Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SWCSP - Solar Water (Creating sustainable fresh water from desalinating seawater using Concentrating Solar Power (CSP))

Teaser

The objectives of the feasibility study were 100% achieved during its 4 months of execution, as described in the work plan and aim at preparing a plan for deployment of a Prototype Field Demonstrator Plant to Las Palmas in the Gran Canary, Spain.The main conclusion is that we...

Summary

The objectives of the feasibility study were 100% achieved during its 4 months of execution, as described in the work plan and aim at preparing a plan for deployment of a Prototype Field Demonstrator Plant to Las Palmas in the Gran Canary, Spain.
The main conclusion is that we should proceed to the next phase of the R&D which is to apply for H2020 SME Instrument Phase 2. This is to produce a real life prototype field model, to collect real time data and testing configurations for productivity for a low cost(minimum maintenance, energy and running costs) and carbon neutral technology for producing fresh water by the means of seawater desalination using Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) without harming the environment.

What is the problem/issue being addressed?
To produce a low cost (minimum maintenance, energy and running costs) and carbon neutral plant for producing fresh water by the means of seawater desalination using Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) without harming the environment.

Why is it important for society?
The technology addresses and brings to market a solution for one of the major issues facing Europe and the world; access to fresh water and a growing population. It is estimated that â…” of the population will face water shortages by 2025 thus affecting human life, wellbeing and ecosystems. Lack of affordable freshwater resources can lead to a number of problems; diseases, wooden fires, destroyed crops, conflict over water, alienating already marginalised groups of society. At the same time industrialisation and climate change is affecting traditional sources of freshwater and has led to a desertification leaving dry areas even more dry, affecting agriculture, farming and industries
It will produce fresh water that can be used in various industrial sectors: municipal, farming, reforestation, domestic.

What are the overall objectives?
Until now, seawater desalination (from the 18.000 plants) is problematic and costly as it runs on fossil fuels thus emitting pollutants into the air and brine back into the sea affecting the salt balance. Solar Water Plc Technology provides a cheap and clean alternative and produces a sustainable supply of freshwater that have the capacity to meet domestic and industrial needs by aiming at producing thousands of cubic metres per day, thus bringing environmental benefits, socioeconomic advantages and improves health and wellbeing.

Work performed

The main object of the H2020 SME Instrument Phase 1 is to provide all the necessary “input” i.e. reports, technical specifications and an action plan to deploy a Field Demonstrator Dome of 20 diameter to The Canary Island in Spain. This will enable Solar Water Plc to test and collect physical data of a real life 20 meters field demonstrator model.
Work Package completed: -
Conceptual structural design of a 20meter dome and analysed with 2 different frequencies: 3v 5/8 20m dia Dome, and 4v Hemispherical dia Dome. A full script is available with Parametric Model in Dynamo for further structural analysis and design of the steel skeleton of the dome. Report of analysis drafted, and Dome drawings done.

Feasibility study of substructures and basin. A preliminary 3D model has been created to understand the feasibility of the structure and shown with figures. Basin Drawing for dome.

Process Description of the Model and overview of technology: The Solar Waterâ„¢ technology is based around a geodesic dome structure for the desalination of sea water on an industrial scale. This part describes the upper part of the dome which is made of glass panels supported by steel struts incorporating grooves; the lower dome comprises a basin.; the action of the rays of the sun are focused on the upper dome, via the array parabolic mirrors (heliostats);the heat generated within the dome by the resulting Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) as it acts on the steel struts, and through the glass panels, is conducted down to the lower basin.; evaporation point, the resulting steam; the condensation; basin lining, brine treatment, Heliostat configuration.

Action plan for deployment of the Field Demonstrator describes the actions and activities to be carried out with a timetable (Gnatt chart) and the resources in terms of material and personnel required.

Cost analysis for deployment includes: an estimation of the total costing for the project including the subdivisions for management, dissemination, direct costs for civil engineering and building, maintenance, security, travels and subsistence; in Site Preparation and Commissioning we highlight cost of land, excavation costs, cost of labour and system testing; Operations for the solar desalination plant includes the wages of operators, daily maintenance costs, cleaning costs and energy consumption costs if external energy is used for the plant operation. The whole plant will operate autonomously.

Site location in the Canaries with Research Facilities. Spain has one of the best solar radiance in Europe and is already suffering for water stress and droughts in summers. Finding a low cost and sustainable solution is crucial for Spain.

Final results

As only 3% of the world\'s water is freshwater, and a growing human population (9.3 bn. by the year 2050) global demand for fresh water increases because of industrialisation and urbanisation. Until now, sea water desalination has been done using fossil fuels as an energy source, which is problematic due to the emission of pollutants contaminating the environment, and the sea, and rising prices due to climatic, political, and geographical tensions. Solar Water Plc Technology uses only solar power and provides a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels. It will produce an inexhaustible, environmentally and sustainable supply of freshwater thus bringing socioeconomic advantages and improving health and wellbeing by meeting domestic and industrial needs. This will contribute to EU’s water policy of safeguarding Europe’s water resources’ (COM/2012/0673) and aiming at ensuring quality water in sufficient quantities available to all Europeans; Access to clean water “The Water framework Directive”(2000/60/EC), (COM (2009) 147 final), and the European innovation partnership (EIP) on water solutions to confront water problems

Website & more info

More info: https://www.solarwaterplc.com/EU-Project.