Archive · 5 Jun 2025
IIT-M Develops Solar Desalination System Producing 10,000 Liters of Water Daily
Imagine a machine that uses the sun to make clean water from the salty ocean!
Researchers at IIT Madras created such a machine.
It uses the sun's heat to turn seawater into steam, which is then turned back into fresh water.
This system, which can produce 10,000 liters a day, works best in places with lots of sun.
The machine can run at night, too, using stored heat.
It can provide water to communities and schools.
They are even making a smaller version for houses and looking at recycling used water for gardens and toilets.
IIT Madras developed a solar-powered desalination system.
The system produces 10,000 liters of potable water per day.
It uses multi-effect desalination (MED) technology powered by sunlight.
A compact prototype producing 100 liters/hour has been built.
The team plans to replicate the system in island regions and recycle wastewater.
- Who
- Researchers at IIT Madras.
- What
- A solar-powered desalination system.
- When
- Ongoing development.
- Where
- Developed at IIT-M campus and Kanyakumari.
- Why
- To produce potable water using sunlight and seawater.
- Developer
- IIT Madras
- Water Production Capacity
- 10,000 liters/day
- Technology Used
- Multi-effect desalination (MED)
- Energy Source
- Flat-plate solar collectors
- Heating Temperature
- 75°C
- Prototype Production
- 100 liters/hour
- Salt Content
- 1 part per million