Solar Distillation Using Quantum Dot Glass Evaporator

Abstract

In the investigation, an attempt is made to improve the solar still performance by using quantum dot (Q-dot) material. Two solar still models are fabricated at IIT BHU, Varanasi, 25.3176° N in tropical climate with same basin area of 1m2, glass tilt angle 25°, and with basin water depth of 2 cm. Both models are oriented toward south to encompass maximum solar radiation. The first model is a conventional solar still (CSS) which is coated with black dye only, whereas the second solar still model is coated with mixture of black dye and Q-dot material. The results showed that black dye mixed with Q-dot material coated on absorber surface of solar still produces 1810 ml/m2.day with 23.49% efficiency as compared to 1320 ml/m2.day with conventional solar still in same condition without any other active components. Also, it is found that by using Q-dot material heat retaining capacity of the solar still gets improved that is conceived by extra distilled water production relative to conventional solar still in low solar intensity condition. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.