Solar water treatment

Sunlight: the source of clean water

The advantages of the RayWOx system are directly derived from the idea of using sunlight for water purification: Solar radiation delivers the required energy to eliminate water pollutants and, when equipped with an integrated photovoltaic system, it will also provide the full amount of electric energy required for plant operation.

The success of this concept draws on the use of carefully selected photocatalysts. Conventional, light-based water purification systems use UV-light for costly electrical processes (photolysis). Contrary to that, photocatalysts make it possible to use sunlight directly. This method is free of charge and, as compared to other purification methods, saves approx. 90% energy. Moreover, photocatalytic processes require significantly reduced amounts of oxidants; in some cases, even atmospheric oxygen is sufficient to achieve best results.

The RayWOx system is based on an innovative process, which has been designed within the scope of extensive scientific studies and tests. For this purpose, KACO has engaged in a cooperation project with such renowned partners as the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Hirschmann Laborgeräte GmbH & Co. KG.

In 2008, the RayWOx system – at that time still known by the title of the SOWARLA pilot project – was awarded the Energy Globe, “The world award for sustainability“. This prize is awarded by the European Parliament in recognition of particularly sustainable projects. Out of 853 competitors, SOWARLA was able to come out on top of the “National Winner” category.