H2Orphans

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

We are tasked to develop a solar-powered and sustainable water filtration system improves upon current technologies to where the device is more compact, durable and provides cleaner water for undeveloped regions.

Currently, orphanages are using a wide range of contaminated water to provide their kids for drinking, cooking, and bathing purposes. In most cases, the water is from a nearby exposed water source, and on occasion, the water is from a stagnant water source. A number of orphanages have their own wells, but the proximity of their latrines has in some cases contaminated the water source.

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

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 potable water.
 * The water pressure minimum is 20 psi and the maximum is 65 psi.
 * The potable water meets the following WHO regulations:
 * Cryptosporidium: 1.3 x 10-5 organisms per liter
 * Total Coliform: not detectable in 100 ml sample
 * E.Coli O157: not detectable in 100 ml sample
 * Giardia: <10 organisms per liter
 * Turbidity: <5 NTU
 * The transportable components of the system are contained within a 22”long x 18” wide x 10” deep casing.
 * The transportable components and casing weigh no more than 50 lbs.
 * The system has a digital display.
 * The system is completely solar powered.
 * 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.

Current Project Phase
Currently our team is working hard to speck the filtration components and develop further design contrasts. Initially Orphans to Ambassadors provided us with a few components to help us in our design, these idem are listed below with links to the specs,


 * Pump and Controller


 * Solar Panels


 * Pelican Case


 * Pre-filtration Canister

Our first semester required deliverable are here First Semester Project Deliverables

Document Archive
Project Timeline

Meeting Minutes

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