RESEARCH PLAN

Tentative Title

Prototype development of an energy-generating filtration machine

Proponents

Leader: Chloe Anthonette S.J. Bernabe

Members:

1. Gianelle Brianna G. Espejo

2. Angela Miel P. Gacutno

3. Sadrack Daniel O. Linde

Proposed Date

Start: First Week of November 2024

End: Last Week of February 2025

Rationale

In the Philippines, water scarcity and pollution are significant challenges, worsened by

climate change and urbanization. Although the country has abundant water resources, access to

clean and reliable water remains uneven, with only 80% of the poorest households having basic

services compared to 99% of wealthier households (Velasco et al., 2020). Traditional filtration

systems often rely on unsustainable energy sources, limiting their accessibility in off-grid areas

(Armas et al., 2024). The challenge lies in developing a filtration system that not only purifies

water but also generates its own energy, thereby reducing dependence on external power sources

(Blain, L., 2023). While existing technologies are effective, they frequently overlook the

integration of renewable energy into their design, leaving a gap in sustainable water management

solutions (Shull, A., 2012).

purification technology, this paper aims to develop a prototype of an energy-generating filtration

machine that uses renewable energy sources to purify water (Alagappan et al., 2020; KIST,

2023). This project seeks to design a system that integrates advanced filtration techniques with

energy generation capabilities, enabling autonomous operation through renewable energy

(Hamzah et al., 2021; Singh et al., 2022). By evaluating the prototype's performance and

efficiency, the study will assess its effectiveness in operating independently of traditional power

grids, which is crucial for off-grid areas and communities with limited access to clean water.

Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to sustainable water management practices and

address the global need for accessible, clean water.

Access to clean water and renewable energy is a pressing global issue, especially in

developing regions. According to the World Health Organization (2023), nearly 2 billion people

lack access to safe drinking water, while global energy demands continue to grow. Many off-grid

areas rely on traditional water filtration systems that require electricity or fossil fuels, making

them inaccessible to vulnerable populations. Research suggests that integrating water filtration

with energy generation could provide a dual solution to these problems (Nguyen et al., 2021).

Renewable energy technologies, such as kinetic or solar-powered systems, offer a sustainable

approach to addressing both water and energy scarcity (Al-Wahaibi et al., 2022).

The development of this prototype faces several limitations, such as the high cost and

availability of advanced materials for both filtration and energy generation (Sun et al., 2020).
Testing the machine in controlled environments may not fully capture the challenges of real-

world conditions, such as fluctuating water quality or extreme weather (Zhang et al., 2022).

Despite these challenges, the significance of this project lies in its potential to address two

critical needs—clean water and renewable energy—in a sustainable, integrated solution. If

successful, this machine could reduce dependency on fossil fuels, improve access to essential

resources in off-grid communities, and contribute to global sustainability efforts, particularly the

United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 and SDG 7) (UN, 2021; IRENA,

2021). Moreover, the prototype could serve as a model for future innovations in decentralized

water and energy systems (Zhang et al., 2022).

A. Problem Being Addressed

This research aims to develop a prototype for an energy-generating filtration machine that

addresses the dual challenges of water contamination and energy scarcity. The prototype will be

designed to achieve (parameters) while minimizing environmental impact and contributing to a

more sustainable future

General Question:

1. Is the energy-generating filtration machine prototype efficient in filtering water and

generating renewable energy?

Specific Questions:

1. Is the energy-generating filtration prototype efficient in generating energy in terms of:

a. Amount of energy generated

2. Is the energy-generating filtration prototype efficient in purifying wastewater in terms of:

a. Floc Size
 b. Floc Density

c. Water Turbidity

d. pH Level

B. Goals

The main goal of this study is to develop a prototype for an energy-generating filtration

machine that addresses the dual challenges of water contamination and energy scarcity and also

feasibility of converting the energy generated by the filtration process into usable electricity.

This would involve proving the concept and achieving a certain level of energy conversion

efficiency.

C. Description in detail of methods and procedures

C1. Procedures

Gathering of Materials

The following materials must be obtained in order to develop a prototype of the energy-

generating filtration machine: Mini DC 12V brushless motor submersible water pump, Pelton

wheel turbine, 530 L blue plastic drum, two 145 L blue plastic drum, motor fan dynamo, metal

mesh filter, water suction pump, electrical tape, penstock, water nozzles

Integration of Hydroelectricity to Flocculation Mixer

The researchers will integrate hydroelectricity to a Flocculation mixer by utilizing the

mechanical energy produced by the Flocculation mixer, to generate renewable energy. The 145 L

and 530 L blue plastic drum will serve as a wastewater holder and a hydroelectric flocculation
basin, respectively. Firstly, in building the prototype, a penstock will be installed, which will

channel the water from the wastewater holder to the hydroelectric flocculation basin. Secondly, a

nozzle will be provided at the outlet of the penstock to create a high-velocity stream of water that

will enter the hydroelectric flocculation basin. Thirdly, a motor fan dynamo will be attached

from the outside of the hydroelectric flocculation basin, adjacent to the outlet of the penstock.

The shaft will be penetrated through the blue plastic drum. Afterwards, the Pelton Wheel Turbine

will be attached to the dynamo's shaft. Next, a high energy density Lithium-Ion battery will be

utilized to store the electrical energy generated directly from the motor fan dynamo.

Separation of Suspended Flocs from Treated Wastewater

In separating the suspended flocs from wastewater, a 145 L blue plastic drum will be

utilized as a catch basin for the treated water with flocs that agglomerated in the Flocculation

process. A water suction pump will be utilized to transfer the treated water from the flocculation

basin to the basin that will separate suspended flocs from treated wastewater. Then, to filter

suspended flocs from the treated water, a metal mesh filter will be placed inside the blue plastic

drum.

Nanofiltration Membrane Technology as a Complementary Water Purification Method

The nanofiltration membrane technology will be connected to the 145 L blue plastic

drum that is responsible for separating suspended flocs from the treated water. The treated water

passing through the metal mesh filter will be filtered further by penetrating through the

Nanofiltration membranes. connected with the 145 L blue plastic drum that is responsible for
separating suspended flocs from treated water. The treated water passing through the metal mesh

filter will be filtered further by penetrating through nanofiltration membranes.

Testing of Parameters

Amount of Energy Generated

In determining the electrical output of the energy-generating filtration machine prototype,

a power meter will be utilized.

Floc Size and Density

By employing a laser particle size analyzer, the size distribution of flocs formed during

the Flocculation process will be measured.

pH Level of Treated Water

A pH meter will be utilized to measure the pH of the water before and after undergoing

the filtration process.

Water Turbidity

Using a turbidity meter, the turbidity of the water will be assessed before and after

undergoing the filtration process.

C2. Risk and Safety

The risk of this'll be the mishandling of the equipment that will be used. The filtration

process may involve handling various materials, some of which could be hazardous or corrosive.

Handling potential hazardous materials requires strict safety protocols.

The study will utilize paired t-tests and ANOVA to evaluate the effectiveness of the

system by comparing pre- and post-treatment results across parameters such as turbidity, pH, and

energy output. Regression analysis will be applied to assess relationships between variables, such

as biogas yield and energy generated, while efficiency calculations will determine performance

metrics like energy conversion rates and turbidity removal efficiency.

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