Development of a Solar Distiller for the Production of Potable Water for Human Consumption

Abstract

The study is a continual quest towards the provision of affordable, health-friendly fresh potable water in rural areas; using available, affordable and durable materials for the construction of a solar distiller for freshwater production. The aim of this study was to develop a solar distiller for the production of potable water in waterborne diseases infested rural communities in northern Nigeria. Solar radiation with an intensity of 32 kcal/day was made to pass through a transparent polythene of 1039.6 cm2 that covers a 6800 cm³ of water collected through evaporator made with 78% refined clay constituent distilling 1.3 litres/day of pure water. An efficiency of 77% was determined after several test runs. Information from this study will serve as a guide to researchers on the production of portable water from the solar distiller. Also, it will guide the government and agencies on policy and decision making on water resources.

Keywords: Distilling water, solar radiation, collector and evaporator