Desert Research Center Cairo | Mobile solar installation provides safe drinking water to remote desert communities in Egypt

When paired with solar energy, the LB-1800M is a water treatment solution that can provide safe drinking water to remote communities when there is no power supply.

project:	Mobile, solar-powered units to provide safe drinking water to remote desert communities
customer:	Desert Research Center Cairo
product:	LB 1800F
area:	Egypt

Project description

Reverse osmosis water plants are an ideal solution for variable salinity water sources because they operate effectively in any water source, even seawater. Energy use is a major concern as electricity in these areas is often limited or unreliable and fuel costs are very high in remote areas. Solar energy is an excellent option, but traditional reverse osmosis water plants require large amounts of electricity to run their pumps. Another challenge in this case is support and maintenance. The highly complex operations require extensive training, so traditional systems are not a viable option in desert environments with limited technical education.

The solution was to build two mobile units using three energy-efficient Spectra LB-1800M water production units, equipped with rotating solar arrays. These durable systems provide fresh, safe water from virtually any source and are completely self-sufficient on solar energy. The LB-1800 can provide more than 6,800 liters of water per day and consumes as little as 2.5 watts per liter of water produced, depending on the water source. Each mobile system can produce more than 20,000 liters of water per day when operating at full capacity. This efficiency is significantly higher than competing systems, making solar operation possible in remote areas. Using three units rather than one larger system ensures that water production can continue if one unit requires maintenance or repairs.

Both systems have been using their original reverse osmosis membranes since their deployment in 2013 and 2016. Local technicians have been trained to operate and maintain the system. Initially, Dr. Shawky's team would check the operation of the water-making equipment every day, but now the technicians are self-sufficient and are only contacted every six months. With a stable supply of fresh water, the quality of life of residents in these areas has improved, and the system operates almost around the clock.

product

Dr Shawky and his colleagues at the Desert Research Institute have been looking for water purification solutions suitable for the growing population of Egypt's northwest coastal region, the Western Desert and the Red Sea coast. Groundwater salinity in these areas ranges from brackish to highly salinized. Communities in these areas have relied on collecting rainwater and transporting water from outside to survive. In desert areas, however, where rain is scarce or non-existent, alternatives are needed.

summary

The LB-1800M paired with solar power has proven to be an excellent water solution in energy-starved areas, and the Desert Research Center is considering deploying these systems in the future.

SPECTRA land-based water generator LB 1800 F product link

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