FIU Unveils New Solar Powered Mobile Water Purification Technology

MIAMI (November 14, 2006)—  Florida International University’s Applied Research Center (ARC), together with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), unveiled its newest technology today - a light-weight water purification system powered by solar photo-voltaic cells, the first project of its kind to merge solar technology with an existing water purification unit. This equipment will be deployed to Honduran Military Installations later this year as part of ARC’s research efforts for the Western Hemisphere Information Exchange Program (WHIX), conducted on behalf of the Office of the Secretary of the Army for Installations and Environment (OASA-I&E). 

The technology demonstration took place last Thursday, November 9th at the Applied Research Center located on the University’s Engineering Campus, and was led by Harlan M. Sands, Executive Director of ARC and Colonel Jerry Miller (Retired), ARC Associate Director of Military Programs. Attendees included: Dr. Vishwanath Prasad, Executive Dean of FIU’s College of Engineering and Computing; Colonel Wilfredo Colon and Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Gavilan, representing SOUTHCOM J-5; CAPTAIN Gabriel Foucher, SOUTHCOM Chilean Liaison Officer; COLONEL Alejandro Varela SOUTHCOM Uruguayan Liaison Officer; Colonel John Simmons of SOUTHCOM J-4 Logistics and Dr. John Proni of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), among other notable SOUTHCOM and FIU officers, staff and faculty.

The new technology features 50 flexible photovoltaic array cells affixed to the canvas of a collapsible tent to produce electricity. These cells are able to absorb solar energy in low light conditions, even if severely damaged. This easily deployable system is superior for operation where mobility and set-up time are crucial. Uses for this technology include battlefield operations, environmental clean-up, disaster areas and undeveloped countries, where diesel fuel generators are not available or too costly to operate and potable water is scarce but crucial.

Currently, the 40’ x 50’ tent requires six trained personnel to set up and have operational in six hours. ARC plans to continue its research into this technology to further improve upon their design and hopes to successfully implement a system which could be affixed to the top of a large utility vehicle (i.e. Military High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle or “Humvee”) which would allow more mobility and quick deployment.

The Western Hemisphere Information Exchange (WHIX) program is designed to facilitate military to military discussions on environmental issues and the exchange of information, ideas and best practices. As opposed to traditional military support programs, which typically focus on weapons and operational exercises, WHIX in an initiative designed to foster hemispheric regional military cooperation through non-traditional means and ‘Catalyst’ technologies, such as innovative technologies in alternative energy generation, constructed wetlands, solar powered water purification (WHIX ‘05) and Biomass gasifier/generators (WHIX ‘03), to facilitate information exchange.

Two 50 kW  Biomass Generators installed through the WHIX ‘04 project  have recently begun to provide the entire electrical service needs for a Calvary Base in El Salvador. An added bonus to this project is that these generators will supply the Base with more electricity than needed for basic operations, allowing the Base to then sell the excess energy back to the El Salvador grid.  The burning of this Biomass also provides heating services which can then be used for cooking, washing and other such daily base operations requiring hot water.

FIU's Applied Research Center has been recognized by the Department of the Army, as a leader in applied technology.  To continue this successful work, FIU was recently awarded a $1.2M contract for WHIX 06, whose mission is to develop and assess, in collaboration with select Latin American Militaries, the use of micro-hydro power systems that can support military energy requirements for both mobile tactical units and military bases.  

The application of applied technology and, more importantly, technology transfer discussions which expand our potential are essential for the United States military, as well as the militaries and civil organizations throughout the hemisphere.  FIU is blazing that path to the future, Colonel Miller said.

—FIU—

For photos and /or additional information please contact:
Adrienne Denaro
Communications Manager
FIU Applied Research Center
Ph: 305-348-1698  / Fax: 305-348-1852