Solar Still with Reflective Mirrors and Serpentine Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar stills have low productivity in desalinating saline or brackish water, producing only 2-5 L/m2/day, which is less efficient compared to traditional desalination systems, and are economically unattractive due to higher costs and complex installations.
Innovation Solution
A single slope single basin solar still design incorporating a stainless steel coated metal basin, a wooden frame with insulation, and adjustable reflective mirrors to maximize solar radiation absorption and reflection, preheat the water, and condense vapor into distilled water, with a serpentine pipe and glass cover to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a standard solar still is used for water desalination, then the system is simple and portable, but the productivity is low (2-5 L/m2/day)
Solution Approach 1:
The solar still is divided into multiple functional zones including a vertically extended back portion with first sponge and metal objects, an inner portion with second sponge and metal objects, and a serpentine pipe system. This segmentation allows each zone to perform specific functions (preheating, evaporation, condensation) simultaneously, thereby increasing overall productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The basin is designed with a vertically extended back portion that adds a third dimension to the traditional shallow basin. This vertical extension creates additional surface area for solar radiation absorption and extends the heating path of water through the serpentine pipe, enhancing thermal efficiency and productivity while maintaining a compact footprint
2Productivity
If traditional desalination systems are used, then high productivity is achieved, but the cost and complexity of installation are high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive solar heating through the serpentine pipe and reflective mirrors to preheat water before it enters the basin, eliminating the need for external pumps or complex control systems. The condensed water naturally flows back through the serpentine pipe due to gravity, creating a self-sustaining circulation system that is both high-productivity and easy to install
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters of water by preheating it in the serpentine pipe using solar radiation reflected by mirrors, then further heating it in the basin. This two-stage heating process increases evaporation efficiency and productivity without requiring high-energy input or complex equipment
3Productivity
If solar radiation absorption is maximized, then productivity increases, but heat loss to the environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The serpentine pipe is positioned to receive solar radiation and reflected sunlight before the water enters the main basin, preheating the water in advance. This preliminary heating action reduces the temperature differential between the basin and environment, minimizing heat loss while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The serpentine pipe is nested within or adjacent to the basin structure, allowing the pipe to be heated by the basin's thermal radiation while the basin is heated by solar radiation. This nested arrangement creates a thermal coupling that reduces heat loss to the environment while maximizing productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly increases the productivity of desalinating saline or brackish water by optimizing solar radiation absorption and reflection, achieving higher efficiency and cost-effectiveness while maintaining portability and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
a glass cover removably fixed to the top region of the vertical extended back section of the wooden frame to enclose the vertically extended back portion and the top portion of the basin, wherein the glass cover is configured to allow incident solar radiation to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a serpentine pipe attached to a rear region of the vertical extended back section of the wooden frame, wherein the serpentine pipe comprises an inlet and an outlet, the serpentine pipe inlet is connected to the water tank via a piping connection and the serpentine pipe inlet is configured to receive the saline or brackish water from the water tank
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of foldable, adjustable reflective mirrors comprising a rear reflective mirror, a front reflective mirror, a right reflective mirror, a left reflective mirror, and a top double sided reflective mirror
Implementation Method 4
the inner portion of the basin comprises a second sponge with a second plurality of stainless steel coated metal objects inserted therein
Implementation Method 5
an insulation located within the longitudinal slot of the top region of the wooden frame and between the basin and the receptacle when the basin is received within the inner section of the receptacle, wherein the insulation is configured to insulate the basin
Implementation Method 6
a plurality of troughs located adjacent to the top portion of the basin configured to receive distilled water in the form of condensed water vapor on the glass cover
Data Source
AI summary
A method for desalinating a saline or a brackish water includes filling an inner portion of a basin with the saline or the brackish water to saturate a second sponge. Adjusting a rear reflective mirror to reflect an incident solar radiation onto a serpentine pipe. Adjusting a top double sided reflective mirror to reflect the incident solar radiation through a front surface of a glass cover and onto a water tank. Adjusting a front reflective mirror, a right reflective mirror, and a left reflective mirror to reflect the incident solar radiation through the glass cover. A temperature rise inside the basin causes the saline or the brackish water to become heated and vaporized into water vapor. Condensing the water vapor to form distilled water droplets which are collected in a plurality of troughs as distilled water. Flowing the distilled water from the plurality of troughs to a storage tank.