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Design Example: Design of an Irrigation Channel01:27

Design Example: Design of an Irrigation Channel

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Trapezoidal channels are widely used in irrigation systems due to their cost-effectiveness and efficiency in conveying water. Trapezoidal channels feature a flat bottom and sloping sides, making them stable and easier to construct compared to other shapes. The bottom width and side slope ratio are determined based on the required flow capacity and site conditions. The side slope is kept gentle for unlined channels to prevent soil erosion.Hydraulic parameters in channel design include the flow...
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Design Example: Maintaining Level of an Embankment01:19

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Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss01:57

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Underflow gates are vital for controlling water flow in irrigation canals. The three main types of underflow gates — vertical, radial, and drum gates — serve different purposes while ensuring effective flow management. Vertical gates move up and down, generating a free-flowing water jet; radial gates pivot to regulate the flow; and drum gates rotate for precise adjustments. The flow through these gates is influenced by downstream conditions, resulting in free or drowned outflow.Free and...
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Design Example: Analyzing Capacity Contours for Flood Risk Assessment01:17

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Wastewater Irrigation Impacts on Soil Hydraulic Conductivity: Coupled Field Sampling and Laboratory Determination of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity
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Tree-Inspired Design for High-Efficiency Water Extraction.

Mingwei Zhu1, Yiju Li1, Guang Chen2

  • 1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|October 13, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A novel solar steam device made from natural wood efficiently extracts clean water from groundwater and seawater. This tree-inspired technology offers a cost-effective, scalable solution for global water scarcity challenges.

Keywords:
high efficiencylight trappingsolar energy harvestingsolar steam generationtree-inspired design

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Renewable Energy

Background:

  • Global water scarcity necessitates innovative solutions for clean water access.
  • Existing solar steam technologies face challenges with groundwater extraction, salt accumulation, and long-term stability in seawater.
  • Natural wood presents an underutilized, sustainable resource for advanced material applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a high-performance solar steam device using natural wood for efficient water extraction.
  • To address limitations of current solar steam technologies, including groundwater extraction and seawater desalination.
  • To demonstrate a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly approach to solar energy harvesting for clean water generation.

Main Methods:

  • A bilayer structure was created by cutting natural wood transversely and carbonizing the top surface.
  • The device utilizes the natural mesoporous structure of wood for water transport and evaporation.
  • High light absorption (≈99%) was achieved through the carbonized surface, coupled with low thermal conductivity.

Main Results:

  • The wood-based solar steam device demonstrated high performance in both underground water extraction and seawater desalination.
  • The device exhibited long-term stability in seawater without salt accumulation.
  • The unique bilayer structure facilitated rapid water transport and efficient evaporation.

Conclusions:

  • The tree-inspired solar steam device offers an inexpensive, scalable, and sustainable technology for clean water generation.
  • This innovation effectively addresses critical challenges in water extraction from various sources, including groundwater and seawater.
  • The technology holds significant potential for providing clean water globally, particularly in resource-limited rural and remote areas.