Difference between revisions of "Solar Powered Water Systems in Humanitarian Context - Q&A"
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This page documents the questions that were asked during the webinar: [[Capacity Building and Learning on Solar Powered Water Systems#Webinar I|Solar Powered Water Systems in Humanitarian Context]]<br/> | This page documents the questions that were asked during the webinar: [[Capacity Building and Learning on Solar Powered Water Systems#Webinar I|Solar Powered Water Systems in Humanitarian Context]]<br/> | ||
<span style="color:#B22222"><u>'''''Please note that this page is a work in progress and will be updated shortly with all the questions asked during the webinar''''''</u></span><br/> | <span style="color:#B22222"><u>'''''Please note that this page is a work in progress and will be updated shortly with all the questions asked during the webinar''''''</u></span><br/> | ||
| − | == Contact Information of Lorentz and Grundfos | + | = <span style="color:#0000CD">Contact Information of Lorentz and Grundfos</span> = |
*[https://www.lorentz.de/partners/ https://www.lorentz.de/partners/] | *[https://www.lorentz.de/partners/ https://www.lorentz.de/partners/] | ||
*[https://www.grundfos.com/za/where-to-buy https://www.grundfos.com/za/where-to-buy] | *[https://www.grundfos.com/za/where-to-buy https://www.grundfos.com/za/where-to-buy] | ||
| − | == Q1. How can we install solar-powered pumps to replace an existing hand pump installed borehole in a rural context? == | + | = <span style="color:#0000CD">Overview Questions about SPWS Technology</span> = |
| + | |||
| + | === Q1. How can we install solar-powered pumps to replace an existing hand pump installed borehole in a rural context? === | ||
this is technically possible, depending on the parameters of your system. Typically the borehole diameter (normally 3 inches or less) is a limiting factor for replacing handpumps with solar pumps...If your borehole diameter is a bit bigger (4 or more inches) this can be done without a problem). | this is technically possible, depending on the parameters of your system. Typically the borehole diameter (normally 3 inches or less) is a limiting factor for replacing handpumps with solar pumps...If your borehole diameter is a bit bigger (4 or more inches) this can be done without a problem). | ||
| − | == Q2. How do we address the high initial capital costs of solar water supply systems? == | + | === Q2. How do we address the high initial capital costs of solar water supply systems? === |
There are various means of financing, similar to when you use another power source... depending on the size of your system, solar pumping options might not be that initially costly as you may think, as prices of panels have dropped by 80% in the last 10 years. Having said this, what really helps in financing is to look at the cost over the lifetime of the equipment, which almost always brings to light the savings incurred over time when using solar pumping. We will talk about this in-depth during [[Capacity Building and Learning on Solar Powered Water Systems|Webinar 2 in January]]. | There are various means of financing, similar to when you use another power source... depending on the size of your system, solar pumping options might not be that initially costly as you may think, as prices of panels have dropped by 80% in the last 10 years. Having said this, what really helps in financing is to look at the cost over the lifetime of the equipment, which almost always brings to light the savings incurred over time when using solar pumping. We will talk about this in-depth during [[Capacity Building and Learning on Solar Powered Water Systems|Webinar 2 in January]]. | ||
| − | == Q3. What is the reason for the power limitation of a DC system? == | + | === Q3. What is the reason for the power limitation of a DC system? === |
| − | Please listen to the [[ | + | Please listen to the [[Capacity Building and Learning on Solar Powered Water Systems#tab=Webinar I|webinar recording]]. |
| + | = <span style="color:#0000CD">Pump Sizing</span> = | ||
| − | == | + | === Q4. Which solar pumps are best for different depths? surface pumps and submersibles === |
you can literally solarize any electrical submersible pump and many surface pumps, like the ones used with diesel generators or connected to the grid....so the way to size your water pump for your borehole is similar to the way if using other power sources. | you can literally solarize any electrical submersible pump and many surface pumps, like the ones used with diesel generators or connected to the grid....so the way to size your water pump for your borehole is similar to the way if using other power sources. | ||
| − | == | + | === Q5.What is available from Lorentz and Grundfos to provide solutions for deep boreholes ?<br/> === |
| + | |||
| + | As explained during the webinar, you can solarize their submersible pumps of up to 100kW (Lorentz) with TDH 450m and 250kW (Grundfos) with even higher TDHs.<br/> | ||
| + | |||
| + | = <span style="color:#0000CD">Use of Batteries</span> = | ||
| − | + | === Q6. What about the use of Batteries? === | |
| − | |||
| − | == | ||
