In the face of growing water scarcity worldwide, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have created a groundbreaking thermal desalination system. This solar-powered technology has the potential to alleviate water shortages by significantly increasing the availability of clean and drinkable water in areas facing water scarcity.
Utilizing Solar Energy for Efficient Desalination
The developed system employs thermal desalination, a unique process that removes salt and impurities from water by utilizing heat. The heat generated through solar energy is used to evaporate the water, which is then condensed to obtain fresh water. This innovative approach offers improved energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and portability compared to previous systems.
Design and Functioning of the Solar-Powered System
The solar-powered desalination unit utilizes the working principle of solar stills. Saline water is placed in large reservoirs, and solar energy is employed to evaporate the salt water. The condensed vapor collected on a transparent roof is gathered as fresh water. The system features an insulating chamber that houses a reservoir of saline water, an evaporator, and a condenser, minimizing heat losses to the surrounding air.
Enhancing Efficiency with Innovative Techniques
To enhance the system’s energy efficiency, the researchers incorporated a textured surface on the evaporator that utilizes the capillary effect of microscale textures to draw liquid into narrow spaces. Additionally, the condenser was designed with alternating hydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces to facilitate efficient condensation and maximize water yield. The system intelligently captures and utilizes the heat released during condensation, reducing the required solar energy input.
Versatility and Future Developments
The solar-powered water purification system is capable of desalinating seawater, groundwater with dissolved salts, and brackish water. The research team aims to scale up the system, improve its durability, and increase the volume of drinking water produced. By refining this technology, they hope to make a significant contribution in addressing water scarcity and ensuring access to clean drinking water for communities worldwide.
