LB-1800F mobile solar-powered system provides safe drinking water to remote desert communities in Egypt

The LB-1800M, when paired with solar power, is an off-grid water treatment solution that provides safe drinking water for remote communities.

Project Description

Reverse osmosis watermakers are ideal for variable salinity water sources because they operate effectively on any water source, even seawater. Since electricity is often limited or unstable in these regions, and fuel costs are very high in remote areas, energy use is a major concern. Solar power is an excellent option, but traditional reverse osmosis watermakers require a lot of power to run their pumps. Another challenge in this scenario is support and maintenance; highly complex operations requiring extensive training mean that traditional systems are not viable options in desert environments with limited technical education.

The solution was to build two mobile units using three energy-efficient Spectra LB-1800M watermakers, equipped with rotating solar arrays. These durable systems can provide fresh, safe water from almost all sources and are entirely self-sufficient on solar power. The LB-1800 can provide over 6,800 liters of water per day, consuming as little as 2.5 watts per liter produced, depending on the water source. Each mobile system can produce over 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 instead of one larger system ensures that water production can continue even if one unit requires maintenance or repair.

Since their deployment in 2013 and 2016, both systems have been using their original reverse osmosis membranes. Local technicians have been trained to operate and maintain the systems. Initially, Dr. Shawky's team would check the watermaker operations daily, but now technicians are self-sufficient and only contact them every six months. With a stable supply of fresh water, the quality of life for residents in these areas has improved, and the systems operate almost around the clock.

Products

Dr. Shawky and his colleagues at the Desert Research Center have been searching for water purification solutions suitable for the growing populations along the northwestern coast, western desert, and Red Sea coast of Egypt. The groundwater salinity in these areas ranges from brackish to highly saline. Communities in these areas have relied on rainwater harvesting and transporting water from external sources to sustain themselves. However, in desert regions, rainwater is scarce or nonexistent, necessitating alternative solutions.

Summary

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

SPECTRA Land-based Watermaker LB 1800 F Product Link

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