solar water pumping in costa rica

1 Posts

Mar 3, 2007 12:22 pm

we're planning a development in costa rica to build 30 homes. the site has high hills. at the low point of the property are several proven wells. our thought is to pump from each well into a holding tank and then pump from the holding tank to a central reservoir on the highest hill (about 150m vertical rise, 1km in length). we think the lower holding tank should hold 3-5,000 gallons and the upper tank about 25,000 gallons. we'll use gravity to supply each home site (each will then have a personal holding tank of about 2,000 liters). being costa rica, the site will get 8-10 hours of sun 300+ days a year.
question: does anyone have any experience with a project of this size? any hints or warnings? thanx in advance.

Tom M

462 Posts

Mar 5, 2007 03:04 pm

Re: solar water pumping in costa rica

Edward, would the total cost to build this elaborate system of pumps and large holding tanks be more cost effective then just building a system that pumps directly from the wells to the same final destination, the homes themselves? Also, the power for the larger pumps may be greatly larger than the power demand for smaller pumps to do the same job. Multiple, cheaper, smaller pumps would seem more reasonable than one or two large pumps if they should fail. This would also prevent stagantion that may occur in a large tank. Also ambient temperatures may heat the water to a degree that may promote bacterial growth.
Well, these are just a few thoughts. Remember, keep it simple.

Michel Maupoux

20 Posts

Mar 21, 2007 06:50 pm

Re: solar water pumping in costa rica

Hi,
I agree with the other comment about splitting the system. Also lifting water to then let it gravity feed is fine if the houses are all close to the tank, but a waste of energy if they are a ways downhill.

I am currently working on a system with similar TDH (140m) and length of pipe (900m). BUt the other key element is the flow rate you want. Would your tanks hold water for 1 day? 1 week?
In our Philippines system, we are trying to pump 14m3 per day at 140m TDH, and finding a solar pump for such characteristics has been hard.
Total system cost (w/o design and management, as we are a non-profit, and w/o civil work labor as it is provided by the community) will be around $32,000, and the PV power will be about 2700Wp.
For overall formulas and design checklist, I recommend you download our solar pumping system design guide from our web site at http://www.greenempowerment.org/publications.htm

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solar water pumping in costa rica

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