 2012 ),
pp 475-484.

Department of Mechanical Engineering Semester VII 2015-19 Batch Page | 28

[8] A. Alaudeen, K. Johnson, P. Ganasundar, A. Syed Abuthahir,K. Srithar, “Study on stepped
type basin in a solar still”, Journal of King Saud University – Engineering Sciences (2014) 26,
pp 176- 183.

[9] M Shashikant, Binod Khadaka, Yennam Lekhana, P Mohan Sai Kiran, Nikhila Alaparthi,
Sonika Veerammneni, “ Solar Water Distillation using Energy Storage Material”, Global
Chalanges, Policy Framework and Sustainable Development for Mining of Minerials and Fossil
Energy Resources 11 ( 2015 ), pp 368-375..

[10] Augmentation of solar still performance using flash evaporation

A.M. El-Zahaby , A.E. Kabeel , A.I. Bakry , S.A. El-agouz , O.M. Hawam

[11] Tabrizi FF, Dashtban M, Moghaddam H. Experimental investigation of a weir-type cascade

solar still with built-in latent heat thermal energy storage system. Desalination. 2010;260(1):248-
253.

[12] Dashtban M, Tabrizi FF. Thermal analysis of a weir-type cascade solar still integrated with
PCM storage. Desalination. 2011;279(1):415-422.

[13] Kabeel AE, Khalil A, Omara ZM, Younes MM. Theoretical and experimental parametric
study of modified stepped solar still. Desalination. 2012;289:12-20

[14] Awad MM, El-Agouz SA. Enhancement of the performance of stepped solar still using
humidification–dehumidification processes. Nature and Science 2013;11(2):88-98.

[15] Zoori HA, Tabrizi FF, Sarhaddi F, Heshmatnezhad F. Comparison between energy and
exergy efficiencies in a weir type cascade solar still. Desalination. 2013;325:113-121.

[16] Kumar M, Yadav C, Manchanda H. Thermal performance of a weir-type cascade solar still:
An experimental study. International Journal of Advance Research and Innovation.
2016;4(1):339-344.

Department of Mechanical Engineering Semester VII 2015-19 Batch Page | 29

 K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering, Mumbai-77
(Autonomous College Affiliated to University of Mumbai)
BE Project – Mech. Engg. (Batch 2015 -19)
Topic: Solar desalination of seawater employing boiling of water
Students Name and Roll No. Mehlam Hamid-1515086
Guide: Prof. Prashant Jain Group No.: 52
Abstract Methodology/Research work Results/Outcomes
It is well-established that minimizing water depth is one of
• The system consists of a sprayer The average of the outputs for the 2 days cane be
the most vital key features to enhance the performance of
solar stills. Thus, this work introduces a new approach that mechanism to produce pulsating spray. taken as 435 ml
permits governing the water depth as desired and • The droplets on the base plate evaporate
simultaneously evades all previous experienced due to solar heat and condense on the glass This out of 435 ml/day is for a basin area of 0.153
interrelated implications through creating a thin re- cover
established film of saline water on a particular manner in m2.
the solar still. This has been performed by feeding the
Therefore the output for an area of 1 m2 would be
saline water into the still through a controlled spraying
system in the form of fine droplets to spread on the top 435/0.153 =2843 ml
surface of a stepped shape absorber of solar still. The
performance results at any operating conditions reveal i.e. the out of the unit was 2.843 L/m2/day
extraordinary superiority over those obtained from other
recent stills by other investigators. 1.Analysis of the spray mechanism
• Pulsating spray was produced using arduino
and solenoid valve Conclusions
• Drifferent spray formations at different heights
Introduction were tested on the base plate The solar unit for a spray feed mechanism was fabricated
The increasing population and industrial and tested. The output expected from the experimental
agricultural development of rural areas are analysis was 6.677 L/m2/day, while the output from the
creating an imbalance between drinking water actual testing was found to be 2.843 L/m2/day. The
demand and fresh water supply. It is well known
difference between the expected and actual output can be
that solar desalination exhibits considerable
economic advantages over other salt-water attributed to the leak of water vapours from the unit.
desalination processes because of cost-free Pulsating Spray inlet Base plate The output receive was an average output that would be
energy, reduced operating costs and its simple received from a solar still placed in Mumbai.
2. Design and fabrication of solar unit
structure.
• Based on the analysis the dimensions of the
unit were decided.
• A stepped basin was used in reference to
Literature Review previous research References
1.Augmentation of solar still performance using flash
• Augmentation of solar still performance using evaporation A.M. El-Zahaby , A.E. Kabeel , A.I. Bakry , S.A.
flash evaporation A.M. El-Zahaby , A.E. Kabeel , El-agouz , O.M. Hawam
A.I. Bakry , S.A. El-agouz , O.M. Hawam
• Kabeel AE, Khalil A, Omara ZM, Younes MM. 2. Awad MM, El-Agouz SA. Enhancement of the performance
Theoretical and experimental parametric study of stepped solar still using humidification–dehumidification
processes. Nature and Science 2013;11(2):88-98.
of modified stepped solar still.
Acknowledgement

It gives me great pleasure to present the project report on ‘solar desalination of seawater
employing boiling of water’. Working on this project has been of the most learning and exciting
experience in my life. I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to our project guide
Prof. Prashant Jain (Mechanical Department, KJSCE, Mumbai) for giving me opportunity to
work on this project and for his constant support and valuable guidance. I would like to thank
him for his valuable suggestions and proper planning for execution of this project.

I am grateful to (H.O.D Mechanical Department, KJSCE, Mumbai) for his constant inspiration
and encouragement.

Last but not the least, I would like to express my gratitude to all my dear friends and family
members who helped me in my project work.
Finally before ending, I would like to thank all those who directly or indirectly helped me for
completing my project work.

Mehlam Hamid
(Roll No: 1515086)

Department of Mechanical Engineering 2015-19 Batch Page 30