Solar Water Purification Cone

This is a 3D-printable solar-powered water purification cone that I originally designed back in college as a personal project. It aims to provide a simple, low-cost way to purify or desalinate water using solar energy. The design takes advantage of basic distillation principles to produce clean drinking water using only sunlight and 3D-printed parts.

How It Works:

This device uses passive solar heating to purify water:

• The black tray absorbs heat from the sun, warming the water inside.
• Warm water evaporates and then condenses on the inside surface of the cooler, semi-transparent cone.
• The condensed droplets slide down into a built-in reservoir.
• Over time, this process collects small amounts of clean, drinkable water.
• The top screws off to allow you to easily remove the purified water from the reservoir.

In my testing, I was able to collect about 3.5 oz of purified water after 8.5 hours of direct sunlight at around 75°F (24°C).

Print Settings & Assembly:

• Material Used:
  I printed this entirely in PETG. It’s more heat-resistant than PLA and safe for outdoor use, making it a great option for solar-based applications.
• Color & Function Tips:
• Cone & Cap: Use clear PETG to allow sunlight in while encouraging condensation inside.
• Tray: Use black PETG to maximize heat absorption.
• Assembly Instructions:
  1. Print all parts.
  2. Fill the tray with dirty or salty water.
  3. Place the cone over the tray and cap it.
  4. Leave it in direct sunlight for several hours to collect distilled water.

Project Goals:

The hope for this design — and any future improvements — is to offer a simple, effective solution for people in need of clean water. Whether used for education, emergency preparedness, or low-resource areas, this project demonstrates how 3D printing and solar energy can come together to make a difference.