A Solar Desalination Unit (solar still) converts saline/brackish water into safe drinking water using the sun’s heat. Sunlight warms a shallow black basin; water evaporates, leaves salts behind, then condenses on a cool glass cover and is collected as distilled water. This project teaches heat transfer, mass transfer, and practical sustainability—great for diploma/degree students.

Parts Used:

1. Insulated Basin – FRP/wood/metal box lined with black absorber (matte paint or aluminum sheet).
2. Transparent Cover – 4–6 mm tempered glass at 10–20° tilt with silicone gasket.
3. Wick Layer (optional) – Black cotton/fiberglass cloth for thin-film evaporation.
4. Feed & Control – Raw-water inlet with float valve, overflow, and salinity/TDS test kit.
5. Condensate Channel – Food-grade trough along the lower edge to a sealed distillate tank.
6. Thermal Storage (optional) – PCM packs (paraffin 55–65 °C) or black stones to extend evening output.
7. Preheater (optional) – Small flat-plate solar collector or serpentine black copper tube.
8. Cooling Aid (optional) – Thin water film on outer glass or air-gap fins to enhance condensation.
9. Sensors & Logger (optional) – DS18B20/thermocouples, irradiance sensor, ESP32 display/data logging.
10. Stand/Frame – Adjustable tilt with anchor points; weather seals and drain.