Sep 22 2008
Spectra Watermakers president Bill Edinger was in attendance this summer at WHIX, the "Western Hemisphere Information Exchange" in Santiago, Chile. Edinger was there to demonstrate the "Solar Cube," one of Spectra's new solar and wind powered water purification units which was part of the WHIX project for defense cooperation and information exchange in areas of the environment and renewable energy.
WHIX is an initiative by the Office of the Secretary of the Army - Installations and Environment in partnership with the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and Florida International University (FIU). The University of the Andes and the Chilean Military Command participated in the project and hosted the conference. The program involved several projects taking place in South America, culminating with the WHIX "Conference on the Environment, Renewable Energy and Innovative Technologies for Disaster Response."
Spectra supplied a hybrid reverse osmosis system that produces 950 to 1500 gallons of pure fresh water per day depending on the source water. The "Solar Cube" was first delivered to Florida International University for testing and training. It was then shipped to Chile where it was deployed at several locations for a few months of operational testing by the Chilean military and civilian researchers. The unit was powered only by its integrated solar panels and wind generator in a broad range of environmental conditions and water sources, including sea water. At the Chilean Army Special Forces Base, the unit was subjected to identical desert conditions found in Iraq.
The objectives for the solar powered water purification aspect of WHIX was to conduct four demonstration/validation projects and evaluate the technical, operational, economic, and environmental feasibility of mobile/tactical Army Light Water Purification (LWP) Systems. These demonstrations will provide information and analysis in support of military operations (e.g. disaster response).
The "Solar Cube" (SSBW 6500, Spectra Solar Brackish Water System) featured at WHIX is one of several in the Spectra product line that is powered by renewable energy. Designed to be easily portable and simple to operate, the solar cube is ideal for disaster relief and emergency preparedness. The unit is compact and incorporates automatic self-cleaning pre-filtration, water purification, pumping, and power supply, into a self-contained "marine grade" package.
"Spectra Watermakers manufactures and distributes worldwide and our products are highly regarded for reliability and energy efficiency," said Edinger. "This machine can save lives."