Rain Water Treatment by Ultraviolet Radiation Using Photovoltaic Energy

HIGHLIGHTS

• A self-sufficient system is presented

• Energy is generated by photovoltaic panels

• Rainwater is captured and treated with ultraviolet lighting.

• This water is used in toilets, pulping the use of drinking water

Abstract

Shortages, deterioration in the quality of water sources and increased demand for water have been a problem for both developing and developed countries. In view of this scenario, the use of alternative sources such as the capture and use of rainwater proves to be a feasible solution. In remote places, without water and electricity supply, the use of a rainwater capture system, with ultraviolet disinfection and powered by an isolated photovoltaic panel can be the solution for the water and energy supply. Thus, this work evaluates the efficiency of the isolated photovoltaic system and the quality of rainwater after passing through the ultraviolet germicidal (UV) lamp. To measure water quality, laboratory analyzes were performed. Analyzes of water from the cistern were performed and after passing through the UV disinfection system using different flow rates to determine which would be more viable for the system. The rainfall and solar irradiation data are collected to determine whether the system powered by photovoltaic energy is viable in the city of Curitiba in the state of Paraná. The results for water analysis showed that the UV disinfection system is efficient, and in the medium and minimum flow rates, there were 100% improvements in the water quality for coliforms. The isolated photovoltaic system proved to be effective, as the irradiation rates were satisfactory even in the winter period, when solar irradiation is generally lower.

Keywords:
water disinfection; ultraviolet lamp; photovoltaic.