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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.

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.

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

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

Languages:

Literature and more information

Young, W.B.: Photovoltaic Applications for Disaster Relief; FSEC-CR-849-95, Florida Solar Energy Center, 1995.
Young, W.B.: History of Applying Photovoltaics to Disaster Relief; FSEC-CR-954-96, Sandia National Laboratories, Florida Solar Energy Center, 1996.
Young, W.B.: Needs Assesment for Applying Photovoltaics to Disaster Relief; FSEC-CR-935-97, Sandia National Laboratories, Florida Solar Energy Center, 1996.