heading
This research project presents the development of a low-cost solar water distillation system designed to improve access to clean drinking water in off-grid and rural communities. This project explores the use of a Fresnel lens to focus sunlight onto a metal boiling pot. The resulting steam passes through food-grade silicone tubing and condenses into clean water, with no reliance on electricity – which means that there is no extra carbon emissions due to this. Three experiments were conducted where the independent variables included initial water volume, light intensity and natural weather conditions. The system produced consistent yields even in moderate climates like the UK.
This is how I came up with the idea for this project:Access to safe drinking water remains a critical issue for millions of people living in coastal and rural communities, particularly in low/middle income countries. Due to climate change freshwater aquifers are quickly drying up. There is an urgent need for water purification methods that are cost effective and environmentally friendly.
Evaluating the efficiency of a sun-based water distillation system for water purification in rural areas
Documentation
Evaluating the efficiency of a sun-based water distillation system for water purification in rural areas The research project explores how effective a solar distillation process is. It investigates whether a sealed system, heated by a solar beam directed through a lens into a boiling pot, can efficiently produce clean water from saline input. The core objective is to determine whether this system could serve as a viable solution for water-scarce communities that lack access to electricity and advanced materials.
