Abstract: The invention discloses the design of an improved household solar still with enhanced output and high recovery. The output and recovery are enhanced by (i) aligning the top glass and basin so as to maximize the input solar radiation, (ii) using North-South reflectors in V trough configuration to further raise the incident radiation, (iii) employing metallic condensers on sides to maximize condensation efficiency, (iv) using suitably heated and cooled saline water by taking advantage of ambient temperature differential during a day and using such water as feed water and condenser water respectively. Use of detachable top glass assembly and teflon cork at the bottom allows for easy cleaning of the interior of the still and discharge of concentrate, respectively. The still is also demonstrated to be useful for other applications where, besides producing distilled water, the concentrate is a more value added product than the feed.

Abstract: A process conducts organic reactions in a standalone laboratory scale solar photo thermo chemical reactor. For organic reactions require elevated temperature, light and mechanical agitation, all three energy forms can be simultaneously derived from solar radiation. Organic synthesis, such as bromination of toluene derivatives (benzylic bromination), bromination of cyclic acyclic hydrocarbon and oxidative cyclization of N-phenylethyl benzamide through bromination were successfully conducted in such reactors.

Abstract: A process conducts organic reactions in a standalone laboratory scale solar photo thermo chemical reactor. For organic reactions require elevated temperature, light and mechanical agitation, all three energy forms can be simultaneously derived from solar radiation. Organic synthesis, such as bromination of toluene derivatives (benzylic bromination), bromination of cyclic acyclic hydrocarbon and oxidative cyclization of N-phenylethyl benzamide through bromination were successfully conducted in such reactors.

Abstract: The invention discloses the design of an improved household solar still with enhanced output and high recovery. The output and recovery are enhanced by (i) aligning the top glass and basin so as to maximize the input solar radiation, (ii) using North-South reflectors in V trough configuration to further raise the incident radiation, (iii) employing metallic condensers on sides to maximize condensation efficiency, (iv) using suitably heated and cooled saline water by taking advantage of ambient temperature differential during a day and using such water as feed water and condenser water respectively. Use of detachable top glass assembly and teflon cork at the bottom allow for easy cleaning of the interior of the still and discharge of concentrate, respectively. The still is also demonstrated to be useful for other applications where, besides producing distilled water, the concentrate is a more value added product than the feed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved solar dryer with improved. The dryer consists of a solar absorber/collector (9) and a drying chamber (6). One end of the collector is connected to a forced draft fan (10) and the other end connects the drying chamber. The drying chamber has a drawer in which the material to be dried is kept on a wire mesh. The dryer further has the provision for placing color indicative silica gel under the wire mesh when operated in recirculation mode. The other end of the drying chamber has an induced draft fan (11). Both the dc fans operate using a 10 watt photovoltaic panel (3). V-trough reflectors (4,5,7,8) made from anodized aluminum are fixed on the collector and optionally on the drying chamber. A tracking circuit is incorporated to auto-track the dryer. A locking mechanism (14) is also incorporated to help the unit withstand high wind load.