Empirical parameterization of solar still performance

Experimental data on the operation of a simple inclined surface solar still are analyzed for the purpose of obtaining an empirical equation relating the amount of fresh water collected to the total amount of solar energy per day (S), the maximum atmospheric temperature (T), and the mean wind speed (W). The solar still used has a 1 m2 effective area with a 25° inclined glass cover. The empirical model is based on the assumption that the solar, temperatures, and wind, have combined linear effects on the still efficiency. Good agreement between experimental data and model predictions is obtained for both our data and some independent literature published experimental data. Results also indicate that the amount of the total daily solar energy represents the dominating factor governing the still daily productivity compared with temperature and wind effects.