Performance Evaluation of Fabricated Conventional Solar Stills in Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh

This paper investigates the productivity of solar stills in varying conditions and provides insights into their practical applications. The study involved the fabrication of solar stills using various low-cost materials designed to maximize sunlight absorption and minimize heat loss. Experimental analysis was conducted over three months—February, March, and April 2024—assessing the impact of different water volumes (3, 3.5, and 4 L) on the still’s performance. Data were collected on temperature variations and distillate output for both saline and muddy water. Results indicate that the optimal water volume for maximum distillation was 3.5L. The solar still demonstrated increased productivity with warmer temperatures: Average daily outputs ranged from 830 ml in February to 1160 ml in April for saline water and from 790 ml in February to 1090 ml in April for muddy water. The study also observed that the rate of evaporation was lower for saline and muddy water compared to pure water due to the higher solute content, which reduces water activity and vapor pressure. The findings highlight the effectiveness of conventional solar stills in varying climatic conditions and underscore the importance of optimizing design parameters for improved performance.