Experimental investigation of simultaneous effect of parabolic trough collector and flat external reflectors on performance of stepped solar still

Abstract In this research, the performance of a stepped solar still has been experimentally evaluated. For purpose, parabolic trough collector used to preheat saline water entering still. Also, two flat external reflectors have employed increase amount energy received by steps and system. The findings research indicate that use is more effective than using collector. it efficient apply both mechanisms simultaneously them separately. According obtained results, distilled output 760, 1,560, 2,440 2,760 ml/m2, respectively, for operating conventional still, collector, reflectors, simultaneously. electrical conductivity due presence salt chemical substances dissolved in discharged from 255, 215, 62 38 micro Siemens per centimetre, each four mentioned cases. These experiments show applying proposed mechanisms, can be increased, its purity enhanced.