Compact, Solar-Powered Water Purification System
Navy SBIR FY2010.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1
Topic No.: N101-088
Topic Title: Compact, Solar-Powered Water Purification System
Proposal No.: N101-088-0562
Firm: Creare Inc.
P.O. Box 71
Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
Contact: Michael Izenson
Phone: (603) 643-3800
Web Site: www.creare.com
Abstract: Fresh, purified water is critical for support of humanitarian, disaster relief, reconstruction, and expeditionary operations. Producing potable water from indigenous sources is energy intensive, and supplying fuel to power conventional water purifiers can be a logistical challenge. We propose to develop an innovative water desalination/purification system that is powered completely by solar energy. Our innovative process minimizes the energy needed to purify water, enabling a very compact, solar-powered system that can meet the Navy's challenging requirements for water purification while eliminating the need to supply fuel. In Phase I we will prove the feasibility of our approach through proof-of-concept demonstrations of both the purification process and the solar energy unit and mechanical design of the system. In Phase II we will design, build, demonstrate, and deliver a prototype water purification unit.
Benefits: Our system can provide pure, potable water in remote environments while simplifying logistics by eliminating the need for fuel supply. The system is optimized for compact size and can be easily transported, deployed, and cleaned. Commercial applications include emergency response and relief operations after hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.

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