Increasing evaporation in a solar still using a revolving hollow cylinder as an evaporation surface

ABSTRACT

The main problem hindering the implementation of traditional solar stills is their low productivity. This research aims to enhance the performance of solar stills by employing a rotating hollow cylinder. The impact of the cylinder’s rotation speed on the still’s productivity and efficiency was studied using five rotational speeds (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 rpm). The influence of covering the cylinder surface with fabric on the solar still’s performance was also investigated, highlighting the optimal rotation speed in both cases. Results showed a 43% improvement in the solar still’s productivity using the unclothed cylinder at a rotation speed of 0.5 rpm compared to the traditional still. Moreover, the clothed cylinder demonstrated a 65% enhancement at a rotation speed of 0.1 rpm. The better rotation speed for the unclothed cylinder found to be 0.5 rpm, while for the clothed cylinder 0.1 rpm.

KEYWORDS:

• Cloth
• daily yield
• rotating hollow cylinder
• rotation speed
• solar still

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Ahmed S. Mohammed

Ahmed S. Mohammed, PhD Student in College of Education for Pure Science, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq. Currently works in the Minister of Education, Iraq. His research interest focused on the Renewable Energy Utilization.

Khalid H. Razeg

Khalid H. Razeg, Professor at the College of Education for Pure Science, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq. His research interest focused on Renewable Energy Utilization, Heat Transfer, and Thermal insulation.

Obed M. Ali

Obed M. Ali, Associate Professor at the Northern Technical University, Iraq. He obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Internal Combustion Engine and Alternative Fuels) 2014 from University Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia. His research interests (IC engines, Alternative fuel, and renewable energy).