Solar Powered Water Pump

Abstract

There are many underdeveloped communities experiencing water scarcity that would benefit from a low cost and reliable pumping system. This project proposes a solar powered Stirling engine water pump to transport water from nearby surface water sources to these communities. This report describes a 1/50th scale prototype consisting of a gamma Stirling engine, Fresnel lens and centrifugal water pump. Materials were selected to minimize costs. The lens and centrifugal pump met design objectives, however, problems with the displacer and working piston prevented the integrated system from functioning properly.