Water Cone Improvement Project

Abstract
Object of research is to improve a solar desalination device known as the Water Cone that creates potable water using solar energy. The water cone is a polymeric cone that sits overtop a dish of saline water. The water is evaporated by the sun and condenses back onto the surface of the cone creating fresh water. In an attempt to improve the cone’s water production, two different hydrophobic coatings are applied to the inside of two cones, which allow water droplets to flow at a much faster rate, collecting water more quickly. Two water cones are coated separately, and are exposed to sunlight for five days. Water collection for the coated portion of the cone is compared to the uncoated portion of the cone. Results after a first trial show that coating A on the water cone impedes water collection whereas coating B appears to increase water collection.