This project received a special mention by the Jury

FLOATING, AUTONOMOUS, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT DESALINATION UNIT

Key words: Region: Energy efficiency, Renewable energies, Water collection, treatment and supply South Aegean, Greece Operational Programme Competitiveness September 2003 June 2007 Total cost: 2,872,312, including 1,306,063 from the ERDF

Programme type: Duration of project: Funding:

The University of the Aegean in cooperation with the Region of South Aegean developed a floating platform that uses energy provided from renewable sources and produces potable water for the islands. The drinking water is produced from seawater, while the energy to desalinate this water is provided by a wind generator and photovoltaic system. The main objective of the project was to find a cheap and ecological solution for producing drinking water for the water stressed islands of the Aegean by integrating a desalination unit with wind power in the same structure. The project also set out to: reduce the costs of connection between the desalination unit and the wind turbine due to the absence of a network for transferring energy offer the possibility of locating the platform far from populated areas in order to minimize disturbance linked to noise offer the possibility of moving the unit to different areas for optimal use depending on weather conditions

The system developed is environmental friendly and autonomous, meaning that the floating platform operates unmanned, that energy comes from renewable sources and that it does not have any adverse side effects. From an operational point of view, drinking water is produced from the seawater desalination unit with energy provided by a wind generator and photovoltaic system. The management system controls the operations and also handles safety issues. It is the first wind powered floating desalination plant in the world, which is not only providing electricity (through a cable connecting with the land), but incorporates a seawater desalination plant and turns seawater to drinking water with the help of the wind and sun. At the same time, the platform is an actual floating research laboratory, equipped with

several sensors, data measurement instruments and logging units providing significant research data, where information regarding wind, water and operation related parameters is collected. The system incorporates a number of innovative characteristics beyond its conception and originality. Innovation lies in the engineering of the floating platform, harmonized with the operation of the wind turbine, as well as the improved energy management in the desalination process. The University of Aegean, which forms the project management team, and the South Aegean Region, have worked on problems in the islands concerning energy and water supply. They represented the core team that developed the initial idea. They then invited other organisations, experienced in sectors such as desalination, energy, renewable sources and marine applications and subsequently formed a consortium. The role of the different partners was well defined by activity sector. The interregional partnership was developed at the very beginning of the project. The consortium has very good relations with several water stressed islands and related organisations such as Islandnet. The main advantages of the floating platform are: Easy transportation to the place of operation Potential to cover seasonal needs of water supply in the islands Minimization of installation expenses Minimization of disturbance for residents No adverse environmental side effects

The platform is able to produce over 70 m/day, enough to cover the needs of approximately 300 people. Including maintenance, the payback time of the platform is only 3 years (the average is usually 10 years after investment.) After this period, the water production will be free of cost. The expected lifetime of the whole system is 20 years. Given the advantages it offers, there are plans for future developments of such a system on a bigger scale.

I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project objectives The projects main objective was to find a cheap (cost-effective) and ecological solution to producing drinking water for water-stressed islands in the Aegean, by integrating a desalination unit with wind generator as part of the same structure, and to bring about: reduced connection costs between the desalination unit and the wind turbine by virtue of the absence of any network for the transfer of energy; possibility of locating the platform far away from populated areas in order to minimise disturbances linked to noise;

possibility of moving the unit to different areas for optimal use depending on weather conditions.

In order to achieve this, the following aims were defined. 1. To design and develop a floating structure that can accommodate a working wind turbine. The behaviour of this structure in weather conditions would be such that the wind turbine could operate in all weather conditions. 2. To couple a desalination unit to a wind turbine, placed on a floating structure. 3. To improve the operating principle of the desalination unit in order to increase the efficiency of the unit. Research also focused on and succeeded in: (a) minimising the scaling and soiling effects on membranes; (b) eliminating chemical treatment. 4. To create an autonomous unit that does not require connecting to the national electricity supply grid. The system works with varying power and uses all the wind power available. When the wind speed is high a lot of power is produced; when it is low, less is produced. The power supply to the desalination unit is energy that comes from the wind generator without using the national supply grid or any kind of diesel generator. The advanced system works efficiently with this varying power input. 5. To equip the unit with an advanced automatic control system, making it fully autonomous, unmanned and with completely automated operation; at the same time, it can be fully operated and monitored from distance, if required. Description: The system developed is environmentally-friendly and autonomous, meaning that the floating platform operates unmanned, energy comes from renewable sources and there are no side-effects. The solution focused on development of the required subsystems, their integration on a suitable floating structure and operation under the watchful eye of an intelligent control system. From an operational point of view, drinking water is produced from the seawater desalination unit, with energy provided by a wind generator and a photovoltaic system. An automated system controls operations and also handles safety. The platform measures 20 x 20 metres and has 8-metre-high cylinders plus a 22-metre tower. Mean water production is estimated at 70 000 litres per day, which is enough to cover the needs of around 300 people. Research has also been conducted into: (a) optimising the energy efficiency of the desalination unit over a wide range of water outputs according to available power; (b) environmentally-friendly operation of reverse osmosis desalination without any chemical additives; (c) design of the floating structure so that it is stable, unaffected by waves and provides for the safe operation of all components; (d) suitable modification of wind-turbine components for stand-alone operation; (e) design of controls and a remote operating system; (f) suitable adjustments to subsystems and integration. It is the first working floating wind turbine in the world, which is not only providing electricity (through a cable running landward), but incorporates a seawater desalination plant and turns sea water into drinking water with the help of the wind
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and the sun, thereby also making it the first working wind-powered floating desalination plant in the world. The system works using varying power inputs and uses all available wind power. The power sources are the wind and the sun and are not constant. When the wind speed is high, the system produces more water so power consumption increases; when it is low, it decreases. Each part of the system has a local control unit that receives instructions from a master control. The main components of the automation system are the wind generator active rectifier and inverter, wind turbine control, reverse osmosis control, master control and onshore SCADA system. Several operation modes are available: normal autonomous operation; manual mode; remote operation; remote fault diagnosis. Control focuses on production optimisation, safety, and minimum maintenance. On the platform, an array of sensors measures many important parameters, which are recorded and analysed. Thus, the system can provide researchers with data that will support the use of renewable energy sources by developing economically efficient offshore applications. Beneficiaries: The main beneficiaries are the inhabitants of the small Aegean Islands experiencing water shortages every summer and dependent on water supply from other regions of Greece at very high cost. Local people were involved in the project from the outset. The University of the Aegean has satellites on five Aegean islands and was assisted by the South Aegean Region in disseminating information about the project. The project was presented to local communities at public information sessions. The project director visited many islands to select the right location in accordance with peoples' feelings about the project and its needs. During construction of the platform, public presentations also took place in the shipyard to show how work was progressing. During anchoring off the island of Irakleia, local inhabitants used their boats and trucks to help connect the water pipe to the platform, illustrating their keen interest and active involvement in the project.

II. POLITICAL AND STRATEGIC CONTEXT

Strategic context: Is the project part of a wider economic development strategy? The problem of fighting water scarcity on a small and isolated island is one of the main strategic priorities of the Greek government. Does the project address specific regional needs? Water is a major necessity for all, but needs to be given top priority particularly in regions where there are water shortages.

Is it related to a strategic field for business or innovation in the region? A major industry in those regions is tourism. Water is a strategic issue for this industry. Innovation: The system incorporates a number of innovative characteristics beyond its conception and originality. Innovation relates to the engineering of the floating platform, harmonised with the operation of the wind turbine, and enhancing energy management in the desalination process. This solution encourages the use of renewable resources and avoids environmental impact in the form of new roads for land-based wind parks and infrastructure for delivery of the energy generated to the desalination unit. The system harnesses the energy from the sea in a sustainable way using environmentally-friendly methods for addressing a critical issue, namely the scarcity of water resources. Political support: The South Aegean regional authority was involved in the project from the start and provided the political support necessary during the projects design and implementation as well as at the projects end. The authority contributed during the design phase of the project by specifying its needs. It also organised presentations and speeches on a many of islands. The Greek Secretary of State for R&D (Ministry of Development) has invited the project twice to make presentation at the Thessaloniki International Fair, as well as presentations at similar such events. Firm political backing also came from the authorities involved with overcoming bureaucratic problems of a regulatory nature: because this floating structure is something completely new in Greece, it was a difficult and lengthy process to obtain the relevant permits (Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Coast Guard, Ministry of the Aegean, Ministry of Health, Merchant Marine General Inspectorate, port stations, insurance companies, etc.).

