Desalination system could produce freshwater that is cheaper than tap water
news.mit.edu
A new solar desalination system takes in saltwater and heats it with natural sunlight. The system flushes out accumulated salt, so replacement parts aren’t needed often, meaning the system could potentially produce drinking water that is cheaper than tap water.
  • Donjuanme@lemmy.world
    582·
    1 year ago

    “The researchers estimate that if the system is scaled up to the size of a small suitcase, it could produce about 4 to 6 liters of drinking water per hour and last several years before requiring replacement parts. At this scale and performance, the system could produce drinking water at a rate and price that is cheaper than tap water.”

    Holy eff, I was expecting “per day” after 4-6 liters from a suitcase size device… That’s more water than I consume in a day, even on double flush days. Of course it would only be during daylight, and with full sun I imagine. But that’s still so much water!

    • anachronist@midwest.socialEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      I’ve been on boats with RO filters that are about the same size and can produce about the same amount of fresh water. The thing is that’s no where near “cheaper than tap water.” Tap water production and consumption is measured in acre-feet.