A Sub-Atmospheric Solar Distillation Unit

Abstract
This paper describes the design, manufacture and performance of a new type of solar distillation unit. The unit operates at a pressure below the atmospheric and utilizes a flat-plate collector. The designed unit is intended for an experimental purpose and operates on draw and fill or non-flow basis. The unit can provide distilled water from any available brackish or saline water. The experimental data obtained from this investigation revealed that the maximum daily productivity of the unit was 5,4kg/(m2/day) and the maximum daily efficiency was 59%.