IISc Develops Siphon-Powered Thermal Desalination System

In September 2025, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) developed a siphon-powered thermal desalination system that converts seawater into potable water faster, cheaper, and more efficiently than conventional methods.

Key Points

Innovation in Desalination: Overcomes challenges of salt buildup and scaling limits that restrict conventional solar stills to shallow water depths.
Siphon Mechanism: Uses a composite siphon made of fabric wick and grooved metal surface to ensure continuous water flow while preventing salt crystallization.
Ultra-Narrow Air-Gap Design: Produces over six liters of drinking water per square meter per hour under sunlight — several times higher than standard systems.
Heat Recycling: Stacked evaporator–condenser pairs recycle heat repeatedly, boosting productivity.
Low-Cost and Sustainable: Built with materials like aluminum and fabric; powered entirely by solar energy or waste heat.
Resilient to High Salinity: Can process water with salt concentrations up to 20%, making it effective for brine treatment.
Applications: Suitable for off-grid villages, coastal communities, and disaster-hit regions where freshwater is scarce.