The 2021 Sun to H2O VIP team is now full.
You can join the Wait-list in case a position on the team becomes available
VIP Snapshot
Develop portable modules which use sunlight to produce drinking water. Perfect for ongoing, day-to-day use in urban and rural areas as well as an ideal temporary solution for disaster zones, this project offers an affordable and sustainable solution at the energy-water nexus.
VIP ChallENG research goals
You’ll work to continuously improve existing designs, systems and prototypes that already have great momentum on the quest to harvest solar energy as the driving force for small-scale water treatment technologies.
These technologies include:
- Reverse osmosis
- Forward osmosis
- Membrane desalination
- Solar stills
You’ll also study the techno-economics of these systems and the associated manufacturing issues. The main goal is to get one or more of these technologies across the line in terms of translational research and knowledge exchange with industry.
Research, design or technical ChallENG
Your research team will:
- Compare and contrast the various prototypes that have been developed and initially tested at UNSW. This will identify which ones are the most promising for further development in partnership with industry.
- Study and design improvements and modifications to optimise the amount of heat/energy used in the process.
- Examine materials and manufacturing techniques (including 3D printing) for dramatically reducing the cost of producing water in these emerging technologies.
Desired Background
All degrees are welcome however, students specialising in the below areas are encouraged to apply.
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Team Academic Leads
School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
