Designing and Building a Solar-Powered Water Purification System
SDG’S IT AFFECTS
This project addresses several SDGs, such as Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean
Energy (SDG 7), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Climate Action (SDG 13)
Project: Designing and Building a Solar-Powered Water Purification System
Subjects Involved:
1. Physics
- Study the principles of solar energy.
- Understand the mechanics of water flow and filtration.
2. Chemistry
- Analyze water contaminants and the chemical processes for purification.
- Develop and test various filtration materials and methods.
5. Mathematics
- Use calculations to determine the size and capacity of the system.
- Apply statistical methods to analyze water quality before and after purification.
6. I.CT
- Develop software for monitoring and controlling the system.
- Use data analysis tools to optimize the system’s efficiency.
7. Geography
- Map the locations where the system will be implemented.
- Study the geographical factors affecting water quality.
8. History
- Investigate the social impact of providing clean water to communities.
- Engage with local communities to understand their water needs and preferences.
9. Literature and English
-Writing the report
Project Timeline
1. Month 1-2
- Define project goals and objectives.
- Conduct a literature review on solar energy and water purification technologies.
- Plan the design of the system and gather materials.
2. Month 2-3
- Build the initial prototype of the water purification system.
- Set up testing protocols for water quality analysis.
3. Month 3-4
- Test the prototype with various water samples.
- Collect data on the system’s performance and efficiency.
4. Month 4-5
- Refine the design based on test results.
- Optimize the integration of solar panels and purification components.
- Conduct further testing and data collection.
5. Month 5-8
- Analyze the data collected and make final adjustments to the system.
- Prepare educational materials and manuals for system operation.
6. Month 8-10
- Compile a comprehensive report on the project’s outcomes.
- Prepare presentations and visual aids.
- Present findings to stakeholders and discuss potential implementations in real-world settings.
Scientific Approach:
-Interdisciplinary Research
Integrates knowledge from physics, chemistry, engineering, and environmental science.
- Empirical Data Collection
Involves hands-on construction, testing, and data collection.
- Quantitative Analysis
Uses mathematical and statistical methods to analyze system performance.
- Sustainability Focus
Aligns with several SDGs, promoting clean water access and renewable energy.
- Community Involvement
Engages local communities, addressing social and educational aspects.
This project not only fulfills the requirements of being scientific, multidisciplinary, and physically
engaging but also contributes to sustainable development and access to clean water.
Materials Needed:
1. Transparent PET Plastic Bottles
- 2-liter clear PET plastic bottles with caps (enough for demonstration).
2. Aluminum Foil
- A small roll of aluminum foil.
3. Black Paint or Black Cloth
- Non-toxic black paint or black cloth.
5.Water Quality Testing Kit
- Basic water testing kit (pH strips, turbidity tube, and coliform bacteria test).
6. Thermometer
- A basic thermometer to measure water temperature.
7. Miscellaneous
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles).
- Cleaning supplies (soap, water).
Requirements:
1. Technical Knowledge
- Basic understanding of solar disinfection principles.
- Simple assembly skills.
2. Space
- An outdoor area with direct sunlight.
- A clean workspace for preparing and testing water bottles.
Process of Making:
1. Preparation Phase
- Clean Bottles: Thoroughly clean the PET bottles with soap and water, ensuring they are free of any
contaminants.
2. Construction Phase
- Prepare Bottles: Fill the clean PET bottles with contaminated water (simulate with tap water mixed
with a small amount of soil or other safe contaminants for testing purposes).
-Black Surface: Paint one side of each bottle with non-toxic black paint or wrap one side in black cloth.
This helps absorb more heat.
-Reflective Surface: Cover a flat surface (like a piece of cardboard) with aluminum foil. This will act as a
reflector to increase sunlight exposure.
3. Setup Phase
- Place Bottles: Lay the bottles on the reflective surface with the clear side facing up and the black side
facing down. Ensure they are in direct sunlight.
- Temperature Monitoring: Use the thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water inside the
bottles. Ideally, the temperature should reach at least 50°C (122°F) for effective disinfection.
4. Disinfection Process
- Expose to Sunlight: Leave the bottles in direct sunlight for at least 6 hours. If the weather is cloudy,
extend the exposure time to 2 days.
- Monitor: Regularly check the temperature to ensure it remains in the effective disinfection range.
5. Testing Phase
-Water Quality Testing: After the disinfection period, use the water quality testing kit to check for
changes in pH, turbidity, and the presence of coliform bacteria.
- Record Results: Document the water quality before and after solar disinfection.
6. Optimization Phase
- Evaluate Effectiveness: Assess the effectiveness of the disinfection process based on the test results.
- Make Adjustments: Adjust the setup if necessary to improve efficiency (e.g., better positioning for
maximum sunlight exposure).
7. Finalization Phase
- Documentation: Compile all data and observations into a report.
- Presentation: Prepare a simple presentation to explain the SODIS process and demonstrate the
system’s effectiveness.
Maintenance and Monitoring:
1. Regular Maintenance:
- Clean the PET bottles regularly to ensure they remain transparent.
- Check the reflective surface for any damage or dirt that may reduce its effectiveness.
2. Continuous Monitoring:
- Periodically test the water quality to ensure the SODIS system is consistently effective.
