DIY Rainwater Purifier/Electricity Generator Prototype

Introduction: Purifier/Generator Prototype

In this instructable, you will learn how to build the model prototype that our engineering team has been working on. Though this is just a prototype, you will still be able to hook up a DC motor and route a purity system to get a functioning model. This project can be fun for anyone interested in sustainable energy, and for parents wanting a fun project with their kids.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Tools

All tools are common household tools besides the PVC Primer which can be purchased at any hardware store local to you. Materials were all found at Lowe’s excluding the water wheel which was found at a pool supply store.

*NOTE*: parts listed below have been given labels a, b, c, etc. and correspond to picture above. Throughout this instructable, parts will be referred to as the letter assigned to them. Print parts list for easier assembly.

Windows: Ctrl + P, then custom page to print parts list

Mac: Command + P, then custom page to print parts list

Parts:

• a) Right Angle Coupler (1 ½” ID to 1 ½” ID)
• b) Rubber Flex Coupler (1 ½” / 11 / 4” Tubular)
• c) PVC Direct Connect Branch Tailpiece (Part # 31-12W-PVCK)
• d) Right Angle Threaded Coupler (1 ½”)
• e) Charlotte PVC Pipe (2’ long, 1 ½”) (Power Pipe)
• f) End Cap (1 ½”)
• g) 5/8” Rubber Hose
• h) Water/Pelton Wheel (you can find these at pool supply stores)
• i) Water Filtration Tank
• j) Recycled Wood
• b) Rubber Flex Coupler (1 ½” / 11 / 4” Tubular)
• c) PVC Direct Connect Branch Tailpiece (Part # 31-12W-PVCK)
• d) Right Angle Threaded Coupler (1 ½”)
• e) Charlotte PVC Pipe (2’ long, 1 ½”) (Power Pipe)
• f) End Cap (1 ½”)
• g) 5/8” Rubber Hose
• h) Water/Pelton Wheel (you can find these at pool supply stores)
• i) Water Filtration Tank
• j) Recycled Wood

Tools:

• Electric Hand Drill
• Standard Wood Drill Bit Set
• Phillip’s Power Driver Bit
• PVC Primer/Glue
• Measuring Tape
• 8mm Wrench
• Zip Ties
• Wooden Screws (Phillip's Style)
• Circular Saw (if needed)

*NOTE* This prototype DOES NOT produce electricity or filter water, this is a framework for a bigger design. If you would like your project to be a working model, you will need a DC motor and a water filtration/sanitization system added.

Step 2: Build the Frame

1. Measure the height you would like the frame to be and cut a larger piece of recycled wood (Part J) for the base of the frame.

2. Measure and cut out 2 shorter pieces of the recycled wood (Part J).

3. Align one piece against the front of the frame base at an angle. Drill a hole where the piece will attach to the base. Secure piece to the base with a screw.

4. Measure and cut out a piece of recycled wood (Part J) with holes in it for the fan mount. *If you cannot find a piece of recycled wood with holes, feel free to drill your own into a normal scrap piece of wood.*

5. Align the piece with holes perpendicularly on the back of the frame base. Drill a hole where the piece will attach to the base. Secure piece to the base with a screw.

*! Make sure there is plenty of wood overhanging because this is where you will attach the pipe for the generator!*

6. Measure and cut out a flatter piece of recycled wood (Part J).

7. Align the piece with holes perpendicularly on the back of the frame base. Drill a hole where the piece will attach to the base. Secure piece to the base with a screw.

*! Make sure there is plenty of wood overhanging because this is where you will attach the fan for the generator!*

8. Align the second piece of shorter scrap wood you cut earlier on the opposite side of the frame base in the same way as the first. Drill a hole where the piece will attach to the base. Secure piece to the base with a screw.

9. Drill 2 holes straight down on the top of the frame base about 6 inches apart. Screw in 2 ½ in. screws about halfway.

10. Drill 2 holes, one to the side of each screw placed in the previous step.

Step 3: Assemble Generator

1. Screw in the funnel

Screw the threaded right-angle coupler (part d) to the Branch Tailpiece (part c). When completely tight, the coupler should face directly to the sky

2. Glue right angle coupler to power pipe

Using your PVC Primer/Glue, glue the non-threaded right-angle coupler (part a) to the charlotte pipe (part e)

3. Glue right angle coupler to power pipe

Using your PVC Primer/Glue, glue the end cap (part f) to the other side of the charlotte pipe (part e)

4. Drill end cap

Using a 3/16” drill bit, drill the end cap (part f) offcenter, this is where your jet stream water will come out of.

5. Attach rubber flex coupler to branch tailpiece

Slip rubber flex coupler (part b) onto the branch tailpiece, using an 8mm tighten down coupler to tailpiece

6. Attach power pipe glued assembly to other assembly by the rubber coupler

Take the glued power pipe assembly (parts e, f, and a) and attach to other assembly (parts d, c, and b)

Step 4: Mount Generator to Frame & Route Filtration System

1. Take assembled generator and place on-top of frame

2. Secure to frame by using zip-ties and running them through previously drilled holes that are on top of the frame, cut excess if desired

3. Secure power pipe so that it runs parallel to your frame, use zip-ties as well, cut excess if desired

4. Connect rubber tubing (part g) to the tailpipes branch exit (part c) this hose will route down to your filtration system, cut excess tubing

5. Take filtration tank (part i) and place next to frame, run hose from previous step (part g) into entrance of tank

Step 5: Mount Water Wheel & Adjust

1. If your water wheel came with a bearing system like ours did, go ahead and take it apart.

2. Using a screwdriver instead of a drill (to avoid breaking plastic), mount center piece of waterwheel to frame (part h)

3. Reassemble the wheel now that the frame of the waterwheel is mounted (make sure to put it back together the way it came apart)

4. Run water through your generator and adjust power pipes positioning until wheel spins at a decent speed

5. To make adjustments permanent, you can use small pieces of wood or cardboard behind the power pipe and zip tie into place.