Abstract
This research examines the effects of energy storage and partial double glazing on freshwater production from salty water in a single-slope solar still. A PVC sheet cover is utilized to create the partial double-glazing system, which effectively reduces radiation losses from the basin, thereby enhancing freshwater yield. The experimental setup is constructed using locally sourced materials to minimize costs. Inside the basin, a 25 kg energy storage bed made from 5 mm rock stones, available in Oman, is employed. The basin is filled with 50 liters of seawater daily, after removing any residual seawater from the previous day. The study explores varying the double-glazing area to 90%, 80%, and 70%, conducting experiments over three consecutive clear days for each setting. Hourly temperature measurements are recorded at various points inside and outside the basin, and the produced freshwater is collected and measured at the same intervals. Thermal efficiency is calculated based on these temperature readings. According to the results, freshwater yield increases from 30% to 34% when the double-glazing area is increased from 70% to 90%. This research concludes that a combination of partial double glazing and an energy storage medium in the basin enhances freshwater yield and thermal efficiency by reducing heat losses through both convection and radiation.
Keywords: Double Glazing, Energy Storage Medium, Freshwater Yield, Single Slope Solar Still, Thermal Efficiency.