Human Powered Water Purifier
At Oregon State University, 24 teams compete in the development of human powered water purification device. The device which can generate the highest amount of purified water in 1 hour wins.
Food coloring signified pollutants in the water. Using only human mechanical power, students had to bring the water to a boil, then condense the steam into purified water. The clean water would be colorless, proving the device worked.
These mechanical engineering students designed clever ways on achieving this result. One team actually used a stationary bicycle to power a motor, which provided electricity to a heating coil taken from a coffee maker. This heat brings water to a boil at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the water starts to evaporate, the steam goes into a copper coil which serves as the condenser. Condensation occurs and the resulting purified liquid is deposited into a collection basin.
This project was inspired by the lack of drinking water in New Orleans due to Hurican Katrina.
[via gazettetimes.com ]
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Human-Powered
1 opinion for Human Powered Water Purifier
anas hashmi
May 11, 2008 at 2:31 am
what is the need of water puifier run by human power
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: