Water Engineering and Research Solutions (WEARS)
Solar-powered reservoir circulation system and energy-efficient reservoir system
QSEIF funding: $85,250 (over two projects)
Project dates:1999–2000
Project details
Funded over two rounds, WEARS initially aimed to develop and produce solar-powered reservoir mixers, and then test the technology, specifically looking at water quality and its ability to control blue-green algae.
About the technology
Conventional reservoirs mix water by pumping compressed air through perforated pipes at the bottom of dams. This requires a large amount of energy and is inefficient.
WEARS’ reservoir has a slow rotating impeller that pushes warm aerated surface water to the bottom of the reservoir and draws cold deoxygenated water to the surface. This uses just 10% of the energy of a conventional reservoir mixer which makes solar power a practical option.
The WEARS reservoir mixer uses just 10% of the energy that of conventional mixer uses and enhances the quality of the water.
Project status
Since completing the project, WEARS have installed their aeration system in reservoirs in Australia, the UK and the USA.
WEARS have received several awards for their solar power reservoir mixers, including the Institute of Engineers Australia Engineering Excellence Award and the Queensland Heritage Award.
Please consult the Fact Sheet (PDF, 1.0M)* for information regarding this project.
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 27 March 2012