Siemens will use the research grant to develop the technology at the company’s Singapore-based global R&D center. EWI’s challenge required demonstration of energy consumption of 1.5 kWh per cubic meter, which is about half of what has been demonstrated with the best available technology. In comparison to most of the actual operating desalination plants which consume as much as 10kWh per cubic meter the reduction could even be much higher. The reduction in power usage is critical to greater application of seawater desalination worldwide to reduce the CO2 footprint in the environment.
Siemens’s technology is based on the innovative concept of removing salts from seawater in an electric field. The project awarded under this Challenge RFP will investigate a process that integrates electrodialysis, ion exchange softening, and a final desalting step using a novel continuous electrodeionization process to drive salt separation with minimum energy demand.
“By setting the bar high, EWI challenged innovators to creatively apply science and engineering to the reduction of energy consumption — one of the main issues with current desalination technology,” said Gordon. “We are grateful to the Singapore government for their continuing support of water-related research and leadership in the world water community.”
The ground-breaking research and development will be carried out by the company’s global Research and Development Center in Singapore, which opened in late 2007. About 75 percent of the technical personnel for this effort will be based in Singapore, working in conjunction with R&D colleagues from the United States. The first demonstration of the new technology will be in Singapore. “Proper management of our water resources is critical to meet the demands of population growth and industry,” said Gordon. “There is no one, perfect solution for water resource management. But, today, this industry-advancing research and development effort will point the way forward to more efficiently manage this valuable natural resource.”
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of production, transportation and building systems. Integrated hardware and software technologies combined with comprehensive industry-specific solutions enable Siemens to enhance the productivity and efficiency of its customers in industry and infrastructure. The Sector comprises six Divisions: Building Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility, Drive Technologies and Osram. In fiscal 2007 (ended September 30), Siemens Industry generated sales of approximately EUR40 billion (pro forma, unconsolidated) with around 209,000 employees worldwide. http://www.siemens.com/industry
With the business activities of Siemens VAI Metal Technologies, (Linz, Austria), Siemens Water Technologies (Warrendale, Pa., U.S.A.), and Industry Technologies, (Erlangen, Germany), the Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities. Using its own products, systems and process technologies, Industry Solutions develops and builds plants for end customers, commissions them and provides support during their entire life cycle.
Further information and downloads at: http://www.industry.siemens.com