SOLAR POWERED OFF-GRID WATER DISTRIBUTION PROJECTS: A CASE STUDY COMPARISON OF TWO COMMUNITIES

Abstract

This paper presents the pre-construction planning and construction installation phases of student-run projects in Ecuador and Ghana to provide fresh water via pumped water storage through photovoltaic (PV) systems. Our Ecuadorian project relied on a preliminary design prepared by a non-profit organization as the construction basis. The Ghanian project was designed by students, with faculty support. These two case studies were chosen because they had similar project goals, occurred close in time, and had the same faculty and student clubs performing the work. The fundamental project management areas of scope, schedule, and budget management were assessed as a basis for comparison. Although there were several differences between the projects, students gained new knowledge in all of these areas. The work involved several students and two faculty from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). The work included piping connections to direct current submersible pumps, water storage, distribution piping/connections to a village community center or directly to households, PV panels, and an electrical distribution system with overcurrent protection. The initial design was an important part of each project; however, many details were resolved during construction using a design-build approach.