It Generates. It Internets. It Cools and Refreshes.
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03. 2.07
This has something for everyone. For the prefab fans, it folds out of a shipping container. For the alt energy types, it has a thousand square feet of photovoltaics and can pump out 16 KW without the optional turbine. For the computer nerds, it has a communications control center with "full range of wireless VSAT, VOIP and wireless communications capable of handling thousands of phone calls and offering wireless connectivity for a range of up to 30 miles." When shipped for disaster relief, it uses the electricity to filter 30 gallons per minute of contaminated ground water to WHO standards for drinking.
“Ecos LifeLink is revolutionary in the fact that it will use only the power of the sun and wind to create and store the energy needed to run water filtration components, pumps, or motors,” said Jean Michel Cousteau, Ecosphere spokesperson, ocean pioneer and leading environmentalist. “LifeLink can be used to provide water and electricity for a small village. Multiple systems could be used throughout a village to power its school, water system, buildings, and communications systems.”
:Ecosphere via ::Seitch
more detail from press release:
Inside the Ecos LifeLink: Designed to meet the growing demand for off-grid water, energy and communications, the Ecos LifeLink solution represents a combination of patent-pending products from EES including the Ecos Power Cube (EPC), a mobile solar generator, and the Ecos Com Cube, a wireless communications platform. Deployed as two 20-foot Power Cubes, the Ecos LifeLink delivers:
* Anytime, Anywhere Power: The foundation of the Ecos LifeLink system is
the Ecos Power Cube (EPC). The EPC has a unique patent pending array of
stacked solar panels, which when deployed on site provide a photovoltaic
surface area of approximately 1000 sq feet. The solar energy system can
provide 16KW of clean electricity to power the water filtration
processes and the satellite communications system components. An
optional wind turbine can also be used to generate additional power.
* Critical Water Supply: The 30 gallons per minute water filtration module
is capable of converting arsenic-, bacteria- and waste-laden ground
water into water suitable for drinking, cleaning, and cooking. The
potable water produced meets the World Health Organization (WHO)
standards for clean drinking water.
* Reliable 24/7 Communication: Centered around the Ecos Com Cube, the
communications control room is equipped with a satellite communications
and electrical power management system that leverages the energy
generated from LifeLink's renewable energy sources to provide
electricity and power a full range of wireless VSAT, VOIP and wireless
communications capable of handling thousands of phone calls and offering
wireless connectivity for a range of up to 30 miles.
"Ecos LifeLink is revolutionary in the fact that it will use only the power of the sun and wind to create and store the energy needed to run water filtration components, pumps, or motors," said Jean Michel Cousteau, Ecosphere spokesperson, ocean pioneer and leading environmentalist. "LifeLink can be used to provide water and electricity for a small village. Multiple systems could be used throughout a village to power its school, water system, buildings, and communications systems."
Sounds like a three-ring circus. What does it cost?
Same as anything with 1,000 sq. ft. of PV and all that other jazz would cost: If you have to ask, you can't justify the grant request. ;)
I just think the artist's conception is a bit goofy. Who surrounds a dish antenna with solar panels? Hello, shaded cells! The idea of a disaster-center-in-a-box is nothing new, by the way.