III. IMPLEMENTATION
Programming: According to the Water Exploitation Index, seven EU countries (Malta, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Belgium, Portugal and Italy) need to be regarded as water-stressed or low-water-stressed countries, with a total population of 130 million (27% of the EU population). The influence of global warming will further extend the list of waterstressed countries in the near future. Societies with water-shortage problems are continuously working on ways to cope with this by treating saltwater and brackish water. Various desalination technologies are available, and their commercial viability depends partly on their capital cost and, crucially, on their energy source and costs. Providing energy on remote islands from the electricity supply grid network makes the production of drinking water inconvenient since its cost rises depending on

increasing fuel costs. The use of renewable sources such as wind and sun for supplying energy to desalination installations can be an efficient and attractive solution. The problem of water scarcity and shortages during dry periods is quite common in many parts of the world. This is the rule on most of the hundreds of islands of the Mediterranean region that suffer from population increase and water scarcity during the summer period every year. Many small Aegean islands are typical examples of such situations. Their water supply needs are mostly covered by transporting water from other regions, but in most cases this is not enough, added to which the cost is high. On the other hand, all these islands are windy, sunny and surrounded by clear seawater. Therefore seawater desalination can offer a good solution. However, the cost of producing electrical energy on these islands is also increased due to the fact that they are not connected to the central or national supply grid and generator sets are powered by diesel fuel. The first problem this project is aiming to address is the provision of cheap drinking water to small islands using an autonomous, environmentally-friendly system. The second problem this project is aiming to address is the concept of a floating wind turbine. Producing energy from renewable sources is our planets future. The current trend in wind energy production is to build offshore wind farms, for a number of reasons including higher wind speed, improved wind profile, and limited environmental impact. In Northern Europe, offshore wind farms are steadily gaining ground due to limited sea depth for long distances from the coast. This allows wind generators to be cemented and fixed to the seabed. In the Mediterranean region as well as in Japan and the United States, where the seas are deeper, floating wind farms can offer a suitable solution, and a great deal of research is currently being carried out in this area. During programming, a market analysis was carried out in accordance with the size and needs of islands in Greece. The cost of water transportation to Greek islands has increased exponentially and stands at 10/m. The cost/benefit analysis shows that project returns are very good, considering that the average period for a return on investment is 10 years. There are three different alternatives to building new systems. A model similar to the prototype, one with three times the production, and one producing 15 times more, but without significantly increasing the dimensions of the platform. A cost/benefit analysis shows the importance of the construction of a bigger system in the future: Initial model Production (m) Capital cost (K) Annual savings (selling water produced at current prices K) Annual savings (selling water at half price K) 70 700 255 127,5 Intermediate Model 210 1300 760 380 Final model 1000 3500 3650 1825

Return on investment (years) Return on investment (years) selling water at half price

3 6

2 4

1 2

Partnership: This was an R&D project. Members of the project management team were involved in previous advanced projects in automation, marine applications and wind turbines. The University of the Aegean and the South Aegean Region have worked previously on problems concerning energy and water supply to the islands. They represented the core team which developed the initial idea. They then invited other organisations on board, experienced in sectors like desalination, energy, renewable sources, marine applications etc., and formed a consortium. The role of the different partners was clearly defined by the sectors, namely: WINDTURBINE University of the Aegean ELECTRICAL SYSTEM + INTERCONNECTION - National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) + ALGOSYSTEMS AUTOMATION NTUA + ALGOSYSTEMS S.A. + REFLEXION LTD DESALINATION TECHNAVA S.A.+ REFLEXION LTD FLOATING PLATFORM LAMDA Shipyards + Hellenic Register of Shipping (HRS) + Kouimanis & Co USER NEEDS South Aegean Region WIND, WAVE, SEABED DATA - CRES (renewable energies organisation) DISSEMINATION NTUA + University of the Aegean + South Aegean Region PROJECT MANAGEMENT University of the Aegean Interregional partnership: From the beginning of the project, the consortium established very good relations with several islands and related organisations. More specifically, the project had close ties with Islandnet, a lobby group representing European islands in Brussels, following earlier cooperation in research projects. At the initial stages of the project, extensive discussions were held with the Canary Islands owing to their experience in onshore wind power and desalination combinations. The consortium also cooperated with seven Baltic island organisations by email in order to investigate offshore wind power potential. Finally, it was in close contact with Sampso island in Denmark, which is regarded as a prototype for green island development. The latter cooperation has been very useful in terms of public cooperation and acceptance for new projects involving renewable energies. Marketing: The project was largely publicised through conferences, publications in scientific journals, during presentations to local people, and on the website of the Aegean University: www.stt.aegean.gr\fp46. The website of the Ministry of Development in Greece also publicises the project as a best-practice example: http://www.hellaskps.gr/bestpractices/proj.asp?pId=77

