bajachris
Nomad
Posts: 196
Registered: 3-29-2009
Location: San Diego, San Juanico, San Andres
Member Is Offline
Mood: Love Baja
|
|
Solar Desalinator
Does anyone have some clever ways to build a solar desalinator? We've decided to combine my 5th grader's science fair project and something that could
be useful at our Baja house. I would love to see some pictures and ideas of things that have worked well for people. Thanks!
|
|
|
BajaGringo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3922
Registered: 8-24-2006
Location: La Chorera
Member Is Offline
Mood: Let's have a BBQ!
|
|
I am in the design phase of an RO system for our place. It can be done with some planning and programming the unit to run during the sun peak times.
We will be adding probably another kW of panels to the roof just to make sure we can keep our battery bank up to charge...
|
|
|
Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
Member Is Offline
|
|
You can make a simple solar desalinator with heavy plastic or glass for panels.
We made one with 4 triangilar sides (pyramid shape).
I made a 4' x 4' frame of 2x2 and then added 4 - 2x2 ridge boards to form the pyramid. We cut clear mylar sheets and sealed them to the frame with
clear silicone caulk and some screen molding. The frame was made so the angle was about 25-30 degrees down each sheet.
This set-up was placed over a square basin we had that was just under 4' x 4' and 6" deep. Around the edges of the basin, we attached sections of
plastic roof gutter and drilled holes in the bottoms to drain the water into a jug.
On sunny, warm days this will distill 3-4 liters per day from saline or drity water. The pyramid shape works well as the drops flow straight down - a
simple tented set-up will also work as long as you seal the sides but will not produce as much in most situations. I have also seem them made with
plastic stretched over pvc pipes bent to a half circle; also not usually as productive as a pyramid.
I'm sure you can imagine many more ways to make a solar still. The important thing is to set the angle so the water will run to the bottom and fall
into your catch basin; too shallow and it will drip back into the source, the same for too steep. Make sure you have good light and heat; a black
bottom to your basin will help. Also make sure that your glass (mylar, plastic, clear corrugated roofing or whatever) is smooth on the underside and
lets in all of the sun's light. Another help is to place a mirror or foil reflectors (make one yourself) to direct even more sunlight into the
pyramid. Or just put it in front of a south-facing, white wall.
Have fun !!
Hey, maybe put a big one over your swimming pool !?!?!
Or float one near-shore ?!?!?
Or a collapsible version teathered to your boat when at anchor ?!?!?
.
|
|
|
Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Full Time Residents
|
|
for the money...nothing works yet
too expensive
remember too...when filtering salt water there is ALOT of waste water
maybe 9 to one
where do you put that stuff?
|
|
|
gnukid
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
Member Is Offline
|
|
There has been a great deal of work at solar desal in the middleeast-if you search you'll find many designs from simple to complicated.
|
|
|
durrelllrobert
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7393
Registered: 11-22-2007
Location: Punta Banda BC
Member Is Offline
Mood: thriving in Baja
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Bob and Susan
for the money...nothing works yet
too expensive
remember too...when filtering salt water there is ALOT of waste water
maybe 9 to one
where do you put that stuff? |
and how do you get the sea water to the device? more solar panels to run a pump?
Bob Durrell
|
|
|
bajachris
Nomad
Posts: 196
Registered: 3-29-2009
Location: San Diego, San Juanico, San Andres
Member Is Offline
Mood: Love Baja
|
|
Thanks Diver for the detailed description. Maybe as part of the science project we will measure the water produced with different variations; black
bottom, etc. Great information!!!
|
|
|
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
