A Thermal Model for Predicting the Performance of a Solar Still with Fresnel Lens

Abstract

This study presents a theoretical model to simulate the temperatures and productivity of a single-slope, single-basin solar still when an external solar enhancement is used. Experiments were performed in the New Mexico region (32.3199° N, 106.7637° W) to validate the numerical model. A point focusing Fresnel lens was used in the experiments to enhance the solar input. It was found that a significant rise in the productivity of the still was achieved with the Fresnel lens. Parametric study by varying the water depth showed the Fresnel lens was more effective for larger water depths. In addition, the Fresnel lens can aid in improving the overall efficiency of the solar still.