There is also a special section devoted to the project on a major technological news site asking for comments from readers at: http://technologin.pathfinder.gr/desalination/ TV Channels such as BBC World and ZDF and ARD (Germany) as well as newspapers have reported on the project. Furthermore, the project received the award for innovation at sea in 2006 from Lloyd's List Journal (the most reputable journal in the maritime field).

Design/implementation obstacles: The obstacles encountered were not so much technical, but more regulatory in nature. As this floating device is something completely new in Greece, it was a difficult and lengthy process to obtain the relevant permits from the authorities involved (Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Coast Guard, Ministry of Health and Merchant Marine General Inspectorate, port stations, insurance companies, etc.). Fortunately, these issues had already been earmarked at the programming stage and were resolved in time thanks to efficient project management. Transferability: The floating platform is transferable by definition as it has been designed in such a way as to be easily moved to other areas in accordance with needs. Many other Greek islands are interested in this project, as are other water-stressed countries and areas with many small islands. The system also provides a good solution for tsunami-threatened areas. In the event of a disaster, the platform can be towed to the area and can operate by itself to produce drinking water and energy. Firms from countries like Turkey, Israel, Korea and Singapore have already expressed their interest in the project. There are no practical barriers to transferability.

IV. EFFECTIVENESS
Effectiveness: The main advantages of the floating platform are: easy transportation to the place of operation; potential to cover seasonal needs of water supply on the islands; minimisation of installation costs; minimisation of disturbance for residents; no environmental side-effects, 100% environmentally-friendly and autonomous; but, most important of all, economic cost-effectiveness.

The platform is able to produce over 70 m/day, which is enough to cover the needs of some 300 people. Return on investment takes only three years, maintenance included (average is 10 years on investment). After that, water production will cost nothing. The expected working life of the entire system is 20 years.

Impact: The projects impact on the regional economy has been as follows: - support for local tourist activities in summer when the population of the island almost doubles and shortages of drinkable water are a critical factor; - support for other primary-sector activities (e.g. farming) within the local population; - contributes to sustainable development on a remote island using renewable energies; - improves the ecological image of the islands, boosting the development of eco-tourism. Sustainability: The expected lifetime of the whole system is over 20 years. The running costs of the desalination unit are very low, because it operates autonomously without personnel, while the energy and water required are provided for by nature. A new company was founded as a spin-off from the project: the "Corporation for the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and the Production of Drinking Water". The company has been set up by the project partners, with patents and rights transferred to it. The newly-created company is in contact with venture capitalists, businesses and ship owners and hoped to start work on a bigger production facility before the end of 2007.

V. CONCLUSIONS
Lessons learnt: Positive lesson learnt: nature offers all we require to cover our needs. Through collaboration, allied to the necessary political will, science can come up with impressive solutions, provided we form a well-balanced and managed team with our R&D and industrial partners. local people need to be involved from the beginning (not just the authorities). Good practices: In terms of project goals, the main factors were: an economic solution (capable of survival and expansion); environmentally-friendly; addressing a major problem.

In terms of successful implementation: very strong project management; good selection of partners; a well-organised team with clearly defined roles; involvement of local people and political support. The project management used a somewhat innovative method (actually tested by the same project management team in previous smaller projects). A 1-2 person project team was established for each organisation. They formed the core team for the project. They worked together in the same place for most of the projects life, under the daily supervision of a 3-strong core management team. They also provided an interface with their participating organisations. This strategy has many advantages, especially if the project management. is able to build a friendly environment and cordial relations (as was the case with this project).

Contact details: Professor Nikitas Nikitakos University of the Aegean Head of Dept. Shipping Trade and Transport Korai Street 2a GR 82100 Chios Tel.: +30 22710 35291 e-mail: nnik@aegean.gr http://www.stt.aegean.gr/NikitakosGr.asp Briefing date: December 2007

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