Optimization analysis of active solar still using design of experiment method

Abstract. Mathematical model for different configurations of active solar still has been analyzed. Theoretical analysis of energy balance for the active solar still components has been developed. A statistical manner for examination, evaluation, and optimizing the performance of the active solar distillation system with known input factors has been performed using the Design of Experiments (DOE) method. Some processes with input variables (factors), and predicted output variables (responses) have been evaluated. Input factors influencing the responses have been identified. The impact of each variable (factor) and integration of two factors at the same time (called interactions) have been estimated. Influences of various factors on a particular study at a time rather than performing different separated studies have been investigated. 11 variables (basin area, depth of saline water, external power, air blowing system, condenser material, condenser thickness, condenser area, insulation thickness, insulation material, ambient air temperature, and make-up water system ) have been studied to show their effects on three responses (mass output, saline water temperature and condenser cover temperature). The statistical results showed that the most significant factors affected on mass output (distilled water), respectively, were the external power, the depth of the saline water and the basin area of the active still. While the most influence factors affecting the saline water temperature and the condenser cover temperature were the depth of saline water, external power and air blowing system respectively.