Freshwater is a limited and precious resource, and global demand for it is growing rapidly, driven by several factors such as population growth, industrialization, and urban expansion. The growing demand for fresh water is pushing for ingenious solutions, and desalination presents itself as a concrete answer to this global challenge. This research project aims to develop an accessible and sustainable water treatment system based on the desalination of brackish water, slightly salty water that cannot be directly used for irrigation. A prototype electrodialysis (ED) device was first designed and built in the laboratory. This prototype was then equipped with an automated control system to allow the device to self-regulate. The study will validate the performance of the water produced and verify its quality for safe use in agriculture. The experimental activity focused on evaluating the performance of the self-built ED system, testing its ability to treat model saline solutions and measuring its efficiency through the ability to remove specific ions and the analysis of key parameters for water quality, including the concentration of dissolved salts. The innovative aspect of this work lies in its methodology, which provides a clear and reproducible design, and also explores the device's potential as an analytical tool. The idea is to use the ED unit not only to purify water but also to indirectly assess its quality. By monitoring changes in salinity during treatment, valuable information about the liquid's composition can be obtained. The final step is a feasibility analysis examining how the ED system can be integrated with agrivoltaics systems. Desalinated water could support crops in these innovative environments.
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Design and construction of an integrated electrodeionization system with automated control for brackish water treatment
Published:
07 May 2026
by MDPI
in The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Machines and Applications
session Automation and Control Systems
Abstract:
Keywords: automation; water treatment; smart device; mechatronics
