Abstract
In this paper a numerical investigation on the double diffusive natural convection in a finned solar still is performed using the finite volume method. The 3D vector potential-vorticity formalism is used to eliminate the gradient pressure terms and due to the complex shape of the cavity the blocked-off-region method is adopted. After getting the dimensionless governing equations, they are written in a generalised form then discretised. The effects of the buoyancy ratio, conductivity ratio and Rayleigh number of the flow structure, temperature field and heat and mass transfer are studied. The results show that the increase of conductivity ratio and Rayleigh number leads to an enhancement of the heat and mass transfer.