Improving vertical solar still performance for efficient Desalination: Investigating the influence of Wick, condensate plate and device dimensions

Access to sustainable energy sources and clean water remain two of the most significant challenges in the modern world. Fortunately, desalination can be achieved using a variety of renewable energy sources, with solar energy being a notable option. There has been a noticeable increase in interest in the vertical solar still (VSS) as a popular desalination technique in recent years. The performance of VSS is examined in this article in relation to a several variables, including the wick, the wettability of the condensate plate surface, and device dimensions. According to the study's findings, selecting an appropriate wick is essential for ensuring optimum water distribution on the heat absorber surface, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the Vertical Solar Still (VSS). In comparison to gauze, cotton emerges as a superior wick, contributing to a noteworthy 5.1 % improvement in device performance. The performance of the VSS is significantly influenced by the contact angle of the condensate surface plate, a glass plate (contact angle of 5) yields 34 % more freshwater than a superhydrophobic plate (contact angle of 140). This study also shows that the dimensions of the vertical solar still (VSS) are significantly impact by the properties of the condensate plate and wick. Specifically, the most efficient VSS performance is attained when the dimensions are set at 32 cm x 30 cm.