Transient model and comparative study of concentrator coupled regenerative solar still in forced circulation mode

Thermal analysis of a concentrator assisted regenerative solar distillation unit in forced circulation mode is presented. The analysis is based on energy balance equations of the different components of the concentrator and solar distillation system. The theoretical performance of the concentrator coupled regenerative/non-regenerative solar still is compared with a collector coupled still in terms of thermal efficiency and daily yield. The optimum condition for higher yield from the proposed system has also been discussed analytically. It is concluded that the yield of the concentrator assisted regenerative solar still is much higher than any other passive/active regenerative or non-regenerative solar distillation system, and the overall thermal efficiency increases with an increase in the flow rate of the flowing cold water over the glass cover.