SOLAR POWER BASED WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM

Abstract

Abstract The present invention discloses a solar power-based water purification system. The system (1) utilizes solar panels (2) to power a modular water treatment unit (4), which employs a combination of physical (7), chemical (8), and biological processes (9) to remove contaminants and pollutants from raw water sources. The system's (1) advanced filtration (6) techniques, including membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes, ensure the removal of a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, pathogens, and organic compounds. The system's sustainable design minimizes energy consumption, reduces waste generation, and promotes environmental stewardship. This innovative approach has the potential to provide clean drinking water for millions of people, particularly in off-grid and resource-constrained communities, while mitigating the environmental impacts of traditional water treatment methods.

Specification

Description:SOLAR POWER BASED WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM

Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the water purification system. More particularly, a solar power-based water purification system that employs advanced filtration techniques, including membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes, to remove a wide range of contaminants from raw water sources.

Background of the Invention
Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids, and gases from water. The water purification can reduce the concentration of particulate matter including suspended particles, parasites, bacteria, algae, viruses, and fungi as well as reduce the concentration of a range of dissolved and particulate matter.
Reference: • "Solar-Powered Membrane Bioreactors for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment: A Review" by Wang et al. (2016) in Water Research Problem: While solar-powered membrane bioreactors have shown promise in wastewater treatment, they often face challenges related to:
1. Energy limitations: Solar panels may not generate sufficient power during cloudy conditions or at night, limiting the system's operational capacity.
2. Membrane fouling: The membranes used in these systems can become clogged with organic matter and inorganic particles, reducing their efficiency and requiring frequent cleaning or replacement.
3. High operational costs: The maintenance and replacement of membranes can be expensive, making these systems difficult to sustain in resource-constrained communities.
Current technologies for water purification that address similar challenges include:
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: These systems use a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants from water. While highly effective at removing a wide range of pollutants, they are energy-intensive and generate significant wastewater.
UV Water Purifiers: Ultraviolet (UV) purifiers use UV light to kill pathogens and microorganisms. They are effective against biological contaminants but do not remove chemical pollutants or heavy metals, and their effectiveness can be compromised if the water is turbid.
Activated Carbon Filters: These filters are commonly used to remove organic compounds and improve taste and odor. They are effective for specific types of pollutants but require regular replacement and do not address heavy metals or pathogens.
Solar Water Purification Systems: Existing solar-powered systems often use distillation or solar stills to purify water. While they are energy-efficient and suited for remote areas, they typically have limited capacity and may not be effective against all types of contaminants without additional filtration steps.
Technical Drawback of Prior Art: One major technical drawback of many existing systems, such as RO and UV purifiers, is their high energy consumption and waste generation. These systems often require significant energy input or produce wastewater, which can be problematic in off-grid or resource constrained settings. Additionally, many existing solar-powered solutions may have limited capacity or effectiveness, particularly if they lack advanced filtration technologies like membrane bioreactors or advanced oxidation processes.
The present system overcomes these limitations by integrating advanced filtration techniques, ensuring the removal of a wide range of pollutants, and optimizing energy efficiency to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the system's modular design and focus on energy efficiency aim to improve its sustainability and affordability.

Objectives of the Invention
The prime objective of the present invention is to provide a solar power-based water purification system.

