Sizing a Photovoltaic Solar Water Pumping System (PVWPS) for supplying water in Nzulo's locality, Masisi Territory

Nzulo is a locality located in the Kamuronza Groupement, Masisi territory, approximately 6 km from Sake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite the enormous water potential available in the country, the population suffers from a lack of access to drinking water. For some time now, he has observed massive population movements due to the security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which continues to deteriorate, particularly in the province of North Kivu. From October 20, 2022, there is a resumption of clashes in the territory of Rutshuru, which extend to the territory of MASISI. According to the alert shared by the leader of the Kamuronza group and confirmed by a humanitarian source, approximately 200,000 people, distributed in 4000 households, have been displaced and currently reside in Nzulo. However, as there is no water pumping system in this locality, displaced people have urgent WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) needs. Referring to the estimate of daily water consumption per person, made by the United Nations, which is 20 liters, the water needs of the population of Nzulo is 200 000 liters/day or 400 m3 /day. Considering the extension factor, we consider a supply of 500 m3 of water. This paper concerns the sizing of the drinking water supply system in the locality of Nzulo. Water intake will be from Lake Kivu, by gravity flow. The pumping system will be done with a 28.8 kWc photovoltaic system because in the locality of Nzulo the electricity network is absent.

Keywords:- Solar Energy, DC-AC Converter, Water Pumping System.