Research Projects

Fresh, potable water is essential for life, yet only 3% of the world’s water is drinkable. As the global population continues to rise, the scarcity of drinkable water is becoming more severe. The situation is particularly dire in India, where 600 million people are experiencing high to extreme water stress. India, despite having 17.5% of the world’s population, holds only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. The depletion of groundwater, contamination from industrial waste, and climate change contribute to this crisis, with projections suggesting that 40% of India’s population could face no access to drinkable water by 2030. Additionally, the growing presence of microplastics in drinking water poses significant health risks, which can be reduced through boiling. In response to this escalating problem, innovative technological solutions are necessary. Among the most promising technologies are atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) systems and solar distillation. However, these existing technologies still face challenges, such as insufficient freshwater yield and inefficiency in their humidification and dehumidification chambers. The hybrid multi-effect solar distillation systems have shown potential for increased freshwater production, but achieving yields of 100 kg of freshwater per day per square meter remains elusive. Likewise, in AWH systems, current research primarily revolves around vapor absorption refrigeration systems and silica gel sorbents, with limited focus on vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) systems. This project proposes the development of two advanced systems aimed at addressing the water crisis: a Hybrid High-Yielding Compact Multi-Effect Solar Still (HHYCMSS) and a Solar-Powered Vapor Compression Refrigeration (VCR) Air-Water Harvesting (AWH) system. The HHYCMSS will combine solar thermal energy, phase change materials (PCMs), and vacuum technology to maximize evaporation and condensation, providing sustainable freshwater even in regions with limited access to water. The VCR AWH system, powered by solar energy, will harness ambient air moisture and condense it efficiently, targeting the production of 12 kg of freshwater per day—enough for a typical household in India. Through the development of these systems, the project aims to provide a sustainable, scalable solution for water-scarce regions, particularly in India’s arid and semi-arid areas. In addition to contributing to the water crisis, the technology will help mitigate the health risks associated with water contamination and microplastics. The research team intends to commercialize the systems, with an industrial partner already expressing interest in adopting the technology. The goal is to create a long-term, replicable solution to water scarcity, with further plans for patenting and publishing research outcomes in prestigious journals.