Another object of this invention is to provide the solar power-based water purification system that employs a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes, including membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes.
Another object of this invention is to provide the solar power-based water purification system that ensure the effective removal of a broad spectrum of pollutants, such as heavy metals, pathogens, and organic compounds, which may not be fully addressed by conventional methods.
Another object of this invention is to provide the solar power-based water purification system that minimizes the waste water generation.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide solar power-based water purification system that harnesses solar energy, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and minimizing energy consumption.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings and descriptions herein. Every object of the invention is attained by at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention
In one of the aspects of the invention, it provides the solar power-based water purification system that leverages solar energy and advanced filtration techniques to deliver clean drinking water to communities facing water scarcity.
In one of the aspects of the present invention, the system's modular design and reliance on solar power ensure its sustainability and adaptability to various settings; by combining physical, chemical, and biological processes, the system effectively removes contaminants, including heavy metals, pathogens, and organic compounds.
In another aspect of the invention, the solar power-based water purification system comprises of solar panel, power generation, modular water treatment unit, filtration, advanced filtration, physical process, chemical process, biological process and outcome as clean drinking water.
Brief Description of Drawings
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further objectives and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the ensuing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing and wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates the block diagram according to preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to".
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
The present invention discloses a solar power-based water purification system that harnesses solar energy and incorporates advanced filtration techniques to provide clean drinking water for communities in need.
In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to like numerals refer to like features of the invention.
According to preferred embodiment of the invention, referring to Figure 1, the solar power-based water purification system (1) comprises of solar panel (2), power generation (3), modular water treatment unit (4), filtration (5), advanced filtration (6), physical process (7), chemical process (8), biological process (9) and outcome (10) as clean drinking water.
Solar Panel (2): Converts solar energy into DC power. This power is used to run the subsequent processes in the water treatment system.
Power Generation (DC Power) (3): The solar panel (2) generates DC power, which powers the modular water treatment unit and other components involved in water purification.
Modular Water Treatment Unit (4): A unit that likely handles initial water intake and possibly some basic pre-treatment steps before further filtration and processing.
Filtration (5): Water is filtered to remove suspended solids and other particulates. This step may include basic physical filtration methods.
Advanced Filtration (6): Involves more sophisticated techniques like membrane filtration or activated carbon filtration to remove finer particles, contaminants, and possibly pathogens.
Physical Process (7) (e.g., Coagulation, Sedimentation): In this branch, physical processes are applied to remove larger particulates or to aggregate smaller particles into larger ones that can be more easily filtered out.
Chemical Process (8) (e.g., Disinfection, pH Adjustment): In this branch, chemical treatments are applied, such as disinfecting the water to kill pathogens or adjusting the pH to ensure the water is safe for consumption.
Biological Process (9) (e.g., Membrane Bioreactors, Advanced Oxidation Processes): Biological treatments may be applied, possibly involving the breakdown of organic contaminants or the removal of specific compounds through advanced oxidation processes.
Clean Drinking Water Output (10): The final output is clean drinking water, ready for consumption after passing through the various filtration and treatment stages.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the detailed working of solar power-based water purification system (1) is as follows:
• The solar panel (2) is responsible for capturing sunlight and converting it into electrical energy. The energy generated is in the form of direct current (DC) power. This renewable energy source powers the entire water treatment system (1), making the process more sustainable and reducing reliance on fossil fuels;
• Power Generation (3) is the DC Power generated by the solar panel (2) used to operate the modular water treatment unit and other components of the system (1). This ensures that the system (1) can function independently, even in remote areas without access to conventional electricity sources.
• Modular Water Treatment Unit (4) is designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing it to be tailored to different water treatment needs and capacities. The modular design also facilitates easier maintenance and upgrades. The unit may include various stages of treatment depending on the quality of the incoming water and the desired quality of the output;
• Filtration (5) is the first step in the physical removal of impurities from the water. This stage involves passing the water through filters that remove suspended solids, sediments, and larger particulate matter. The filtration process helps to clarify the water, making it cleaner and preparing it for further treatment stages;
• Advanced Filtration (6) involves more sophisticated methods to remove smaller and more challenging contaminants. This can include technologies such as:
o Membrane Filtration: Uses semi-permeable membranes to remove dissolved solids, bacteria, and viruses from the water.
o Activated Carbon Filtration: Uses activated carbon to adsorb organic compounds, chlorine, and other chemicals that affect the taste and odor of the water.
o Other Advanced Techniques: Depending on the water quality requirements, additional filtration methods may be employed to ensure the highest level of purity.
• Physical Process (Coagulation, Sedimentation, etc.) (7) has the following functionality:
o Coagulation: This process involves adding coagulants to the water, which cause fine particles to clump together into larger particles (flocs). These flocs can then be more easily removed.
o Sedimentation: After coagulation, the water is left undisturbed to allow the heavy flocs to settle at the bottom of the treatment tank. The clearer water on top is then moved on to the next stage of treatment.
• Chemical Process (8) (Disinfection, pH Adjustment, etc.) functioning in the following manner:
o Disinfection: Chemicals, such as chlorine or ozone, are added to the water to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption.
o pH Adjustment: Depending on the source water, the pH may need to be adjusted to neutralize the water and prevent corrosion in pipes or to meet specific water quality standards.
O Other Chemical Treatments: May include processes to remove specific contaminants, such as heavy metals or nutrients, depending on the source water characteristics.
• Biological Process (9) (Membrane Bioreactors, Advanced Oxidation Processes, etc.) functions in the following manner:
o Membrane Bioreactors (MBR): A combination of biological treatment and membrane filtration, where microorganisms break down organic matter in the water, followed by filtration to remove any remaining particles.
o Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP): These processes involve the generation of highly reactive species, such as hydroxyl radicals, which can degrade organic pollutants that are difficult to remove by conventional means. o Other Biological Methods: May include processes like biofiltration or the use of natural wetlands to further purify the water.
• Clean Drinking Water Output (10) is the final product of the entire treatment process is clean, safe drinking water. This water meets or exceeds regulatory standards for drinking water quality and is free from harmful contaminants, making it suitable for human consumption.
According to another embodiment of the invention, water purification system exhibit novelty and inventiveness compared to prior art through several key aspects:
1. Solar-Powered Modularity: The integration of solar panels to power a modular water treatment unit represents a significant advancement over traditional water purification systems that often rely on non-renewable energy sources. This solar-powered approach not only reduces operational costs but also enhances the system's suitability for off-grid and resource-constrained areas.
2. Comprehensive Filtration Techniques: The system employs a unique combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes, including membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes. This advanced filtration framework allows for the effective removal of a wide range of pollutants, such as heavy metals, pathogens, and organic compounds, addressing limitations of conventional methods that may not fully capture such diverse contaminants.
3. Sustainability Focus: The design emphasizes sustainability by minimizing energy consumption and reducing waste generation. Unlike traditional systems, which may have substantial environmental impacts and inefficiencies, this system promotes environmental stewardship through its efficient use of resources and reduced ecological footprint.
4. Adaptability to Resource-Limited Areas: The system's modular and solar-powered design specifically targets the needs of off-grid and resource-limited communities. This adaptability represents a novel approach in addressing clean water access where traditional infrastructure is either unavailable or impractical.
According to another embodiment of the invention, water purification system has industrial use in remote and off-grid communities where conventional water treatment infrastructure is unavailable or impractical. The system can be deployed in such areas to provide a reliable source of clean drinking water. Its modular and solar-powered design makes it suitable for installation in various settings, including rural areas, small communities, and developing regions, addressing critical water needs while promoting environmental sustainability.
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will at once be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention includes advantages and features over and beyond the specific illustrated construction. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited solely by the scope of the hereinafter appended claims, and not by the foregoing specification, when interpreted in light of the relevant prior art.



