Describe your project ...
Solar energy, and specifically solar powered wells, have been in existence for quite a while, and have had a solid market for about as long as they’ve been around. When it comes to our specific product, however, the market is a very specific one. We aren’t particularly concerned about the market being closed for our product, as we were contracted to design this system for our specific client, and it is such a specific system that it can only have this one application.
What are your goals?
The problem that our team handled through the year has changed as time went by, first from a water supply perspective then onto a reduce cost one. When the project was first assigned we were working to be able to increase running water from twice a day for half an hour to twice a day for a full hour. Around Thanksgiving time last year we had to change course when the site drilled a second well and solved the supply issue but created a new problem. Paying for the power of two pumps has proven more then the town can support so the burden is falling on the ministry.
What do you need?
Need lots of amazing and smart people to help complete this project! Any and all help is welcome!
What inspired this project?
Considering that our project is not to design a specific piece of technology, or to innovate any new system or use of existing technology, we don’t have a physical prototype. As such, the prototype for our project, at least by the end of this semester, is a detailed list of products needed for updating the well pump system to solar energy in the district of La Union. As it stands right now, we have several options from companies we have been in contact with about their suggested solutions to the problem, but we do not have these options compiled into a single comprehensive list right now. If we had until the end of April, we could put more time and energy into exact pricing within the region, and a more detailed analysis of water usage and production in order to solve existing problems with the system on top of just replacing grid power with solar. With the additional funds if we were selected for the final competition, we would assist our client in purchasing the components for the project, as our project has little to no cost outside of our time and energy associated with it. When it comes to technology and market opportunity, our project is atypical enough that these don’t really apply. Since it is so specific, there isn’t a market for our system outside of the client we are designing it for.
This project is currently...
Our team is very eager to help the community of La Union as their needs are constantly evolving. We are all motivated individuals looking to make an impact on this community in need. Unfortunately, our team will not be able to send a representative to the may meetings because of traveling commitments, but our full team will be able to make the final June competition.
Tell us about yourself!
Saving money for the community of La Union will ultimately allow for further development and progression for this community. Our groups willingness to help will allow for the community to possess what they need. When somebody is given skills that not many possess, it should be that person’s duty to do something worthwhile with those skills. Each member on our team has been given unique skills to contribute to this project and nothing is more worthwhile than helping people easily attain one of the greatest necessities of life.
This project exemplifies the Kingdom of God by ...
Running the pumps with solar power seemed like the best option for cheap and accessible power. This in tandem with our contact in Peru having experience with the use of solar power made the decision relatively easy. Implementing the solar panels pumping system in a cost effective way would give us a few option, do we buy a kit or do we buy parts separately and assembly it there. Although self assembled system would be cheaper, a kit would be easier to maintain and set up. This lead us to choose the solar kit option and begin the cost analysis portion, the hope of the sheet is to put the ministry in as good a position as possible to make as educated a decision in buying as possible.