Oasis - Product as solution of water shortage

 
 
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ABSTRACT

Oasis is the product to solve the problem of water shortage in the water scarce areas such as Africa.


CHALLENGE

Today, about 700 million people in 43 countries suffer from water shortages. (FAO 2013) Africa is one of these areas with the biggest water shortage. Northwest China also has many dry and semi-arid areas.

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During the dry season in Africa, the surface water evaporates very quickly. Too much extraction of groundwater can lead to sinking water levels. Although the amount of rain is sufficient in some areas, a large part of the water is polluted. Therefore the main problem in Africa is to find enough usable water.

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IDEATION

The plants in Africa can survive, which shows that the water uptake system of the plants is working. Syntrichia caninervis is a good example: with the help of its tip structure, the plant absorbs water from the air. Therefore, concerning the water uptake system of these plants, we can try to capture moisture from the air.

Syntrichia caninervis, Credit Tadd Truscott

Syntrichia caninervis, Credit Tadd Truscott

By experimenting with materials and the boxes, I would like to find how condensation forms from the humid and warm air. I have found out:

1. The water drops condense on the surface of many materials, e.g. glass, plastic, sponge.

2. There is more condensation near the ground.

Due to the larger temperature differences in Africa, condensation can be absorbed on the surface of certain materials.

 

Taking into account the results of research and two experiments, more water can be gained using the following methods.

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OPTIMIZATION

In this phase, I developed a frame structure that can move in the wind. This allows more surfaces in contact with the air and more water to be gained.

 

FINAL DESIGN

The upper part of the construction is in the fresh air. It consists of two components: the frame structure and the texture material on it. At night, the water condenses on the material due to the difference in temperature between day and night. When the frame is turned by the wind force, the water vapor in the moving air also condenses.

There is a closed container that is buried in the ground. The collected water inside cannot evaporate or be polluted. Because of the temperature difference, some water drops also condense inside the container.

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There are observation holes on the top of the container. People can check the amount of water through them. If you want to use the water, you can simply unscrew the lid and take out the container.

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CONCLUSION

In consideration of human behavior, the environment and the materials, I have solved the problem of finding usable water in arid areas: Searching for water is easier, water storage is safer and the usage of water is more effective.

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Quote:
FAO (2013): Wasser abzeichen, in: FAO, [online] http://www.fao.org/3/i3225de/i3225de.pdf [20.07.2020].
China: climate map (o. J.): in: Britannica Kids, [online] https://kids.britannica.com/students/assembly/view/137856 [19.07.2020].
Africa - Climate (o. J.): in: Encyclopedia Britannica, [online] https://www.britannica.com/place/Africa/Climate [20.07.2020].