Sketch of HDH Machine

Sketch of HDH Desalination Machine 9.29.17

The sketch below is based on research from an MIT design which has been modified (and we feel improved) to fit within our budget and resources at the High School level. The basic components are a humidifier, a dehumidifier and a heater. In the humidifier, air is humidified through direct contact with salty water. A Peltier module would be used to provide energy input. Intentionally left out at this point are the controls, communication method and energy source (battery and/or solar cell). Those will be integrated into the system gradually.

Guest Speaker- Mike Karlovich, Trane

Guest Speaker from Trane Talks on Safety and Desalination Machine

Date: 9.22.17
Class: Digital Electronics
Number of Students: Entire class
Goal: Discuss with students safety considerations for desalination machine.

Mike Karlovich from Trane came into class to talk to the students on safety considerations for the Desalination Machine. We thank Mike for taking the time to talk to our class.

Mike spent quite a bit of time on LOTO (lock out tag out) safety mechanisms to make sure circuits were not energized before using them.

He talked about human ergonomics and pedal power for supplying energy. The body will wear out doing this and a chain guard would have to be used.

PVC pipe would be ok to uses, just watch the pressures. Include cutoff values and bleed off valves.

Water needs to be checked at the end for particulates and bacteria.

Pex piping could be used as it would be rated for at least 90 PSI.

No pipe hammering should be allowed as it weakens the glue joints. Remember the joints are the weak spots.

Heating may cause us to go with a metal piping option.

Guest Speaker Josh Bungartz-CenturyLInk

Guest Speaker on Communication Technologies for Desalination Machine

Date: 9.22.17
Class: Cisco 1 Networking
Location: Logan HS
Number of Students: Entire class
Goal: Provide the students with professional solutions to allow the Desalination Machine to communicate from a remote site.

Josh Bumgartz talked to the students on his background and career options at CenturyLink. He also brought in some cables and devices that he uses in his work. We thank Josh and CenturyLink for taking the time and meeting with us.

Main options Josh went through for communication with device:

1. Gamecam
Pro's
a) Cost is relatively low $200
b) Communication can be simple text or picture sent to a cell phone at different times.
c) Videos can also be sent
d) Solar powered is an option.
Con's
a) May not be able to see the dials because it would be mounted close to the machine. Animals are usually a few feet away at least.
b) Some concern on quality of the image bringing out the details of the dial or meter.
c) Must have cell reception

2. Wireless security camera
Pro's
a) Good option as far as image quality
b) Two way talk can be an option so you can communicate with someone on the other end by the machine.
c) Even some 3rd World countries have cell phone coverage.
d) Works on an existing cell account. You just have to add the device and pay for data.

Con's
a) Cost is high $400 plus you have to have an existing plan to add the device.
b) Must have cell reception.

INITIAL QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ANSWERED

The following questions are the product of a meeting with local Electrical Engineering Consultant, Dave Foye and  TE Instructor, Steve Johnston. The students in the Digital Electronics and Cisco classes at Logan HS will research the questions in an effort to find a solution to the design problem.

Date: 9.13.17

Discussion Topics/questions:

1.     What type of system/technology do we want to utilize? What questions do students have regarding these systems?

a.     Thermal systems- use energy to evaporate water and subsequently condense it again.

b.     Electrical, and pressure systems-some use cathodes and other use Reverse Osmosis which is a process in which dissolved inorganic solids (such as salts) are removed from a solution (such as water). This is accomplished by household water pressure pushing the tap water through a semipermeable membrane.

c.      The oldest method, thermal distillation, has been around for thousands of years. In thermal distillation, the water is boiled and then the steam is collected, leaving the salt behind.

d.     What technology is the lowest cost and least maintenance?

2.     Solar power:

a.     Can a PV panel supply enough electricity to power a pump separately.

b.     Can PV supply enough electricity to run a UV light to kill bacteria.

c.      Safety Concerns?

3.     Can a GameCam be used to transmit a still photo to monitor the pressure and flow rate of the device?

4.     UV Light:

a.     Can we run water slowly through a tube a set length with a UV light exposing it?

b.     What length does it need to be to kill bacteria?

c.      Is it better to pump or force water though a filter to purify it?

d.     Does this create increased pressures?

e.     Safety Concerns?

5.     Is it conceivable to create a low pressure distillery for desalination? Low Temperature also?

6.     How do we make this mobile and compact for ease of movement?

Logan Ranger Desalination Machine

Date 9.13.17                                                                                      

 The PLTW-Digital Electronics and Cisco Networking classes at La Crosse Logan High School are collaborating with CenturyLink, Industrial Automation and Trane of La Crosse to design and build a Desalination System to purify brackish (salt) water into contaminant-free water safe for drinking. Target date for project completion will be the summer of 2018.

 The students will focus on designing, programming and fabricating a mobile “Desalination System” with the following targeted goals:

1.     Create an authentic engineering learning experience for the students.

2.     Design a small/mobile, solar-powered desalination system suitable for use in remote areas where the electricity supply is unreliable or non-existent.

3.     Outfit the system with an ultraviolet light array to kill microbes in the water and a communication system to monitor and manage the unit.

The Desalination System will be designed and fabricated at Logan High School in the Technology and Engineering Department. CenturyLink, Industrial Automation and Trane will provide technical support and help define the parameters of the project.

A LPEF grant will be written by Logan DE Instructor - Mr. Steve Johnston, to fund the project in the fall of 2017. The La Crosse Public Education Foundation  in recent years has supported class projects to build a remote-operated underwater vehicle, a drone, a self-driving car and most recently a repetitive work exoskeleton.