Increasing the productivity of modified cords pyramid solar still using electric heater and various wick materials

One of the problems that the world is increasingly facing day by day is the problem of lack of potable water. Solar stills are one of the ideal solutions for places far from urbanization and unprepared civilly. The main aim of this present study is to investigate the effect of utilizing various burlap wicks of jute cloth, cotton cloth, plush cloth, and silk cloth on the performance of cords pyramidal solar still (CPSS). In addition, three electric heaters that derive their energy from a solar panel were used to raise the water temperature of pyramidal solar still basin to improve its productivity. The experimental tests were performed under the environment of Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt. Results revealed that CPSS had a total yield of 8000 mL/m².day compared to 3550 mL/m².day for PSS. So, the incremental improvement of CPSS yield was 125 % rather than that of the PSS. In addition, the highest values for the increase in productivity were for the distiller CPSS supplied with jute (125 %), then cotton (115 %), then plush (88 %), then silk (60 %), respectively. Also, the daily yields of CPSS with heaters and PSS were 10750 and 3650 mL/m².day, respectively with a productivity improvement of 195 %. Besides, the CPSS with jute wick and electric heaters had a thermal efficacy of 63.5 %. While, the CPSS with jute wick and electric heaters has an exergy efficiency of 6.1 %.