Written by Water scarcity is persistent in many regions, particularly arid and semi-arid areas. Due to environmental and geopolitical factors, Iraq faces significant challenges in securing clean drinking water. LibreWater, an open-source initiative, seeks to address this issue through decentralized, small-scale solar desalination. The project is part of a broader effort from the Global Innovation Gathering to develop sustainable solutions using locally available materials and open-source principles. The LibreWater initiative aligns with global research advocating for renewable energy-driven desalination systems as viable alternatives to conventional water treatment methods (El-Nashar & Samad, 2020).
A core component of the project is the Acraea 3.0 device, a solar desalination unit developed by GIG members from LibreWater, is that it has undergone several iterations to enhance efficiency and adaptability. The latest efforts in Iraq have focused on replicating Acraea 3.0 at ScienceCamp, a research and development makerspace in Iraq and one of the oldest GIG innovation hubs. Initial laboratory testing confirmed the device’s ability to desalinate water effectively when supplied with an external heat source, aligning with existing studies highlighting the efficiency of solar thermal desalination in arid environments, where high solar irradiance can be harnessed for sustainable water production (Ghaffour et al., 2013).
One of the key advancements in the Iraqi deployment of LibreWater is integrating a solar tracking system. Science Camp engineers designed and modified the tracking system to optimize solar energy absorption, improving the sun’s reflector and implementing two linear actuators and a photo sensor for precise alignment with the sun. Research indicates that dynamic solar tracking significantly enhances the performance of solar-powered desalination by maintaining optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the day (Sánchez et al., 2015). However, challenges emerged during testing, as the generated heat caused deformations in Acraea 3.0’s structural components, highlighting the need for material modifications: the system achieved high energy concentration during manual operation, demonstrating the potential for efficient water evaporation and desalination. However, the extreme heat generated by solar tracking led to structural deformations in plastic parts of the device produced using 3D printing. This finding underscores a common issue in solar thermal applications: material durability under high temperatures is a critical design factor (Sharon & Reddy, 2015). Addressing these challenges is essential for ensuring the long-term functionality and reliability of the system in real-world applications.
The ScienceCamp engineers and designers team identified two primary solutions: to address heat-induced deformations, they consider replacing plastic components with metal parts or integrating thermal insulation to maintain structural integrity. Their conclusions are based upon prior research that suggests using thermally resistant materials such as aluminium or composite alloys to enhance the durability of solar desalination units (Kalogirou, 2013). Additionally, modifications in system geometry, including transitioning from a rectangular to a circular design, are being explored to improve heat distribution and efficiency.
Another modification under consideration is the addition of a gyroscopic holder to stabilize Acraea 3.0 during operation. Ensuring the device remains level is critical for preventing contamination, as any tilting could allow saltwater to mix with desalinated water. Studies emphasizing the importance of precise mechanical stability in water purification systems, particularly those reliant on solar tracking (Fath et al., 2008), support this design refinement. Integrating such a mechanism could significantly enhance the system’s reliability and usability in off-grid environments.
Given the need for material adjustments and further design iterations, the project team at ScienceCamp is working to refine and implement these modifications, ensuring successful integration of the solar tracker with Acraea 3.0, allowing for a fully functional and scalable desalination unit. Research on solar-powered desalination underscores the iterative nature of technological advancements, where incremental improvements are essential for optimizing performance and scalability (Kumar & Martin, 2017).
ScienceCamp and LibreWater’s work in Iraq reflects broader efforts to develop open-source, decentralized water purification solutions. The initiative enables communities worldwide to replicate and adapt the system to their specific needs by making the technology freely available. Open-source approaches in water technology have been recognized as valuable strategies for addressing global water insecurity by facilitating knowledge sharing and fostering collaborative innovation (Méndez et al., 2019). This model promotes localized problem-solving while leveraging global expertise.
Use the arrows to navigate the pictures below with the development process.
As LibreWater continues its efforts in Iraq, its findings contribute to the growing research on sustainable desalination technologies. The project’s focus on solar energy, material optimization, and open-source collaboration is part of many other contemporary efforts to enhance water security in resource-limited settings. Future research and testing will determine how much Acraea 3.0 can be optimized for large-scale implementation. The ongoing development of this project underscores the role of the Global Innovation Gathering in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to advance sustainable solutions for clean water access.
References
- El-Nashar, A. M., & Samad, A. K. (2020). Renewable Energy Desalination: An Emerging Solution to Water Scarcity. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 123, 109777.
- Fath, H. E. S., Sadik, M. W., & Mezher, T. (2008). Present and Future Trends in the Production and Energy Consumption of Desalinated Water in GCC Countries. International Journal of Thermal & Environmental Engineering, 1(2), 113-124.
- Ghaffour, N., Missimer, T. M., & Amy, G. L. (2013). Technical Review and Evaluation of the Economics of Water Desalination: Current and Future Challenges for Better Water Supply Sustainability. Desalination, 309, 197-207.
- Kalogirou, S. A. (2013). Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems. Academic Press.
- Kumar, A., & Martin, M. (2017). Analysis of a Renewable Energy-Powered Membrane Distillation System for Water Purification. Applied Energy, 198, 368-381.
- Méndez, G. R., Yamanaka, S., & Balaban, A. (2019). Open-Source Water Technologies: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through Collaborative innovation. Water, 11(9), 1832.
- Sánchez, J. A., Blanco, J., Alarcón-Padilla, D. C., & Roca, L. (2015). Performance Evaluation of Solar Thermal Desalination Technologies: A Comparative Study. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 50, 1408-1420.
- Sharon, H., & Reddy, K. S. (2015). A Review of Solar Energy Driven Desalination Technologies. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 41, 1080-1118.
