Development and analysis of a floating solar distillation device

Abstract

The lack of freely accessible freshwater for human consumption is a global predicament. Furthermore, the destruction of modern infrastructure by natural disasters or conflict is a recurrent occurrence which unfortunately, is becoming more frequent. However, very often regions lacking freshwater possess brackish or saltwater sources and sunshine in abundance. For this reason, the provision of technologies which produce freshwater in such scenarios is of unprecedented importance. These technologies are predominantly active processes and consume vast quantities of energy which is largely sourced from finite fossil fuels. These technologies require significant capital investment and resources to operate and maintain. These requirements are typically not available where freshwater scarcity is most critical. This research is in the field of solar distillation for water desalination systems. The state-of-the art knowledge in this field has remained unchanged for decades. The aim of this study was to address research gaps in this field through the design, construction and testing of an inexpensive, innovative and portable, floating distillation device. The developed device was designed to cater for the water requirements of third-world communities and/or communities struck by natural disasters or emergency situations. The methodology followed throughout this project was that of empirical research in conjunction with the engineering product design cycle in order to develop multiple iterations of a product design, as well as physical concepts which were used in testing. The knowledge gained throughout this study culminated in a final detailed product design and an associated physical concept. The final design is transportable, simple to assemble and use. This design requires minimal input from the end-user in its operation due to the innovative implementation of a wicking material. This also maximises the productivity of the floating solar distillation unit allowing it to outperform an equivalent simple still. This is all achieved by a product at a cost of around EUR 43 which is significantly less than the cost of similar products currently available on the market at the time of writing.