Desalination membrane improvements and a combined heating, cooling and desalination system are among six research proposals granted about Sing$ 1 million (US$ 710,000) in research funding on 30 June 2010 by Singapore’s Environment & Water Industry Programme Office (EWI).
This follows the launch of EWI’s first ever request for proposals (RFP) on industry-led research in November 2009.
Technology giant Siemens and home-grown company Ultra-Flo Pte Ltd both aim to use their funding to improve their range of membrane products by developing novel membrane types and new membrane processes for applications like brackish and seawater desalination.
DHI Water & Environment (S) Pte Ltd (two grants) and OptoTech (S) Pte Ltd both plan to expand existing capabilities to produce the next generation of sensors for microorganisms and other water parameters. These sensors will interface with advanced software, to enable water agencies worldwide to monitor their waters easily and effectively.
Natflow Pte Ltd intends to develop a combined heating, cooling and desalination system by integrating these three technologies, which are currently used in isolation. Such an innovation can contribute to both energy and water efficiency, and is especially relevant, says EWI, in today’s context of environmental sustainability.
At the same time as announcing the award, EWI launched a new general water research RFP.
The aim of this Open Call 10/02 for Water Technologies is to solicit new R&D ideas and technologies in the areas of water and used water that fulfill the following key objectives: