College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
3-2025
Primary Advisor
John Fabijanic, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
Van life can be defined as the unconventional lifestyle of living in a car, van, or motor vehicle. Living in a motor vehicle allows for you to effectively live in whatever location you deem fit, and with that comes certain standards that need to be met; one being fresh potable water used for drinking, hygiene, and basic living. The scope of this project is to design a system that can effectively remove salt from seawater (desalinate) and can be integrated into a van that can be used for off-grid living.
In this project we worked to create a design that allows for our sponsor, Dr. Patrick Lemieux, to desalinate water using a system that can be installed and run from a van. This project used both high-pressure and low-pressure pumps to achieve the flow necessary to push water through a sea-strainer, pre-filtration system, and reverse-osmosis membrane. Since we are dealing with desalinated water, we ensured that the hoses and fittings used were correctly rated for correct pressure and human consumption.
This document outlines the research, ideation, and prototyping that are necessary for Dr. Lemieux to install a desalination device onto his van and test its performance with seawater. The current prototype is a running system, but further design changes, analysis, and testing are needed to satisfy all specification requirements that Dr. Lemieux’s desires.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/807
