Applying parabolic reflector to a solar still?

Question

I am making a solar still with a half spilt cylinder(cut trash can.....). Does this mean i'm applying a parabolic reflector to my solar still? What color should i use to paint my solar still(including inside and outside) and why ? You can also please suggest me improvements that can be done to my solar still?

Answer 1

Using a parabolic reflector is meaningful if your collector is a flat plate or some thing else which is at the focal spot so that as the sun moves overhead, th energy continues to fall on the collection area. If you are using a half round can as the collector, there is no parabola involved. Paint that can black to maximise absorption.