A Comprehensive Review of Performance Enhancement Techniques of Advances in Solar Still Technology

Abstract

Solar stills (SS) are a sustainable solution for freshwater production, but their low distillate output remains a challenge. This chapter reviews various techniques to enhance solar still performance, including integrating evacuated tubes (ETCs), optimizing insulation thickness, incorporating fins, modifying glass cover cooling methods, and employing energy storage materials (ESMs). Studies show that coupling ETCs with solar stills increases productivity by up to 67%, while insulation materials like carbon-impregnated foam (CIF) improve yield by 38.7%. Fins enhance heat transfer, boosting output by 25%, and cooling glass covers with water flow increase efficiency by up to 81%. Additionally, varying water depths and using nanoparticles further optimize performance. Despite advancements, gaps remain in cost-effective designs and long-term durability. This review highlights key innovations and identifies future research directions to improve solar still efficiency for practical applications.

Cite as:

Aman Singh, & Vikash Dwivedi. (2025). A Comprehensive Review of Performance Enhancement Techniques of Advances in Solar Still Technology. Advancement in Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 8(2), 31–63.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15853136