Effect of humidity level and aspect ratio on convective heat transfer coefficient and water productivity of a solar still: Experimental and theoretical analysis

• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.120547
• Publication Date: 2023-04-07T01:16:37Z
• Authors: Milad Mohsenzadeh; Lu Aye; Philip Christopher
• Keywords: Solar still

This article proposes a new correlation to estimate the convective heat transfer coefficient inside evaporation chamber (enclosed space over basin) of single slope solar still with low humidity level. The Rayleigh number, aspect ratio (width average height chamber) and relative are main variables in proposed correlation. Existing models use only number characterise convection neglect effect vapour pressure. Therefore, they fail accurately predict higher water temperatures or unsaturated levels. In this work, natural Nusselt is generated based on theoretical approach constant values calculated using multiple linear regression analysis experimental data obtained work. transient thermal model predicts daily yield within 7.6% experiments under different levels ratios. Higher performance larger lower still. modified 62% 3.49 kg m−2 d−1 during summer Melbourne, demonstrating an 18% increase yield.