Performance evaluation of an inverted absorber solar still integrated with a refrigeration cycle and an inverted absorber solar still

The performances of inverted absorber solar still integrated with a refrigeration cycle (RIASS) and an inverted absorber solar still (IASS) were experimentally investigated under identical operational and weather conditions. It was found that more yield of fresh water was achieved in RIASS as compared to IASS. The study revealed that the depth of the feed was inversely proportional to the productivity of the IASS. Hence, the daily production of the IASS was increased by reducing water depth in the basin. However, in the RIASS, the inverse behavior was reported. The daily yields from RIASS were 6.4, 10.08 and 9.5l/day at water depths 4, 6 and 8cm respectively. The respective daily yields achieved from the IASS were 3.41, 3.24 and 2.92l/day that were lower than that of the RIASS. Also in case of RIASS, it was found that the night production was more as compared to the daytime production. •An experimental study of conventional inverted absorber solar still (IASS).•An experimental study of refrigerated inverted absorber solar still (RIASS).•Productivities of IASS and RIASS were determined and compared.•The impact of the water depth on the performances of the two stills was presented.•More yield of fresh water was achieved in case of RIASS as compared to the IASS.