What it does
HydroChurn, is an advanced, portable, and self-sustaining water bottle designed to filter and purify water from various sources, ensuring it is safe for consumption. It employs UV filtration to eliminate pathogens and does not require an external power source.
Your inspiration
According to the WHO, over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, leading to widespread waterborne diseases. HydroChurn was inspired by the need for clean water, which can be hard to find or carry. During a trek, our limited bottled water supply ran out, forcing us to drink from a stream, which made one of our friends ill. This experience highlighted the broader need for a reliable water purification solution that could be used in various circumstances, from uncertain public drinking water facilities to contaminated water tanks.
How it works
HydroChurn employs a multi-layered filtration and purification process. Initially, water passes through a steel mesh, which traps large particles and debris, and then flows through a 5 Micron sediment filter bag filled with cotton. This pre-filtered water then flows through a three-stage fine filtration system consisting of two ultrafilter membranes, activated charcoal granules, and a Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) Filter. These components work together to remove finer sediments, chemicals, and organic contaminants. The final stage involves an integrated ultraviolet (UV) sterilization system powered by a battery that is charged by a hand-crank mechanism. After passing through the filters, water is exposed to multiple UV lights that effectively neutralize 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The hand-crank mechanism generates power for the UV system, ensuring the bottle's functionality without the need for external power sources.
Design process
Our design needed to be affordable, lightweight, portable, and efficient. Our initial design for HydroChurn focused on basic filtration to purify water. These filters work together to remove larger and finer sediments, chemicals, and organic contaminants. However, we soon realized the need for an efficient mechanism to eliminate pathogens, which existing portable solutions lacked. Thus, we incorporated UV Germicidal LEDs at strategic locations within the bottle, powered by rechargeable batteries, to ensure thorough purification. To address the low flow rate without external force, we added a pump. Both the pump and UV LEDs required power, and since we wanted the system to work without any external power sources, it led us to develop a hand-crank mechanism along with a gear set that powers a dynamo to recharge the batteries. This innovation eliminates the dependence on external power sources, making HydroChurn a truly self-sustaining solution.
How it is different
HydroChurn stands out with its unique combination of UV germicidal light for bacterial and virus purification and a hand-crank system for battery recharging, ensuring users stay hydrated safely in any environment without relying on external power. It is the first lightweight, portable water bottle to combine UV filtration with a compact design for safe drinking water on the go. The hand-crank system eliminates the dependence on external power sources. The bottle also incorporates multiple filters to remove both coarse and fine particulate matter. The initial steel mesh, cotton, and sediment filter remove larger particles, while ultrafiltration membranes and activated charcoal granules eliminate smaller harmful particles and chemicals. All filters and membranes are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Encased in a lightweight, eco-friendly body, HydroChurn is a cost-effective solution, priced under $30, for clean drinking water.
Future plans
The future of HydroChurn holds significant potential for improvement and expansion. We plan to refine our product based on user feedback and make it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. We are currently constructing our first prototype and aim to complete it and conduct tests soon. Additionally, we envision developing a product range with various sizes to cater to different needs. We are also exploring the use of more natural filters, such as those made from bamboo, jute, or hemp, to make our product even more eco-friendly.
Share this page on