Solar water tank project receives KAUST Seed Funding
Monday December 20, 2010
The KAUST Seed Fund has awarded $160,000 to a project aimed at developing a solar powered watered tank for use within Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.
The team driving the project forward consists of KAUST staff Dr Raed Bkayrat and fellow team members Mashhoor Baeshen and Loay Alfi. Two KAUST students are currently being recruited for the team.
Originally inspired by Jeddah inventor, Nassar Al Madhoun – who is acting as a consultant on the project – the team is aiming to develop the solar powered watered tank for residential application.
The device would replace conventional Middle Eastern water tanks with a simple, low cost, clean water solution.
Worldwide demand for clean water continues to grow with remote areas posing a particular challenge in fresh water supply. The solar powered water tank addresses this challenge.
In keeping with KAUST's core value of renewable energy, the heat of the sun drives the purification process. The sun heats the water and evaporates it. The evaporated water then runs through a pipe and into a condenser where the water is collected and made available for use.
Like conventional tanks, the solar powered watered tank would be located on the roof of the building and will be made from polyethylene. Through its innovative and environmentally friendly process the tank will provide clean water for residential use.
With Seed Funding, the team will be able to build prototype tanks. Once the prototypes are developed, they will be trialed at KAUST's New Energy Oasis Center (NEO). NEO is a 14,500m2 outdoor testing and demonstration site for clean technology.
The team is currently recruiting students for the project. Interested students should contact Dr Raed Bkayrat via email at raed.bkayrat@kaust.edu.sa.
Help for Enterprising Innovators
The Seed Fund Program offers finance and support to students, faculty and staff at KAUST who wish to develop their ideas and discoveries into commercial ventures.
So far the Seed Fund has awarded winners $1,590,283. The first eight recipients were awarded a total of $988,000. The second five recipients have so far been awarded $602,283. All winners receive additional funds from the university to cover administration costs.
Applications for Round Three of the Seed Fund are closed, but applications for Round Four will open during the first quarter of 2011.
To find out more about the Seed Fund Program or the application process, please visit the KAUST Portal or email seedfund@kaust.edu.sa.