The Solar Ultraviolet (SUV) Water Treatment Design is a solar-powered water disinfection system that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to reduce harmful microorganisms in drinking water. It is intended for use in locations without dependable electricity, including remote communities and emergency situations. The system treats water by exposing it to UV light and allows the water to circulate through the treatment process as needed to improve disinfection. This invention is noteworthy for its focus on reliability under real-world conditions. The recirculation-based design helps maintain effective treatment even when sunlight or power availability varies. The system is modular and adaptable, making it suitable for temporary or long-term deployment. By avoiding chemical disinfectants, it reduces reliance on consumable supplies and user judgment, supporting safer and more consistent water treatment in challenging environments. Background: An estimated 1.8 billion people rely on water contaminated with harmful microorganisms, making safe drinking water a critical challenge, particularly in off-grid, rural, and disaster-affected regions. Addressing this gap is crucial for reducing waterborne disease incidence and improving health outcomes in vulnerable populations. Chemical disinfection methods, such as chlorination, are widely used but often pose challenges at the household or community scale. These challenges include incorrect dosing, inconsistent use, supply limitations, and public hesitation due to taste or safety concerns. Ultraviolet water disinfection is an established alternative that inactivates microorganisms without altering the taste or odor of water. However, many existing UV systems rely on stable electrical power, have high upfront or maintenance costs, or are not suited to intermittent operation. Solar-powered UV systems have been introduced, but their performance can be inconsistent under real-world conditions. This technology was developed to address these limitations by combining solar power with a recirculating UV treatment approach, improving disinfection reliability while remaining practical for off-grid use. Applications:
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