Stemoto LogoStemoto

Home and Abroad (Abu Dhabi Solar Water Desalination Lab)

Source: Stemoto Original

Compare climate & resources of India vs. Abu Dhabi (Desert, Petrol vs. Water scarcity). Build a solar water desalination still that turns salty sea water into fresh drinking water using solar heat.

Categorisation

Stage 2: Builder (8-10)Systemic & Design ThinkingTabletop & Physical PropsSTEM Experiment

Props & Materials Required

  • Slanted glass/plastic solar desalination chamber
  • Salty sea water sample container
  • Fresh water collection trough
  • DS18B20 digital temperature probe & TDS water purity probe
  • ESP32 controller board with OLED display
  • DFPlayer Mini MP3 module + 3W speaker

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Pour Salty Sea Water

Pour salty water into the bottom basin. TDS probe reads '35,000 PPM (SALTY SEA WATER!)'.

2

Expose Still to Sun

Place solar still in direct sunlight. Water warms up and evaporates as pure steam.

3

Collect Condensed Fresh Water

Pure steam condenses on the cold slanted glass roof and drips into fresh collection trough.

4

Purity Check Announcement

Test collected water with TDS probe: 'TDS: 80 PPM (PURE DRINKING WATER!)'. Speaker explains Abu Dhabi desalination.

Why It Works & Notes

Home and Abroad contrasts India (greenery, abundant water) with Abu Dhabi (sand dunes, extreme heat, costly desalinated water). Building a solar desalination still proves how desert countries purify sea water.

Parent Note:

Looking Around Chapter 23: Home and Abroad | STEM Tech: Solar Thermal Evaporation Desalination & TDS Purity Monitoring — Abu Dhabi desalination power plants.