Method and apparatus for solar distillation

Patent · Tue May 12 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:6277234

Speros, D M; Speros, P C

A single effect solar distillation apparatus of the tilted or inclined floor type is disclosed which absorbs solar energy to evaporate a liquid distilland more efficiently. The present distillation apparatus is especially useful for desalination of sea water and includes a number of structural improvements to utilize the absorbed solar energy in a basically more efficient manner than previous still designs of this type. The distilland is evaporated in the present solar distillation apparatus substantially without turbulence especially at the evaporating surfaces to avoid certain heat transfer losses previously encountered during distillation. This basically novel mode of solar distillation is achieved with a particular relationship between the evaporating and the condensing surfaces in the apparatus which further cooperate with an improved structure where said evaporation takes place. Additionally, improved distilland absorbing and evaporating means and improved distillate collection means in the present apparatus also cooperate to provide more efficient operation than heretofore realized. Increased efficiency can be achieved by pre-heating the distilland feed and tracking the sun during operation.

• Assignee: IFI; EDB-81-109843
• Patent Number(s): US 4267021
• OSTI ID: 6277234
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140909* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Miscellaneous Solar Applications-- (1980-)
ADSORBENTS
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
EQUIPMENT
EVAPORATION
EVAPORATORS
FLOW RATE
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
SOLAR DISTILLATION
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR STILLS
SOLAR TRACKING
THERMAL INSULATION