Integration of solar still in a multi-source, multi-use environment

The possibilities of usage optimization of a simple solar still through its incorporation in a multi-source and multiuse environment are investigated. Concerning energy sources, the possibility to exploit a nearby solar collector field and other energy sources are investigated, in order to increase productivity of the still. Concerning usage, the influence of hot water draw-off in distilled water productivity is investigated. Coupling of the still with external sources and additional uses is achieved with introduction of a water tank, which operates as a thermal buffer. The whole investigation is based mainly on experimental data under real usage conditions. Parallel to this, modeling of the system behavior is done without or with external heating and without or with hot water draw-off, on the base of the input–output approach. This modeling gives the ability to estimate the expected performance of the system under given climatic conditions, allowing the choice of the proper design solutions in relation to the desired usage. 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved