Experimental study on pyramid solar distiller performance with applying magnet field under various operating conditions

ABSTRACT

Solar stills are a potential solution to address water scarcity but have low production levels. This study explores using magnets in a pyramidal distiller to increase yield. The effects of magnets at different water heights (1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 cm) and non-magnetized iron poles were investigated. Various magnetic field intensities (136, 175, and 220 mT) and magnet locations (above and below the basin) were studied. Also, two types of stills, made of sheet metal and acrylic, were compared. Results showed that magnets at 136 mT improved production by 24% (3600 mL/m²/day) compared to the non-magnetized still (2900 mL/m²/day). Non-magnetic plates increased productivity by 12% compared to the still without magnets. The magnetic field alone accounted for a 12% increase. The maximum productivity and energy efficiency were 24% and 39.6% at 1.5 cm water depth, and 11% and 36.6% at 3 cm. Increasing magnetic field intensity from 136 mT to 220 mT raised yield and thermal efficiency to 34% and 41.1% respectively. The acrylic-based still with magnets achieved a 10% increase in distillate (3300 mL/m²/day) compared to the non-magnetized version (3000 mL/m²/day).

KEYWORDS:

• Magnet field intensity
• productivity enhancement of distiller
• pyramid solar still
• magnets
• solar still

Nomenclature and abbreviations

Symbol	=	Description
PSS	=	Pyramid solar still
magnets-PSS	=	Pyramid solar still with magnets
PCM	=	Phase change material
TiO2	=	Titanium oxide
Titanium oxide	=	Phase change material mixed with nanoparticles

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Authors Contributions

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Additional information

Funding

This work did not receive any funding from anywhere.