Recent advancements in technology have brought about several new energy inventions. For example, a recent invention is a simplified ability to desalinate water using solar energy.
Research engineers at the Ural Federal University (UrFU) have invented a new desalination technology. The hybrid technology increases evaporation efficiency inside a solar distiller employing a hollow, rotating cylinder and solar collector.
How it operates
Desalination is the removal of the mineral components from saline water. It typically involves removing salt and other minerals from saline water to turn into safe freshwater for drinking and irrigation.
The new energy invention is carried out using a rotating hollow cylinder inside a solar distiller to propagate water evaporation in the container by forming a thin blear of water on the facet of the cylinder, which is continuously renewed with each turn. In addition, the solar collector, which traps the energy from the sun, utilises the energy to increase the temperature.
Compared with other desalination models, this invention was faster and efficient with relatively low cost. The whirling speed of the cylinder inside the solar distiller was 0.5 revolutions per minute (rpm). The researchers assert that the relatively high intensity of solar radiation and low ambient air temperature also contribute to water distillation performance.
Benefits of the new energy invention
The solar desalinator is of immense benefit globally because of its zero-carbon emission efficiency. Another advantage of this new energy invention is that given its simple design and low cost, it would benefit the Middle East and Africa in countries with high solar energy potential and freshwater-scarce regions (learn more).