Solar still

Abstract

Abstract A solar still. A membrane is carried on a base frame which floats in the liquid environment from which a distillate is to be extracted. The membrane extends as a dome-like, hemispherical roof above the base frame and also contacts the surface of the liquid environment circumferentially of the base frame to encapsulate an air cell from within the still. In addition, the membrane is at least partailly transparent to permit access of solar energy to the upwardly directed surface of a converted means by which the solar energy produces heat. The converter means is located within the still and supported by the base frame so that at least a portion of the upwardly directed surface on the converter means lies awash of the liquid in which the base frame is floatingly supported in order to faciliate vaporization of the liquid heat emitted from the converter means. Although the encapsulated air cell within the still is effectively sealed from the surrounding atmosphere so that the distillate will condense on the interior surface of the membrane, the arrangement of the converter means within the base frame permits continuous access to the converter means by the liquid environment in which the still operates. The upper surface of the converter means is inclined so that the exiting flow of residual liquid and the feeding flow of replenishing liquid induced by their relative specific gravities is augmented to effect aself-cleaning of the converter means. The thermal convection currents within the air cell as well as the action of the wind and waves on the membrane cause the droplets of condensed distilate to flow outwardly and downwardly along the interior surface of the membrane and accumulate within an involute formed by that portion of the membrane which contacts the liquid environment. Also disclosed are means to inflate the membrane and means to remove the distilate.

Inventors

• 👤 Archibald D Evans

Bibliographic Details