It is technically feasible but they are costly, might need maintenance and introduce high inefficiencies...it is normally a better option to oversize your solar panel array, since the cost of panels is low, and store water in an elevated water tank, which is a way to store energy, so that water can be made available at any time by gravity. | It is technically feasible but they are costly, might need maintenance and introduce high inefficiencies...it is normally a better option to oversize your solar panel array, since the cost of panels is low, and store water in an elevated water tank, which is a way to store energy, so that water can be made available at any time by gravity. | ||
| − | == | + | === Q7. Can we store the solar energy in batteries for night use instead of the hybrid system requiring a generator? === |
Yes, you can do that. It might be more expensive and inefficient than other options but technically feasible. | Yes, you can do that. It might be more expensive and inefficient than other options but technically feasible. | ||
| − | == | + | = <span style="color:#0000CD">Hybrid Systems</span> = |
| + | |||
| + | === Q8. What are the water quality considerations while designing hybrid solar pumps?<br/> === | ||
The pump technology will be the same, whether your pump is powered with solar, hybrid, generator, or grid, so there are no specific water quality considerations linked to the use of solar panels. | The pump technology will be the same, whether your pump is powered with solar, hybrid, generator, or grid, so there are no specific water quality considerations linked to the use of solar panels. | ||
| − | == | + | === Q9. How much does it cost to install a hybrid system to a borehole with 25m3/h capacity (22Kw control panel) and to supply water for 12 hrs per day<br/> === |
| − | There are several other details needed to be able to provide an answer to that question. We will talk more about costs and finances in [[ | + | There are several other details needed to be able to provide an answer to that question. We will talk more about costs and finances in [[Capacity Building and Learning on Solar Powered Water Systems#Webinar II|webinar2 in January]]. |
| − | < | + | |
| − | == | + | = <span style="color:#0000CD">Genset</span> = |
| + | |||
| + | === Q10. How can you make sure the Genset is running within its boundaries? meaning a 30KVA Genset cannot supply 5kW power, or it risks to be in underload, correct?<br/> === | ||
There is a way to size a generator so that it works within an efficient range for a given pump. A 30kVA can provide 5kW, but as you say, it will be underloaded and therefore more inefficient and perhaps influencing in a shorter lifespan for the Genset. Please, download the book from www.thesolarhub.org and look in the appendix for an example on how to size a generator. | There is a way to size a generator so that it works within an efficient range for a given pump. A 30kVA can provide 5kW, but as you say, it will be underloaded and therefore more inefficient and perhaps influencing in a shorter lifespan for the Genset. Please, download the book from www.thesolarhub.org and look in the appendix for an example on how to size a generator. | ||
| − | == | + | = <span style="color:#0000CD">Stealing/Vandalism of Panels</span> = |
| − | + | === Q11. Is stealing the pannels a problem? If yes what are the solutions? === | |
| − | |||
| − | == Q11. Is stealing the pannels a problem? If yes what are the solutions? == | ||
In our trips to 8 different countries, we found stealing of pannels a much smaller problem than what it used to be. There are a number of measures that field NGOs take to minimize the problem, please write us through Ask and Expert at www.thesolarhub.org and we will share some document on this. (This question was also addressed during the webinar, please listen to the recording). | In our trips to 8 different countries, we found stealing of pannels a much smaller problem than what it used to be. There are a number of measures that field NGOs take to minimize the problem, please write us through Ask and Expert at www.thesolarhub.org and we will share some document on this. (This question was also addressed during the webinar, please listen to the recording). | ||
| − | == Q12. How many of these installations are equipped with water treatment disinfection systems before storage == | + | === Q12. How many of these installations are equipped with water treatment disinfection systems before storage === |
I don't know how many of those presented in the webinar but it is not uncommon to find different online chlorinators solutions in solar pumping systems. | I don't know how many of those presented in the webinar but it is not uncommon to find different online chlorinators solutions in solar pumping systems. | ||
| − | == Q13. What's the percentage loss in PV generation due to dust | + | = <span style="color:#0000CD">Cleaning of Panels</span> = |
| + | |||
| + | === Q13. What's the percentage loss in PV generation due to dust? === | ||
Depends how dirty the panels get and how often (or not) they are cleaned...we have seen clean systems just losing 1 to 3% of total power to systems that don't work as too much energy is lost to dust and therefore, not enough to start the pump. | Depends how dirty the panels get and how often (or not) they are cleaned...we have seen clean systems just losing 1 to 3% of total power to systems that don't work as too much energy is lost to dust and therefore, not enough to start the pump. | ||
| − | == Q14. What's the recommended frequency to undertake routine PV module washing | + | === Q14. What's the recommended frequency to undertake routine PV module washing? === |
