Laser-Etched Superwicking Solar-Thermal Desalination¶
Membranes & Advanced Filtration • Est. CapEx: Low-cost / Locally fabricated
Technical Overview¶
A solar-thermal desalination system that produces freshwater from seawater without generating brine waste or requiring chemical pre-treatment. Engineered for coastal regions, the device distills water using sunlight while simultaneously harvesting solid salts and minerals such as lithium.
Key Specifications & Engineering Parameters¶
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Category | Membranes & Advanced Filtration |
| Capital Cost | Low-cost / Locally fabricated |
| Primary Mechanism | Black metal panels are etched with femtosecond lasers to create superwicking, ultra-light-absorbing surfaces. Solar radiation drives evaporation of a thin seawater film across the active region; salts and minerals crystallize on passive untreated sides via the coffee ring effect, preventing clogging and enabling continuous operation. |
| Target Scale | Household / Village Cluster |
| Standard Lifespan | 10 - 20 Years |
Cross-Reference & Interactive Tools¶
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