DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A COMPACT FRESHWATER GENERATOR FOR TUGBOAT APPLICATIONS

This study presents a novel approach to the fabrication of a freshwater generator designed to provide portable freshwater for tugboat crews and other auxiliary applications. The system integrates a heating coil powered by an external energy source, with an emergency generator serving as a backup, to generate direct heat for water evaporation. The resulting steam is subsequently condensed to produce distilled water. This innovative design offers a reliable solution for supplying potable water for drinking, washing, cleaning, and other essential functions while minimizing environmental impact, the successful completion of the freshwater generator marks a significant milestone in addressing the critical water scarcity faced onboard tugboats through innovative engineering solutions. The single-stage effect freshwater generator designed and constructed during this project proves to be an effective solution for freshwater production from seawater. The system demonstrated the potential to operate efficiently under varying conditions, achieving desirable desalination performance while maintaining manageable energy consumption. Despite the challenges encountered during the design, and implementation phases, including optimizing heat exchange and minimizing energy losses, the project successfully met its core objectives of demonstrating a practical and scalable freshwater generation method. This system not only offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional desalination methods but also provides a valuable contribution to the field of sustainable water resources.