Solvatten Solar Can: Using the Sun to Clean Drinking Water

12 by LiveOAK Staff on January 14, 2009

We take it for granted but access to clean drinking water is a huge problem in many areas of the world. Particularly 3rd world countries that lack the infrastructure to deliver potable water are forced to deal with what they have, which usually means boiling water before drinking it. This is an effective way of purifying the water, however, the fuel (wood or gas) needed to boil the water is a limited, and valuable resource as well. Enter the Solvatten…

This Swedish invention uses sunlight, a very abundant resource, to purify the water. The Solvatten is a standard 10L Jerry can split in two and backed with a clear backing. To use it simply fill it up with water and place it in the sun for about 3-4 hours (5-6 hrs in cloudy weather). The Solvatten uses the suns energy to heat the water to 130 degrees F, warm enough to kill any pathogens. Once the process is done a red led indicator turns to green, bing, bang, boom… Safe drinking water!

Solar thermal purification is not the fastest way to clean water, but it is an extremely effective way and perfect for places where resources like fuel are scarce.

Sources: Gizmodo via Treehugger & Solvatten

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looks great but I wonder if the panels were made larger, would it then work faster cause the can is collecting more sunlight? it might not be the easiest to carry cause of the extra size and weight but some would probably prefer a faster solution
Uncle B

Good Stuff!
Willow

That’s barely enough water to drink and cook with for one person. These poor people with kids and no water are supposed to buy multiple cans and hope that the sun is gonna do it’s share?

The LifeStraw system makes much more sense.
http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw.htm
http://willisays.com Willis Whitlock

I have reviewed both solar can and lifestraw at http://willisays.com. Each has some good points. But neither is more than a short term fix.

Many places in Africa use a solar cleaning system that is comprised of a black tarp and clear water bottles. It is roughly the same thing. Each saves fuel for boiling water.

The LifeStraw is not really practical. A five dollar straw can provide a person clean water for a year. That sounds really good. But can you imagine walking around with a piece of plastic on a string. Every time you drink any water you need to use it?

Long term solutions are needed to keep people from dieing. Poor government is the main obstacle to access to clean water world wide.

I’m glad there are people inventing things to keep the water clean, but we need to do more than throwing our money at band aids. Where people lack clean water, yes, we should help them get it. But we should also help them demand access to clean water as a basic right that should be expected from all governments.
Andang

quite an interesting stove. I think its the same principle as that of solar water desinfection. the problem lies in its cost for most people in the developing world will not be able to afford for it.

I hope if donor oragnisation can promote by subsidizing the cost, it will be a good thing.

From Cameroon
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leer

Wow! Looks great! But how much would this cost every poor family?

marry

that is what i am saying.lol:D

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Wow! This is a great idea.. We should thanked these people who are doing their best to help the Third World countries survive. I just hope they are affordable.
Uncle B

Stinking corporatists! money grubbing capitalists! Extracting sheckles from the poorest on earth! For Shame! Go to Africa with a plan and technology as many Canadians have done through their Christian churches and drill wells, set up rules, give out bibles and instruction on how tho learn from them! The very basis of the great Western civilizations! Teach democracy, social democracy, untainted by the corporatist, capitalist cancer it carries in the U.S.A. in fact: preach against this terrible infection of democracy and show how Christ really was the first socialist! In 200 years America’s sickness has brought her ruin! She is perched on the cusp of the greatest depression, don’t teach these gentle primitives failure, doom and sin! Teach them the brotherly love Christ taught! – You pay for the drilling, the well! Give! don’t seek opportunity to enslave! Fools!
bbco

Great ! THanks Stinking corporatists! money grubbing capitalists! Extracting sheckles from the poorest on earth! For Shame! Go to Africa with a plan and technology as many Canadians have done through their Christian churches and drill wells, set up rules, give out bibles and instruction on how tho learn from them!
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