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@article{198517,
        author = {Kabagambe Edward and Musaazi Pascal Ssenkindu},
        title = {Design and Simulation of a Mini Solar-Powered Safe Water Pumping System for a Rural Household in Uganda},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {15339-15352},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=198517},
        abstract = {Access to safe water remains a critical challenge in rural Uganda, where 7 million people lack access to safe water and traditional extraction methods impose significant physical burdens, health risks, and safety hazards. This paper presents the design and simulation of a Mini Solar Powered Safe Water Pumping System tailored for an extended family in Nalubugo village, Mpigi district, Central Uganda. The system comprises three integrated subsystems: a photovoltaic array generating DC power, a submersible pump for groundwater extraction, and a storage tank with a multiple-tap distribution network incorporating chlorine disinfection. Design parameters were established through analysis of population data (51 people present, projected to 137 by 2048), daily water demand (2504 litres), and groundwater conditions (static water depth 29 m, total dynamic head 47 m). Component selection yielded a 1.5 hp (1.119 kW) submersible pump with 36 L/min flow rate, four 380W solar panels connected in series (159.2 Vmp), and a 3000 L polyethylene storage tank. Finite Element Analysis of the 5 m steel tank stand under 30.2 kN loading revealed maximum stress of 89.6 MPa (well below A36 steel yield strength of 250 MPa) with a minimum factor of safety of 2.79, confirming structural adequacy. Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis of the pipeline network demonstrated developed flow conditions with acceptable friction losses. The system eliminates reliance on grid electricity or batteries, reduces physical burden, incorporates water treatment, and eliminates drowning risks associated with traditional wells. This design provides a replicable model for sustainable rural water supply interventions in Uganda and similar contexts.},
        keywords = {Solar water pumping, rural water supply, photovoltaic systems, finite element analysis, groundwater extraction, Uganda, safe water access, submersible pump},
        month = {April},
        }