December 6th, 2007

Packed solar still away today as have filled a couple of 50 litre containers with distilled water over the last month just doing a bit every now and then when the sun was shining. Guess I'll NEVER have to buy distilled water again.

October 16th, 2007

Tested still today with a 4 litre container of water straight from the washing machine,  work clothes first rinse cycle - yuk!

pic -> before

pic -> after

October 9th, 2007

Status of the unfinished still - in test mode 

Even though I have to remember to lift the lid and pour more water in from time to time during the day (and let some heat/steam out), the still seems to produce about 2 litres per day in an unimproved state. I'm sure if I pre-heat water through some copper tube in the sun before topping up, create 3" silicone sections from the individual trays (so it doesn't have to be absolutely level) and automate the fill process, I should be able to get maybe 3 litres+ per day - better than I expected with only one glass pane with exposed surface area measuring 1100mm X 620mm. Also not bad for something created out of junk bits and pieces lying around, only had to buy one tube of silicone sealer - total cost about $3.00AU

pic -> overall view

pic -> inside view

pic -> closeup of silicone seal strip on underside of glass

pic -> section through galv

October 8th, 2007

Since the 1st October, it has been overcast EVERY DAY. But even so, the still manages to produce distilled water at a reduced rate though.

Have learned heaps along the way though: 

1. I should have made a horizontal rather than vertical unit
2. Could have just made a simpler flat tapered box unit
3. Best efficiency would be obtained by using a solar powered pump to recycle the flushed water with an automatic top-up from the mains water supply. The system would basically be self-sustaining then providing the drain/recycle storage container is emptied from time to time when the salts/minerals that come out of solution built to a reasonable level. Maybe a timed drain cycle would solve this too.
4. If automated, would probably mount on shed roof and provide a really large container to catch distilled water at ground level.

Next time the washing machine is on, I will catch a couple of containers of water from the rinse cycle and try putting that through the still too. The ultimate, running on recycled water - that would be cool...

October 1st, 2007

Tested the solar still to see if it was worthwhile finishing it - yes it is !!!

Will finish over next few days, do some average output observations, take photos and update later.