LOW COST SOLAR POWERED ULTRA VIOLET PURIFICATION SYSTEM FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

¹Omitade, O, ²Ajani, O.O, and ³Akanbi, R.A Ogedengbe S.

¹School of Engineering, Durham University, Durham, England

²Department of Physics and Solar Energy, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria

³Department of Physics, The polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria

E-mail: aj_ani2000@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Identification of the need to solve the acute problem of affordable and efficient water purification system in most rural communities in developing countries prompted the research into the use of solar powered ultra violet purification system. Nigeria, a country in west Africa is used as a case study with an abundant solar radiation estimated to be an average of about 3.5Kwh/m²  daily. Nigeria is faced with a lot of environmental issues with majority occurring in the Niger delta area as a result of oil spillage and other contaminations. Review of existing water purification systems was carried out and its various limitations identified. The advantages and possibilities of providing safe and potable water through the use of a locally designed model of a solar powered ultra violet water purification system was carried out.Results from the model shows in addition to its efficiency, a highly reduced and affordable cost, thereby making its adoption cost effective.

Keywords: Water purification, Ultra violet, Oil spillage, rural communities, Niger                     Delta. Potable water and Solar radiation