Sustainable System for Water Desalination

Abstract: Ankarstiftelsen, a non-profit organization with the mission of assuring the access to basic necessities in developing countries, presented a brief for a sustainable water desalination system, to obtain acceptable drinking water, in the region of La Guajira, Colombia.  The main objective of the project is the creation of an initial proposal for a sustainable desalination system using solar energy with a minimal cost of construction.    This project required large amounts of research regarding the principles of desalination and water purification systems. As well as the living conditions, weather, and water situation in La Guajira. Empirical studies helped verify initial information and provided a better understanding of desalination systems and their principles. Methodologies such as user personas, interviews, and Function analysis were used to determine key constraints and aspects to be considered in the project development.  In addition, simple functionality tests were conducted to evaluate the concepts generated. The resulting design proposal is a collection of technical functionality aspects and user identity that aims to create a meaningful and coherent product to be implemented in its designated context.