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School of Engineering and Computing Sciences (ECS)

Profile

Publication details for Dr Neal Wade

ProcIMechE(A) CoverWade, N. S. & Short, T. D. (2007). The performance of a new positive displacement pump targeted to improve rural water supplies. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A, Journal of Power and Energy 221(A8): 1163-1171.
  • Publication type: Journal papers: academic
  • ISSN/ISBN: 0957-6509 (Print), 2041-2967 (Online)
  • DOI: 10.1243/09576509JPE414
  • Keywords: water pump; linear actuator; appropriate technology; renewable energy; rural development; low-income countries
  • View online: Online version

Author(s) from Durham

Abstract

A new positive displacement pump operating with a simple linear actuator as the prime mover has been designed, built and evaluated. The aim is to develop a pump that uses a photovoltaic power source and is suited to supplying water in rural areas of low-income countries. Previous schemes to raise water from boreholes with a photovoltaic power source have used sophisticated technology which can be a significant step beyond the previous experience of the communities being served. A configuration of linear actuator and pump has been chosen by seeking the simplest mechanism from the point of view of both operation and manufacture. Finite element analysis of the electromagnetic properties of the actuator is shown to be the best way to proceed in the design process. A very simple design with an actuator operating in a normal force configuration is shown to function effectively.