Solar Powered Water

Distillation Device

Eric Frasch, Mike Santorella, Mikio Yanagisawa, Stephen Coffrin

Advisor: Professor Mohammed Taslim
 Problem Statement
• Over 1 billion people
without access to clean
water worldwide

• 26.8% in Africa

• Clean water essential to

stop spread of disease &
improve overall health

• Solar energy = untapped

resource
Project Statement
• Design low cost, solar
powered water
distillation device for
coastal areas of Africa
without access to clean
drinking water
Project Goals

• Solar powered
• Affordable
• 2-4 gallons per day
• Practical
• Efficient
• Easy to clean
Water Distillation

• Process that removes impurities & contaminants

• How?
– Heat water to point of vaporization
– Water vapor condenses on cooler surfaces
– Condensate runs off into collection bin
 Patent & Periodical Research Results

• Beneficial Ideas
– Troughs
– Water height < 2 cm
– Mirrors
• Beneficial Information
– Asymmetrical superior
to other designs
– 30% more efficient
Market Search
The Water Cone® El Paso Solar Energy Association Rainmaker 550TM
(EPSEA) Aid Project

•Not currently in •Estimated cost $400-$600 •Unit Cost - $479.00

production
•Built & supplied by aid
•Very low output organization
Thermal Circuit
• Energy balance at water,
glass, and air inside
• Spreadsheet program
developed
• Inputs  Output
temperatures
• Results: 2 gallon output
requires ~ 1 m2
Thermal Circuit Validation

• Est. Solar Rad: 1.8

kWhr/m2
• Input 2 L
• Output 200 mL
• Windspeed, T∞, and
other inputs entered into
program
2nd Prototype
Results: Twater > Tair > Tglass > T∞
 Design Outline
Float Valve
Input Tank

Reflective
Walls

Insulation

Troughs

Collection Unit
Adjustable
Output Tank
Legs
Basin Features
Float Valve Troughs
• Mirrors
• Slotted tray
– Min. volume with max. surface
area
• Black body surface
• Easy to level
– Adjustable legs
– Mounted levels Bubble Level
• Max. water depth: 1.5 – 2 cm
– Regulated by float valve
• Easy cleaning
– Wipe down tray with cloth
Output Tank
Input & Output Features
Input Tank

• Input
– Preheated water tank
– Tube leading to float
valve/basin
Float Valve
• Output
– Collection mechanism
– Stored under basin Collection
Unit
– Easy to remove tank
Design Overview
• Cost: $379.77
• Highly insulated
– no heat loss
• Mirrors to reflect radiation
• Small bodies of water
• Self regulating water level
• Easy cleanup / collection
Future Plans
• Test Final Prototype
• Decrease manufacturing costs ~ $90.00
– Mold numerous parts
– Buy parts in bulk
• Market Design
– Red Cross
– Mercy Corps
– UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund)
– WV (World Vision)
Questions?
 Cost Analysis
Material Costs Cost of Material Used
Item Qty Price ($) Total Item Qty Actual Cost ($)
2"x 4"x 96" Lumber 4 2.10 8.40 2"x 4"x 96" Lumber 293" 6.41
2' x 4' Poplar Plywood 4 6.28 25.12 2' x 4' Poplar Plywood 1950 sq in. 10.63
6 Mil Poly Sheeting 1 24.37 24.37 Adhesive Type 1 All 7.96
Adhesive Type 1 2 3.98 7.96 Adhesive Type 2 All 8.94
Adhesive Type 2 2 4.47 8.94 4' x 8' x 7/16" OSB 1401 sq in. 15.66
Stainless Steel Screws 1 11.98 11.98 2" Insulating Foam Sheet 743 sq in. 17.34
4' x 8' x 7/16" OSB 1 6.44 6.44 1" Insulating Foam Sheet 1817 sq in. 23.94
4' x 8' x 2" Insulating Foam Sheet 1 13.44 13.44 6 Pack 12" x 12" Mirrored Tiles 602 sq in. 6.95
4' x 8' x 1" Insulating Foam Sheet 1 7.59 7.59 30" x 36" x 1/8" Glass Panel All 12.99
6 Pack 12" x 12" Mirrored Tiles 2 9.98 19.96 24" x 36" x 0.093" Acrylic Sheet 159 sq in. 2.50
Door Handle 1 2.49 2.49 Float Valve 1 40.00
Tie Plates 30 0.42 12.60 Roll of Fiberglass Insulation 3 ft 1.45
Hinge 2 1.99 3.98
Pack of Wood Screws 1 0.79 0.79
Miscellaneous Costs
2 Door Catches 1 2.98 2.98
Sealant 3 4.69 14.07 Item Actual Cost ($)
2 pack of Line Levels 2 2.99 5.98
Screws, handles, containers, tape, sealant,
Pack of Cable Ties 1 2.29 2.29
latches, paint/brushes, levels, cable ties, 50.00
30" x 36" x 1/8" Glass Panel 1 12.99 12.99
hardware, etc
2 Gallon Gasoline Can 1 3.97 3.97
5 Gallon Gasoling Can 1 7.97 7.97 Aluminum Basin (Free) 175.00
Rafter Hangers 4 1.88 7.52
24" x 36" x 0.093" Acrylic Sheet 2 13.56 27.12
Hollow Wall Anchors 4 1.69 6.76
Washers 12 0.33 3.96
10' Roll of Weather Stripping 2 7.97 15.94
Float Valve 1 40.00 40.00
Roll of Fiberglass Insulation 1 9.68 9.68

Miscellaneous Costs
Pro-Rated Final Build Total $ 379.77
Item Qty Price ($) Total
Screws, Tape, Paint, Brackets 25.00

Anticipated Costs
Item Qty Price ($) Total
Aluminum Basin 1 175.00 175.00
5' Silicone Tubing 1 3.10 3.10
Adjustable Legs 4 2.50 10.00

Total Material Cost $ 528.39

Importance of Solar Power
• UN Climate Change Conference (Indonesia)
• Attempting to agree to curb the amount of greenhouse
gas emissions

“The Earth's atmosphere is being changed at an unprecedented rate

by pollutants resulting from wasteful fossil fuel use ... These changes
represent a major threat to international security and are already having
harmful consequences over many parts of the globe.... it is imperative to
act now.”

• Emphasizes the importance of using renewable

resources
Solar Energy - Boston

December Average Value – 1530 Whr/m2

Solar Energy - Somalia

Average Value – 6000 Whr/m2