UNSW Rockpool - waterless dishwasher
by TreeHugger 
on 12.15.04
This year’s winners of the international Electrolux Design Laboratory, squeezed out entries from nine other universities around the globe, to take home the trophy for a dishwasher concept that uses no water or chemicals. Three students from University of NSW in Sydney, Australia, opted instead, to utlise super critical carbon dioxide in a closed loop system. Too much scientific mumbo jumbo for me. So I dug a little deeper. If I've got my small brain around it properly, CO2 can be pressurised to the point that it becomes a liquid. A liquid that has solvent properties for removing grease.
(Seems that NASA are considering the concept for cleaning tasks as well). Additionally, this form of carbon dioxide has a very low surface tension, meaning instead of beading up into a ball like water does, it spreads out widely covering all the surfaces of dishes. This would eliminate the usual need for mechanical do-dads that rotate dishes and water around. The CO2 is later separated from the wash grime and captured for future re-use. Dish grease is then dispensed through a kitchen’s greywater system. It would appear however, that Electrolux won’t rush the idea to market, but it certainly has them thinking. Slovakia came in second with their combo clothes washer/dryer and the UK picked up a third place for a table that converts into a cooktop. ::Electrolux Design Lab [by WM]
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I would like to know when this product (waterless dishwasher) will be available for public or for friendly users who can try in their homes. I would also like to know the price range to understand whether homeowners like us can afford this product or not. In my state several towns have already started fighting for the same water reservoir. We would love to know more about your research. Please let us know.
Thanks,
Sam
I would also like further info on this concept. This could be an innovative and popular product considering the water shortages and price increases for water supply in urban areas.