Week 3

      A lot of progress was made this week. Our group created a conceptual flowchart, three-dimensional (3D) model of the prototype and started purchasing materials for it. The flowchart, Figure 3.1, gives you a look at how our solar still is going to work. 

Figure 3.1: Conceptual Flowchart of Solar Still

      Creating a 3D model of the prototype allowed us to get a better understanding of how the materials will fit together and the dimensions of them. We decided that this should be done before purchasing materials. This way we knew how much of each material to get. Two views of the model can be seen below in Figures 3.2 and 3.3.

Figure 3.2: Overview of 3D Model of Prototype

Figure 3.3: Back View of 3D Model of Prototype

      Lastly this week, a group member was able to go to the store and pick up most of the materials for the solar still. As shown in the picture, SOB board, aluminum sheets, a 2" by 4", spray paint, a PVC pipe, and screws were purchased. Our group will begin constructing the solar still soon. The materials purchased so far can be seen in Figure 3.4. 

Figure 3.4. Materials are Being Purchased