Depending on how dusty your environment is, and what season (dry or rainy) you are in. Typically we have seen communities cleaning panels every 3 or 4 days to every some week. | Depending on how dusty your environment is, and what season (dry or rainy) you are in. Typically we have seen communities cleaning panels every 3 or 4 days to every some week. | ||
| − | == Q15: Is there any effort to making self-maintaining solar panels by the manufacturers, self-cleaning for example on higher grounds? == | + | === Q15: Is there any effort to making self-maintaining solar panels by the manufacturers, self-cleaning for example on higher grounds? === |
There is a technology for self-cleaning but it might get expensive, and needs maintenance, making sense mostly for large utility-scale solar plants for electricity supply. We have seen more local solutions where a pipe with holes is placed on top of the panels so that by opening a valve, panels get somehow cleaned. | There is a technology for self-cleaning but it might get expensive, and needs maintenance, making sense mostly for large utility-scale solar plants for electricity supply. We have seen more local solutions where a pipe with holes is placed on top of the panels so that by opening a valve, panels get somehow cleaned. | ||
| − | == Q16. During the webinar, almost all speakers discuss fossil fuels and generator, is there any problem with the system connecting to grid electricity? I mean the | + | = <span style="color:#0000CD">Grid Electricity</span> = |
| + | |||
| + | === Q16. During the webinar, almost all speakers discuss fossil fuels and generator, is there any problem with the system connecting to grid electricity? I mean the effects on the system that creates a problem by connecting through electricity grid? === | ||
Water pumps can be connected and run on electricity grids. The problem in many contexts where humanitarian operations take place is that grids are unstable and/or there are frequent blackouts, making the water supply unpredictable and damaging pumps over time. But if you are working in a place with a stable and predictable electrical grip supply, that would probably be a good solution for your water supply project. | Water pumps can be connected and run on electricity grids. The problem in many contexts where humanitarian operations take place is that grids are unstable and/or there are frequent blackouts, making the water supply unpredictable and damaging pumps over time. But if you are working in a place with a stable and predictable electrical grip supply, that would probably be a good solution for your water supply project. | ||
| − | == Q17. I am working in the mining industry. lots of pumps are used for water withdraw. is it possible to install a solar pumping system in u/g mine? == | + | = <span style="color:#0000CD">Case Studies</span> = |
| + | |||
| + | === Q16. Do we have a case study of using Solar powered water pumping in the small-scale mining artisanal underground mining? === | ||
| + | |||
| + | I haven't seen any for that application but not saying there might be something out there | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Q17. what is the experience with maintenance and sustainability of larger (but also smaller systems) in a humanitarian setting? Who does what, ownership of the technology? What happens when the security situation worsens and becomes complicated to access camps? === | ||
| + | |||
| + | Please listen to the [[Capacity_Building_and_Learning_on_Solar_Powered_Water_Systems#tab=Webinar_I|webinar recording]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Q18. I am working in the mining industry. lots of pumps are used for water withdraw. is it possible to install a solar pumping system in u/g mine? === | ||
Solar panels must be placed in sunny places, if you can do that, your water pump in the mining place can very likely be solarised. | Solar panels must be placed in sunny places, if you can do that, your water pump in the mining place can very likely be solarised. | ||
[[Category:Webinar]] | [[Category:Webinar]] | ||
Revision as of 08:29, 27 November 2020
This page documents the questions that were asked during the webinar: Solar Powered Water Systems in Humanitarian Context
Please note that this page is a work in progress and will be updated shortly with all the questions asked during the webinar'
Contact Information of Lorentz and Grundfos
Overview Questions about SPWS Technology
Q1. How can we install solar-powered pumps to replace an existing hand pump installed borehole in a rural context?
this is technically possible, depending on the parameters of your system. Typically the borehole diameter (normally 3 inches or less) is a limiting factor for replacing handpumps with solar pumps...If your borehole diameter is a bit bigger (4 or more inches) this can be done without a problem).
Q2. How do we address the high initial capital costs of solar water supply systems?
There are various means of financing, similar to when you use another power source... depending on the size of your system, solar pumping options might not be that initially costly as you may think, as prices of panels have dropped by 80% in the last 10 years. Having said this, what really helps in financing is to look at the cost over the lifetime of the equipment, which almost always brings to light the savings incurred over time when using solar pumping. We will talk about this in-depth during Webinar 2 in January.
Q3. What is the reason for the power limitation of a DC system?
