Abstract
In the field of environmental engineering, there is a considerable problem with the development and implementation of new-age, environmentally sustainable energy sources. During research, the spectrum of possible energy sources were evaluated, including fossil fuels, biofuels, solar, hydroelectric, wave, geothermal, nuclear, and wind power. The conclusion was that the engineer of the future would need to encompass all forms of energy in a synergistic relationship, so that no one resource would be over-stressed. The team would attempt to develop a portable device that could convert water from any source (salt water, brackish, or fresh) to potable water meeting US drinking standards. Shop drawings and research ensued as the feasibility of each design was assessed. The final design would combine the existence of a man-made vacuum environment with the sun's renewable solar energy to distill water. As the pressure of substance decreases, the temperature that it vaporizes also decreases, according to the Ideal Gas Law. Calculations show that the required vacuum should be attainable using only a hand-held pump. The outer solar reflector will focus enough solar radiation to bring the water to a rolling boil. Inner condensation coils allow fresh water to collect in a drinking container. The applications of the product are widespread, from the general outdoorsman all the way to military use or widespread disaster relief. Over 75 percent of earth is covered with water, and 97 percent of that water is seawater. The product will allow users to input salt water, and the process will output water that is safe to consume.
