Exploring stepped solar still developments with a case study for potable water provision in salt farming regions

• Published in: Sustainable energy technologies and assessments 2024-04, Vol.64, p.103700, Article 103700
• Main Authors: Mehta, Pranav, Bhatt, Nilesh, Bassan, Gurmitsingh, Said, Zafar, ElCheikh, Amne
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cost-Effectiveness; Potable Water; Salt Farming Communities; Solar Desalination; Stepped Solar Stills
• ISSN: 2213-1388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2024.103700

[Display omitted] •Review of efficient stepped solar still designs in literature.•SSS with ETC, reflectors yield 7 L/m2 daily fresh water production.•Study focuses on potable water for Little Rann of Kutch, India, salt farmers.•Economic analysis for 10,000 salt farmers in LRK region conducted.•2857 SSS units at $0.0065/L CPL could aid the entire LRK salt farming community. All living things' most critical need is access to potable water, especially humans. India is one of the countries where there is still a serious shortage of fresh, drinkable water. Technology that uses solar energy to desalinate water has proven to be noteworthy for these problems, allowing for the free provision of fresh water. This article reviews recent developments in solar still designs, notably stepped solar stills. Additionally, approximately 10,000 salt farmers situated in coastal areas and the Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, play a central role in India's salt farming activities. An in-depth examination of their work life and daily need for potable water suggests that implementing stepped-solar stills could be a viable and cost-effective solution in this area that yields an average of 5–7 L of fresh water each day. It is estimated that employing around 2857 stepped solar distillers, each with a 2 m2 areas, could fulfil the entire potable water requirements of the salt farming communities. Furthermore,economic study suggests 0.0065$/L potable water cost to salt farmers by adopting stepped solar distillers. Introducing straightforward stepped solar distillers near salt farms can significantly enhance these communities' labour productivity and, more importantly, protect them from life-threatening diseases.