Phosphate bed as energy storage materials for augmentation of conventional solar still productivity

In this experimental work, the phosphate bed was used to augment a Conventional Solar Still (CSS) yield. The CSS was manufactured and operated under the climatic condition of El Oued, Algeria. To evaluate the phosphate as energy storage materials in the CSS, a 10 mm thick phosphate bed was made at the distiller's bottom. The phosphate bed is considered energy storage materials with good thermal conductivity. This material acts as an energy source in the basin after sunset and at times when the intensity of solar radiation decreases. The investigational outcome confirmed that the CSS's daily output contains a phosphate bed is higher than CSS production. Daily production with phosphate bed is equal to 3.55 kg/m², while its value is recorded at 3.04 kg/m² for the CSS. The use of phosphate bed increases daily production by 16.8% compared to the CSS. Besides, the daily energy efficiency is 31% for the CSS with phosphate bed as storage materials and 24.6% for the CSS.