Solar-Aqua Sphere: A Multifunctional Solar-Powered Device for Water Generation, Purification, and Aquatic Ecosystem Support

Abstract

Water scarcity and sustainable water management remain critical issues for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, intensified by rapid urbanization and increasingly variable climate conditions. Existing measures such as shade balls and conventional atmospheric water generation (AWG) systems tend to solve isolated problems and rarely integrate water quality, ecosystem support, or environmental monitoring. This study presents the Solar-Aqua Sphere, a multifunctional, solar-powered device that produces potable water from ambient air, sterilizes it with UV-C, and supports aquatic micro-ecosystems within a modular, sensor-enabled platform. The system combines a thermoelectric AWG module, a UV-C purification chamber, and an aquatic compartment managed through real-time sensing and data logging. Laboratory tests assessed the AWG module under controlled temperature and humidity, demonstrating effective heat exchange and condensation. While the prototype’s water output was constrained by surface area and passive cooling limits, results confirm the feasibility of the core design and point to improvements such as stronger cooling capacity and expanded condenser surfaces. Offering an integrated approach to water generation, purification, and ecological resilience, the Solar-Aqua Sphere shows strong potential for application in urban reservoirs and resource-constrained settings in Hong Kong and beyond.