Pump choices [RE-wrenches]

[matthew tritt]

Jeff,

For several reasons, I suggest a pump actually made in Africa would be  the
wisest choice. I worked with Solastar, in South Africa, for about three
years in an effort to get them started in the U.S. The main reason it didn't
happen has mainly to do with the U.S. market, and the very remote location
of the factory. For warranty matters it just doesn't fly.

However, their pumps are extremely efficient, sand tolerant, robust and are
designed for the very harsh African environment. I believe that you could
get the volume you need at the lift you specified with around 1 kW's worth
of modules and a tracker. The factory (located on the high veldt) says you
don't need trackers in that part of Africa because their pumps are so
efficient. I doubt it. (According to actual test pumping, they are at least
as efficient as the ETA Pumps in the higher lift ranges, but not so in lower
heads). Their system includes a very good MPPT tracking controller which is
indexed to the ambient temp. of the panels.

If you would like the whole lowdown on these pumps, feel free to contact me
off-list, or by phone @
805 466 6825

Matt----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Lahl" <jefflahl at yahoo.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2002 5:06 PM
Subject: Pump choices [RE-wrenches]


> Wrenches,
> I'm hoping for some advice from you guys with a lot of
> water pumping experience. We're going to be putting in
> 3 PV-powered submersible well systems in Africa that
> have a total head of about 175' and need to produce
> about 5,000gpd at about a 5.5 peak hour average. In
> trying to evaluate the following 3 systems that have
> been proposed to us, I have a 2-part question:
> 1. Does anyone have any good or bad experience with
> the following pump systems?
> 2. Are there some other pumps we should be
> considering?
>
> The systems are:
> A. Teel, 1hp, 230vac with Franklin pump controller and
> AeroVironment USPC. 2kWp PV array
> B. Monoflo "Sun-Pro" 150vdc,8amp with MPPT controller
> C. Kyocera SC1000 135vdc, 14.19 amp with MPPT
> controller.
>
> Because of the remote locations and the importance of
> water supply to the villages, we're putting maximum
> value on life and reliability and are willing to spend
> what it takes to get the best system.
>
> All input will be appreciated.
>
> Jeff Lahl
> Solar Electric Light Fund
>
>
>
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