Autonomous Rainwater Harvesting System

Abstract

To address the scarcity of drinking water in rural areas and regions with extreme climates, an autonomous rainwater and hail harvesting system powered by solar energy was developed. This design was based on a survey conducted with people in southern Peru to understand their water habits and needs. The system includes a stainless-steel collection cylinder with thermal resistors activated by temperature sensors to melt the hail, and sensors for rainfall, flow, and water level, all managed by a control box. The collected water is filtered and stored in a modular tank, and the entire operation is automated and monitored in real time via a web-based platform accessible via the internet. Its components are protected in a dust- and moisture-resistant cabinet. This low-maintenance and energy-efficient solution represents a practical and replicable alternative to traditional water harvesting methods, benefiting communities with limited access to this resource