When we think about salt water desalination or treatment plants, we picture huge facilities that generate drinking water for domestic or industrial distribution.
Eco-Sistems opened a new R&D line two years ago to transfer our knowledge of watermakers for ships to medium-sized facilities for land use (hotels, resorts, the fishing industry, ports, golf courses, etc.).
The idea came about when our clients from the yachting industry told us that ports also have a great need to generate fresh drinking water as energy-efficiently as possible and in sufficient quantities to supply the moored boats and the services of the port itself.
A machine was designed using our technology that is capable of generating between 2,000 and 4,000 l/h, with an 80% energy saving compared to the machines that are already available on the market, and which has been tested continuously for 1 year (10,000 hours).
About the client: Port Adriano
Port Adriano, located in Calvià, in the south-west of Palma de Mallorca, is one of the Mediterranean’s most modern ports. Designed by Philippe Stark, it is an excellent base for mid-to-long length yachts.
It has almost 500 berths for boats of up to 80 m in length, and 87 berths for longer boats. It boasts 25,000 m2 of berths in total, in addition to a 10,000-m2 slipway. It is therefore fair to say that this port sees significant marine traffic, especially during the summer months.
Its nautical visitors are usually fairly demanding when it comes to boat-related services, including the provision of fresh drinking water.
The challenge
The port’s water usage was high and it already provided fresh water to sailors, but as with many ports, it faced several issues that required solving, including the following:
- Increased cost: the cost of mains water per m3.
- The need to soften the mains water.
- Possible restrictions in marinas that are temporarily left without water or with an inadequate water supply.
- Adapting and integrating to its engineering and facilities (geothermal HVAC system).
Our solution: Efficient T-2000
After studying the problems faced by Port Adriano and adequately weighing up the requirements for the provision of drinking water, we proposed the installation of our Efficient T-2000 watermaker with energy-recovery system.
This system comes pre-assembled and is capable of providing a significant proportion of the port’s daily drinking water needs, simply by connecting it to the water collection and return. If necessary, it could also be extended in the future (through connectable compact modules).
Like most ports, Port Adriano needs to treat the mains water with water softeners, which requires electricity and salt. With our Efficient-T watermaker, there is no need to soften the water, resulting in a monthly saving.
Eco-Sistems incorporated its T-2000 into the port’s geothermal HVAC system. Port Adriano already had a method for the collection and return of sea water, and has integrated our watermaker into the system. This has further reduced the energy consumption of the Efficient T-2000 as the collection of sea water to be made drinkable arrives at a constant pressure.
What are the advantages of this system for a port such as Port Adriano?
- It is 80% more energy-efficient than conventional systems thanks to its patented energy-recovery system.
- The cost of water is reduced, which is significant for large consumers.
- It is capable of generating 2,000 l/h of fresh water, which can be increased in the future if necessary.
- It is automated and works by remote control (intranet and Wi-Fi).
- Quick return on investment.
The project has been a success: It is self-sufficient, the water quality is higher than before and costs have come down (lower water cost and less salt required for softening).
“We are very satisfied with the service provided by Eco-Sistems. The installation was easy and the results have been positive; the water obtained is of a very high quality. The biggest positive has been the contribution to the environment, reducing the consumption of drinking water, which is always good news in Mallorca”.
Isabel Teruel (Director of Port Adriano)
