Solar still

Submitted by
YOGESH PATIL
11031m02060
Solar Water Distillation Device
Overview/Outline
Introduction
Necessity
Design
System Development
Water distillation
Working
Advantages
Disadvantages
Application
Introduction
A solar still is a simple way of distilling water, using the heat of
the Sun to drive evaporation from humid soil, and ambient air to cool
a condenser film. Two basic types of solar stills are box and pit stills. In
a solar still, impure water is contained outside the collector, where it is
evaporated by sunlight shining through clear plastic. The pure water
vapor condenses on the cool inside plastic surface and drips down
from the weighted low point, where it is collected and removed. The
box type is more sophisticated. The basic principles of solar water
distillation are simple, yet effective, as distillation replicates the way
nature makes rain. The sun's energy heats water to the point of
evaporation. As the water evaporates, water vapor rises, condensing on
the glass surface for collection. This process removes impurities, such
as salts and heavy metals, and eliminates microbiological organisms.
The end result is water cleaner than the purest rainwater.
NECESSITY

Over 1 billion people without

access to clean water
worldwide

26.8% in Africa

Clean water essential to stop

spread of disease & improve
overall health

Solar energy = untapped

resource
Design Outline
Float Valve
Input Tank

Reflective
Walls

Insulation

Troughs

Collection Unit
Adjustable
Output Tank
Legs
System development
Water Distillation

Process that removes impurities & contaminants

How?
Heat water to point of vaporization
Water vapor condenses on cooler surfaces
Condensate runs off into collection bin
Working
1. Once you have the contraption in place you will need to fill the center
trough with the water you are trying to purify. The center trough usually will
have a black bottom, which helps to attract sunlight.
2. The heat from the sun evaporates the salt water that is sitting in the
center trough. The process of evaporation only lifts pure molecule of H2O
into the air of the container, leaving the dirty parts of the water sitting in the
trough.
3. Next, the process of condensation occurs. This is when the water vapor
molecules hit the glass or plastic ceiling of the solar still and turn into water
droplets. This is the same type of condensation you see when you are
drinking cold water out of a glass or cold can.
4. After condensation, the water droplets are forced by gravity and to slide
down the glass or plastic ceiling into a second clean trough along the inside
edge of the solar still. They cling to the edge of the glass or plastic and
follow it all the way down into an outer rim that flows into the clean water
area. Because the water is clinging to the angled glass or plastic, it does
not get mixed back in with the dirty water.
5. After a certain amount of time enough water is collected and the water is
ready to drink. This is usually done with a hose that is connected from the
clean trough to the outside of the contraption.
Advantages

Cost Effectiveness

Free of charge sun energy (during sunlight it

eliminates 500 Watt electric consumption per one
hour of sunlight)

We provide quality water for personal and

industrial use
Disadvangs

Low production capacity, not enough for the

drinking water needs of the average family

Solar distillers dont kill bacteria and they dont

break down harmful chemicals because they dont
boil the water

The large area tilted glass cover might be an

attraction to bugs and insects
Application

For industrial process

For sterilization

For battery maintanance and radiator

Thank You !