Improving Solar Still Performance With Porites Coral Biomaterial

Abstract

The most benefits of solar desalination are that it is cheap and environmentally good. This study investigated the potential of a novel biomaterial called Porites coral to enhance the efficiency of solar stills by storing energy in a porous medium. The final product was dubbed Coral Solar Still System (CSSS). When light levels are low, the Porites coral biomaterial releases the heat it has stored into the sea. The porous surface of the Porites coral also makes it a great absorber, which causes the water to get hotter since a lot of solar energy gets absorbed. The research was conducted based on the weather conditions observed in Thoothukudi, India. Results demonstrate a 12.6% improvement in productivity as compared to the conventional solar still (CSS) when energy storage was accomplished utilising a porous media containing Porites coral. When compared to the CSS, the CSSS achieved a 13% increase in energy efficiency and an 11% improvement in exergy efficiency.