ARC E-Newsletter 4/3/26: Improving Solar Distillation, Part 1

[Aprovecho Research Center]

Improving Solar Distillation, Part 1

A typical DIY solar still. (Image from LSU Ag Center)

In this type of solar still, salt water is put in a sealed box with an angled glass top. As sunlight entering the box heats up the water, it evaporates into fresh water, condenses on the glass top and runs down into a collector.

Dr. Larry Winiarski pointed out that traditional solar stills, as above, have problems:

• Sealing water inside a box results in almost immediate saturation of the air.

• Until the water vapor is condensed, distillation cannot continue to occur.

• In a classic still, the glass condensing surface is warm. Effective condensers are supposed to be cold.

To improve production, Larry moved the hot, humid air (EVAPORATION) to a cold surface (CONDENSATION).

He used a chimney to pull air through the system.

In next week’s newsletter, we’ll check out his most successful design.

---

Find the book "Improving Biomass Stoves 2025," resources, publications and information about our work at www.aprovecho.org

Find archived newsletters online at aprovecho.org/newsletters
© 2026 Aprovecho Research Center/Advanced Studies in Appropriate Technology
76132 Blue Mountain School Road, PO Box 1175, Cottage Grove, Oregon, 97424 - USA
(541) 767-0287 • www.aprovecho.org