An evaluation for the optimal sensible heat storage material for maximizing solar still productivity: A state-of-the-art review

Solar still can be used economically to convert saline water into potable water; however, it has been observed that the heat loss from the solar still is the primary reason for its deprived performance. A sensible heat storage material enhances the distillation effect by reducing heat loss from the solar still. This article covers the state-ofthe-art review of solar stills integrated with sensible heat storage material to determine the optimal sensible heat storage material for a specific type of solar still design. The study observed that copper oxide nano-coated absorber plate provides the maximum productivity for a single basin single slope solar still, with an increase in productivity of 53% over conventional solar still. And for a single basin double slope solar still design, Kanchey marbles provide the highest production rate of 4.094 l/m2/day. These identified materials would be used by researchers and industry people for future investigation and optimization of solar still for higher yield and bring it to commercialized status.

Automated summary

This article reviews the optimal selection of sensible heat storage materials in solar stills, and finds that copper oxide nano-coated absorber plate and Kanchey marbles can significantly increase the productivity of solar stills.