Compact high-efficiency solar distillation device

A solar distillation apparatus configured to produce a distillate from a source liquid mixture, comprising:

• a base member defining a plurality of flow paths that are each arranged in a serpentine configuration such that the flow paths meander back and forth along a length of the base member from a first end to an opposite second end, the first end having an inlet and the second end having an outlet, the inlet and the outlet each being in communication with a source of the source liquid mixture such that the source liquid mixture continuously flows from the source to the inlet, from the inlet through the flow paths to the outlet, and from the outlet back to the source;
• a frame member attached to the base member;
• a transparent cover panel attached to the frame member such that the transparent cover panel is spaced apart from the base member to define a volume therebetween, the transparent cover panel configured to allow solar radiation to enter the volume;
• a transparent intermediate panel positioned between the base member and the transparent cover panel, and supported by the frame member, the transparent intermediate panel dividing the volume into an evaporation chamber located between the base member and the intermediate panel, and a first condensation chamber between the cover panel and the intermediate panel, and configured to allow the solar radiation that enters the volume to enter the evaporation chamber to heat the source liquid mixture continuously flowing therein while simultaneously limiting convective and conductive heat transfer between the evaporation and the first condensation chambers and
• a housing attached to and spaced apart from the base member to define a second condensation chamber,
• wherein the evaporation chamber communicates with the first and the second condensation chambers,
• the second condensation chamber includes a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber separated by a baffle structure that communicates with the atmosphere, and
• the flow paths of the base member are configured to carry the source liquid mixture in a first direction in the evaporation chamber to increase evaporation of a liquid from the source liquid mixture, and the evaporated liquid is configured to flow from the evaporation chamber in a second and opposite direction into the first condensation chamber where the evaporated liquid condenses into the distillate.