UNIST Inverse-L Photothermal Solar Evaporator¶
Desalination & Distillation • Est. CapEx: Low-Cost / Locally Fabricated • Lifespan: 7–15 Years
Technical Overview¶
Researchers at UNIST created a passive solar desalination device featuring an inverse-L-shaped evaporator constructed from lanthanum-strontium-manganese oxide photothermal material. It generates 3.4 liters of potable water per hour from seawater without any external electricity.
Key Specifications & Engineering Parameters¶
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Category | Desalination & Distillation |
| Capital Cost (CapEx) | Low-Cost / Locally Fabricated |
| Power / Energy | 100% Gravity / Zero Power |
| Target Scale | Community Scale |
| Standard Lifespan | 7–15 Years |
| Technology Maturity | Prototype |
| Primary Mechanism | La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 absorbs broadband solar radiation and converts it to heat at the evaporation surface. The inverse-L geometry continuously wicks water upward while gravity and the structure’s geometry channel precipitating salts away from the hot zone, preventing clogging. |
Cross-Reference & Interactive Tools¶
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