Sustainable Desalination through Optimized Solar Still Geometry: Thermal Modelling and Performance Impacts on Water Pollution Control

IJEP 46(4): 349-358 : Vol. 46 Issue. 4 (April 2026)

Full Text

Bhavin G. Chavda, Virang H Oza* and Vipul M. Patel

Dr. Subhash University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Junagadh – 362 037, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Water scarcity is an increasing global challenge, making sustainable desalination methods essential. A solar still offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative for producing freshwater, harnessing the sun’s energy to convert saline or impure water into clean, drinkable water—ideal for addressing global water shortages. This study supports environmental protection by promoting passive desalination for clean water access, reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based purification methods and minimizing pollution from brine discharge and chemical use. It examines the performance of a pyramid solar still (PSS) with four basin shapes: circular, trapezoidal, rectangular and square, to analyze thermal behaviour and freshwater output. The results show productivity of 1.5770, 1.5766, 1.5710 and 1.5377 kg/m2/day for the square, rectangular, circular and trapezoidal basins, respectively, which are 2.56%, 2.53% and 2.17% higher than the trapezoidal basin. The circular basin exhibits the highest effective emissivity (0.55794), thereby affecting its overall heat balance. Based on the simulation, basin geometry significantly influences the performance of solar stills, providing insights for optimizing water production.

Keywords

Basin shape, Environmental pollution control, Optimization, Solar still, Water yield

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