Fresh water generators are machines that convert salt water into fresh water for use on ships. They are an important system as ships need large quantities of fresh water for crew and passengers over long voyages. The generators work by evaporating sea water using heat, usually from the diesel engine jacket, which separates the pure water from salt and other elements. The main components are filters to remove impurities, a heat exchanger to evaporate the water and another to condense it back to liquid, and a salinometer to monitor salt content of the distilled water. Fresh water generators are crucial onboard systems that produce the daily fresh water needs of 30 tonnes for domestic uses and engine cooling.