Projects 2020
Solar Project - FEBRUARY 2020 - Phase 1 Completed
This February, work began on a project of installing solar panels, lithium-ion batteries and other equipment to help PIZ deal with a problem called 'load-shedding'.
Load-shedding takes place when a country is unable to supply sufficient electricity to its population and so switches it off to specific parts of the country on a rota, a type of rationing.
This is a significant problem for PIZ because it pumps all of its water from boreholes and a lake using electric pumps. The power has been known to be off for up to 20 hours in a day which means they are unable to pump sufficient water into the tanks to fulfil their daily requirements.
In addition the site is on a slope, with the lecturers houses at the top, so water is pumped up the slope with an electric booster pump. They also are unable to use their PC's and laptops (which have old tired batteries) and unable to keep the multiple chest freezers running which store the large amount food it takes to feed the students and staff. Of course there are many other inconveniences and this project will not solve all of them, but it will resolve the essential items of water pumping and limited power for appliances such as freezers.
Load-shedding takes place when a country is unable to supply sufficient electricity to its population and so switches it off to specific parts of the country on a rota, a type of rationing.
This is a significant problem for PIZ because it pumps all of its water from boreholes and a lake using electric pumps. The power has been known to be off for up to 20 hours in a day which means they are unable to pump sufficient water into the tanks to fulfil their daily requirements.
In addition the site is on a slope, with the lecturers houses at the top, so water is pumped up the slope with an electric booster pump. They also are unable to use their PC's and laptops (which have old tired batteries) and unable to keep the multiple chest freezers running which store the large amount food it takes to feed the students and staff. Of course there are many other inconveniences and this project will not solve all of them, but it will resolve the essential items of water pumping and limited power for appliances such as freezers.
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PHASE 1
The objective of this project is to provide a backup electricity supply for the most essential parts of college to function. These essential functions are defined as follows: 1. The ability to pump water from Borehole 1 2. Operate the booster pump which pushes water to the lecturer’s houses 3. Power the administration building/warehouse – which enables the PC/laptops/printer/internet router and several chest freezers to run 4. Two pumps that will sit in the reservoir pumping water to a nearby tank for crop irrigation, and a sand filter for potable (drinking) water Thanks be to God that the full funds for phase 1 has been raised PHASE 2 will provide alternative power for the whole site and is
estimated to cost a further £25,500. So far we have £8,631 designated towards Phase 2 (27/02/2020). Tim will be working on the finer details over the next few months and we will post them here once finalised. |
All of the new equipment will be housed in a new and secure energy centre
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