Integrated performance of stepped and single basin solar stills with mini solar pond

An attempt is made to enhance the productivity of the solar stills by connecting a mini solar pond, stepped solar still and a single basin solar still in series. Experiment is also carried out by replacing the single basin solar still into a wick type solar still. For further augmentation of the yield, baffle plate, pebble, fins, wicks and sponges are added. Day and night productivity of the solar stills for these modifications is studied. Daily efficiency and percentage increase in productivity for these modifications are also studied. Industrial effluent water is used as feed. Theoretical analysis gives very good agreement with experimental results. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.