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

Not currently in
production
Very low output

El Paso Solar Energy Association

(EPSEA) Aid Project

Estimated cost $400-$600

Built & supplied by aid
organization

Rainmaker 550TM

Unit Cost - $479.00

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
Input Tank

Float Valve

Reflective
Walls

Insulation
Troughs

Collection Unit
Adjustable
Legs

Output Tank

Basin Features
Mirrors
Slotted tray

Float Valve

Troughs

Min. volume with max. surface

area

Black body surface

Easy to level
Adjustable legs
Mounted levels

Max. water depth: 1.5 2 cm

Bubble Level

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

Output
Collection mechanism
Stored under basin
Easy to remove tank

Float Valve

Collection
Unit

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
Item
2"x 4"x 96" Lumber
2' x 4' Poplar Plywood
6 Mil Poly Sheeting
Adhesive Type 1
Adhesive Type 2
Stainless Steel Screws
4' x 8' x 7/16" OSB
4' x 8' x 2" Insulating Foam Sheet
4' x 8' x 1" Insulating Foam Sheet
6 Pack 12" x 12" Mirrored Tiles
Door Handle
Tie Plates
Hinge
Pack of Wood Screws
2 Door Catches
Sealant
2 pack of Line Levels
Pack of Cable Ties
30" x 36" x 1/8" Glass Panel
2 Gallon Gasoline Can
5 Gallon Gasoling Can
Rafter Hangers
24" x 36" x 0.093" Acrylic Sheet
Hollow Wall Anchors
Washers
10' Roll of Weather Stripping
Float Valve
Roll of Fiberglass Insulation

Cost of Material Used

Qty Price ($)

4
2.10
4
6.28
1
24.37
2
3.98
2
4.47
1
11.98
1
6.44
1
13.44
1
7.59
2
9.98
1
2.49
30
0.42
2
1.99
1
0.79
1
2.98
3
4.69
2
2.99
1
2.29
1
12.99
1
3.97
1
7.97
4
1.88
2
13.56
4
1.69
12
0.33
2
7.97
1
40.00
1
9.68

Total
8.40
25.12
24.37
7.96
8.94
11.98
6.44
13.44
7.59
19.96
2.49
12.60
3.98
0.79
2.98
14.07
5.98
2.29
12.99
3.97
7.97
7.52
27.12
6.76
3.96
15.94
40.00
9.68

Qty

Price ($)

Total
25.00

Anticipated Costs
Item
Aluminum Basin
5' Silicone Tubing
Adjustable Legs
Total Material Cost

Qty
293"
1950 sq in.
All
All
1401 sq in.
743 sq in.
1817 sq in.
602 sq in.
All
159 sq in.
1
3 ft

Qty Price ($)

1
175.00
1
3.10
4
2.50

Total
175.00
3.10
10.00
$ 528.39

Actual Cost ($)

6.41
10.63
7.96
8.94
15.66
17.34
23.94
6.95
12.99
2.50
40.00
1.45

Miscellaneous Costs
Item

Actual Cost ($)

Screws, handles, containers, tape, sealant,

latches, paint/brushes, levels, cable ties,
hardware, etc

50.00

Aluminum Basin (Free)

Pro-Rated Final Build Total

Miscellaneous Costs
Item
Screws, Tape, Paint, Brackets

Item
2"x 4"x 96" Lumber
2' x 4' Poplar Plywood
Adhesive Type 1
Adhesive Type 2
4' x 8' x 7/16" OSB
2" Insulating Foam Sheet
1" Insulating Foam Sheet
6 Pack 12" x 12" Mirrored Tiles
30" x 36" x 1/8" Glass Panel
24" x 36" x 0.093" Acrylic Sheet
Float Valve
Roll of Fiberglass Insulation

175.00

379.77

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