Design and Manufacture of Portable Seawater Filter Using Reverse Osmosis Integrated Solar Photovoltaic to Fulfill Drinking Water for Fishermen

This study presents a seawater filtration system that utilizes reverse osmosis (RO) technology and is powered by solar energy to address the drinking water needs of Indonesian fishermen during their time at sea. The challenge of accessing clean water during extended periods at sea poses a significant threat to the health and productivity of fishermen. The research methodology involved the design, production, and testing of a portable reverse osmosis system with a daily capacity of 576 liters. This system is equipped with a 100 Wp solar photovoltaic and a 100 Ah battery for independent operation. Test findings showcased a noteworthy decrease in total dissolved solids (TDS) from 35,000 ppm to 210 ppm, alongside complete eradication of E. coli bacteria. The system demonstrated an overall efficiency of 54. 51 % and the capacity for autonomous operation for over 32 hours. Evaluation using the System Usability Scale (SUS) yielded an average score of 83.67, signifying substantial acceptance and usability among fishermen. The research concludes that solar energy-based RO technology is a device that can provide an effective solution for addressing the drinking water needs of fishermen, while also promoting renewable energy and sustainable portable drinking water treatment technology.