Solar Water Filtration System

Our University of Idaho Senior Design Team, H2Orphans is developing and building a solar water filtration system for third world countries with the collaboration of Orphans to Ambassadors.

We are tasked with developing an efficient, solar-powered water filtration system that is durable and provides clean water for underdeveloped regions.

Currently, many orphanages in Africa have only contaminated water for drinking and cooking. The pre-existing rain catchment system is the primary water source and potentially contains pathogens and sediments that could be harmful to human health. Currently, the orphanages do not have filtration or disinfection devices to protect against these contaminants.

Design Goals

 * Provide a sustainable solution to clean drinking water in the most self-sufficient manner possible.
 * This design must be robust and parts should be simple to replace in the field.
 * Reduce exposure to water borne illnesses.
 * Reduce the fuel (wood) needed to purify water by boiling water.

Current Design Specifications

 * The system produces 100 gallons/day of water.
 * The water pressure minimum is 20 psi and the maximum is 65 psi.
 * The potable water meets the following WHO regulations:
 * Total Coliform: not detectable in 100 ml sample
 * E.Coli O157: not detectable in 100 ml sample
 * Turbidity: <5 NTU
 * The transportable components of the system are contained within two pelican cases (22”long x 18” wide x 10”).
 * The transportable components and casing weigh no more than 50 lbs each (100 lbs total).
 * The system has a digital display for the power supply and water usage.
 * The inlet connection is a ¾” female swivel.
 * The outlet connection is a ¾” male threaded.
 * An instruction manual is provided with the system.
 * A tool/repair kit is provided with the system.
 * Replacement parts are provided with the system.
 * Obtain certification from WHO for completed system

Current Project Phase
The design direction that we ended up picking was carbon UV filtration with a battery supported pump. We found that this system would not only best meet the needs of our client, but would provide clean water that fit in a low maintenance, durable, and sustainable package.

Currently our team has specked the filtration components, pump, battery and flow meter as linked below. Initially Orphans to Ambassadors provided us with a few components to help us in our design, these idem are also listed/linked.

Purchased Large Components:


 * UV/Carbon Filter System (PURA UVB1)


 * Cole Parmer PD Pump


 * Battery


 * Water Meter

Supplied Components


 * Pump and Controller


 * Solar Panels


 * Pelican Case


 * Pre-filtration Canister

At the start of the second semester we gathered all of the components to begin testing. And currently have split the team into 2 sub-teams, where one is focusing on the testing/validating the water quality needs and the other is working on the energy balance of the system, spec'ing a controller/electronics, and making a Solidworks model of the system.

Current Solidworks Model

Energy Balance
The energy balance is an analysis of energy usage for approximating the required batteries and solar panels to meet the desired specifications. I also included the calculations for the amount of filters and bulbs that will needed to be included for 5 years of normal maintenance.

Current EES Analysis

Current EES Printout PDF

Results of Analysis:
 * System run time for 100 [gallons/day] = 1.282 hr/day
 * Amount of 80W Solar panels need (Using new panels and the average yearly sunlight) = 0.8454 panels
 * Amount of 80W Solar panels need (Using old (20+ years) panels and the time for the lowest yearly sunlight) = 2.07 panels
 * Number of batteries needed for a day with min sunshine (35 Ah, 12V, Lead Acid) = 1.361 batteries
 * Number of batteries needed for 3 days without sunshine (35 Ah, 12V, Lead Acid) = 3.025 batteries
 * Filters to include for 5 years (replace every 6 months) = 9.993 filters
 * Bulbs to include for 5 years (replace every 1.14 years) = 4.38 bulbs

Current Budget/Expenses
Purchases

Projected Future Expenses

Estimated Total Overall System Costs = $1075.75 (without solar panels or pelican cases)

Sponsor Background
Orphans to Ambassadors is working with multiple orphanages in developing countries to build a long term solution to address the lack of clean drinking water available at children’s homes and orphanages. The organization has begun building the first generation solar powered water filtration system in which a small 12 volt pump (powered by 60 watt solar panel) pulls water from a holding container and pushes the water through a basic carbon filter and into a storage tank for cooking and drinking. Our job as a team is to improve the current system to meet the World Heath Organizations criteria for clean drinking water. Water Sanitation Health W.H.O.

Sponsor
Orphans to Ambassadors is a nonprofit working with orphans and sustainable technology to create cleaner futures. Not only do the technology, education, and practices give children cleaner water and food, brighter and safer energy, and more free time to be kids, we’re also creating renewable foundations in developing countries where any growth means more technology: the cleaner now the better tomorrow. Orphans to Ambassadors

Document Archive
Updated: Detailed Timeline

First Semester Design Review Presentation

Project Timeline

Meeting Minutes