We develop an innovative point-of-use photovoltaic-powered UV-LED water purification system, that provides access to clean water to people in case of humanitarian disaster.
In fact, it is well know that during humanitarian disaster population do not have access to electricity and lack clean drinking water. Diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis, and other diseases caused by contaminated water kill roughly people during humanitarian disaster. Ultraviolet (UV) rays with a wavelength 254 nm can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, yeast,
molds and algae. The UV-LED radiation breaks through the outer membranes of the organisms, destroying or inactivating the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) thus preventing them from reproducing. This safely and effectively purifies water without changing its pH, color, taste, odor or temperature.
Water purification systems exist based on ultraviolet (UV) radiation that is sourced by a mercury vapor lamp. UV-based systems do not remove objects from the water, but rather they kill organic material that causes illness. The lamps have limitations, especially in humanitarian disaster and rural settings. However, the use of solid-state light emitting diodes LED as the source of UV light have features that make them superior to mercury tubes or lamps. As for power, during the humanitarian disaster many people have not access to electricity. Our technology uses photovoltaic (PV) as an appropriate option to power our water purifying systems. Our solution is effective, reliable, cost-efficient, safe and sustainable for use in case of humanitarian disaster and in rural off-grid areas mainly in the developing world.
Advantages of UV LEDs as the source of UV radiation resolve two of the major disadvantages of the vapor lamps listed above assuming that UV LEDs will have a longer life span than the lamps and will approach the lifetime of visible light LEDs. The longer life of such a source of UV in a water purification system will make for a more sustainable system. There will still be the issue of local availability, but at least the frequency of replacement will be significantly reduced. LEDs do not contain mercury, which is a hazardous material.