A solar-thermal water pump.

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Mechanical Engineering
Degree name
Master of Engineering
Publisher
University of Canterbury. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
1991
Authors
Amor, Maurice Rudolf
Abstract

Solar-powered water pumping is an inherently sensible proposition due to the pump being able to supply water at times when it is most in demand. In general small solar-thermal water pumps hold some promise for low technology applications in developing countries. The aim of this study was to model the characteristics of an appropriate technology water pump and build a concept-proving pump. A detailed computer model of the pump and flat plate collector gave the ability to optimise the pump's dimensions and predict the output for any average day in any location. An exergy analysis showed that the major losses in the system were due to wasteful processes within the pump's operating cycle. The pump took the form of a 450mm diameter double diaphragm suction unit with a predicted operating efficiency of approximately 1% when operating at 68°C. The concept-proving pump was set up using compressed air and preliminary runs on pentane gave an efficiency of 0.3%. The pump takes water from 7 metres below to 1.5 metres above the pump at a rate of 3 litres every 10 seconds. A financial analysis highlighted the fact that the solar pump has higher capital but lower running costs than some of its competitors, and as such would suit certain niche applications. Recommendations are to improve the physical lay-out of the pump and improve the design of several components to enable better performance of the pump operating on the same principle.

Description
Citation
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Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Rights
Copyright Maurice Rudolf Amor