Abstract

Problems encountered in the design of solar water pump is about the cost of making the solar water pump by considering two variables, namely the cost and effectiveness of solar water pump when installed—the case studies raised regarding Cameroon perspective to be applied well in Cameroon.

The solution offered is the design of the solar water pump system by considering aspects of cost and effectiveness carefully. The result is a plan to build a solar water pump which was suitable for use in all conditions and situations in the area of Cameroon. By way of conclusion, an optimal design of a solar water pump system considering cost and effectiveness has been proposed to solve those problems.

INTRODUCTION

Project Definition 

A reliable and clean water supply is an essential need but a large number of people currently lack this basic provision. Solar water pumps are socially and environmentally attractive technology to supply water. Especially if the need for water is in remote locations which are beyond the reach of power lines, solar power is often the economically preferred technology.

Problem Statement.

The main reason for me to think and come up with this project is the fact that, during my final internship program in SOCAPALM, we were sent to go do maintenance and repair on a diesel engine powering pump system which was later decided to be replaced because of it long term of service and so due to that it has lost power to pump water to the nursery (where little palms and rubber trees are nurse) for watering.

There are many system of pumping water that are currently used including engine driven pump, grid powered pump, manual powered pump and generator driven pump. However, there are inconveniences associated with these systems as follows:

❖Due to the steady increase in the price of fuel for the past few years, most of this system have become expensive leading to an increase in the price of water for domestic consumption and irrigation.

❖Most of these systems requires more maintenance since they have many moving parts.

❖There is low grid power coverage in the country: Therefore, grid power pump cannot be used in most of the parts in the country.

To overcome the inconveniences, there is need to design and construct a solar powered water pumping system.

Objectives

The project “Solar Powered Water Pumping System” as the title suggests is aimed to construct a water pumping system based on solar energy.

General objective of the project is defined as:

• To design and fabricate a Solar Water Pump so that our Cameroonian farmers can utilize it at an affordable cost.

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