Performance evaluation and economic analysis of solar stills made of coir and Bambusa vulgaris fiber reinforced composite and vertical basin approach: a comparative study

This research provides a thorough analysis of a solar still made from a natural fibre reinforced composite material, with transparent side walls and a vertical basin approach. The analysis compares this innovative solar still design to a traditional solar still, based on experimental findings and an economic evaluation. The Natural fibre reinforced composite solar still with vertical basin achieved a maximum basin water temperature of 67 °C and 62 °C for traditional solar still, which can be attributed to its superior heat retention capabilities. The daily production of Natural fibre reinforced composite solar still with vertical basin was significantly higher, reaching 1.16 L compared to traditional solar still’s 0.882 L, resulting in a 31.52% improvement. Incorporating a vertical surface area (Vertical basin) alongside the horizontal basin expands the evaporation surface, thereby increasing the efficiency of the solar still. The natural fiber reinforced composite solar still with a vertical basin achieved an overall efficiency of 31.68%, representing a 49.08% improvement over the traditional solar still.The economic evaluation revealed that the cost per litre of pure water was lower for Natural fibre reinforced composite solar still (Rs. 4.12) than traditional solar still (Rs. 4.96). Additionally, Natural Fibre Reinforced Composite Solar Still with vertical basin had a shorter payback period of 408 days, whereas traditional solar still had a payback period of 492 days. Thus, Natural fibre reinforced composite solar still with vertical basin demonstrates greater performance and economic feasibility compared to traditional solar still, making it a more energy-efficient and cost-effective option for solar water distillation applications.