Photovoltaic systems in disaster areas

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"When the sun rises, it rises for everyone."
(Cuban proverb)

Water pps system
(photo: Denis Lenardic)

Small photovoltaic systems are very good power supply sources in cases of natural disasters (renewing infrastructure and normal life conditions after earth quakes, hurricanes, floods and so on). In such cases photovoltaic systems can be used as power supply sources for medical institutions, schools, street lighting, traffic signalisation etc. The use of such systems depends on the circumstances.

Photovoltaics and disaster relief

Different areas should be studied carefully and needs in specific disasters should be identified well in advance. The great deal of the planning must be conducted by the local communities and the governmental institutions. The preparations are invaluable in case of large natural disasters. The photovoltaic systems should be planned and prepared beforehand, after a disaster occurs it is impossible.

Two Japanese filling stations capable of refueling emergency vehicles in disaster situations
(courtesy: CADDET)

Different sollutions and products were developed for specific use in disaster areas. An example of such sollution is "WATERpps" - Photovoltaic water pumping and purifying system produced by Solar-fabrik in Germany. Securing water and energy supplies is one of global challenges today - more than 1.3 billion people are now without clean drinking water. Solar-Fabrik and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems have jointly developed a solar-powered water pumping and purification system called WATERpps. The system converts cistern, surface and ground water into hygienically pure drinking water. The water is disinfected by microfiltration, no chemicals are used.

"WATERpps" system, produced by Solar-Fabrik, Freiburg, Germany

WATERpps system produced by Solar-fabrik AG, Freiburg, Germany
(source/copyright: Solar Fabrik)

Another possibility for use in damaged areas are photovoltaic powered street lights. The photovoltaic powered lights are independent from the public grid and can be mounted on trees also what allows short instalation time and reliable operation.

Photovoltaic powered street lights, reliable sollution in emergency situations
(source/copyright: Solar Fabrik)

Application of photovoltaic systems in Florida after hurricane Andrew in 1992

August 1992, hurricane Andrew raged over Southern Florida and demolished Southern Florida. After the hurricane more than 1,4 million homes and businesses were left without electricity. Hundreds of thousands homes were partially or completely destroyed, most traffic lights and traffic signalisation was knocked down. Total damage was estimated over US$ 30 billion. After the hurricane, backup emergency power was critically needed in communications and medical relief. Ten days after the University of Miami request for help, the first photovoltaic systems were delivered to the site, providing much needed relief in the hardest hit areas. These systems consisted of a 1-kilowatt photovoltaic array, batteries, a DC/AC inverter, a 50-amp battery charger, and end-use appliances, such as fluorescent lights, fans, and a vaccine refrigerator. Solar generated electricity was soon powering four relief shelters and medical clinics. Street lights at the shelters and clinics, and interior lights, fans, and vaccine refrigerators at medical clinics were also installed. The photovoltaic street and area lights were immediately available, and requiring no additional infrastructure. This kind of speed was essential at the time. The photovoltaic systems installed during the hurricane Andrew relief effort were employed successfully for more than 2 months until conventional power was restored.

Photovoltaic and disaster relief - related web sites

Solar-fabrik AG - Additional facts about WATERpps system. Brochure in pdf format also available (302 kB).

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Webmaster's choice - unique photovoltaic water pumping and purifying system.

Florida Solar Energy Center - The Florida Solar Energy Center offers a range of photovoltaic (solar electric) support strategies for disaster relief, recovery and mitigation.

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Webmaster's choice - disaster relief related interesting link collection and many interesting documents available for download.

Literature and more information

Gregory, J., Cowley, P.: Facilitating Disaster Relief Operations and Sustainable Reconstruction the Enabling Role of renewable Energy Technologies, Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy, May 2007 (665 kB).