OPTIMIZATION OF SOLAR STILL YIELD THROUGH ENHANCED HEAT RECOVERY AND FORCED CIRCULATION: A COMPREHENSIVE EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION
Keywords:
Solar still, forced circulation, heat recovery, distillate yield, water purification, renewable energy, desalination.Abstract
This study investigates the improvement of solar still yield by focusing on forced circulation and enhanced heat recovery techniques. A numerical model is developed to estimate the performance of both conventional passive and active solar stills, with an emphasis on optimizing operating, design, and environmental parameters. Experimental procedures were conducted to validate the model, and the results show a significant increase in distillate yield (30-68%) compared to traditional systems. The research highlights the impact of forced circulation and heat recovery on solar still efficiency, providing a viable solution for clean water production in regions with limited access to potable water. The findings have practical implications for the application of solar distillation technology in areas with polluted or saline water resources.