List of Reference Numbers

1. water purification system (1) 2. solar panel (2)
3. power generation (3) 4. modular water treatment unit (4)
5. filtration (5) 6. advanced filtration (6)
7. physical process (7) 8. chemical process (8)
9. biological process (9) 10. outcome (10) as clean drinking water


, Claims:We Claim;

1. A solar power-based water purification system (1) comprises of a solar panel (2), a power generation (3), a modular water treatment unit (4), a filtration (5), an advanced filtration (6), a physical process (7), a chemical process (8), a biological process (9) and an outcome (10) as clean drinking water, wherein the system works by harnessing solar energy to power a modular water treatment unit (4) employing a combination of physical (7), chemical (8), and biological processes (9) to remove contaminants and pollutants from raw water sources; the system's advanced filtration (6), including membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes, removes the wide range of pollutants.

2. The solar power-based water purification system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (1) works in the following steps:
• The solar panel (2) captures sunlight and converts it into electrical energy in the form of direct current (DC) power, it powers the entire water treatment system (1), making the process more sustainable and reducing reliance on fossil fuels;

• Power Generation (3) is the DC Power generated by the solar panel (2) to operate the modular water treatment unit (4) and other components of the system (1) ensuring that the system (1) function independently, even in remote areas without access to conventional electricity sources;

• Modular Water Treatment Unit (4) include various stages of treatment depending on the quality of the incoming water and the desired quality of the output;

• Filtration (5) is the first step in the physical removal of impurities from the water; involves passing the water through filters that remove suspended solids, sediments, and larger particulate matter, it clarifies the water, making it cleaner and preparing it for further treatment stages;

• Advanced Filtration (6) involves:
o Membrane Filtration: Uses semi-permeable membranes to remove dissolved solids, bacteria, and viruses from the water,
o Activated Carbon Filtration: Uses activated carbon to adsorb organic compounds, chlorine, and other chemicals that affect the taste and odor of the water,
o Other Advanced Techniques: Depending on the water quality requirements, additional filtration methods may be employed to ensure the highest level of purity;

• Physical Process (7) has the following functionality:
o Coagulation: This process involves adding coagulants to the water, which cause fine particles to clump together into larger particles (flocs), these flocs can then be more easily removed,
o Sedimentation: After coagulation, the water is left undisturbed to allow the heavy flocs to settle at the bottom of the treatment tank, the clearer water on top is then moved on to the next stage of treatment;

• Chemical Process (8) functioning in the following manner:
o Disinfection: Chemicals are added to the water to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption,
o pH Adjustment: Depending on the source water, the pH need to be adjusted to neutralize the water and prevent corrosion in pipes or to meet specific water quality standards,
O Other Chemical Treatments: May include processes to remove specific contaminants, such as heavy metals or nutrients, depending on the source water characteristics;

• Biological Process (9) functions in the following manner:
o Membrane Bioreactors (MBR):, the microorganisms break down organic matter in the water, followed by filtration to remove any remaining particles,
o Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP): These processes involve the generation of highly reactive species, which can degrade organic pollutants that are difficult to remove by conventional means.
o Other Biological Methods: include processes like biofiltration or the use of natural wetlands to further purify the water;

• Clean Drinking Water Output (10) is the final product of the entire treatment process is clean, safe drinking water.

3. The solar power-based water purification system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (1) minimizes the waste water generation.

Documents