Please listen to the webinar recording.
Pump Sizing
Q4. Which solar pumps are best for different depths? surface pumps and submersibles
you can literally solarize any electrical submersible pump and many surface pumps, like the ones used with diesel generators or connected to the grid....so the way to size your water pump for your borehole is similar to the way if using other power sources.
Q5.What is available from Lorentz and Grundfos to provide solutions for deep boreholes ?
As explained during the webinar, you can solarize their submersible pumps of up to 100kW (Lorentz) with TDH 450m and 250kW (Grundfos) with even higher TDHs.
Use of Batteries
Q6. What about the use of Batteries?
It is technically feasible but they are costly, might need maintenance and introduce high inefficiencies...it is normally a better option to oversize your solar panel array, since the cost of panels is low, and store water in an elevated water tank, which is a way to store energy, so that water can be made available at any time by gravity.
Q7. Can we store the solar energy in batteries for night use instead of the hybrid system requiring a generator?
Yes, you can do that. It might be more expensive and inefficient than other options but technically feasible.
Hybrid Systems
Q8. What are the water quality considerations while designing hybrid solar pumps?
The pump technology will be the same, whether your pump is powered with solar, hybrid, generator, or grid, so there are no specific water quality considerations linked to the use of solar panels.
Q9. How much does it cost to install a hybrid system to a borehole with 25m3/h capacity (22Kw control panel) and to supply water for 12 hrs per day
There are several other details needed to be able to provide an answer to that question. We will talk more about costs and finances in webinar2 in January.
Genset
Q10. How can you make sure the Genset is running within its boundaries? meaning a 30KVA Genset cannot supply 5kW power, or it risks to be in underload, correct?
There is a way to size a generator so that it works within an efficient range for a given pump. A 30kVA can provide 5kW, but as you say, it will be underloaded and therefore more inefficient and perhaps influencing in a shorter lifespan for the Genset. Please, download the book from www.thesolarhub.org and look in the appendix for an example on how to size a generator.
Stealing/Vandalism of Panels
Q11. Is stealing the pannels a problem? If yes what are the solutions?
In our trips to 8 different countries, we found stealing of pannels a much smaller problem than what it used to be. There are a number of measures that field NGOs take to minimize the problem, please write us through Ask and Expert at www.thesolarhub.org and we will share some document on this. (This question was also addressed during the webinar, please listen to the recording).
Q12. How many of these installations are equipped with water treatment disinfection systems before storage
I don't know how many of those presented in the webinar but it is not uncommon to find different online chlorinators solutions in solar pumping systems.
Cleaning of Panels
Q13. What's the percentage loss in PV generation due to dust?
Depends how dirty the panels get and how often (or not) they are cleaned...we have seen clean systems just losing 1 to 3% of total power to systems that don't work as too much energy is lost to dust and therefore, not enough to start the pump.
Q14. What's the recommended frequency to undertake routine PV module washing?
Depending on how dusty your environment is, and what season (dry or rainy) you are in. Typically we have seen communities cleaning panels every 3 or 4 days to every some week.
Q15: Is there any effort to making self-maintaining solar panels by the manufacturers, self-cleaning for example on higher grounds?
There is a technology for self-cleaning but it might get expensive, and needs maintenance, making sense mostly for large utility-scale solar plants for electricity supply. We have seen more local solutions where a pipe with holes is placed on top of the panels so that by opening a valve, panels get somehow cleaned.
Grid Electricity
Q16. During the webinar, almost all speakers discuss fossil fuels and generator, is there any problem with the system connecting to grid electricity? I mean the effects on the system that creates a problem by connecting through electricity grid?
Water pumps can be connected and run on electricity grids. The problem in many contexts where humanitarian operations take place is that grids are unstable and/or there are frequent blackouts, making the water supply unpredictable and damaging pumps over time. But if you are working in a place with a stable and predictable electrical grip supply, that would probably be a good solution for your water supply project.
Case Studies
Q16. Do we have a case study of using Solar powered water pumping in the small-scale mining artisanal underground mining?
I haven't seen any for that application but not saying there might be something out there
Q17. what is the experience with maintenance and sustainability of larger (but also smaller systems) in a humanitarian setting? Who does what, ownership of the technology? What happens when the security situation worsens and becomes complicated to access camps?
Please listen to the webinar recording.
Q18. I am working in the mining industry. lots of pumps are used for water withdraw. is it possible to install a solar pumping system in u/g mine?
Solar panels must be placed in sunny places, if you can do that, your water pump in the mining place can very likely be solarised.
